We all know when cold andflu seasoncomes around, washing your hands is especially important.
But so is what you put on your plate.
What you eat can also boost your immunity to help you fight off bugs and stay healthy.
Credit: Blaine Moats
“It’s an exquisitely intricate, interconnected system.
In other words, having healthy habits and stress management practices will be your best bet in boosting immunity.
“We can really boost our immunity through diet alone.
“Micronutrients, or vitamins and minerals, are vital to disease-prevention and health development.”
Cassie Majestic, M.D.
We can really boost our immunity through diet alone.
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Consistent intake of the micronutrients that help our bodies fight disease, is a natural solution to infection prevention.
So fill your cart with these foods to strengthen immune systems (listed in no particular order).
Fermented Foods
Kimchi, tempeh, miso, and even kombucha are killer when it comes to combating germs.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Chicken Soup
It’s good for the soulandstrengthening your immune system.
“Dark leafy greens are high in magnesium and vitamin E, apotent antioxidant,” Swanson adds.
Yogurt
Probiotics are good for your gut and your immune defenses.
(What can your gut do for you?
Turns out, a whole lot: here5 gut health factsyou need to know.)
Jake Sternquist
5.
),mushroomsare one of the top 10 immune-boosting foods.
Reishi, shiitake, and maitake are especially rich in beta-glucans.
Matcha Tea
It’s not just foods that help your immune system, drinks can too.
(Might we suggest starting with one of thesecreative sweet potato recipes?)
Microgreens
Go small for big immune-boosting food benefits ofmicrogreens.
Salmon
Add salmon to your diet for lots of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
March 29, 2024.
Accessed August 2, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/features/micronutrient-facts.html.