No one likes to get the flu. When your body aches, your head hurts, and you feel as nauseous as an expecting mother in her first trimester, all you want is for the bug or virus to get out of your system as quickly as possible. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by adding protein to your diet, something that can be especially difficult for someone who is vegetarian.
With most protein sources involving meat and dairy, vegetarians need to take in alternative sources of this key nutrient to start feeling better. Some of the best meatless options include beans and legumes, nuts, and seeds. These are very high in protein and can help give your body the fuel it needs to fight off whatever is trying to invade it.
It also helps to increase your intake of vitamin B, specifically vitamin B6. This particular nutrient helps your body properly use protein (making it double effective when it comes to the flu), but it also boosts immunity, something you really need when you are exposed to or coming down with a cold or flu. Vegetarian foods that contain B6 are beans, spinach, papayas, oranges, cantaloupe, and enriched cereal.
Finally, selenium and zinc are two more nutrients that you’ll want to include to fight off any bug that is threatening your health. Selenium acts like an antioxidant, fighting off free radicals in your system and it can be found in high concentrations in Brazil Nuts. Additionally, zinc has been found beneficial in preventing and treating colds, ear infections, and lower respiratory infections, and is located in foods such as pumpkin or sesame seeds, enriched cereals, and beans.
Get protein, vitamin B6, selenium, and zinc in your diet and kick your flu bug to the curb—vegetarian style.
