Boost Your Immune System Naturally With These Foods
As we all deal with the worry of getting the coronavirus during this COVID-19 pandemic, it is good to know what foods can naturally boost your immune system. One thing nutritionists and doctors want you to know: You can control how you feel right now by checking in on your mental health and eating immune system booster foods that nourish your body and potentially help your fight infections too.
Here are foods you can add to your diet to boost your immune system!
1. Non-starchy vegetables
Vegetables like spinach, celery, broccoli, radishes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and beets.
2. Fermented foods
Fermented vegetables, like kimchi sauerkraut, yogurt and some cheeses will help build a healthier gut microbiome that could protect you from infections.
3. Plenty of protein
Choose lean sources of protein such as skinless chicken, lean beef and turkey, beans, and soy. If you do not eat meat, have gluten-free grains and legumes.
4. Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are some of the best protein sources for packing in extra micronutrients like vitamin D. And if you don’t eat fish or meat, that’s okay as other vitamin-D-rich foods include fortified milk and mushrooms.
5. Berries
Dark berries like blackberries, strawberries and blueberries not only taste great but they are also a great source of flavanols which are highly effective antioxidants
6. Citrus fruits
To increase your vitamin C intake, add these foods to your diet:citrus fruits and juices (such as orange and grapefruit), kiwi fruit, red and green peppers, broccoli and strawberries.
7. Sweet potatoes and squash
Foods that are high in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, spinach, winter squashes, and carrots.
It’s also important to remember—especially in times when money might be tight—that staying healthy doesn’t have to mean placing an expensive Whole Foods order. “Eating consistently is important, no matter what that food is. Think about trying to get through something stressful when you’re fed versus hungry,” says Jarosh. “We need to be fed and that is priority number one.”
