"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," said Hippocrates. As the cold and flu season approaches, focus on eating healthy to keep infections at bay.

Vitamin A regulates the immune system and protects from infections by keeping skin and tissue healthy. Vitamin A rich foods include tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, peppers, and egg yolks. It's also found in orange fruit like apricots and peaches.

Vitamin C protects us from infections and stimulates the production of antibodies. Peppers, strawberries, kiwi, citrus fruit and tomatoes are great sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals. Seeds, nuts, nut butters and spinach are good sources.

Zinc helps the immune system too and aids in wound-healing. Zinc can be found in lean meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, whole grain products, beans, nuts and seeds.

So many of us are low or even deficient in Vitamin D. Get your levels checked and see if supplementation is necessary. Vitamin D plays an important role in the function of our immune system.

Probiotics promote gut health and strengthens the immune system too. Sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt are good food sources.

Turn to your spice drawer
Feeling a cold coming on? Head it off with this immune boosting broth. Boil a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, 1 smashed garlic clove, and a pinch of turmeric (dried or grated fresh) in a cup of water and sip.