Have you been wondering about how to boost your immunity? Our immune system is designed to protect the body against disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. A healthy body relies on a strong immune system to safeguard it against illness.
Today we will be reading about 7 ways to naturally boost your immune system. Can eating citrus fruits help? Do ginger shots or a turmeric latte really help? We’re talking all that AND more...
#1 Eat Citrus Fruits
The first step towards building a stronger immunity is to increase your intake of vitamin C-rich foods. Citrus fruits like lemon and orange contain vitamin C. This is needed by your body to fight off disease-causing pathogens. Citrus is rich in plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. These compounds include more than 60 types of carotenoids, flavonoids, and essential oils. All of these compounds add health benefits and boost immunity. Don’t worry, if you hate the taste of limes. There are other citrus fruits you can enjoy. Make a bowl full of salad. This salad will include sweet oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit. Another way to boost immunity is by drinking lemonade every morning. Just make sure you don’t destroy the health benefits by adding sugar.
#2 Garlic
Dislike the taste? Well, you need to find a way to get over it. Garlic has major benefits. You need to build a strong immune system to be able to fight against infections. Garlic has medicinal properties that can play an important role in boosting immunity. Besides active sulfur compounds, this nutritious spice contains allicin, diallyl disulfide, and s-allyl cysteine. Garlic is particularly rich in nutrients like Vitamin C, selenium, and fiber. Sulfurous compounds present in garlic boost immunity by fighting against foreign bodies that cause chronic illness and infections. It breaks off cell-to-cell communication in disease-causing bacteria. Your immune system gets compromised when your body is dealing with chronic diseases like hypertension. These conditions can further cause life-threatening cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Studies have found that garlic has a positive impact on reducing blood pressure. One particular piece of research concluded that high doses of garlic were just as effective as the drug Atenolol in reducing blood pressure in hypertension patients. The participants were given 600–1,500 milligrams of garlic extract for 24 weeks. It is very easy to incorporate garlic into your diet. You can add it to your soups, pasta, and even noodles. This is one hell of a delicious spice that adds layers of flavor to the dish. Are you enjoying this list so far? Well, this next point will surely surprise you. But before we continue, why not subscribe to our channel for more posts like this, and hit the bell icon so you're always up to date.
#3 Broccoli
#4 Yogurt
Another reason to include more yogurt smoothies in your diet is that they are supercharged with vitamin D, which helps to regulate the immune system and boost the body’s natural defense against disease. So the next time you are shopping for yogurt, look for the variety that contains active-live culture and is fortified with Vitamin D. Before we move ahead, here’s another post you might like. Read this to learn about the 7 surprising signs of Vitamin A deficiency.
#5 Ginger
A cup of ginger tea has many health benefits to offer, especially its strong anti-inflammatory effects on your immunity. In a lot of cultures, ginger is considered a spice of medicinal value and is given to people suffering from the common cold, nausea, and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are tell-tale signs of inflammation, indicating that your immune system is not functioning properly. Ginger contains four important bioactive compounds- gingerols, paradols, shogaols, and zingerone. All of them produce a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Ginger is very effective in calming an upset stomach. It can be safely used to prevent postoperative vomiting and morning sickness during pregnancy.
If you are still not convinced about ginger’s role in boosting your immune system, here’s something else to consider. Experts have found fresh ginger to be effective as an anti-viral substance against the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). You better start including ginger in your diet. Make teas or opt for its dried powder form. Some people add ginger to their freshly pressed natural juice. Ginger shots are becoming popular among health and fitness enthusiasts as an easy way to boost immunity. It is usually topped with honey and lemon, both of which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
#6 Green Tea
There is a reason green tea makes it to every list of healthy foods. It is a rich source of major antioxidants, flavonoids, and important bioactive compounds like polyphenols. Thanks to the beneficial compounds found in green tea, it has a wonderful impact on increasing the activity of regulatory ‘T-cells’. T-cells play a crucial role in the suppression of autoimmune disease and in boosting immune function. Another good thing about green tea is that many of its beneficial components are preserved in all the steps, right from the tea leaves to the final brew you drink. Green tea consists of polyphenols, a type of plant antioxidant, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Green tea polyphenols possess catechin called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which is a natural antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage. Experts believe EGCG is the most effective cancer chemopreventive polyphenol in green tea. By preventing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, antioxidants in green tea shield against oxidative stress. Switch to sugarless green tea and make sure you live a healthy lifestyle.
#7 Turmeric
Turmeric lattes have grown in popularity over the last few years. Ever asked yourself why? It turns out the deep yellow spice absolutely rocks when it comes to health benefits! Turmeric is a plant from the ginger family that is widely used in Asian food for its bitter and warm flavor. It is especially known for its use in various curries. Turmeric gets its characteristic color and flavor from a component called curcumin. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Turmeric is known to reduce aggravation in the joints of people struggling with arthritis. It has a shielding effect on the liver by preventing toxins from damaging its functioning. If that’s not all, turmeric is an immune system modulator. Even with lower doses of turmeric, you can improve your body’s response to infections and antibodies.
One of the best ways to include turmeric in your diet is by drinking it with milk. Add a pinch of turmeric to a glass of warm milk and drink it before bedtime.
Are you taking care of your immune system? Have you tried any of these suggestions to boost it? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. You should never use content in my writing as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified clinician. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if indicated for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog. Thank you.