5 Natural Immune System Boosters

There are quite a few foods and natural supplements that are full of immune system boosters. By incorporating these into your regular diet, your immune system will be more resilient to the handful of viruses floating around this cold and flu season. Even better, you will certainly be living a healthier lifestyle.

Below are 5 natural immune system boosters and the foods that naturally contain them.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is well known for being a great immune system booster. This vitamin is full of antioxidants, helps your body repair itself and even promotes healthy aging. Your body cannot create Vitamin C, so it’s important to try and incorporate it into your diet.

Foods rich in Vitamin C: spinach, citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.), bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D increases your susceptibility to infection and keeps your immune system healthy. Vitamin D helps with the production, growth and division of immune cells which directly impact the strength of your immune system. You can absorb this vitamin from the sun, but during the winter months it is important to seek out this vitamin in your diet.

Foods rich in Vitamin D: fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), red meat, liver and egg yolks.

3. Zinc

Zinc is often used to combat the common cold because it helps your immune system and metabolism. This mineral also promotes growth in children, helps heal wounds and fight infections. You can find zinc in tablet form, but it is naturally occurring in foods.

Foods rich in zinc: oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy products.

4. Anti-inflammatories

When something like a virus invades the body, the response is typically inflammation. The best way to combat this is a consistent integration of anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to keep your immune system ready.

Anti-inflammatory foods: fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel), berries, broccoli, avocados, nuts, tomatoes, and leafy greens.

5. Antioxidants

Antioxidants prevent oxidation, or the chain reaction of cells being damaged. With a diet full of antioxidants, your immune system can help prevent and fight off viruses that want to take over your body.

Antioxidant foods: dark chocolate, berries, beans, artichokes, pecans, leafy greens and red cabbage.

There are so many ways to get these immune system boosters, but the best and most natural way is diet incorporation. We also recommend considering Chinese herbs and acupuncture if your immune system seems to be weakened and you’d like to take a natural route.

If you are in the south Denver, Colorado area, the experts at Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center would be happy to help you find the easiest and most natural ways to keep your immune system healthy. Contact us or request an appointment online today!