Ways to Boost Your Immunity
by Jane Foxton | 20th Mar 2021
Ways to Boost Your Immunity
Immunity has been a topic of interest in 2020 and will continue into 2021. The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to a lot of questions surrounding the immune system and how it actually works! The immune system is the body's way of protecting itself from infection by a foreign invader such as bacteria or viruses. It helps prevent the body from getting sick and helps us to get better when we are sick.
Nutrition is very important and one of the key factors in promoting a healthy immune system. The most important advice would be to maintain a healthy balanced diet full of variety.
There is a trendy demand for various food components that can improve the immune response. Here are a number of ways you can Boost Your Immunity.
Vitamin C
Whether you're looking to improve your overall health or boost your immune system, vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients you need to stay healthy. It's also a go-to for many people when they think they are getting sick. Health experts, nutritionists and science all agree that not only is it a vital nutrient but it can help prevent infections and help you get better when you are already sick.
Fruits such as oranges, kiwi, papaya and guava are rich in vitamin C and should be included where possible in the diet. In addition, vegetables such as peppers, beetroot, spinach, cauliflower and aubergine are considered quite rich in Vitamin C and are good for immunity. Other examples of immune boosting vegetables include green vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms and kale.
Vitamin D
The importance of Vitamin D and the immune system has become clearer in more recent years. Vitamin D has multiple roles in the body. But, most importantly it supports immune, brain and nervous system health.
Few foods contain vitamin D naturally. Because of this, a lot of foods are fortified. This means that vitamin D has been added. Foods that contain vitamin D include:
It can be hard to get enough vitamin D each day through sun exposure and food alone, so taking vitamin D supplements can help.
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient that people need to keep healthy. Zinc is involved in the regulation of immune cells. Its sources are primarily animal-based foods such as red meat, poultry and shellfish. Due to its importance in immune response, cell signalling and production of immune cells, a deficiency in Zinc can lead to a weaker immune response.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
The importance of keeping a healthy microflora was already clear at the beginning of the twentieth century when consumption of yogurt and a specific mix of bacteria were associated with extended lifespan and prevention of disease
Probiotics and Prebiotics have been a growing topic of interest over the last decade and, currently, a large variety of probiotics are available on the market. Generally, they are consumed to target gastrointestinal discomfort and pain as well as to improve our immune systems.
Probiotics aid in the function of the intestinal barrier, such as mucus secretion and wall permeability which in turn creates a stronger and healthier immune system.