Immune-Boosting Foods

Image from Cleveland Clinic

With Covid, the flu and allergies going around towards the end of the year, it's important to fuel your immune system with healthy food. Foods that are considered to be immunity-boosting have high amounts of probiotics, vitamins and antibiotics to fight infection. 

Foods containing vitamins C, D and E have countless benefits to the immune system. Grapefruits, oranges, kiwis and other citrus fruits have high levels of vitamin C. Surprisingly, greens like broccoli and kale also contain vitamin C. It’s important to intake vitamin C throughout the day and through multiple different foods to get the best results. 

Vitamin E is known to regulate and support the immune system. Nuts, seeds and greens are known to be high in Vitamin E. Eating avocados and spinach can increase your vitamin E levels. vitamin D is incredibly high in salmon, eggs and mushrooms. The primary job of vitamin D in the immune system is to manage the immune system response. 

Beta-carotene is a red/orange pigment found in some foods, primarily vegetables. While it is mainly known to give carrots their orange color, beta carotene converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A works with antibodies to help fight toxins and viruses in the body. It works as a mechanism that protects the immune system along with other vitamins and antibodies. Carrots, apricots and sweet potatoes are just some of the foods that are high in beta-carotene. 

Probiotics or “the good germs” are the healthy bacteria within your gut that fights off the bad bacteria. Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, pickles and some cheese. Kombucha is known to be a phenomenal probiotic in helping with gut and immune system health. 

One of the easiest ways to benefit your immune system is through the new craze- immune-boosting shots. People tend to take immune-boosting shots as a quicker way to get vitamins and probiotics into the body. While they are definitely helpful, it's still important to eat these foods to reap all the benefits they have!

Stay healthy during these last few weeks of school by keeping your immune system strong!