Fighting Flu with Food and Dr Lisa's Soup for Sickies

Fighting the Flu with Food aka Good Eats When You're Sick

Whether you are already down with a bug or want to lower your odds of getting sick, eating these foods will help!

Mushrooms, especially Shitake and Maitake; even white button mushrooms boost immunity.

Garlic

Onion

Peppers and Chilies

Ginger

Deeply colored fruits and vegetables

Berries

Pomegranate

Tomatoes

Watermelon

Citrus

Here is a favorite and super easy recipe:

Dr. Lisa's Soup for Sickies (and Not-Wanna-Be Sickies)

Makes 4 servings

2 Tablespoons butter or cooking spray

1 large or 2 medium yellow onions, chopped coarsely

6 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced (do this 10 to 20 minutes before they hit the heat)

3-6 Tablespoons chopped or minced fresh ginger

2 cups sliced mushrooms (shitake, maitake, crimini, button or mixed)

4 cups water or prepared vegetable stock

red pepper flakes

Melt butter or spray large soup pot with cooking spray.

Over medium low heat, saute onions, garlic and ginger until onions are soft. Don't overheat or the garlic will brown and turn bitter! Be patient and definitely inhale the aroma: the ginger will clear your sinuses and odors of onion and garlic will give your immune system a jumpstart!

Add mushrooms, water or stock and heat until the mushrooms are cooked to your liking. Season with red pepper flakes and salt to taste. The spicier, the better!

This low-cal soup is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It will help clear your sinuses, boost your immunity and won't pack on the pounds, so eat as often as you like.