How Can You Strengthen Your Immune System with Food

Food can help you to strengthen your immune system. Our body is susceptible to a variety of diseases. But it is possible to lessen the susceptibility to a certain degree by strengthening our immune system. This can be done by including certain foods in our diet. These foods help to increase the number of white cells in the blood that fight the diseases 

                           

                      Fruits ; Source : Dani Luri Wikimedia Commons

Minerals, vitamins and antioxidants are necessary to strengthen the immune system. All these cannot be found in a single food item. Certain mixture of foods are necessary to get these absorbed by the body efficiently. It has been found that some nutrients help to fight the ill effects of radiation and chemotherapy used for cancer treatment. It would be advisable to use recipes  which contain these combinations of food. For example chicken soup which is such a popular remedy for colds contains the right ingredients for that particular problem. The immune system can be weakened by our lifestyle and environment. Pollution, sunlight, poor diet can all contribute to the weakening of the immune system. This makes the body vulnerable to attacks from viruses and bacteria. Here is a list of foods to boost your immune system naturally.

Garlic

Garlic is a wonder food and an antioxidant. It is described as a miracle food. Garlic contains sulfur which gives immune boosting properties. Sulfur also gives garlic its pungent aroma. It contains an antibiotic called allicin in minute quantities. Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. As an antioxidant it also has anti-ageing properties. It is also capable of cleaning the body of chemical residues of drugs, alcohol and pollutants.

Green Tea

Green tea is an antioxidant. It contains catechins which boost the immune system. It can kill cancer cells without affecting the healthy cells. It also gets rid of the free radicals. It helps to fight against heart disease and obesity.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a probiotic which contains good bacteria. It helps to stimulate the disease fighting white blood cells. Yogurt also helps to overcome gastrointestinal infections. It is recommended for children suffering from diarrhea. Yogurt helps to minimize the ill effects of antibiotics on friendly bacteria. It is a very good remedy for yeast infections of the vagina. It contains lactic acid which helps the absorption of minerals. It also increases the absorption of calcium.

Carrots

Carrots contain beta carotenes which is an antioxidant. It induces the immune system to target cancer cells. It also protects the cells against free radicals. It contains potassium, calcium, vitamin A, B and C. Carrot acts as an antiseptic. It can be used as a laxative and a vermicide. It can also be used to treat certain liver conditions and also as poultice.

Seafood

Salmon, tuna, crabs and oysters help to boost the immune system. All these contain vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. They can also help to prevent cancer, arthritis and heart diseases.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain beta glucans which inhibit the replication of viruses. They are also found in yeast, barley and oats. They help to boost the production of white blood cells and remove toxins from the body.

A change in life style like stopping smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and regular exercises will also help to boost the immune system. Broccoli and cabbage can also be included in the list of foods to strengthen your immune system naturally.