The cold weather and sniffling, sneezing colds are approaching whether we like it or not. The official cold and flu season lasts from September until May and accounts for more doctor visits, missed days of school and work than any other illness. The viruses that cause the common cold and flu (also called influenza) don't respond to antibiotics, and common over-the-counter cold treatments don't shorten or prevent a cold or the flu.

Although there are no sure-fire cold treatments, there are definitely some things you can do. Here is a list of 10 "Super Foods" to help beyond the basic chicken soup: 100 percent orange juice, avocado, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, grapefruit, lean meat, and yogurt. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, an internal medicine specialist and author, notes that you should avoid foods that are high in sugar because they can decrease your immunity. "The sugar in a can of soda suppresses immune function by 30 percent for three hours," Dr. Teitelbaum says. "Avoid excess milk products if you are stuffy. Milk protein thickens mucus and makes it harder to drain." Water, on the other hand, will help keep mucus thin and easier to clear.