Foods To Fight The Flu

DETROIT (WWJ) - Can your diet help fight off the flu?

You get a flu shot, you wash your hands often, you get plenty of rest, all to protect yourself from the flu; but don't forget your diet, says Beaumont hospital registered dietitian Deborah Martz

Martz says certain foods can help boost your immune system.

"There are many phytonutrients and anti-oxidants and there are certain foods that are actually anti-viral and anti-bacterial," Martz told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.

Some of the best foods to protect yourself from the flu include fruits and vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy,

Martz says cinnamon and green tea can also pack a punch against the flu bug. "Through research that's done that could keep the virus from reproducing or replicating. The same is true with cinnamon."

Besides eating a healthy diet, getting a flu shot, regular exercise and frequent hand washing can also help prevent the flu.

For more, check out Women's Health Magazine's six foods to fight the flu, HERE and foods to fight colds from Health.com HERE.