Eight Nutrients That Boost the Immune System
8 NUTRIENTS THAT BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
VITAMIN A
Foods that are high in colorful compounds called carotenoids: think orange like carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe and squash, are all great sources The body turns these carotenoids into vitamin A, and they have an antioxidant effect to help strengthen the immune system.
VITAMIN C
Foods with a healthy dose of Vitamin C per serving: along with citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, bell peppers, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, strawberries and papaya are excellent food sources.
VITAMIN D
Unfortunately, foods may not provide you with enough Vitamin D. Sun exposure is the ideal source, but can be tough to come by in certain seasons + locations. Supplementation is often ideal + should be discussed with a doctor. I personally take Vitamin D3 in 5000 IU’s everyday.
VITAMIN E
Like Vitamin C, this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that is a part of nearly 200 biochemical reactions in your body + is critical in how your immune system functions. Sources include: almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds as well as spinach and broccoli.
ZINC
Is said to slow down the immune system response and control inflammation. It can be found in foods like: oysters, crab, lean meats, poultry, yogurt, and chickpeas.
SELENIUM
Has a powerful affect on the immune system, including the potential to slow down the body’s overactive responses to certain diseases. Selenium is found in garlic, broccoli, sardines, tuna, brazil nuts and barley.
IRON
Iron helps your body carry oxygen to our cells – a supremely important action – is found in lean poultry, seafood, beans, broccoli, + kale.
FOLATE | FOLIC ACID
Since folate helps make and repair DNA, it lends to the belief that a deficiency of the vitamin could hamper immunity. Folate, in its natural form, can be found in beans, peas, asparagus, + leafy greens.
