Winter is a season in which infections and problems persist from beginning to end. If your immunity is even a little weak, you will face a lot of problems during the winter season. It is also possible that during this time you may develop an infection in your body that will trouble you for months. Five main infections trouble us during winter – cold and cough, cough influenza, bronchitis and pneumonia. To avoid these, you must take very good care of your body.

In childhood, grandmothers used to say that to take care of your health, it is important to improve your eating habits. In such a situation, what things should be included in your diet which will help in reducing the risk of infection?

We spoke to Shrabani Mukherjee, dietitian at Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, to know about it. He told us that home remedies for some common infections are hidden in our diet. In such a situation, you can make these things a part of your diet.

Eat food rich in Vitamin C

If you want to take great care of your immunity, then eat food rich in Vitamin C. According to Shrabani, Vitamin C is a very good immunity booster. It contains antioxidant properties. Consumption of Vitamin C can be better for you in every season. The cells of the immune system work better with the help of Vitamin C. You should include oranges, pineapple, cabbage, green leafy vegetables etc. in your diet. Eat seasonal vegetables cooked with less oil and spices so that their vitamins can be obtained better.

Eat protein-rich foods

If you eat non-veg, then include animal proteins like eggs, fish, chicken etc. in your diet. If you do not eat, then include dairy products like milk, ghee etc. in your diet. If you are vegan, then include things like soya chunks, oats, and nuts in your diet. You should always maintain a diet which is rich in protein.

Eat foods rich in zinc

If your body repeatedly suffers from some disease and it takes several weeks to get cured, then it may be possible that there is a zinc deficiency in your body. Zinc helps us fight different types of bacteria and viruses; hence it is important to take food rich in it in the body. For healthy and strong immunity, you should eat things like nuts, pulses, whole grains and pumpkin seeds.

Consume honey in winter

Many antibacterial properties are found in honey and it can also treat the throat properly. Many Ayurvedic medicines are consumed mixed with honey. Honey can prove to be very useful for throat and chest infections. It has antioxidant properties due to which problems like sore throat, cough and diarrhoea can be cured.

Consume probiotics

Intestinal problems can always spoil your diet and weaken your immunity. You must include low-fat probiotics like curd, kanji etc. in your diet. These prove to be very helpful in avoiding infections.

Consume turmeric milk

In winter, turmeric milk is considered no less than a panacea. Turmeric milk is considered a good remedy to fight colds and coughs and can be taken just like antibiotics. It is useful in improving the immunity of the body. In such a situation, drink turmeric milk mixed with a little black pepper, which will be very useful in the problem of cold and cough.

Drink basil and ginger water

Basil and ginger water are considered best for immunity. People with low immunity may find this convenient. Tulsi has antioxidant properties which remove infections. You can take it as an immunity booster. It also proves to be good for removing cough and fever.

Consume root vegetables

Vegetables like turnip, radish, beetroot, and sweet potato are available in abundance during this period and they contain a good amount of potassium. In such a situation, these vegetables help in improving your immune system.

Before making any major changes in your diet, you need to seek medical advice once.

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