Now is the time of the year where colds and flues run rampant. To help reduce the severity of a cold, the best foods to eat are ones that are packed with beta-carotene, vitamin C and zinc. These vitamins help boost immunity and help reduce cold symptoms. In addition, bulking up on these vitamins can even prevent you from catching colds.

Vitamin C can help prevent a cold from fully developing and may produce a faster recovery if taken at the first signs of a cold. Good sources of vitamin C are in strawberries, oranges, tangerines, potatoes, kiwis and red bell peppers.

When taken immediately at the first signs of a cold, zinc may weaken the cold virus, minimize the duration and severity of a cold. Zinc is believed to promote a strong immune system by processing essential fatty acids that encourage healing. Zinc can be found in barley, chicken, lamb, turkey, wheat, crab, beef or in the form of zinc lozenges.

If you are one of the unfortunate ones who gets a cold this season try to get lots of rest and fluids to prevent dehydration.