If you are sick or prone to colds or the flu, you may need an immune system booster. There are many foods that weaken immune system systems and make us more susceptible to illness. These include junk food, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, preservatives in processed foods, saturated fats, chlorine in water, and even honey. If you need a stronger immune system, foods that strengthen it without artificial ingredients can be helpful. Here are some ideas for foods that strengthen immune systems without artificial additives.
Vitamin C. If you have weak immune systems, a small amount of vitamin C daily is beneficial. This includes Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, cantaloupe, salmon, and cantaloupe juice. If you want to boost immune function, eat several servings of these foods a day to help boost your immune system. Vitamin C strengthens your immune system by increasing the number of white blood cells in your blood. White blood cells are important in fighting infections and can lower the risk of infection and disease.
Vitamin D. All infants and children need vitamin or to help with strong and healthy bones and teeth. As we grow older, we also need vitamin d to maintain our bone mass and reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis. Some foods that naturally produce vitamin d are wheat berries, fatty fish such as tuna, walnuts, Canadian salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, and sweetbreads. Some citrus fruits are also high in vitamin c, such as lemonade, oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, and oranges.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can reduce the signs of aging. It can also boost immune function by stimulating the body’s natural killer cells. Common foods that are rich in vitamin e are green leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread, nuts, avocados, tomatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe. Some citrus fruits contain a moderate amount of vitamin e. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin e is 400 mcg.
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Vitamin F. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that helps many of the above vitamins to stimulate immune function. Common foods that are rich in vitamin f include eggs, milk, cereals, fresh vegetables, meats, peanut butter, and dark green leafy vegetables. These foods may help boost your immune system if they are included in your diet on a regular basis. However, it is recommended to take vitamin or with vitamin c to help improve your immune system.
Vitamin K. Studies has found that vitamin K helps prevent cancer. Some foods that are rich in vitamin k are eggs, milk, strawberries, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and onions. These foods may also help boost your immune system when combined with foods that stimulate its production of blood cells, such as those that are rich in lutein. Lutein is associated with stronger, clearer, and younger looking eyes.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C is another important immune system boosting food. One way to get more vitamin c is by eating citrus fruits. Citrus fruits contain acidophilus, which is an important part of healthy bacteria. Some foods that are very high in vitamin c are lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit, cantaloupe, strawberries, and pineapple. The recommended daily intake of vitamin c is 500 mg.
Finally, sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, an essential vitamin for strong bones and teeth. You may not be aware of it, but sweet potatoes may also increase the number of T cells needed to fight infection. T cells are a type of white blood cells that work to kill or neutralize infection. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin c, folic acid, potassium, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, selenium, thiamin, and vitamin A. They are also high in calories, so eat them sparingly as an immune system booster.
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