8 Foods That Can Strengthen Your Immune System
The part of your body that combats pathogens and other harmful bacteria that can cause diseases is your immune system. When this system is functioning well, it can recognize threats like viruses, parasites, and bacteria. Thus, it is important to strengthen the body’s immune system to prevent diseases.
A Close Look at how the Immune System Functions
Your immune system is composed of 6 major components: lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, leukocytes, lymphocytes, and thymus.
These different components work together to neutralize bacteria, viruses, pathogens, fungi, and parasites that have entered the body. The immune system is also responsible for removing these threats.
It also helps identify and counteract dangerous substances in your surroundings.
Because of its important role, it is essential to strengthen the immune system so you are in good shape all the time.
Essential Vitamins That Help Keep Your Immune System Healthy
There are various medications that can help strengthen the body’s immune system but the best way is to boost the immune system naturally. Below are some vitamins that can help your immune system function well.
1. Vitamin A
Food with bright colors such as carrots, sweet potato, watermelon, and grapefruit are high in carotenoids and this component is made into vitamin A when it enters the body. Vitamin A is rich in antioxidants so it boosts the immune system naturally.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the most popular vitamin and it is best identified as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants are molecules which help prevent activities of free radicals. These free radicals are found in unhealthy food as well as in polluted environment. More free radicals in the body would mean a higher risk of developing illnesses.
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is high in antioxidants just like vitamin C. You can find this in foods like peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts.
4. Vitamin D
All the vitamins that help strengthen the immune system can be found in different food groups but not vitamin D. This is called the sunshine vitamin because your body is able to produce vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Aside from facilitating the normal function of the immune system, vitamin D also aids in the absorption of phosphorus and calcium.
5. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is responsible for supporting biochemical responses within the immune system. Vitamin B6-rich food include salmon, tuna, and chicken liver.
Other than boosting the immune system, vitamin B6 also helps prevent heart diseases and some brain disorders.
6. Zinc
Zinc is crucial for the normal growth and functioning of the immune cells like macrophages, neutrophils, and the like.
One of the basic needs of the immune system so it can function well is the antioxidants. Although you can easily get these from fruits and vegetables, there are times when you can’t eat enough of this food to meet the needed antioxidant requirements. So, always make sure that you take supplements such as Organic and Kosher Certified PURE Acai Berry Pulp Puree Liquid to maintain high levels of antioxidants in your body.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.