Boost Immune System: Foods And Diet To Enhance Immunity Naturally

Immune systems can not function adequately without optimum nutrition. Patricia Sheridan, PhD, at the University of North Carolina says, vitamin E is a proven immune booster.

She says, at least 15 mg of vitamin E daily is essential, which can be easily obtained from a generous helping of almonds.

In a study, it was discovered that supplementing the diet with 200 mg of vitamin E cuts the risk of colds, flu, and other infections by 20 %.

What Happens If Immune System Is depressed?

• A depressed immune mechanism increases the susceptibility to a range of diseases.
• A vicious cycle sets in – a weak immune system leads to infections, which in turn causes grave damage to the immune mechanisms and further weakens the immune systems.
• The health of the immune system is greatly affected by poor nutrition, high levels of stress, and no exercise.
• Research states that a deficiency of any single nutrient can profoundly impair the immune system.
• Supporting and perking up the immune system involves, adopting a health promoting lifestyle, stress management, an optimum diet, and regular exercise.

Foods And Diet To Enhance Immune System

• The most important food components to boost immunity are carotenes.
  The therapeutic effect of the carotenes is due to the ability to protect the thymus gland from damage. Carotenes ensure optimal thymus gland activity by preventing harm by free radicals and pro-oxidants. Carotenes also, enhance the function of white blood cells and increase the anti-viral and anti-cancer properties of the immune system. Excellent sources of carotenes are – tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, pumpkin, papaya and mangoes.
• The cabbage family – cabbage, broccoli, turnip, radish, mustard greens, cauliflower, and kale are very good immunity boosters, and in addition, contain several anti-cancer compounds.
• Yogurt has the ability to pep up immunity tremendously. It is a pro-biotic, promoting friendly bacteria, and, at the same time, increases the capability of the immune cells to engulf and destroy invaders.
• Zinc is a component of 200 enzymes in the body. A deficiency of the mineral is seen as increased vulnerability to infections, slow wound healing, and skin disorders. Adequate levels of zinc in the diet are necessary for the vital functioning of the immune system. Excellent sources are – oysters, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, whole wheat, oats, almond, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
• Vitamin C is a very important nutritional anti-oxidant and is very critical to good immune system functioning. Vitamin C increases many different immune system functions, it increases white blood cells function and activity, improves anti-body responses and the secretion of thymus hormones. Vitamin C is found in abundance in citrus fruits, tomatoes, cherries, berries, bell peppers, papaya, mango, goose berries, guava, and chilies. Also, vitamin C or ascorbic acid,fights stress . A study demonstrated the presence of vitamin C in the urine, in increased quantities, in individuals who were subjected to extreme stress, thus, signifying an increased need for the vitamin. Emotional stressors as well as chemical stressors are managed well by augmenting the intake of this vitamin.

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