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.

Variety of citrus fruits including grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, and kumquats on white-gray counter

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.

Bone-In Chicken Noodle Soup

“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.

sauteed mushrooms in skillet

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.

microgreens six potted plants

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.