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Skip the Drug Store, Drink These Cold and Flu Fighters Instead

Whether it's cold and flu season or your allergies are flaring up, it's a good idea to have these nutrient-dense drinks in your back pocket. Load up on ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamins and probiotics, and taste great while helping your health. 

By Hayley Sugg
Updated January 16, 2017

Kefir Golden Milk

Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory, which will help with any swollen nasal passages. Pair that with kefir, a probiotic that will assist with stomach inflammation, for a healthy drink that tastes like Fall. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain lowfat kefir
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:

Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl. Divide between cups and serve. 

Serves 2

CALORIES 120; FAT 2.5g (sat 1g); PROTEIN 6g; CARB 19g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 17g; CHOL 5mg; SODIUM 135mg

Ginger-ade

Kombucha, a bubbly fermented tea, is a probiotic that will ease the impact antibiotics have on the gut. Ginger adds strong flavor and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

  • 1 piece peeled ginger
  • 2 cups citrus-flavored kombucha (we used Live Kombucha brand)
  • 1 lime (use lime and zest)
  • 2 sprigs mint

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pulse until well combined. Strain if desired. 

Serves 2

CALORIES 60; FAT 0g (sat 0g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 14g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 10g; CHOL 0mg; SODIUM 0mg

Super Citrus

The first thing most people do when they get sick is buy a jug of orange juice. Make your own vitamin-C rich concoction to possibly help you get over cold symptoms faster. 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
  • 1 medium orange, peeled
  • 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until well combined. Strain the pulp through a sieve and divide the juice amongst glasses. 

Serves 2

CALORIES 90; FAT 0g (sat 0g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 23g; FIBER 4g; SUGARS 18g; CHOL 0mg; SODIUM 0mg