THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM
Your immune system is your body’s defense system to fight bacteria and germs that can make you sick or worse, cause disease. When it comes to staying healthy, or shortening an illness, having a strong immune system is important.
Most of us have a general idea of what our immune system is, but not so much what our immune system is comprised of, which can make it difficult to maintain our body’s ability to stay healthy.
Your immune system is comprised of:
Your skin: The body’s physical barrier to stop germs and bacteria.
Your gut: Most of the good bacteria in your body is held in your gut and having a healthy gut with balanced bacteria levels helps your body fight off infections.
Mucus membranes: Mucus lines the insides of your body and catches germs and bacteria before they have the chance to attack.
Lymphatic system: The lymphatic system is comprised of your lymph nodes, marrow, and spleen. It helps carry oxygen, food, and water throughout your body and flush out toxins, germs and bacteria.
Now that you have a better idea of the different elements in your body that work together to fight off bacteria in your body, let’s dive into the different foods, nutrition and supplements that help support these different parts of your body so they can function at their best, reducing your chance for sickness and disease.
FOODS FOR IMMUNITY
Different foods have different benefits for your health and wellness. Here are some foods that may help keep your body and immune system strong.
Citrus Fruits: Not only delicious, citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, a key immune boosting vitamin and helpful in fighting infection. Add these nutritious citrus fruits to your shopping list: oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, clementines, blood oranges, and tangerines.
Cruciferous Vegetables such as Broccoli: Especially lightly cooked or sprouted broccoli, contain Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as sulforaphane, a sulfur-rich compound that’s been shown to have numerous immune boosting health benefits.
Button Mushrooms: Mushrooms provide the mineral selenium as well as the vitamin B’s riboflavin and niacin. They also promote your body’s production of pathogen fighting proteins.
Garlic: Used in many cuisines around the world, garlic is a sulfur-rich root vegetable that contains the immune boosting substance allicin.
Oysters: Oysters are an excellent source of zinc and iron and also contain vitamin A. Zinc helps to create and activate white blood cells as well as helping heal wounds making it a great way to keep your skin healthy.
Turmeric: Often used in curries, this root contains high concentrations of curcumin, widely known to be anti-inflammatory. Sprinkle turmeric on vegetables you are roasting for an immune boost.
Green Tea: This refreshing tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is believed to support the production of disease fighting T-cells. Replace your cup of coffee with a hot or iced green tea each day.
Watermelon: This refreshing fruit has the antioxidant of glutathione when ripe. It helps strengthen the immune system to fight off infections. It is also a great source of Lycopene, which is the source of its red color, but also helps fight inflammation and respiratory issues.
Spinach: It’s a “super food” because it has folate in it that helps our bodies make new cells and to repair DNA. Spinach also has fiber antioxidants like Vitamin C.
Ginger: With a high concentration of antioxidants, ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory addition to your diet. Try this ginger tea.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR IMMUNITY
Different vitamins and supplements may help boost your body’s natural support system and keep your immune strong. Here are some suggested immune boosting vitamins and supplements that are important to have in your diet.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works to protect cells from damage that’s caused by free radicals. Vitamin C also helps your body produce collagen, which in turn, helps improve the absorption of iron. Some foods rich in vitamin C are oranges, strawberries, broccoli, kiwi, cauliflower, red bell peppers, and cantaloupe.
Vitamin A: An immune system regulator, vitamin A can help protect against infection. Excellent sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is also known as a gift from the sun as it is absorbed into our body through the sun’s rays. Vitamin D is a hormone, but it also helps muscles move and maintains strong bones. It’s in 2 forms, D2 and D3 which both increase levels in the blood. You can find vitamin D naturally in the sun or in foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and cheese.
Vitamin B6: This is also called pyridoxine has a wide range of functions in the body. It plays a role in protein metabolism and you can find B6 in lots of multivitamins. You can find Vitamin B6 in foods like milk, beef, eggs, fish, and poultry.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is very important to immune system function and is considered a powerful antioxidant. Some foods naturally rich in this vitamin include dark leafy greens, avocados, broccoli, hazelnuts, peanuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Probiotics: They are known for supporting the digestive health, but some strains are good for your immune system. Probiotics are available as a dietary supplement or formulated with vitamin c, d, or zinc. You can find probiotics naturally in fermented foods, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, and miso.
Zinc: This vitamin is in the majority of the metabolic processes in the human body and plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism, glucose utilization and insulin production. It also supports the body’s natural resistance to germs and bacteria. Some foods rich in zinc are nuts, seeds, and legumes.
HERBS FOR IMMUNITY
Herbs are plants that have different benefits and capabilities to help us heal and stay strong. They are some of the most natural ways we can boost our immune system. Here are some common herbs that may help support the immune system.
Astragalus: This Chinese herb has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Studies show that it can boost the resistance to infection and help regulate the body’s immune responses.
Angelica Root: Has been shown to help treat respiratory ailments and cold symptoms. This herb also helps modulate the body’s immune system.
Ginger: This herb has anti-inflammatory effects and may help with muscle pain. It is also packed with antioxidants to fight of illness and disease.
Olive Leaf Extract: Olive leaf extract not only boosts immunity, but also helps to eliminate free radicals and reduce inflammation.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR IMMUNITY
Essential oils are a great way to help support your immune system and health overall. There are different ways you can use essential oils to take advantage of their benefits:
Topically– Apply a small amount of oil to different parts of your skin for absorption.
Aromatically– Diffuse oils into the air using a diffuser. While there are dozens of oils that can benefit your health and wellness, here are some that may help boost your immunity.
Tea Tree: This is a very versatile oil that has many antimicrobial properties such as an effective decongestant or expectorant. You can use it for cold and flu season or for a cough and chest congestion. I like Aura Cacia oils, they are available at many local stores and Whole Foods
Peppermint: It’s a very common oil that’s used to relieve headaches and indigestion. It also has detoxifying properties that are believed to help reduce sugar cravings.
Oregano: This oil is rich in antioxidants and super effective when fighting bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that cause disease. It’s also beneficial in treating various health concerns.
Lemon: This oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and detoxifying properties. It’s a natural disinfectant and cleaning product as well.
Cinnamon Bark: This oil assists in boosting the natural defenses against seasonal germs. It’s anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties help support the immune system.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this document is being provided to you for educational, informational and self-empowerment purposes ONLY. This content is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any disease or medical conditions.
I am not a medical doctor, registered dietician, nutritionist or hold any medical license. I make no claims to any specialized medical training nor do I dispense medical advice or prescriptions.
This content is not intended to replace medical advice or guidance from a licensed professional. Please consult your doctor or licensed practitioner if you have any questions regarding the suggestions made in this content, are taking any medications or have any pre-existing conditions.
Use this information at your own risk. No results are promised or guaranteed.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL CONTENT WITHIN THIS GUIDE IS BASED ON MY PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE, OPINION AND EXPERIENCE AS A HEALTH COACH. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING MEDICATIONS OR MEDICAL ADVICE. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.