Staying healthy is an important issue at any time, but during the times of COVID-19, the urgency seems palpable. There are many factors that people consider when thinking about healthy eating. Foods that are heart-healthy, muscle building, full of essential vitamins and minerals. Foods that boost immunity might be a lesser-known factor, but it’s becoming much more of a “hot topic” these days.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge of interest in building up immunity. According to the Harvard Medical School, our immune system works with the help of various systems in our body and they work together. When all systems are “on board”, this can be beneficial to our immune system and our ability to fight off disease. A healthy lifestyle can do wonders for keeping all of these systems “in check”. Healthy eating, exercise, stress reduction, adequate rest. Doing everything we can to fight off getting this virus. Good handwashing practices, practicing physical distancing and disinfecting surfaces in our environments have become a part of daily life. Although the effects of eating foods that boost immunity are not yet known in response to COVID-19, it certainly can’t hurt.
Food Boosting Immunity
When we think of immunity, we want to think about what prevents us from getting sick and/or fight off illness when it enters our bodies. What properties in food help to boost immunity. Medical News Today talks about the importance of some nutrients, vitamins, and minerals such as:
- protein-helps the body fight off and recover from infectious attacks
- fish oil-help reduce inflammation
- Vitamin A-supports immune function
- D Vitamin-helps form immune cells
- Vitamin C-supports white blood cell production
- Probiotics-promotes healthy digestive function
A healthy diet in general helps support good immunity, builds good muscle and joint health and can reduce weight. Following a healthy weight loss plan like the Noom Weight Loss Program, teaches you about healthy eating, exercise and understanding the role emotions play in a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about how the food works on Noom, please check out my article, “Green, Yellow and Red-The Food System at Noom”.
5 Foods That Boost Immunity
Red Bell Peppers
Believe it or not, red bell peppers contain one of the highest sources of Vitamin C-even more than citrus fruit. It also contains beta-carotene which is good for skin and vision health.
Citrus Fruits
People often turn to Vitamin C when colds and flu occur. Vitamin C boosts white cell production to health fight off virus and infection. Your body doesn’t naturally produce this so you need to add them. Think oranges, grapefruit, lemons, lime, tangerines
Broccoli
One of the healthiest foods you can put on your table. Packed with vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants and fiber, its good to have on a regular basis. It’s good any way you get it, but fresh and uncooked is best.
Yogurt
Helps stimulate the immune system and full of probiotics, its great for good digestive health. Yogurts can also be fortified with Vitamin D which is good for helping build immune cells. Check your nutrition labels.
Sunflower Seeds
Full of nutrients, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. Good for regulating the immune system. Also high in antioxidants.
Help Build Your Immunity With Food
In these times, more than ever, we need to put our health to the forefront. Get as many good things working in our favor as possible. COVID-19 is not altogether understood or the ultimate effects that immune-boosting foods might have on it. We do know that there appears to be a link between some foods and immunity so why not. It can’t hurt and may potentially help. Enjoy healthy foods and live accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your body’s immune system is a complex system which works with many body components. Having as many of these components stacked in your favor will help reduce you odds of getting flus and viruses. Eating healthy, regular exercise, adequate rest, reduced stress levels and current medical conditions all play a role in how you react to illness.
Fruits and veggies full of vitamins and minerals are a good start. Green leafy vegetables very high in these. Good sources of protein. Nuts and seeds are also packed with nutrients. Foods high in antioxidants are good to have too.
After years of weight issues, I have finally found the formula of combining healthy food choices, regular exercise and positive behavior change to lose weight for good. Coupled with, exploring self-development, being productive and living simply, I am now maintaining a healthy lifestyle and in a good place. I enjoy writing articles to help my readers to become the best they can be!
Thank you for teaching about immune boosting foods. It’s a great reminder to care for ourselves.
Thank you Debbie. It’s always a good time, but even more so right now.