Are you feeling a bit peaky after the jolly festive season? Perhaps you’ve had the misfortune of falling ill during the Christmas period. Don’t fret, you’re certainly not alone in your plight. Many of us find ourselves in the same boat, desperately seeking ways to regain our health and vitality.

While traditional chicken soup may be the default choice for ailing bodies, there are a plethora of other foods that possess the power to work wonders for your immune system.

According to Rhiannon Lambert, a registered nutritionist, incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidant activity, ultimately bolstering your immune system. So, what are these mystical foods?

1. Probiotic Foods: Though not the most appetising of options when feeling under the weather, yoghurt and sauerkraut are teeming with live bacteria that support gut health, which in turn can bolster immune function. To introduce friendly bacteria into your system, consider adding yoghurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, or kimchi into your diet.

2. Antioxidant Rich Foods: Berries like blueberries and raspberries, as well as citrus fruits like oranges, along with vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots, are brimming with antioxidants that can help alleviate oxidative stress, strengthen the immune system, and ease inflammation. Additionally, consider incorporating green tea, dark chocolate, and nuts into your diet for an extra antioxidant punch.

3. Garlic: Despite its strong aroma, garlic possesses microbial properties that can combat bacteria and viruses commonly linked to conditions like colds and flu. Add it to your meals for a tasty twist and a boost to your wellbeing.

4. Ginger: Renowned for its use as a herbal remedy for illness, ginger can provide relief from nausea and an upset stomach. You can infuse ginger into a variety of dishes such as curries and soups, or indulge in it as a soothing tea.

5. Manuka Honey: This unique type of honey is celebrated for its antibacterial properties and has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly in providing comfort during illness. It can be soothing when added to hot drinks like lemon tea for sore throats and coughs.

6. Echinacea: This herbal remedy has long been used to bolster the immune system and alleviate symptoms of colds and flu. Some studies suggest that it may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms by stimulating the immune system and offering gentle anti-inflammatory effects. It’s advisable to use echinacea at the first signs of illness.

One important thing to bear in mind when you’re feeling poorly, regardless of the foods you choose to consume, is to ensure you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or herbal teas, and listen to your body by selecting foods that are easy to swallow and won’t agitate your throat or stomach.

Now you know – if you’re feeling a tad under par, there’s more you can do than just rely on the age-old chicken soup. Give some of these immune-boosting foods a whirl and you could be on the road to recovery in no time!