How could diet affect the flu?

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    Morgan Pfiffner, Nick Milazzo

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    by:

    Mike Murray, James Gaylor
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Much like the common cold, diet is connected to the flu through immunity. Diets that are sufficient in energy, micronutrients, and macronutrients are important for maintaining a robust immune system, which will help reduce the risk and severity of common flu infections.[1] Flavonoids (plant compounds that have antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties; found in especially high quantities in tea, chocolate, capers, and oregano)[2] may be a noteworthy nutrient for this purpose.[3]

    References

    1. ^Michael GleesonImmunological aspects of sport nutritionImmunol Cell Biol.(2016 Feb)
    2. ^Alhamzah Hasan Waheed Janabi, Asghar Ali Kamboh, Muhammad Saeed, Lu Xiaoyu, Jannat BiBi, Fatima Majeed, Muhammad Naveed, Muhammad Jameel Mughal, Nazar Ali Korejo, Rubina Kamboh, Mahmoud Alagawany, Huixia LvFlavonoid-rich foods (FRF): A promising nutraceutical approach against lifespan-shortening diseasesIran J Basic Med Sci.(2020 Feb)
    3. ^Vaughan S Somerville, Andrea J Braakhuis, Will G HopkinsEffect of Flavonoids on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Immune Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisAdv Nutr.(2016 May 16)