9 Foods That Can Help Fight Off the Flu

3. Berries

They’re a rich source of vitamin C, which stimulates production of infection-fighting white blood cells, Taylor says.

A 2018 review of studies found that berries increased levels of disease-fighting cells in older adults, such as natural killer cells and T cells. They also contain flavonoids, substances that have antioxidant properties and protect all your cells — including your immune system cells — from damage, Taylor says.

It’s easy to incorporate berries into your diet. “Add them to your morning yogurt or oatmeal, or even cook them and throw them on your French toast instead of maple syrup,” Taylor recommends.

Some evidence shows elderberry can ease flu severity and shorten flu symptoms. The berry contains polyphenols that can assist your immune system in responding to the virus in responding to the virus. (It’s also stopped the virus from spreading once you’re infected, according to some research.)

You may not want to nosh on elderberries directly because of their sour taste. Try them instead in a syrup or tea.

4. Beans

Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans — they’re all rich in vitamin B12, a nutrient many older adults don’t have enough of, Heller says. “People over the age of 50 don’t absorb vitamin B12 as well in their body, but your immune system needs it to fight disease and repair damaged cells to keep you healthy,” she explains. 

Beans are also high in zinc, which helps boost your body’s production of white blood cells, Taylor says. “Zinc deficiency has been linked to immune system dysfunction,” she adds.

Taylor recommends at least a half a cup of cooked beans three times a week. You can throw them into soups, salads or even rice dishes. For a healthy crunchy snack, roast chickpeas in some olive oil.  

5. Nuts and seeds 

These foods are rich in vitamin E, which plays a key role in your immune system by supporting the growth of germ-fighting T cells, says Lauri Wright, chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the University of North Florida. They’re also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids. Walnuts are an especially good choice, as research shows they have a very positive effect on your gut microbiome, says Kate Cohen, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

They also have more alpha-linolenic acid — an essential fatty acid important for immune function — than any other type of nut.

6. Salmon

It’s not plant-based, but this fish is one of the few foods that provides vitamin D, which plays a huge role in regulating your immune system, says Jennifer McDaniel, owner of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy in Clayton, Missouri.

A 2020 study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that people who had untreated vitamin D deficiency were almost twice as likely to test positive for the coronavirus as patients who had sufficient levels of the vitamin.

A six-ounce salmon filet has about 600 international units of vitamin D, which is close to the 800 IU that is recommended daily for people 70 and older. Another bonus: It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have also been shown to strengthen your immune system.

If you’re not a fan of fish, McDaniel suggests marinating it in brown sugar and Dijon mustard for 45 minutes, then throwing it on the grill. “It mellows out that fishy taste, and it gives it a smoky flavor,” she explains.

Canned salmon counts too. Throw it over a salad for a quick meal, she says. 

7. Garlic

It’s rich in a compound called alliin, which may be the source of its immune-boosting properties, says Libby Mills, a Philadelphia nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

A 2020 review published in the journal Medical Hypotheses found that garlic itself seems to stimulate cells related to immune system function. Another study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, found that people given about 2½ grams of aged garlic extract for 90 days not only had higher levels of immune system cells but also had fewer symptoms of cold and flu. They also missed fewer workdays due to these respiratory illnesses than a control group.

At the very least, if you eat enough of it, you’ll probably keep people away from you, Mills jokes.

Although there’s probably not enough research to support taking a garlic supplement, Mills recommends cooking with it in the winter months. You can make your own pasta sauce with tomatoes and garlic, since vitamin C is itself an antioxidant that helps the immune system she says.

8. Kefir

Recent research, including a 2021 study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, suggests that certain compounds found in fermented dairy products such as kefir (which is like a thin yogurt) have anti-inflammatory properties that can help the immune system fight viral infections.

The probiotics found in kefir and other fermented foods also help to calm chronic inflammation, according to Harvard Health. “Fermented dairy is rich in probiotics, which seem to have a positive effect on the immune system,” Mills says. 

9. Curcumin

Curcumin is a polyphenol in the turmeric plant that gives the spice its signature orange-yellow tint and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. In recent years, it’s been the subject of some studies on flu and COVID-19. Most of the studies have been in lab dishes, and large clinical studies in humans are lacking, says Julie Stefanski, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics..

A 2024 study in Virology Journal found that a nasal film spray with curcumin can ease severity and enhance production of antimicrobial peptides known to stop the flu. Also, the anti-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that can control inflammation) mean it may reduce inflammatory injuries from the virus.

Curcumin may help with cold-like symptoms, which can accompany the flu. In a 2023 study in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, 65 participants took 150 milligrams a day of highly bioavailable curcumin, while 30 participants got a placebo. People on the supplement who got colds had fewer days with symptoms, compared with those on the placebo.

“The amounts of turmeric or curcumin that may be beneficial while healthy or ill have not been determined yet,” Stefanski says.

People should be careful about taking supplements, especially when they are sick, because some supplements could interact with your medications or cause problems if you have an underlying health condition.

Editor’s note: This story, published Nov. 1, 2021, has been updated to reflect new information. ​