How to Prevent a Cold: 5 Ways to Fight off the Flu Naturally this SeasonLisa Garber The Greeks knew to use garlic to support their health even their athletic performance before competitions in the Olympic games. Garlic may help prevent cancer and common infections and illnesses better than antibiotics, and its chemical compound allicin has antiviral properties that may help stave off the influenza virus. Although raw foods are often most potent, you can simply add chopped or diced garlic to dishes to harness the power of this pungent food. Garlic benefits are absolutely amazing, and should not be overlooked by anyone looking to be healthy. Astragalus Native to China, this herb protects your liver and lets it more efficiently remove toxins from your body. Adding to the astragalus benefits, author Phyllis Balch (Prescription for Nutritional Healing) says taking astragalus supplements supports your immune system so it can fight off the flu. Be sure to avoid counteracting drugslike immune-suppressants after organ transplantswhile taking astragalus supplements. Do you really want to know how to prevent a cold and the flu? Consume vitamin C. This is a no-brainer: vitamin C may give your immune system the boost it needs during flu season. As a bonus, the antioxidants in vitamin C-rich foods scavenge free radicals in your body while the vitamins protect your liver. (One of the best things you can do for your liver, in fact, is to start the day off with a glass of water and lemon juice!) Search for the following foods at the grocery store or farmers market to get loads of vitamin C: kiwi, grapefruit, watercress, alfalfa, strawberries, oranges, and pineapples. Gingko biloba Also native to China, this herb may improve blood flow. Keeping in mind that its our blood that carries nutrients to our cells, gingko will be a useful tool for your anti-flu arsenal. This substance has also been shown to help memory, tinnitus, Alzheimers, and eye problems. Vitamin D The good old sunshine vitamin can slash your risk of getting the flu by 42 percenta greater track record than the highly controversial H1N1 flu shot. According to Bruce Hollis from the Medical University of South Carolina, a fair-skinned woman should spend 10 to 15 minutes without sunscreen in peak sunlight (in the summer) to get optimal levels of vitamin D, especially if they are pregnant (sincevitamin D is essential for fetal brain development). No need to pay money to get toxic pricks in the arm this season. You can fight off the flu naturallywithout harmful side effects. Remember to tell everyone who doesnt know how to prevent a cold and the flu to consume these foods. Additional Sources: Explore More: This article first appeared at Natural Society, an excellent resource for health news and vaccine information. 