We all want to be healthy and unaffected by the flu. But this is one of the most delicate periods for viruses, so we need to be very careful. But what to do if we get cold and have a cough that "shakes" us out of place?
Yogurt is full of probiotics that can help strengthen the immune system, according to Kristi L. King, a dietitian at Texas Children's Hospital and a national spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Diet.
Yogurt also contains another immune enhancer: zinc. Research shows that zinc can reduce the duration of cold symptoms, but its amount needed is at least 75 milligrams.
Yogurt carbohydrates provide the energy you need to recover from the cold. A recent study, funded by the National Dairy Council, found that when women consumed yogurt daily for nine weeks, they had reduced inflammation in the blood.
Despite its ability to help fight the cold, experts say there is no reason not to pick yogurt when you have difficulty overcoming it.
"Yogurt is soft and comes down easily, so if you have a sore throat, or even a runny nose, it's comfortable to eat," Rubin said.
For maximum benefits, it is recommended to eat plain yogurt with other foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, which contribute to the natural sweetness of the food. Combining yogurt with blueberries or strawberries will give you an extra dose of vitamin C and antioxidants to counteract the cold.
