How to boost your immunity with these superfoods
Certain foods are known for helping boost your immune system and give your body the ammunition it needs to fight off disease. Get the inside scoop on these immunity-boosting powerhouses and learn why you should be incorporating them into your diet.
The wondrous immune system is your body’s gatekeeper, protecting you against the countless threats of the outside world. Its vast network of cells, tissues and organs can detect and identify foreign invaders, and engage your white blood cells to launch a powerful, coordinated response to help you heal.
Fortunately, there are foods that can help to boost your immunity and keep you feeling energized.
Let’s take a look at these amazing foods that can help to bolster your immune system. Give any one or all of these nutritional powerhouses a try, and you’ll start to feel the benefits.
Vitamin C-rich foods
Sauerkraut, Beet Kvass, Kefir, Fermented Garlic, and Vegetable Medley, Rosehips, Camu Camu, Acerola Cherries, Lemon/Lime juice, Liver. They are all loaded with Vitamin C and can give your immune system the boost it needs!
Vitamin D-rich foods
We all know that soaking up the sunshine is an excellent way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. But, did you know that there are also some delicious foods that are packed full of Vitamin D?
So treat yourself to some raw egg yolks, fermented cod liver oil, fatty fish, salo, lard to boost your Vitamin D levels. Make sure you get your animal fats from animals raised outside, barn-raised animals will not provide you with vitamin B.
Zinc-rich foods
Oysters, liver, raw egg yolks, lamb, beef, pork chops – it’s not a long list, but it sure is mighty! Get your zinc filled with these tasty foods.
Animal fats and lots of cholesterol
Our immune system is dependent on cholesterol to keep us safe from infections and to repair itself after a hard day’s work. Studies in animals and humans have revealed that those with higher levels of cholesterol are much better equipped to fight off infection and less prone to picking up the common cold, and recover much more quickly when they do fall ill.
Astragalus root
The incredible astragalus root is an all-natural powerhouse for supporting your immune system! Boiling it directly into a tea is a great way to tap into its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Iodine
Iodine is your immune system’s secret weapon! It not only helps stimulate a variety of cells, but also enhances the dendritic cells that protect you from infection, supports B-cell development, and helps to activate phagocytes so they can better fight off invading bacteria. On top of that, iodine increases the effectiveness of your natural killer cells, boosts the production of cytokines, and even improves your memory cells. Make sure your immune system is firing on all cylinders by getting enough of this essential nutrient!
Food high in iodine: kelp, bladderwrack, sea moss, fish, nuts, minerals.
Last, but not least, having a healthy gut microbiome is essential for a functioning immune system. Our intestines house a diverse range of bacteria and other organisms that can play a critical role in keeping us healthy. From helping break down food, to supporting our immune system, to even influencing our moods, our gut microbiome is an integral part of our overall wellness. So, make sure to take care of your gut and support a healthy microbiome by following Weston A Price diet (if you are relatively healthy) or the GAPS diet, if you struggle with your health.