According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 20 percent of Americans will get the flu every year, and that’s not even counting those who will battle the common cold.

Before you reach for Vitamin C supplement or a zinc lozenge, take a moment to think about the power of food. Registered dietitian and Growing Bolder’s nutrition expert Dr. Susan Mitchell says what you eat can help fortify your immune system and even ramp down your cold and flu symptoms. 

She has several suggestions for foods you should be adding to your medicine chest. 

Plus, find out why she prefers the whole food over the supplement version and her smart tips for boosting the health benefits of some common cold and flu go-tos, such as tea and soup.