Your immune system protects you from various microorganisms that cause diseases. These microorganisms are everywhere and it is almost impossible to avoid them. However, you can take certain precautions to make sure that, even when you come in contact with them, your immune system will be able to fight them off. While your hygiene and other lifestyle choices are important, your diet can also help to strengthen your immune system, thereby keeping you from falling sick and even curing these illnesses in a short period of time when they occur. Here are some foods that can boost your immunity.
1. Probiotic containing foods
Bacteria are usually thought to be disease-causing and generally dangerous to our health. While that is true, there are some good types of bacteria called probiotics, that live in your digestive system, protect it and enhance the functioning of your immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Foods such as yogurt and pickles are great sources of these good bacteria.
2. Foods rich in Vitamin A
The Vitamin A content of sweet potatoes, fish and carrots can enhance the immune function in your digestive tract. The gut is one of the systems that frequently come in contact with different foreign substances like, microorganisms and toxins. Vitamin A also helps to regulate antibody response.
3. Foods rich in iron
Foods like beans and whole grains have high iron content. Iron is very important for a healthy immune system and this is evident because, early stages of iron deficiency usually result in frequent infections. A deficiency in iron can cause anemia and a weakened immune system. However, you shouldn’t take it with milk and calcium containing foods because these impair absorption of iron.
4. Citrus fruits
Fruits such as oranges and lemons are high in Vitamin C which plays a major role in immune function. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals that, will otherwise cause cell damage. Also, certain cells in your immune system require Vitamin C for proper functioning.
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