Our Immune system is constantly on defense and the strength of our immune system determines whether these organisms make us feel sick or slowly manifest into diseases. Certain foods can help you maintain your immune system. Some foods can help you prevent flu and winter colds. But you need to plan out your meals.
A healthy gut contributes to a healthy immune system. It’s all about balance and if you are eating right it automatically supports healthy immune functions.
Few Foods for your Immune System
Citrus fruits
It helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells; it helps fighting infections. Citrus fruits include: grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, lemons, limes, clementines.
Garlic
Garlic’s immune-boosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds. Garlic may also help lower blood pressure and slow down hardening of the arteries.
Ginger
Ginger helps decrease chronic pain and may possess cholesterol-lowering properties. It also decreases inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat and other inflammatory illnesses.
Papaya
Papaya is another fruit loaded with vitamin C. Papayas also have a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects; decent amounts of potassium, B vitamins and folate, which are beneficial to your overall health.
Spinach
Spinach made our list not just because it’s rich in vitamin C. Also packed with numerous antioxidants and beta carotene, which may increase the infection-fighting ability of our immune systems.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bitter spice and has been used as an anti-inflammatory; in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Its high concentrations of curcumin, can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, an antioxidant. This can help boost a person’s immune system. Flavonoids play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system.
Shellfish
To boost; Few types of shellfish are packed with zinc and other minerals for the proper function of immune cells. Shellfish that are high in zinc include: crab, clams, lobster, mussels.
Eating just one of these foods won’t be enough to help you boost your immune system. Serving sizes and daily intake of multiple portions of foods is a major factor. Lifestyle factors can affect immune system and health; such as exercising and not smoking.