7 Foods That Boost Immunity
Our body uses the immune system as its defence mechanism to fight against pathogens like viruses, bacteria, toxins, and parasites. It does an excellent job of keeping you healthy. Having a running nose, cold, cough, gastrointestinal infections frequently states that the immune system is not functioning to its optimum capacity and that it is weak. Restricting foods severely on a weight loss program or a weight management program can affect your immune system. In fact, those on a diabetes nutrition plan need to include immunity boosting foods as diabetes may weaken the immune system.
Immune system consists of cells, tissues, organs, and proteins. When a pathogen encounters the immune system, it triggers an immune response. Antibodies are released by the immune system which kill the pathogens. The key to maintaining a healthy and strong immune system is to eat fresh and real food. Here are a few foods that can help in boosting the immune system:
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Fruits and Vegetables: They are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are natural nutrients to boost the immune system. Antioxidants present in fruits & vegetables protect the tissues from damage and help in reducing the wear and tear on the body. The greaternumber of coloured fruits and vegetables one consumes, more are the immunity boosting nutrients a person gets. Aim to incorporate atleast 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
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Nuts and Seeds: Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and seeds like sunflower, watermelon, flax, etccontain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that improves immunity. They fight the free radicals that damage cells.
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Green Tea: Green tea contains flavonoids which tend to strengthen the immune system.
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Kefir: A fermented drink, kefirbased on some studies boosts the immune system by encouraging the growth of the good bacteria or probiotics and reducing inflammation.
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Spices: Garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon are all spices known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus helping in increasing immunity.
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Garlic: It strengthens and boosts the immune system as it contains anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It increases antibody production by stimulating the immune cells.
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Curd: This fermented food is a rich source of probiotics or good bacteria which fight against the bad bacteria to keep the stomach infections away. Opt for the unsweetened variety.
Besides, engaging in regular physical activity helps in increasing the white blood cells that fight infection. Also, quitting smoking is the best for your immune system. And, finally, managing stress can help immunity as chronic stress can weaken the immune system.
To sum it up, seeing an experienced and qualified weight loss nutritionist as part of a weight loss program will ensure you lose weight healthily without compromising on your overall immunity.