Supporting immune health is a very important and essential task for everyone. There are many things you can do to strengthen your immune system. In this article, we look at some of the foods and supplements that can be of great help.
If we want to keep our immune system healthy and balanced, we can help by getting enough sleep, getting enough rest, reducing stress, getting plenty of exercise and eating healthily.
Sleep has been shown to boost immune system protection. You need at least 7-8 hours of sleep a day to keep your immune system healthy. Establishing a nightly routine can help us to get a restful, deep and restorative sleep, and limiting our intake of alcohol and caffeine can also help.
A balanced diet is also essential to support our immune system. To do this, eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, lean protein and so-called good fats. There are foods that are rich in nutrients that are very effective in maintaining our immunity. Mushrooms, for example, are a rich source of vitamin D. This is a key nutrient as it supports the normal functioning of the immune system.
Eat as many foods rich in flavonoids, which are also very effective in supporting the immune system. Flavonoids are plant molecules that can ensure the health of the immune system. One such flavonoid is quercetin, which is found in high amounts in tomatoes, onions, cabbage, berries, apples and broccoli. Quercetin also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which support the immune system.
A number of vitamins and minerals can also help to keep the immune system healthy, most notably vitamins C and D, as well as zinc and selenium. Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin and is essential for many vital functions in the body. Vitamin C can protect us from infections, supporting our defence system.
Zinc plays an important role in development and growth, and neurological function. It is also involved in boosting immunity and helping the immune system to respond effectively to inflammation and various infections.