Boost Your Immune System

Is your immune system run down? Allergies, cold, flu, stress or on the constant go can weaken your immune system.  An individual with a weakened immune system is more susceptible to infection and makes it harder to fight off the infection.  Here is a list of some foods to incorporate into your regular diet to boost up your immune system.

Elderberry is a fruit rich in antioxidants and may have the ability to fight inflammation.  

Button mushrooms contain the mineral selenium, vitamin B, riboflavin, and niacin.  Low selenium levels can be linked to increased flu severity.

Acia Berry like blueberries are packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants may help to fight against disease and aging.

Oysters contain the mineral zinc.  Low zinc levels are associated with male infertility. Zinc is also important to immune system tasks such as healing wounds.  Although researcher cannot explain why,  zinc has some antiviral affects. Plus, Oysters are an aphrodisiac!

Watermelon is a wonderful, refreshing summer fruit that is packed with glutathione, an antioxidant know to strengthen the immune system. The red pulpy flesh near the rind contains glutathione.

Cabbage is another source of glutathione. Easy and inexpensive, add cabbage to soups or stews to increase nutritional value.

Almonds contain vitamins E and B, riboflavin and niacin.  Almonds can help you bounce back from the effects of stress while the vitamin E boosts the immune system.

Grapefruits, oranges and tangerines are a good source of vitamin C.  Grapefruits are packed with flavonoids which are found to increase immune system activation.

Wheat Germ is full of nutrients such as zinc, vitamin b, antioxidants and other vital vitamins and minerals.  It is a good source of fiber, protein and good fat.  

Low-fat yogurt labeled with “live and active cultures” may aid in digestion and stimulate your immune system.  

Garlic offers several antioxidants that help fight infections.  Garlic is known to target H.pylori, the bacteria associated with ulcers and stomach cancer.

Spinach is well known for being rich with nutrients.  It contains fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C.  Spinach also has folate, which aids the body in repairing DNA and producing new cells.

Tea- Green or black teas are filled with polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants that absorb free radicals.

Sweet Potatoes contain beta-carotene (antioxidant) which absorbs damaging free radicals.  Sweet potatoes can also boost up vitamin A in the body.   

Broccoli is full of nutrients that protect your body from damage.  It has vitamins A and C, and glutathoine.

For more information, visit WebMD.