Boost Your Immunity With Nutrition
By Donna Stark
The coughing, the sniffling, the body aches ... it's safe to say the cold and flu season isn't a time that anyone looks forward to, but unfortunately, it's also a time we can't avoid. Luckily, there is something we can do to get through this season as healthily as we can and it all starts at the grocery store. Do you like to eat? Well, here's your chance! Filling your body with as much nutrition as possible is the best way to end the year on a healthy note.
Nutrition Is Key
Keeping your immune system strong is vital throughout the entire year, but it's even more so right now, and a healthy diet is key. So why don't you grab your keys and head to your local grocery store or market? It's time to stock up on the following foods.
- Fruit - There's a good reason why Vitamin C is often spoken about during the cold and flu season. It helps to strengthen your immunity by encouraging the production of white blood cells. Fruits that are high in Vitamin C are lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, strawberries, and cantaloupe.
- Vegetables - Did you know you can fill up on Vitamin C with vegetables too? Some types of vegetables contain nearly double the amount that certain fruits do. Some of the vegetables you should be filling your cart with are red bell peppers, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens.
- Nuts - Vitamin C is only part of the game plan here. You can't forget to get your Vitamin E either, and nuts (particularly almonds) are the perfectly tasty way to do so. And, in addition to the Vitamin E they provide, they are also rich in healthy fats, so fill up!
- Green tea - Green tea is more than the perfect drink to fight those winter chills, it is also a great way to fill your body with the antioxidants that help support a good immune system. Whether you steep a tea bag or add some matcha powder to your smoothies, you can't go wrong with this powerful food.
- Garlic - Stinky breath may be a consequence you don't want to deal with but that bad smell may be worth it if it will help you feel better. Adding garlic to your meals doesn't just add flavor, it can also boost your immune system.
A Boosted Immunity
The best and easiest way to a stronger immune system is through a healthy diet, so fill your cart with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats the next time you are in the store. You can also throw in a box or two of tissues, but by eating healthily, you may not even need them!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.