An improper diet being the
primary cause for illnesses and
infections. Yet, whenever the flu season strikes, the only preventive measures
that people take are medicinal immune boosters for improved immunity.
Many nutritionists believe that a poor diet
devoid of essential nutrients is what weakens our immunity. These nutrients
also have a strong impact on a person's vascular system through which major
infection fighting cells travel. Some of the best foods that act as natural
immune boosters are:
# Garlic
For
centuries, garlic has been a vital
component of almost every food recipe. But, the beneficial effects of garlic
are not merely restricted to adding flavour to your food. This close relative
of the onion has long been used as a potent immune booster owing to its
nutritive, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Past research indicates that
when used raw, garlic provides protection against common colds, coughs and
chest infection. This is because garlic is a high source of vitamins (C, B1,
and B6), minerals (phosphorus and iron) and sulfoxide alliin known for its
anti-bacterial properties.
# Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids found mostly in coldwater fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are vital immune boosters that help maintain overall fitness. As per dietary recommendations, it is advisable to feed children at least three ounces of salmon thrice a week. This essential unsaturated fatty acids rich food, increases the activity of phagocytes or white blood cells that devour any bacteria present in the body. Apart from this, it also provides protection against damage caused by over-reactions to infections.
Omega-3 fatty acids found mostly in coldwater fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are vital immune boosters that help maintain overall fitness. As per dietary recommendations, it is advisable to feed children at least three ounces of salmon thrice a week. This essential unsaturated fatty acids rich food, increases the activity of phagocytes or white blood cells that devour any bacteria present in the body. Apart from this, it also provides protection against damage caused by over-reactions to infections.
# Fruits and Vegetables
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is another great way to combat any conditions associated with reduced immune response. The sole reason for this is that they contain high levels of immune boosting nutrients like Vitamin C and bio-flavenoids. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. By reducing blood pressure and increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) levels, they reduce the risk of certain cardio-vascular ailments. Similarly, the group of phyto-nutrients called bio-flavenoids protects the body cells against a number of harmful body pollutants.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is another great way to combat any conditions associated with reduced immune response. The sole reason for this is that they contain high levels of immune boosting nutrients like Vitamin C and bio-flavenoids. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. By reducing blood pressure and increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) levels, they reduce the risk of certain cardio-vascular ailments. Similarly, the group of phyto-nutrients called bio-flavenoids protects the body cells against a number of harmful body pollutants.
# Nuts and Seeds
Extremely
beneficial for healthy cardio functions, these valuable sources of Vitamin E
help bolster your immune response. Their main mechanism of operation is that
they stimulate the production of natural killer cells thereby eliminating
dangerous germ cells and cancer cells in the body. Depending on a person's
lifestyle, the daily dosage of these nutrients may vary. People with sedentary
lifestyle and high levels of alcohol consumption may need more than 100-400
milligrams per day.
# Whole Grains
Brown rice, oats, barley and other similar forms of whole grain contain nutrient rich components like fiber, proteins and anti-oxidants. In fact, many nutritionists claim that they provide more essential nutrients than refined grains like white flour. Hence, it is advisable to replace the consumption of any form of refined grains with whole grains to ramp our immune levels.
Brown rice, oats, barley and other similar forms of whole grain contain nutrient rich components like fiber, proteins and anti-oxidants. In fact, many nutritionists claim that they provide more essential nutrients than refined grains like white flour. Hence, it is advisable to replace the consumption of any form of refined grains with whole grains to ramp our immune levels.
