With cold and flu season around the corner, it’s not a bad idea to start building up your immunity now. And while many are proponents of the flu shot (especially for the vulnerable including children and seniors), you have other choices.
Food and a healthy diet can be your first line of defense in fighting off nasty flu bugs. Check out these recommendations courtesy of Prevention magazine.
Beef: Zinc in your diet is very important for the development of white blood cells, the intrepid immune system cells that recognize and destroy invading bacteria, viruses, and assorted other bad guys. A 3-oz serving a beef (think civilized portions, here) provides about 30 percent of what your recommended daily allowance. Other recommendations are zinc-rich oysters, fortified cereals, pork, poultry, yogurt, or milk.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A that help fortify your skin – the largest organ and the first line of defense against undesirable. Sweet potatoes pack Vitamin A which is important when it comes to protection.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells and make them more aggressive. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms allegedly pack the biggest punch.
Tea: We’ve all heard about the alleged antioxidant abilities of tea and some researchers say tea contains even more antioxidants than fruit or vegetables.
Kefir: Drinking a fermented milk drink called kefir may be just what the doctor ordered in terms of keeping healthy bacteria in your gut. Along with yogurt, kefir can enhance your immune response system and overall health.
Have you tried any of these foods to help boost immunity? Do you ever notice a slight jolt in energy after eating certain foods while under the weather? If so, let us know.