Can something as simple as what we eat help prevent us from getting sick? More importantly, can what we eat make us more likely to catch a virus or a bacteria? The short answer is YES and YES! Make it easy + healthy. Words I live by. Do the easy stuff first to keep yourself healthy. If eating one food over another is going to keep you functioning at your best, why not eat LOTS of immunity boosting foods?
How Do Immunity Boosting Foods Work?
Our immune systems are a complex network of organs and cells constantly working together to fight off viruses, bacteria, and foreign cells. These things we fight off can make us ill or cause disease. We can help our bodies put up a stronger fight against these pathogens by eating certain foods that strengthen our immune system.
On the other hand, we can wear down our immune systems with excess stress, exposure to toxins, lack of sleep or exercise. Above all, you guessed it, we can certainly wear down our immune systems with unhealthy eating.Β
Ultimately what we eat or don’t eat can affect our immune system!
Think of your immune system like an army.Β A healthy immune system needs strong soldiers to fight the battles.Β Healthy soldiers with good, regular nourishment are stronger fighters versus those that are poorly nourished and weaker. Β That nourishment should come in the form of whole foods containing nutrients such as vitamins E, C, B6 + A, folic acid, selenium, iron, and zinc. Like this Superfood Salad π
Foods To Boost Your Immune System:
- Citrus
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Red Bell Peppers
- Almonds
- Turmeric
- Blueberries
- Green Tea
- Papaya
- Kiwi
- Sunflower Seeds
- Sweet Potatoes
- Miso/fermented foods
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
Other Ways to Boost Your Immune System
- WASH YOUR HANDS A LOT
- Avoid touching your face
- Exercise regularly
- Donβt smoke
- Drink alcohol only in moderation (if at all)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get enough sleep
- Try to minimize stress
- Listen to your body: sleep when you are tired, eat when you are hungry, take a break to relieve stress, donβt over-exercise, avoid toxins whenever possible.
- Check out my other article on boosting your immunity:Β The Vegetarianβs Guide to Boosting Your Immunity
“Let Food Be Thy Medicine”
This quote has stood the test of time, and for very good reason. What we eat is a choice, is a lifestyle, and can be a healing power. But what we eat is also part of who we are, our culture, the love and joy we share with the people in our lives. Remember, food can impact your health both negatively and positively. In the same way that you prepare your house for a lurking storm, your car for a long drive, your bank account for retirement, isn’t it appropriate to give your immune system everything it needs to put up a good fight? Start with immune boosting foods and maybe a few other things on the list. Small changes add up to big results. Stay well.
Taraβs Favorite Immunity Boosting Recipes:
βοΈDo you have more questions about Immunity Boosting Foods? Leave a comment below! We love comments β€
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