Shoo the flu with healthy choices

The dreaded cold and flu season is on its way, and after last year’s severe flu season many people probably want to do whatever they can to try to avoid getting sick with flu this season.

So, how do you avoid missing a week of work, taking care of sick kids or worse, winding up in an emergency room?

Katelyn MacLean, a registered dietitian at Atlantic Superstore in Charlottetown and Montague, says there are a number of simple, preventative measures you can take now to help protect yourself and your family from the flu.

And it all starts with a trip to the grocery store and a healthy diet to help keep the immune system in good working order. It’s a good idea to stock up early on foods that contain nutrients that contribute to good overall and immune health.

“It’s smart to make healthy food choices all year, but you may want to think about certain foods leading up to and during flu season, such as citrus fruits, beans and legumes, probiotics and nuts and seeds to get the nutrients you need.”

MacLean says eating a variety of these foods on a regular basis will help maintain good health this fall.

And don’t forget the flu shot. “The flu shot is the single most important way you can reduce your chance of getting the flu – you can even get your shot when you come in to do your grocery shopping,” says MacLean