Time to Ramp Up Your Immune System
By Sandy Schroeder
We all know we need a strong immune system as we deal with the flu season, pandemic issues and a host of fresh fall challenges.
Easy Health Options suggests we boost the immune system with key choices in foods. Check the list and see what you might add to your daily diet.
Put yogurt to work - Maintain a healthy balance in the bacteria that live in your digestive system to protect your immune system. Enjoy yogurt for breakfast with fresh berries, or as a dip with dill and chopped cucumbers. Add peanut butter and dark chocolate powder for a healthy dessert.
Snack on almonds - Or serve them in smoothies, fruit salads, or mixed with green beans or wild rice. Or bake with almond flour or use almond butter. They are loaded with Vitamin E and they scavenge free radicals as they strengthen the immune system.
Arm yourself with spinach - This powerhouse vegetable provides a strong dose of Vitamin C, plus antioxidants and beta carotene to increase immune cell numbers to fight off whatever comes around. Grill with salmon, mix into a morning omelet or add to your favorite soups and salads.
Choose chicken for protein - The peak antibody production fights off infection. High levels of Vitamin B6 help make healthy new red blood cells to modulate your immune system and scavenge pathogens. Serve chicken in soup or bake with your favorite sauces.
Add a touch of ginger - Get antioxidants to scavenge free radicals that can damage cells and anti-inflammatory support to create a healthy immune response. Enjoy ginger cookies, tea or fix ginger chicken.
Fight the flu and colds with citrus - Get that powerhouse dose of Vitamin C with grapefruit, oranges, lemons and tangerines as you fight off infection. Enjoy them as snacks and use lemon juice in your salads and cooking.
Choose oysters and shellfish - They provide the high levels of zinc that we need to produce immune cells. Get more zinc with cashews, chickpeas and whole grains.
Add some carrots - Get the Vitamin A you need to reduce the risk of infection. Shred them into meatloaf, add them to soups and salads or bake them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Get additional Vitamin A from liver, squash, broccoli or cantaloupe.
Balance your immune system with flaxseed - Boost your body's infection-fighting T-cells. Bake with flaxseed or mix it into your morning bowl of oats.
Keep looking for more ways to use these foods to power through fall and winter.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.