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Chicken Noodle Soup Eating a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup provides more than just comfort when you have a terrible cold. In 2000, University of Nebraska researcher Dr. Stephen Rennard published findings in Chest, the journal of the American College of Chest Physicians, showing chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory agents that can ease a cold's symptoms. Dr. Mehmet Oz agrees. "Start with a bowl of Mom�s chicken soup," he has said. "Research has yet to show how it works (and how the heck Ma knew), but we do know that a nutrient-rich diet builds your immune system and fights inflammation." Milk and Other Vitamin D-Rich Foods Vitamin D-rich foods like milk or fortified cereal might help combat a cold. A 2009 study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that people with low levels of vitamin D reported more colds than those who weren't vitamin D deficient. As an added bonus, these foods may help boost your mood during cold weather months, according to researchers at Loyola University. Carrots and Other Vitamin A-Rich Foods All vitamins are essential to a healthy body, but Harvard Medical School says vitamin A is a key player in maintaining a strong immune system. When you have a cold, try eating sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, spinach, or collard greens. Cold Green Tea Green tea is full of antioxidants, which will boost your immune system even when you're already sick. Instead of sipping a hot mugful, Dr. Michael Greger suggests brewing it cold: antioxidant levels are higher that way compared to when it's made with boiling water.