There is no person on Earth who wouldn’t want a healthy immune system. And do you know that your diet plays a huge role in keeping it in top shape? Sadly, a lot of us don’t really opt for foods that are friendly to our immune system. You can’t just eat an orange and pop a pill to get a quick burst of vitamins to boost your immune system.
According to the experts in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a strong immune system depends on a healthy and balanced diet. It is like training for a battle and preparing your body ahead of time. So that, at the right moment your body can throw some good punches on those bacterias and viruses.
In order to strengthen your immune system add these foods into your diets;
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is mostly known for a spice that is used in cooking. But it is also used as an ingredient in many of the medicines. Consuming turmeric can help your body improve immune response. This is because of the presence of a compound curcumin in it.
2. Citrus Fruits
A lot of people run towards Vitamin C as soon as they get a cold. It is because Vitamin C helps in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C helps in the production of white blood cells which are the key to fight against diseases.
Almost all of the circus foods are high in vitamin C. There’s a huge variety available for you to squeeze any of these foods in your daily meals consumed.
Popular citrus fruits include;
- Limes
- Grapefruits
- Lemons
- Tangerines
Your body doesn’t store Vitamin C, so you need to consume it everyday!
3. Spinach
Spinach is not only rich in Vitamin C, but it contains all the anti-oxidants and carotene, which increases the infection-fighting ability of the immune system. Just like broccoli it is best to use spinach whe half cooked with all its nutrients.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is said to help add vitamin D in our body. Vitamin D helps regulate our body’s response to viruses and bacterias. It plays a vital role in boosting our body’s natural defenses against diseases.
Try to eat plain yogurt instead of fruity and flavored ones. Add fruits on top of the plain yogurt for a better and healthier combination.
5. Almonds
When it comes to preventing colds, Vitamin E takes a backseat to Vitamin C. It is said to be a powerful antioxidant, however it plays a major role in boosting the immune system. Nuts like almonds are full of Vitamin E and healthy fats.
It is known to be a fat soluble vitamin. It requires the presence of fats to be absorbed. It is recommended to take 7 to 10 almonds a day.
6. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are full of Vitamin B-6, magnesium, Vitamin E and phosphorus. To regulate and maintain immune system function Vitamin E plays a vital role. Other main sources are avocados and dark leafy greens.
Sunflower seeds are also high in selenium, which is said to be working miraculously against flu infections.
7. Poultry
Whenever you are sick and you go and reach for that chicken soup, it’s more than that placebo effect that makes you feel better. Poultry such as chicken and turkey are rich in Vitamin B-6 Vitamin. It plays a major role in production of new and healthy red blood cells.
8. Shellfish
Shellfish is not something that comes to mind when it comes to talking about the immune system. Some types of shellfish are packed with zinc. Zinc rarely gets the attention that other minerals and vitamins get.
It plays a major role in making the immune cells function as intended. Variety of shellfish high in zinc include;
- Crabs
- Oysters
- Lobsters
- Mussels
Final Thought
Eating just one of these is noy going to help, even if you keep eating it constantly. You need to keep a check of how much you need to consume all of these in one day. Eating right is the best voice.
Do not rely only on the food sources. There are so many other options that can save you and your family from getting caught up by diseases and infections. Take your vitamins through pills as well, but only after consulting your doctor.
