Looking to stay sick free this winter? Being crammed indoors makes it difficult to stay away from sickness. Try these immune system boosting foods!
Winter is infamously known as cold and flu season. The days are shorter. People receive less Vitamin D. Everyone gets crammed inside. People exercise less. A recipe for sickness. It is inevitable to get sick. Or at least that is what people think. It is common for people to take synthesized drugs to “build” their immune system. This is not necessary. There are natural ways to fight winter’s diseases. Try these top foods to boost immune system functionality.
The key to success is to eat foods that are high in certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, B6, C, D, and E are all important to boosting immune system functionality. Vitamins are not the only player. Minerals are also key. Iron, selenium, and zinc are critical to giving the immune system strength.
The typical American diet actually damages the immune system. A healthy body has a balanced body pH which can be affected by diet. Eating the right foods like non-starchy vegetables, will keep your body in tip top shape. So what are the top immune system boosting foods for better health?
Top Immune System Boosting Foods
Leafy Green Veggies
Many of your leafy green vegetables are key in containing Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important to break down the nucleic acid of viruses. This kills the virus and ultimately heals the body. Veggies like kale, brussels sprouts, and spinach are high in Vitamin C. Citrus fruits also contain high levels of Vitamin C.
The nut family contains a number of important nuts that are high in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It helps kill and sway off infections. Almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds all contain high levels of this antioxidant. This is a great snack food to get Vitamin E. If you want a larger meal try eating spinach or broccoli.
Vitamin B6 is critical for 200 bodily functions. Many of them are immune system functions. Bananas contain very high amounts of Vitamin B6. Cold water fish also make a great alternative if you are more into fishes.
Colorful vegetables, typically orange, contain carotenoids. These carotenoids are converted by the body into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that fights off disease. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are all great options if you are looking to give your immune system a much needed boost.
Iron is important to keeping your cells alive. It transports oxygen to the cells. These cells in turn fight off disease. Try chicken and turkey if you can tolerate meat. If you are a vegetarian you can also beans and broccoli.
As a native New Englander seafood is a common delicacy. I recently found out that some of my favorite species are high in Zinc. Zinc is the most recommended mineral to take for colds and flus. Thus, it is one of the best immune system boosting foods. Oysters and crab are high in Zinc.
If you do not want to take supplements this winter, have no fear. You can naturally get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from a varied diet. Need more ideas? Check out other natural immune system boosters. Try it out and be sick free this winter season!