Foods That Boost Your Immunity

Garlic

This kitchen staple does more than punch up the flavor of food. Raw garlic can help beat skin infections thanks to its ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. To get the benefits, you have to use the real stuff, though, not garlic powder. A garlic supplement may even help lower your cholesterol.

Miso

This traditional Japanese seasoning, made of fermented soybeans, usually comes as a salty paste. You've probably had it in a soup, but you can also add it to sauces. It has probiotics, the "good" bacteria found in yogurt, some fermented foods, and your gut. Because they give your immune system a lift, they can help fight infectious diarrhea as well as other types.

Chicken Soup

There's hard science behind Grandma's favorite cold remedy. Homemade chicken soup really can ease your symptoms and may help you get well sooner. What's more, there's a chemical in it called carnosine that can protect your body from the flu virus. Don't have time to make soup from scratch? Researchers say many store-bought soups have the same effect.

Pomegranate Juice

The ancient Egyptians were on to something when they used this colorful fruit to treat infections. So far, most modern research has focused on pomegranate extract, but the juice shows promise: It may help your body fight bacteria and several kinds of viruses, including the flu.

Ginger

Maybe you love ginger for the spicy kick it gives Asian food. Or because when you drink it in tea or ginger ale, it can ease nausea and vomiting. But wait -- there's more. This knobby root is also a good source of antioxidants. Skip the supplements, though. Add ginger to stir fries or steep it in hot water to make tea. Antioxidants work best in your body when you get them straight from fruits and veggies.