8 Foods that Will Boost the Immune System

What you eat determines how you feel. Our bodies need vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients in order to function properly, so that you can give 100% all throughout the day. However, bacteria and viruses attack and people get sick once their immune system shuts down. Whether your immune system is weak because of stress, or even malnutrition or a chronic disease, the right foods come to your rescue. Let’s see a short list of these super foods that will help strengthen one’s immune system.

1. Garlic

Garlic is a powerful food that  fights off bacteria and viruses. Garlic is rich in allicin, which can be found in the necessary amounts in other members of the onion family. You might not like the smell but there countless ways to use garlic in your diet. Eat it raw on an empty stomach in the morning, or add it in your dishes.

2. Chicken Soup

Cystein, is an amino acid that gets released from chicken during the cooking process, this resembles to acetylcysteine—the bronchitis drug. Cystein stops the accumulation of inflammatory white cells in the bronchial tubes, and the broth keeps mucus thin. In order to further boost its immune power, add garlic and mushrooms.

3. Mushrooms

Shiitake, maitake and reishi mushrooms are the key to a stronger immune system. These vegetables contain the biggest amount of immunity boosters. They help your body produce more white blood cells and makes them active and aggressive in order to fight viruses.

4. Beef

Zinc deficiency is one of the biggest nutritional shortfalls and beef is full of zinc. There plenty of people cutting back on beef (or any red in general). This mineral can also be found in oysters, yoghurt, poultry but in lower amounts than in beef.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Referring to the immune system also includes thinking about the other organs, especially skin., skin is also the biggest barrier between you and viruses. In order to keep the skin healthy, your body needs vitamin A, and sweet potatoes are the source for this. It will contain beta carotene, that will then be transformed into vitamin A and used to produce connective tissue.

6. Fish

Fish, as well as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, are effective and can help white blood cells produce cytokines (basically proteins that help eradicate flu viruses from your body. As a plus, don’t forget that they are an amazing source of omega 3 acids.

7. Grapefruit

Vitamin C, present in grapefruit, lemon and oranges are amazing for one’s immune system. Red grapefruit is high in bioflavanoids, which produce positive reactions in your system and boost your immunity.

8. Cauliflower

Broccoli, sprouts and cauliflower are high in antioxidants, especially a substance called gluthatione, which fights off viruses. They are a an important source of choline. This nutrient keeps bacteria out of your system and the proper functioning of you cells.