How Your Eating Habits Affect Your Immune System
Everyone requires a high functioning immune system to fight off invaders and other harmful substances. Many variables can contribute to the effectiveness of your immune system. However, the effectiveness of your immune system depends largely on your eating habits. With this in mind, it is important to understand the connection between your diet and your immune system in order to stay healthy.
It is simple. Whatever you put into your body can either help your immune system or conversely, make it harder for it to function properly. If you are continually eating unhealthy foods, your body will not have the nutrients that it needs to function optimally.
Studies show that proper nutrition plays a large part in protecting your body’s inflammatory response and keeping you feeling your best. Some individual foods and dietary patterns can increase risk of an impaired immune response. Those who consume ultra-processed foods suffer from nutrient deficiencies that can affect immune responses.
How to Boost Your Immune System
Some eating habits can promote a healthy immune system. For instance, you can boost your immune system by consuming foods rich in nutrients such as legumes, seafood, vegetables and fruits. If you are looking for specific foods to add to your grocery list, try these immune boosting ingredients:
Watermelon – Watermelon is a great way to flush out toxins, as it is 90% water. It is also rich in various antioxidants, such as glutathione, which has been proven to help reduce oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals.
Acai Berries – Acai berries are full of antioxidants and are known to help support the immune system.
Spinach – Spinach is full of various vitamins, such as Vitamin C. It is also full of antioxidants that support your immune system and make it easier to fight off invaders.
Broccoli – Broccoli is a superfood. It is packed with vitamin C, zinc, and iron, all of which give the immune system the boost it needs.
Pomegranates – Pomegranates are the perfect food to add to your grocery list. They have high levels of vitamin C and are known to help prevent illness and fight off infection.
These foods are full of antioxidants and polysaccharides that help reduce inflammation and support your immune system.
Make Healthier Food Choices!
You should be mindful of what you eat, as it can impact your immune system and ultimately, how you feel. Avoid eating ultra-processed diets to minimize the risk of a weak immune system and focus on adding healthy foods into your weekly menu. By doing this, you are providing your body with the nutrients that it needs to function properly. Try eating the foods listed above and see firsthand how they make you feel better.
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-and-why-does-diet-influence-immune-function#Can-diet-influence-the-immune-system?
- https://www.eatthis.com/eating-habits-better-immune-system/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/
- https://www.oregonclinic.com/about-us/blog/how-healthy-eating-patterns-shape-your-immune-system
- https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/can-your-diet-boost-your-immune-system-and-provide-better-protection-against-covid-19/
- https://nutritionstudies.org/how-does-nutrition-affect-the-immune-system/