5. Honey
Honey is often touted as a cure-all for everything from burns (put raw honey on a burn as soon as possible to speed up healing) to cuts and scrapes (honey’s natural antiseptic properties allow it to work a bit like hydrogen peroxide).
Because it coats your throat, it’s one of the best foods for a cold and sore throat, and its natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Honey may also help reduce the frequency of your cough as well as improve upper respiratory function, Gustashaw says. It may even improve sleep quality, which you definitely need when you are sick.
6. Kefir
Kefir is loaded with probiotics that strengthen your immune system, says Mike Roussell, PhD. With more protein than yogurt and milk, it also regulates digestion, enabling your body to actually use all the calories and nutrients you consume when you’re feeling under the weather, he says.
Probiotics may even help to shorten the length of the flu, Gustashaw says. Some may also contain essential nutrients like potassium and vitamins A and C.
Other fermented foods like sauerkraut, dill, carrots, kimchi, and kombucha also get the job done by populating your gut with good bacteria, thereby potentially preventing colds.