Having a strong immune system is very important, especially during flu season. There is a simple way you can boost your immune system at home and that is by eating the right foods. Eating foods that boost the immune system will lower your chances of getting sick and ending up at the doctor.
Here are some foods that can help give your immune system exactly what it needs to keep you healthy and functioning:
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Making sure to include enough protein in your diet will help boost your immune system because protein contains zinc, which is used to fight infections in the body. Zinc is important for your white blood cells to help fight off infections in the body when you are sick. While eating different types of meat is great, you can also use protein powders to boost your protein intake and make a smoothie or mix it with milk for even more protein. Pea protein is also available for vegans and vegetarians.
- Adding healthy oils and fats to your diet will help boost your immune system. Healthy oils such as olive oil and coconut oil can be added to your diet by using them to cook with. These two oils also contain omega 3 which is also good for the immune system. Omega 3 can also be found in fish or in fish oil supplements that you can take and add to your daily supplement routine.
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Garlic is one of the best immune boosters you can add to your diet. It contains sulfur, which acts as a natural antibacterial and has some antiviral properties. You can steep garlic in hot water and drink it as a tea with honey to boost your immune system. If you do not like the taste of garlic you can also take it in the form of a supplement.
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Echinacea is a type of herb that has been used in medicine for a very long time. Drinking echinacea tea will help boost your immune system when you start having symptoms of a cold or flu. You can also take this as a supplement to boost your immune function daily.
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Vitamin C is important to maintain a healthy body and it helps to boost your immune system. Of course, you can get vitamin C from citrus fruit, but you can also get vitamin C from peppers, broccoli, and kale as well. Our bodies do not produce their own vitamin C, so it is essential that you get your daily dose to keep your immune system strong.
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Yogurt and probiotics contain important bacteria that aids in a healthy digestive system. This is important to make sure your body is balanced. In order to make sure your body is functioning properly, you should make sure to get enough good probiotics daily. This can boost your white blood cell count, which are the cells that fight off viruses and bad bacteria. Probiotics are found in yogurt or kefir. Choosing a yogurt that has little to no sugar added will offer the greatest health benefits.
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Green tea helps boost the immune system with theanine which is an amino acid that helps fight illnesses. Additionally, green tea contains antioxidants that also help to boost the immune system.
Adding these foods and supplements to your diet daily can help boost your immune system and help your body ward off sickness.
