Not in the mood to choke down yet another gritty serving of Emergen-C? Boost your body from the inside out with powerful foods that help your immune system function optimally. Just incorporate these healthy foods into your diet to strengthen your immune system in a way your taste buds can appreciate.
Packed with selenium, this tasty shellfish helps boost your body’s production of cytokines, a protein that’s known to ward off illnesses.
Yogurt that contains live cultures is rich in lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis (read: good bacteria), which fight bacteria that cause diseases and raise your white blood cell count.
One of the best sources of immunity-boosting vitamin C, oranges cause your body to produce higher levels of antibodies and white blood cells.
Like oysters, crab meat is rich in selenium, a nutrient that strengthens your immune system.
Garlic is loaded with ajoene, allicin and thiosulfinates, compounds high in sulfur that ward off diseases and help battle infections.
Carrots are crammed with beta carotene, a phytonutrient that increases your body’s production of T-cells and natural killer cells.
The high amount of antioxidants found in spinach help boost your immune system.
Like carrots, sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, which boosts your body’s T-cell and NK-cell count.
Rich in compounds called beta glucans, mushrooms boost the production of NK-cells and T-cells in your body to help prevent infections.
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which cause your body’s phagocytes to fight bacteria more effectively.
Like oranges, kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps protect your body against infections.
Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which prompts your body to produce more interferon. This antibody covers the surface of cells and fends off viruses.
Broccoli is a great source of glucosinolates, phytonutrients rich in sulfur that stimulate the natural antioxidant systems in your body.
Like mushrooms, barley contains a high amount of beta glucans, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Visit Web MD and Associated Content for more information.