5 Foods That Break Down Your Immune System

The official start of winter is still weeks away, but flu season kicks into gear, oh, right about now. And with it comes the fear of falling prey to the hellish fever, sore throat, congestion, and body aches associated with the flu. Chances are you're familiar with the misery — every year 5 to 20 percent of U.S. residents become sick with the flu. Ready for some uplifting news? What you eat can affect how your body reacts to foreign germs and pathogens — both negatively and positively — and that is something you have control over. Yahoo Health spoke with health and nutrition experts to learn which foods have the power to suppress your immune system and which can boost your defenses. Here, the foods to shun this flu season — and a few to pile on your plate.