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Eat These 4 Foods To Fight The Flu

8:03 AM, Feb 6, 2013   |    comments
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WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- We're still in the height of the flu season.

Many of us have already received our flu vaccination, but there are foods we can eat to prevent us from getting struck. In fact, 70% of our immune system is located in our gut.

Registered dietician Marie Spano visited us with four foods we can eat to keep our immune systems running strong.

1. Miso soup - naturally rich in probiotics, the friendly bacteria that populate our gut and help build our immune system in fighting off bad bacteria

2. Yogurt - contains probiotics, protein and vitamins we need for immune system functioning

3. Garlic - may build infection fighting white blood cells. A 12-week study found the active component in garlic helped decrease incidents of viruses and colds, and helped people recover from illnesses sooner

4. Crabs - contain about two thirds of our zinc needs every day to build infection-fighting white blood cells. You can also get zinc from baked beans and fortified cereals. You will want to ask your doctor before increasing your zinc level because too much zinc can actually suppress your immune system.

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