“Do not let illness make you realize the value of health.” - Unknown
It is important to eat healthy now before you get sick! Don’t wait until you start feeling under the weather to make corrective changes in your diet. Can eating well really help your immune system? Why yes it can! We have all heard of eating soup and drinking tea while you are sick; however, there are many food changes you can make to help boost your immune system. Your immune system is your body’s line of defense, something you would surely want to make sure is working correctly and at its very optimum potential. As we wrap up National Nutrition Month, what better topic to touch on than eating foods to help boost your overall health and wellness?!
One of the most valuable things you have is your health. Following an anti-inflammatory diet is a great place to start. It is important to note that no food or nutrient will prevent illness, as your immune system is complex and there are multiple factors involved. Although, having the goal and routine to eat better surely aids in the strength of your immune system. A few key micronutrients that aid immune cell growth include, yet are not limited to Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Zinc.
There are many foods that contain these amazing nutrients. Let’s dive into some food fixes that will help boost your immune system!
- Citrus Fruits
A lot of people turn to Vitamin C when they are not feeling well. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, which are vital to fighting infections. Almost all citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, so you have a lot to choose from! Some popular options are grapefruit, oranges, clementine, lemons, and limes.
- Green Tea
Green tea is packed with flavonoids, which are a type of antioxidant. A powerful antioxidant found in green tea, which makes it stand out, is its levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Green tea is also a good source of amino acid otherwise known as L-theanine which aids in germ-fighting T Cells.
- Papaya
Papaya is another fruit that contains a large amount of Vitamin C. You can find double the daily recommended amount of vitamin C in a single medium papaya fruit. They also contain a digestive enzyme called Papain that has anti-inflammatory effects. Papaya also contains a good amount of potassium, magnesium, and folate which are all beneficial to your overall health.
- Ginger
Ginger is another popular option that many people turn to when they are sick. Ginger helps decrease inflammation, which can help reduce a sore throat or it can even help with nausea as well. Ginger may also decrease chronic pain, and even has cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Yogurt
When shopping for yogurt, make sure to find a brand that contains the phrase “live and active cultures” on the label. Oftentimes, you will find this on greek yogurts! These live cultures may stimulate your immune system to help fight diseases. Yogurt can be a great source of Vitamin D, which helps to regulate your immune system.
Changing your diet isn’t a guarantee you will never get sick again, although, it is a great way to help your immune system fight off viruses and other illnesses. Why not try to strengthen your body’s line of defense? It is usually better to be proactive against illness than reactive. If overall health and wellness is something that interests you, join our complimentary Holistic Health & Wellness Coach Webinar and Q&A. During this virtual event, our team will answer all your questions you may have about the program, financial aid, the enrollment process, and more.
