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7 Foods that Strengthen Immunity

In All Health Watch, Coronavirus, Diet and Nutrition, Featured Article, General Health, Gut Health, Immune Health

Let’s be clear: Science doesn’t yet know of any drugs or supplements that will specifically target coronavirus and keep it at bay.

But a strong immune system gives your body a better chance to fight off any viral infection.

Here are seven foods that will help boost your defenses against whatever bugs may come your way…

7 Foods for a Stronger Immune System

  1. Broccoli. It’s one of the all-around healthiest immune-boosting things you can eat. This cruciferous vegetable is loaded with fiber and antioxidants, which strengthen immune response. It is also rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium…and vitamins such as C, E, and the B vitamins including folic acid—all important for proper immune function.[1]
  2. Sweet potatoes. The superior alternative to regular potatoes is abundant in beta-carotene, which has been shown to boost immune cells and immune activity. Sweet potatoes also contain potassium, which reduces inflammation.[2]
  3. Garlic. Scientists attribute garlic’s immune-supporting abilities to its strong content of allicin and other sulfur-rich compounds.[3]
  4. Mushrooms. One of the best dietary sources of vitamin D…which is important for proper immune system function. A major 2017 study looked at vitamin D’s effectiveness against viral infections. Researchers analyzed 25 clinical trials that included 11,321 people. The study found that vitamin D cuts in half the risk of respiratory infections caused by viruses.[4] [5]

    Also, studies conducted at the University of Florida found that eating shiitake mushrooms improves immunity better than any currently available medication.[6]
  5. Ginger. This root has been used since ancient times to treat a wide variety of ailments. It contains gingerol, which lowers the risk of infections. Studies have found it to be very effective against inflammatory diseases. Research suggests fresh ginger has antiviral properties. It’s effective against RSV virus, which causes respiratory infections.[7] [8]
      
  6. Bell peppers. A single bell pepper contains 170% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. It supports cellular functions of the innate and adaptive immune system. It’s important in the production of white blood cells, your body’s frontline in immune defense.[9]
  7. Yogurt. It contains probiotics, “good” bacteria that keep us healthy in many ways, including by stimulating systemic immune response. Be sure to get full-fat yogurt that contains live and active cultures. And avoid yogurt that has sugar or artificial sweeteners. Add a healthy fruit such as blueberries if you want flavoring.[10]

Eating an immune-supporting diet can be an important part of your coronavirus-fighting strategy.

Editor’s Note:  Discover the single best supplement for stronger immunity… The fruit extract that helps 93% of people with respiratory viruses get better in just two days… The germ hotspot that most of us forget to sanitize. Find all this and more is in Independent Healing’s Coronavirus Pandemic Guide.  Go HERE.

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[1]https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6441/eaau0159

[2]https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2804006

[3]https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garlic

[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/

[5]https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583

[6]https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150416112826.htm

[7]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18814211

[8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23123794

[9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29099763

[10]https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/496426