First of all, what is the immune system? Immune system is the body’s defense against infections.
The question is how can we give it a boost? On the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against infection. Your immune system keeps a record of every germ it has ever defeated so it can recognise and destroy it quickly if it enters the body again. But sometimes it fails. A germ invades successfully and makes you sick. What if you could intervene in this process and boost your immune system? How about improving your diet? Take vitamins and herbal supplements?
Your first line of defense would be to lead a healthy lifestyle. So let’s increase immunity the healthy way…
I’ll get straight to the point. Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong. If you’re looking for ways to prevent winter colds and the flu, your first step should be a visit to the organic supermarket or your (local) grocery store.
Prep and plan your meals to include these powerful immune system boosters is half the work.
Most turn to healthy clean eating and vitamins after they have caught something or when they have become ill. Programmes must help change the need in society, the environment but most of all the individual to make healthier accesible choices.
If you think citrus fruits have the most vitamin C of any fruit or vegetable, think again. Red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. Besides boosting your immune system, it fights infection and may help maintain healthy skin. Because your body doesn’t produce or store it, you need daily vitamin C for continued health.
Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C.
Another favorite is broccoli, one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on the table. Best eaten raw to keep all its nutrients. Broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber.
Garlic is used as a dietary supplement for many purposes. It adds flavor to food and it’s a must-have for your health, especially during cold and flu season. Garlic can affect your adrenal glands, response to stress. So, eat garlic, and your adrenals produce less stress hormones and may reduce your level of fatigue.
Ginger is another ingredient many turn to after getting sick. Ginger has a history of medicinal uses and may help decrease inflammation, nausea, chronic pain and cholesterol-lowering properties
Thanks to their high antioxidant content, berries have many potential health benefits. They’re loaded with antioxidants and could have benefits for your brain, heart and overall health. They also deliver healthy fats and fibers.
Spinach is well known for its nutritional qualities. It is a plant with remarkable abilities to restore energy and increase vitality. It is rich in iron which plays a central role in the function of red blood cells which help in transporting oxygen around the body and energy production. Spinach is also an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate as well as being a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2.
You may know turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. But this has also been used for years as an anti-inflammatory in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Turmeric and its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits.
Sunflower seeds are full of nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorous and B6. They’re also incredibly high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
For more foods that may help boost your immune system, try adding legumes containing zinc, foods high in probiotics (such as yogurt and kefir), and green tea to your diet.
To keep your immune system healthy, it’s important to get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, and manage your stress.
In balance and harmony
Claudia