Want to lower your risk of getting sick? There are two key factors you can control: what you eat and how you move.
Let’s talk “superfoods” – those minimally processed powerhouses packed with micronutrients like vitamins B, C, D, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are your body’s secret weapons, triggering a robust immune response when you encounter threats.
But here’s the kicker: variety is crucial. You can’t just load up on vitamin C and zinc supplements and call it a day. Your body needs a symphony of nutrients working together.
“To build a bullet-proof wall of immunity, your body needs an interplay of ‘harmonious interactions’ between various micronutrients,” says Christopher Gardner, a nutrition scientist at Stanford School of Medicine.
So, what’s the game plan? Aim for a rainbow on your plate. Include different colored fruits and vegetables daily, along with whole grains, lean protein, and healthy oils like olive and avocado.
Here are some immune-boosting superstars to consider:
1. Avocados: They’re not just for toast! One avocado provides 22% of your daily vitamin C and 12% of your daily zinc.
2. Spinach: This leafy green packs a punch with 20% of your daily vitamin C and 12% of your daily zinc per cup when cooked.
3. Yogurt: Probiotics in yogurt support a healthy gut, where much of your immune system resides.
4. Blueberries: These little blue wonders can almost double the number of natural killer cells in your bloodstream.
5. Salmon: Rich in vitamin D, which is crucial for immune function.
Multi-vitamins can be helpful to fill gaps as well, especially if you’re trimming down by restricting calories. It can be hard to hit all metrics by diet alone.
But don’t forget the other half of the equation: exercise.
Even a quick 15-minute workout can boost your immune function. How? Exercise increases the production of natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell that fights infected and cancerous cells in your body.
If your body isn’t strong and resilient, your immune system has to work overtime to fight off invaders – and it might not always win.
Struggling to put together a balanced, superfood-rich eating plan? I’d be happy to help. While you’re mastering the basics, a solid supplement regimen might be a good way to support your immune system in the meantime.
Remember, “The best defense against acute threats is chronically good health,” as Dr. David Katz, founder of the True Health Initiative, puts it.
Your health journey starts now. Are you ready to give your immune system the boost it deserves?