A couple weeks ago, one of my co-workers was sick and had to stay home most of the week. I caught myself thinking, “man, maybe I could get just a little sick so I could stay home and have an excuse to do nothing and rest.” Well, be careful what you wish for (sidenote: if wishing oneself sick isn’t a sign to slow down, I don’t know what is). This past week was pretty busy, and even though I started feeling not so hot around Wednesday, it didn’t totally debilitate me until Friday night.
Not really great timing for the weekend, let alone grand plans for a good long run. In general, I probably push myself and tough it out too much, but this time I had little desire or ability to leave my apartment let alone do any sort of physical activity other than travel the ten feet between my couch and bed. Embracing the rest won by a landslide. If this was my body’s way of telling me to slow the eff down, then I am patting myself on the back because I listened whole-heartedly.
good tea and good reading
Even though I’m a big fan of good old-fashioned medicine when needed (in this case, NyQuil and Alka-Seltzer), I also think nutrition plays a role in not only preventing silly but debilitating colds/flus like this one, but treating them. Here are a few things I’ve been trying to include in my daily eats and drinks to help get better:
Tea – a hot cup of tea helps soothe a sore through and break up chest congestion, and is also a potent source of certain immune-boosting antioxidants called catechins. I’ve been alternating between green and white teas and can’t get enough. Added bonus – hydration!
Berries – in this case, blackberries and strawberries because they were on sale at Fairway. Berries are also excellent sources of antioxidants, which help reduce free radicals in the body and may help boost immune function.
Yogurt – one of the best (and tastiest) sources of probiotics, which are key for maintaining a healthy gut with “good” bacteria. The gut and overall immune system are known to be linked, and there is more and more research coming out on the important role this good bacteria may play for overall immunity and the development of white blood cells.
Turmeric – contains curcumin, which is a known anti-inflammatory compound and may also activate immune cells important for fighting infection. I’ve been having it in the form of this recipe, which as an added bonus, is delicious, comforting and full of cruciferous veggies.
Cruciferous vegetables – I always tell my clients to include cruciferous veggies in their diets every day because of their great fiber content and ability to promote satiety (think cauliflower, broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts, for example). But, the breakdown of these veggies in the body may also promote the function of certain immune cells and prevent certain cancers.
Sweet potatoes and bell peppers – sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, and bell peppers contain more vitamin C than an orange. Both vitamins are crucial for immune function, and therefore, staving off and treating that winter cold.
There are a lot more I could probably add to this list, but these are my current favorites and what I’ve typically got in my apartment (read: still haven’t really left).
One benefit of being sick – time for a little blog makeover! Let me know what you think.