Boosting your immune system

Eat immune system enhancing foods to fight off infection

It’s that time of the year when cold and flu symptoms are peaking. Look around the office, at the shop or while commuting and you’re bound to see people coughing and splattering away. If this is something you consider undesirable, why not boost your immune system by eating certain foods? It’s your best bet to fighting spreadable sicknesses.

According to nutritional experts, a high fraction of what our bodies need to fight infection can be found in foods alone. In particular, dark coloured berries are miracle workers for increasing your immune system and having a positive effect on inflammatory diseases. Try incorporating Goji berries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blueberries into your diet for this very reason.

Zinc is a big contributor for increasing the production of white blood cells which fight foreign bacteria and viruses more aggressively. If red meat isn’t desirable, then you can also find zinc in poultry meats, pork, yoghurt, milk, fortified cereals and oysters. Likewise, garlic is a powerful immune booster that promotes the multiplication of white blood cells. It also increases the efficiency of antibody production.

Since skin is the first line of defence for our immune systems, you should definitely make it a priority to increase vitamin A in your diet. Look for it in orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin and carrots. Most importantly, try to eat one serving of orange vegetables on a daily basis because although most of us consume carrots, it is often every two to three days.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to prevent severe respiratory infections, or at least lessen the severity. You can find it in fish or by taking a teaspoon of flaxseed oil every morning.

Lemon is an ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. What’s great is you can digest it in so many ways. Freshly squeeze it in water, into tea, over your salad dressings or during baking. Since lemon maintains an internal pH level to support healthy bacteria, harmful bacteria are less likely to thrive in an alkalinity environment.

Clearly, poor diet is a big factor in making people susceptible to illness, so be sure to eat a proper diet in order to protect your immune system. You’ll be stronger, feel better and won’t have to stop your regular exercise regime if you’re not sick.