Foods that Boost Immune System

Most of us are aware of the fact that the human body is equipped with an immune system, which fights pathogens and protects the body from illnesses. The immune system comprises various organs, tissues, cells and cell products, like antibodies. While a strong immune system can protect the body from the attack of various pathogens and prevent the occurrence of diseases, a weak one may not be successful in doing so. As a result the body may succumb to illnesses. In some cases, problems with the immune system itself can be the reason for diseases. Hence, it is very important to strengthen your immune system by adopting a healthy and balanced diet. Apart from the right diet, exercises also help boost the immune system.

Boosting the Immune System

There are various recommendations as far as foods that boost immune system are concerned. All these specially designed diets contain different food items and may be contradictory to each other. But the basic goal of all these diets is to achieve a strong immune system, which can protect the body from diseases. You can adopt a particular diet or a mixture of all these diets, which can provide you with balanced nutrition.

In order to boost the immune system, you need a number of vitamins, minerals, etc. You cannot get all these items from a single food item. Above all, things get complicated with the fact that certain vitamins need to be taken with other vitamins and minerals, in order to get absorbed into the system or to function efficiently. One such example is vitamin C, which has to be taken with calcium and magnesium. But calcium works best with vitamin D. So the diet has to be a combination of food items, rich in all these vitamins and minerals.

Foods that Boost Immune System

As mentioned earlier, there is no one specific food item, which can provide all the minerals and vitamins to boost the immune system. Even multivitamins may not provide you with all the required vitamins and minerals. It is very essential to have a healthy diet, even if you are taking multivitamins. The following is a list of foods that boost the immune system.

• Most types of edible mushrooms are considered to be the best foods that can boost the immune system. Mushrooms contain beta glucans, which is believed to be useful in boosting the immune system by hindering replication of viruses. These compounds are also found in oats, barley and yeast. Moreover, mushrooms can stimulate the production of white blood cells, increase cellular metabolism, remove toxins, etc. It can also help in reducing stress levels and strengthen the skeletal and neuromuscular systems of the body.
• Some seafood, like lobsters, oysters, salmon, tuna, crabs, etc. are also beneficial in boosting the immune system. All these food items contain many vitamins and minerals, other than omega-3 fatty acids, which can prevent heart diseases, arthritis, cancer, etc. and improve mental functions.
• Green tea, which is a rich source of antioxidants, can help in fighting aging, heart diseases and cancer. A compound found in green tea, called 'anine,' strengthens the immune system and equips the system to respond quickly.
• Yogurt is another food item, which has anti-infection agents. It can increase the resistance power of the body and this is due to the presence of live and active cultures in it.
• Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, yams, carrots and garlic can also strengthen the immune system. In case of broccoli, a compound called indole-3-carbinol is generated in the body, during its digestion. This compound is effective in strengthening the immune system. Blueberries can enhance the action of vitamin C, which is believed to play a major role in boosting the immune system. You can also include flaxseed in your diet, as studies suggest its effectiveness in preventing some types of cancer and other diseases.

Above all, you have to adopt some lifestyle changes, like stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. You must also adopt some exercise programs to keep your body fit. Make sure that your diet is healthy and balanced, devoid of any spicy, fatty and junk food.