Although there are countless remedies on shelves these days, we still cannot defeat a common cold. Our grandparents probably had the best treatments - and they used food, water, and steam. Today's post looks at just one of those three, food.

We all eat. In fact, our bodies would grind to a stop if we stopped eating. It makes sense to use that process to give our bodies the best possible chance of fighting off a cold or flu outbreak. If we do come down with one, at least we will have a strong defense to start the healing process.

Chicken Soup:

Our grandmothers certainly had it right when they prescribed chicken soup for every ailment. It appears chickens contain a range of amino acids that help boost the immune system. Chickens also contain chemicals that help clear the sinuses. More importantly, a good soup, particularly a home made soup, is cooked in the one pot. Meat, vegetables and legumes are all cooked together so the vitamins and minerals contained in each food stays in the soup. Chicken soup is comforting, nourishing, and may provide some medical value.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries to fight off everything from common colds to vampires. Garlic is one of those wonder herbs that does have amazing healing properties. However, to get the best results garlic should be eaten raw and we need three-four cloves each day. Add some to the chicken soup to give it a boost.

Sweet Red Chillies

Chillies have also been known to help combat a cold. If you believe in the old saying of sweating out a cold, just nibble on a couple of raw chillies. You will soon start the sweating process. Added to chicken soup, they will also give the soup a little boost when it comes to flavor.

Ginger

Another spice that has been associated with coughs, colds and influenza. Mixed with tea/coffee or added to food - like chicken soup, and it will give your immune system a little boost.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been both the hero and the villain in years gone by. The biggest problem with vitamin C is that it is not stored in the body. You need frequent doses throughout the day. Add fresh tomatoes to your chicken soup, or, if you don't mind cold soup, add a good squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

There are many other ingredients that I can list. However, if you think about what has been written here, a good mug of chicken broth with added garlic, sweet red chillies and ginger and you will have a healthy meal that will work hard to fight off a common cold.