RSS Feed
Twitter
June 2nd, 2010 
Ever wonder about the differences between a naturopath and a dietitian? We do. So we decided to each of them to answer the same question - good idea no? I found the responses surprisingly similar. - CJ
Jason asks, "What are some foods that help fight off a cold? When I feel a cold coming on, is there a food that can help??"
Naturopath's Answer: There are many different foods that can help boost your immune system when you're feeling sick. When you're ill, it's important to eat foods that are easy to digest so less stress is placed on your digestive system and more of your internal energy can be diverted to your immune response. Some foods that are easy to digest include: soups, smoothies, fruits, and raw or lightly steamed vegetables.
Some foods that directly boost the functioning of your immune system include:
- Raw garlic which provides the body with natural antimicrobial support and helps kill off bacteria and viruses.
- Ginger (raw, cooked, or boiled as a tea) which provides the body with natural antimicrobial support and helps reduce congestion.
- Vitamin C rich foods (such as raspberries, papaya, lemons, peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes) which help boost the number of white blood cells in your body.
- Beta carotene rich foods (such as carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes) which also boost the number of white blood cells in your body.
It's also important to drink at least 2 litres of water daily when you're sick in order to properly hydrate your system and to improve your ability to clear out infections and illnesses.
The most important food to cut out of your diet when you're feeling sick is refined sugar (which includes white sugar and brown sugar) because it directly compromises your immune system’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
On top of these foods, make sure you get plenty of rest and keep your physical exertion to a minimum so that your body has enough energy to combat the cold.
Dietitian's Answer: There are really no foods to prevent colds. But by maintaining a healthy immune system, you may reduce symptoms and not feel so bad.
Boost your immune system by getting these vitamins and minerals in your diet:
- Vitamin C – eat more citrus fruit, strawberries, and peppers.
- Vitamin A – this vitamin is found in milk, eggs, and bright orange and green veggies (warning: do not take a vitamin A supplement – it can be toxic!).
- Vitamin E – found in sunflower and safflower oils, almonds, and peanuts.
- Selenium – eating nuts and fish can help you get this vitamin in your diet (again – it can be toxic in large amounts, so no supplements!).
- Zinc – found in meat products and wheat germ.
- Garlic – you may stink but you’ll feel great!
And of course, get enough rest and de-stress-ify to make sure your body is in tip-top shape!
Naturopath answer provided by Jackie Yurko, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.
Do you have a question for our Naturopath? Ask below.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for entertainment purposes only. The recommendations may not work for you, and should not take the place of the recommendations made by your own medical personnel. We are not responsible for the outcomes of any recommendations. Do not make any drastic changes to your diet without the supervision of your doctor/dietitian. For more information, please see a Licensed Naturopath in your area. To find one, visit cand.ca.
Dietitan answer provided by Kimberly London, Registered Dietitian.
Do you have a question for our Dietitian? Ask below.
DISCLAIMER: This information is for entertainment purposes only. The recommendations may not work for you, and should not take the place of the recommendations made by your own medical personnel. We are not responsible for the outcomes of any recommendations. Do not make any drastic changes to your diet without the supervision of your doctor/dietitian. For more information, please see a Registered Dietitian in your area. To find one, visit dietitians.ca.
Ask a Dietitian & Ask a Naturopath appear Wednesdays.
Join the conversation on the foodnetwork.ca Community: share your healthy eating advice in the forums
Posted in 
Tags: 
