Supporting Your Immune System with Food

Your immune system is responsible for keeping you healthy by protecting you from illnesses and diseases. A healthy immune system will reduce your chances of getting sick even during peak flu and allergy seasons. If you do get sick, a stronger immune system can lessen your symptoms and get you back to feeling better, faster. If you want to support your immune system look to foods with specific vitamins that will do just that. Let’s explore some of your options.

The most well-known vitamin that works to support your immune system is vitamin C. Some examples of foods you should look for that are rich in vitamin C include oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, and strawberries. Notice that all those examples are from the fruit and vegetable food groups. Vitamin C is not really found in meats, but you can get a good helping of it from eggs and liver.

Zinc is another good mineral that helps support your immune system. Plentiful amounts of zinc can be found in meats like beef, pork, and dark meat chicken. Zinc can also be found in whole grains, nuts and dairy products. Dark chocolate is a sweet source of zinc, but always consume sugars in moderation.

Speaking of dark chocolate, it is also a good source for another immune system supporter– iron. Iron can be found in foods like turkey, spinach, lentils, legumes, raisins, peas, and potatoes to name a few.

These are just three examples of vitamins and minerals that will support a healthy immune system. Foods that have essential vitamins and minerals work to help support your body function in many differing ways. In fact, many of the foods listed above contain more than one essential vitamin or mineral that will help support a healthy you beyond just your immune system. It all comes down to a healthy balanced diet.