The overuse of antibiotics has become an alarming issue in Hong Kong. Antibiotics overuse could lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, potentially rendering many drugs useless, and turning common, treatable illnesses into incurable, deadly conditions.1 Meanwhile, it could also weaken the body’s own immune system.2
It’s time to get rid of our infections without crumbling our body’s health in the first place. Here are some natural foods that can help boost the immune system and in turn curb the use of antibiotics.
Chicken soup
Whether you’re ill or not, chicken soup hydrates the body. The chicken in the soup also releases amino acids in the cooking process, helping the body fight infection.3 And if you do feel under the weather, chicken soup can help ease cold and flu symptoms, and get rid of thick mucus.4
Lemon
Packed with bioflavonoids and vitamin C, lemons are great for preventing illnesses. Food idea: use lemon water as a marinade for chicken or fish.5
Garlic
When garlic is sliced, chewed or crushed, it releases allicin, which fights infection.6 Use it to roasted vegetables, make garlic toast, or simply eat it raw!
Ginger
Rich in anti-inflammatory qualities, ginger has been used to treat a variety of ailments including nausea, diabetes, and heart diseases. Try it with stir-fry dishes, or put it in tea.
Turning to natural immunity boosters would not only give us better health, it also helps reduce our reliance on antibiotics. Start applying them in your daily cooking routine!
Sources
- https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2119193/horrifying-number-hongkongers-take-antibiotics
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/antibiotics-hurt-your-health-unless-you-have-an-infection#Antibiotics-damage-the-ability-of-our-white-blood-cells
- https://www.stack.com/a/chicken-soup-immune-system
- https://tiphero.com/5-natural-health-remedy-myths-that-actually-work
- http://time.com/5313656/best-foods-for-immune-system
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/garlic-fights-colds-and-flu
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
