Avoid sugar. Sugar can preoccupy the immune system, suppress your white blood cells and change your normal flora. This leads to the body being weakened against viruses and bacteria and more susceptible to the virus leading to the common cold or flu.
With the Fall season fast approaching and new viruses floating around, it is important to keep our immune systems strong. Eating healthy and unprocessed foods is key to keeping your immune system at an optimal level. There are certain foods that can help to prevent getting a cold or flu. Here are some immune boosting tips:
- Avoid sugar. Sugar can preoccupy the immune system, suppress your white blood cells and change your normal flora. This leads to the body being weakened against viruses and bacteria and more susceptible to the virus leading to the common cold or flu.
- Kale: Kale, along with other leafy green vegetables, contains vitamins A, C, and B-vitamins. Vitamin A and C help boost the white blood cells in your body and the B-vitamins help us cope with stress. Stress can make your body susceptible to illness.
- Citrus fruit: Citrus is high in vitamin C which helps to increase the production of white blood cells which are key to fighting infections. Red Bell Peppers also contain vitamin C to maintain healthy skin, which is the frontline defense for colds and flu’s.
- Broccoli: Jam packed with vitamins A, C, and E as well as antioxidants to help combat illness.
- Garlic: Garlic has immune boosting properties due to sulphur containing compounds like allicin. These compounds are antimicrobial and antiviral and aid in the immune system’s defense.
- Ginger: Ginger contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties and can actually prevent a cold or flu virus from taking hold in the first place.
- Nuts and Green Tea: Nuts contain Vitamin E which is also called tocopherol is high in antioxidants and helps fight off infections. EGCG is also an antioxidant and is found in green tea.
- Tumeric: This is an herb from India that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Drink plenty of water: drinking enough water helps your body to flush out toxins from the body and reduce down time if you get the cold or a flu.
- Vitamin D: although Vitamin D is not a food, it is important to have your levels checked and supplement if necessary. Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium, as well as strengthening your immune system.