Preparing for Fall's flu season, especially with Swine Flu (H1N1), a flu shot and endless hand sanitizer might not be enough. Considering strengthening your immune system's ability to fight viruses by adding certain foods to your diet.
The American Diet Association believes by exercising, getting enough rest and following a healthy diet, can boost one's immune system. Here are a few items that can help boost your immune system:
Garlic
Chopping garlic releases allicin, a sulfer-containing compound that houses a potent antioxidants, which protects cells from free radicals that can damage them, making it harder for cells to fight disease.
Adding fresh garlic to sautéed vegetables would be a great idea.
Yogurt and Kefir
Embracing certain kinds of bacteria can actually help your immune system. Yogurt (look for cartons that say they contain "live, active cultures") and kefir, a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains, all have probotics or "good" bacteria.
Brazil Nuts
These large nuts are rich in zinc, a mineral known to improve the number of infection-fighting T-cells that also has antioxidant properties. Zinc deficiency has been linked to decreased response to vaccination and impaired immune cell function, especially in the elderly. But don't overdo it: A few of these provide enough zinc for the day.
Tea
Tea is rich in polyphenols, chemicals found in plant foods that act like antioxidants to protect cells.
Lean Protein
Low amounts of protein have also been found to impair the immune system and have negative effects on T-cells.
Citrus Fruits
Pink grapefruits, oranges and mangoes, are all rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, something our bodies don't produce or store on their own.
Eating these items can boost your immune system and could prevent sickness, but is not a substitute for seeing a doctor, or proper medication. If one is having flu-like symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
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