COMBAT COLD & FLU SEASON ON LAKESHORE

/ Avenue Updates / By

As we dive deeper into the chilly months of February, the dreaded cold and flu season is in full swing. Whether you’re already feeling under the weather or simply want to prepare for the possibility, it’s important to know that there are multiple ways to help your body fight off illness naturally—and there are plenty of options here on Lakeshore Avenue.

Homeopathic Remedies at Lakeshore Natural Foods

For those seeking a more natural approach to cold and flu relief, Lakeshore Natural Foods is the place to stop by. This local gem offers a variety of vitamins, herbs, and homeopathic remedies designed to help combat the symptoms of illness. From immune-boosting echinacea to soothing elderberry syrup, they’ve got you covered with products to strengthen your immune system, ease congestion, and reduce inflammation.

Whether you’re looking for herbal teas or the latest in natural supplements, the knowledgeable staff at Lakeshore Natural Foods can point you toward the remedies best suited for your needs. A few top picks for battling flu symptoms include:

  • Elderberry Syrup: Known for its ability to help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
  • Vitamin C and Zinc: Essential nutrients that play a role in supporting immune function.
  • Echinacea: A popular herb believed to reduce the chances of catching a cold and alleviate symptoms if you’re already sick.

For a more in-depth consultation, don’t hesitate to ask for personalized advice based on your health needs. Please note that the above information has not been evaluated by the FDA. There are no FDA-approved products labeled as homeopathic. Homeopathic products marketed in the U.S. have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or conditions.

Lakeshore Natural Foods, 3321 Lakeshore Ave.

Walgreens Offers FDA-Approved Cold and Flu Relief

     Of course, not everyone prefers the homeopathic route, and that’s totally understandable. For those who need more conventional, FDA-approved remedies, Walgreens right here on Lakeshore Avenue has a wide selection of over-the-counter cold and flu medications. You can find everything from decongestants to cough syrup and pain relievers, all designed to ease your symptoms so you can get back to feeling better faster.

     Look for well-known brands like Theraflu, Robitussin, and DayQuil, all of which are trusted to help provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. Walgreens also has items to help with sore throats, fever reduction, and body aches, so be sure to grab what you need during your next trip to the store.

Bird Flu and Its Impact on Eggs

If you’ve recently been to Trader Joe’s on Lakeshore, you might have noticed that the store has limited its customers to buying only one carton of eggs per person. This change is a direct result of the ongoing bird flu outbreak that’s affecting the Bay Area and other parts of the country. According to a recent article from the Oaklandside, this bird flu has led to a significant number of poultry deaths, which has resulted in a shortage of eggs at many grocery stores.

For those wondering why eggs are in short supply, it’s due to the fact that the bird flu, which is particularly affecting farmed chickens, has significantly decreased egg production. As a result, stores like Trader Joe’s have implemented the one-carton-per-person policy in an effort to ensure more equitable distribution of eggs while the supply chain stabilizes.

If you’re looking to stock up on eggs or other protein sources, it might be a good idea to check out local farmers’ markets or explore some egg alternatives in the meantime.

Recipe: Italian Penicillin Soup

If you’ve been following the latest health trends on social media, you’ve likely seen the viral Italian Penicillin Soup recipe circulating on TikTok. This cozy, immune-boosting soup is packed with ingredients known to support your body when it’s fighting off illness. It’s hearty, comforting, and the perfect meal to soothe a sore throat and keep your body strong. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound carrots small diced
  • 1 cup onion small diced
  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • 4 stalks celery, small diced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh garlic , minced
  • 8 cups, plus more as need low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 Parmesan rind optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked pastina or very small shaped pasta
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, cut or shredded into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
INSTRUCTIONS:
 
1. Add olive oil (2 tablespoons) to a large (6-8 quart) heavy bottom pot and heat, over medium heat, until it shimmers. Add carrots (1 pound), onion (1 cup), shallots, and celery (4 stalks), and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Add garlic (1 1/2 tablespoons), and continue cooking, stirring often, digging down with your spoon to the bottom of the pan so the garlic doesn’t burn.

3.Stir in the chicken broth (8 cups), thyme (3 sprigs), oregano (2 sprigs), rosemary (1 sprig), bay leaf (1), Parmesan rind (1), salt (1 teaspoon), and pepper (1/2 teaspoon). Bring mixture to a boil, immediately reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, until veggies are very tender, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove soup from heat. Using a long-handled slotted spoon remove and discard Parm rind, bay leaf, and stems of the herbs.
5. Using the slotted spoon, transfer about 2-3 cups of cooked vegetables from the broth and place in the jar of a blender. Add enough broth, from the soup, to process the vegetables in in the blender. Before processing, allow the vegetables and broth to cool from hot to warm. remove the center cap of the blender top and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Process until mixture is smooth then return mixture to soup pot.
6. Place the pot on medium heat and bring to a boil. Add pasta (1 cup) and return mixture to a rapid simmer, adjusting heat as necessary to maintain.
7. Stir in peas (1 cup), cooked chicken (3 cups), grated Parmesan (1/2 cup), and lemon zest (1 teaspoon). Adjust seasoning, as needed. Ladle into individual bowls and serve. Pass extra Parmesan alongside.

This recipe is full of anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, garlic, and turmeric—just what you need to help your body fight off a cold or flu.

Welcome Two New Businesses to Lakeshore

Two empty storefronts are finally slated to be filled and opened this month. According to its Instagram, Crazy Block Cheesecake (also serving latkes and BBQ) will have its grand opening on March 14 in the old Spettro space. Opening at 11 a.m., the first 100 customers will get a free mini-cheesecake.

Russamee Thai Massage will take over the Beauty Center spot. We don’t know the opening date, but at press time, the sign was getting painted and a peek into the doorway showed that much construction has already been completed.

Save the Date: Saturday, April 19th

We’re excited to announce our annual Hat Derby Contest, Parade, and Spring Party on the Green happening on Saturday, April 19th.

Mark your calendars for a fun-filled day celebrating the arrival of spring. Put on your best spring hat, join the parade, and enjoy all the festivities as we kick off the season in style.