Best Foods for the Immune System

Most people have had cancer at least once in their lives and don’t even know it. This is because the immune system got to it first and destroyed it before it spread throughout the body. The volume of diseases and illnesses it prevents on a daily basis is astounding. Therefore, squeezing in as many foods for the immune system as possible into your diet makes perfect sense.

Your immune system is an organised army in charge of protecting your health. The stronger it is, the less sick you will be. Human beings encounter thousands upon thousands of bacteria and other harmful living organisms that launch attacks on bodies every day. These range from the germs that live on your pillow to those on the office door handle. In between, there are bacteria from hands exchanging money, kitchen sponges, bathrooms, store products displayed on shelves, remote controls, dirty laundry and the list goes on. If it were not for a functioning system, death would be imminent.

Your skin forms the front line of the body’s defence. It traps and kills germs from the environment with its sanitising secretions. If average skin has great capabilities, healthy, strong skin can achieve twice as much. To care for your skin, make sure you have regular servings of vitamin and mineral-rich foods like yoghurt, berries, kiwi, fish, sweet potatoes and green tea. It’s best to avoid sugary foods and just about any form of junk food. Ruptures, cuts and cracks on skin are an open invitation to bacteria.

Unfortunately, some of viruses and bacteria get past your skin, mucus and saliva and into your body. When this happens, the internal components of your immune system get to work. These include the spleen, white blood cells, antibodies and the lymph system. Their job is to fight sickness from within. Blood is filtered and cleansed of impurities, damaged cells are repaired while new ones are created, and viruses are contained to start your recovery. So which foods for immune system can you eat more of to support this amazing process?

Eat foods that are rich in vitamin A, C, E, zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids and bioflavonoid. High levels of vitamin A can be found in kale, butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, tuna, cheese and apricots. These foods will replicate T-cells that destroy germs. They also contain antioxidants; reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C helps the reproduction of antibodies and strengthens the barrier that keeps harmful bacteria and viral bodies out. It can be found in citrus fruits, guavas, strawberries and guava. Spinach, broccoli, wheat, peppers and collard greens all have the vitamin E you need to protect those cells in your immune systems that kill germs.

Lamb, roast beef, peanuts, dark chocolate, salmon, flaxseeds, garlic, lime, papayas and red peppers are also great foods for the immune system because they contain plenty of zinc, selenium, omega fatty acids and bioflavonoid. By filling your diet with these foods, you can look forward to good health and long life.