Foods that Boost Your Immune System

Foods that Boost Your Immune System By Lori Lamb Functional Medicine Health Coach

For most of the population, when it comes to improving the health of their immune system, the biggest single, manageable and effective variable is diet.

Stress and environmental factors are certainly issues that should be addressed if you seem to be succumb to whatever virus is currently in your area, or your wound healing takes longer than it should.

However, more and more research confirms that the main reason behind increasing levels of susceptibility to viral and bacterial attack (due to diminished levels of immune system potency) is a diet that that does not provide the nutrients essential to promoting immune system health.

Our immune system underpins our health by automatically, with no conscious effort on our part, killing off invisible invaders that attempt to destroy our health. In turn, our immune system is most strongly supported by eating the right foods, and avoiding the wrong ones.

A healthy immune system is totally reliant on a regular supply of antioxidants. These occur naturally, in abundance, in fruit and vegetables, some more than others. Healthy protein is also an essential requirement, to supply amino acids vital to our immune systems health.

Eating a wide range of fruit and vegetables will provide a holistic, broad-based, nutrient and antioxidant supply to ensure no essentials are omitted. However, some foods have been shown to supply above-average support to the immune system.

As such, they deserve special mention, and extra effort should be made to regularly include them in a healthy diet, to rev up your immune system's fighting ability. Remember that your cells are feeding and replicating off of what you eat, so strive to make it organic as much as you can. Your cells will than you. Spinach

Spinach is rich in folate that is vital for the production of new cells and for repairing damaged DNA. This green leafy vegetable is also an excellent source of protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium. To be able to ensure that you get these benefits from spinach, try eating it raw if not lightly cooked.

Watermelon

Watermelon not only refreshes and hydrates but it also boosts the immune system. Watermelon is one of the richest sources of glutathione. Glutathione is made up of three kinds of amino acids namely L-Cysteine, Glycine and L-Glutamic Acid. Each human cell needs glutathione for its protection against the adverse effects of free radicals.

Glutathione also boosts energy, reduces muscle pain and promotes clearer thinking. Watermelon contains active compounds that fight against the adverse effects of aging while reducing the amount of toxins and wastes inside the body.

Carrots

Carrots are known for their beta-carotene content. One of the main functions of beta-carotene in the body is to protect the mucous membrane found in the intestinal and respiratory tracts against any bacterial invasion. Eat your carrot raw or enjoy it along with broccoli and cauliflower as a nutritious appetizer.

Cabbage

Cabbage is loaded with glutathione making it one of the best foods for powering up the immune system. Cabbage is not only cheap but it is also available in the market all year round, so it can be considered an immune-health staple any time of the year.

Cabbage not only helps in battling against inflammation but it also has anti-cancer properties. It helps disinfect the colon and speeds up the healing process of any skin problems. Cabbage juice has also been proven to be effective for healing ulcers.

Grapefruit

Grapefruits are rich sources of flavonoids that act as antioxidants. These flavonoids are very helpful for reducing inflammation and for promoting healthy arteries. The antioxidants also function as anti-aging compounds that prevent and repair damaged cells.

Grapefruit is also loaded with vitamin C that helps protect people against the common colds and flu.

Include more of these fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to keep your immune system functioning at the best it can. In spite of the other variables which may seem uncontrollable (such as stress or environmental factors), diet is an area over which you do a large measure of control.