7 Foods You Should Be Eating To Boost Your Immune System

The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has placed the entire world in uncertain times. With millions of people around the world being affected and no cure has been found, one of the things that people are doing is to strengthen their immune system. While a healthy immune system will not stop a person from getting Covid-19, it may provide a person a better chance to fight against viruses and diseases.

So, what types of food should you be stocking inside your fridge and pantry? Read on and learn why these foods should be on top of your grocery list.

1. Bell peppers

Incorporating bell peppers in your dishes like fajitas, pasta, stir-fry, and salads is a good way to get a vitamin C boost. If you’re wondering why bell peppers are on top of this list, it’s because red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits when compared ounce for ounce. This makes them a perfect choice when looking to strengthen your immune system. Bell peppers are also a rich source of beta carotene which keeps your skin and eyes healthy.

2. Citrus fruits

Lemon, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and limes are just examples of citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is not produced or stored by the body so it’s important to take foods that can provide your body with this nutrient. Vitamin C is considered an immune-booster because it is said to increase white blood cell production that is key to fighting infections.  This is why many people turn to citrus whenever they’ve caught a cold or when they are feeling sick.

3. Green leafy vegetables

If you feel that you need to snack on something while stuck at home, don’t reach for that donut or bag of chips, and instead why not prepare a bowl of delicious salad or a refreshing green smoothie made of healthy greens? Filling up your body with leafy greens such as broccoli, spinach and kale will be great for your immune system. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, and fiber. It is super charged with phytochemicals and antioxidants that can not only support your immune system but also fight off viruses and bacteria. Spinach is another leafy green that has infection-fighting properties. It is rich in vitamin C, numerous antioxidants, beta carotene, and more nutrients. Kale is also loaded with vitamin A, C, and K, which is why it is one of the healthiest leafy greens you can have.

4. Tea

If you want to boost your immune system, maybe it’s time to swap those sugary drinks with cups of tea. Black tea and green teas are packed with flavonoids and other antioxidants that have been shown to enhance the immune system. Green tea is a great source of L-theanine, an amino acid that may assist in producing germ-fighting compounds in the body. If you are experiencing anxiety, drinking tea may also help ward off stress and restlessness. Teas such as lavender and chamomile tea have been shown to provide calming effects.

5. Ginger

Ginger is another popular ingredient many people ingest when they feel sick. This is because this ancient spice is known to help in decreasing sore throat, nausea, and inflammation. Some studies also suggest that ginger may help in decreasing chronic pain and may lower cholesterol. A great way to incorporate ginger in your food is by adding a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger in your tea, soups, curry dishes, and stir fry meals.

6. Seafood

Eating a variety of seafood including fish and shellfish can help supply your body with essential nutrients to maintain your immune system function. Go for fish that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids because these fatty acids have been shown to help boost the immune system. Examples are salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel. Shellfish, on the other hand, are a good source of selenium, which is a mineral that can aid in preventing cell damage and chronic diseases. Examples of shellfish are shrimp, crabs, and oysters.

7. Yogurt

Do you know that the probiotics in yogurt can help stimulate your immune system? Yogurts fortified with vitamin D can also help boost your body’s natural defenses to ward off diseases. When choosing yogurts, try to stay away from artificially flavored ones. Instead go for plain yogurt like Greek yogurt. If you want to sweeten yogurt, put a drizzle of natural honey instead. Honey is a bonus immune boosting food as it is also rich in antioxidants. People who are struggling with substance abuse issues often have weak immune systems. This is because drugs and alcohol have been shown to weaken the body’s natural defenses. It is then critically important to maintain a healthy diet to strengthen the body and keep away from diseases.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.