With a rampaging contagion on the loose, super food immune system boosters are critical in keeping us healthy and support recovery from flus and colds.
Thanks to COVID-19, our new decade’s first dazzling fashion trend is the hip (and life-saving!) “bandit” look.
Vogue definitely didn’t predict this in their Spring 2020 line, but other than face masks and physical distancing, are there any other ways to keep healthy during the apocalypse and to blunt that cursed curve, you ask?
Well, apparently trendy health supplements and fads cannot miraculously transform a weakened immune system into a powerhouse, according to Yale immunologist, Akiko Iwasaki.
But interestingly, he shares that our first line of defense is the skin, followed by the airway passages, and then the mucus membranes. Gives one a whole new appreciation for phlegm!
Any breach here activates the immune system’s production of proteins and T-cells to specifically target the COVID pathogen.
Unfortunately, these anti-bodies are not skilled multi-taskers who can tackle COVID mutations or other flu strains.
With no quick way to bolster an overwhelmed defense and facing a shifty, mutating intruder, we take our good immunologist’s advice and explore one of his proven recommendations.
Immune System Boosting Foods
We’ll focus on super foods with ninja skills in keeping our immune system strong and support recovery from flu strains and colds!
Let’s take a gander at the items to put in your cart, stat!
Ol’ Reliable Vitamin C
Are you tired of hearing about the wonders of vitamin C in leveling up your army of white blood cells? Well, here’s another praise-and-worship moment, which might just make you ridiculously healthy!
Vitamin C super foods include:
- Citrus Fruits
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Papaya
- Kiwi (loaded with key nutrients!)
- Tomatoes
- Red Bell Peppers (teeming with more vitamin C than citrus fruits!)
- Broccoli (this king of super foods bursts with vitamins and minerals!)
- Spinach (also full of antioxidants!)
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Sweet Potato
Drinks That Pack a Punch
The Medical Medium advises that when you notice the onset of a fever or cold, these drinks should comprise your diet to strengthen your immune system and accelerate your recovery!
#1: Celery juice attacks pathogens and is chock-full of vitamin C to boost your immune system at warp speed!
#2: Cucumber juice soothes a burning fever and, all-importantly, hydrates.
#3: Lemon water detoxifies the body and alleviates nausea.
#4: Ginger water contains vitamin C and relieves nausea.
#5: Raw honey served before bed (1 spoonful) or in lemon water knocks out pathogens.
Free Radical Fighting Antioxidants
Antioxidants are important in protecting cells from damage and defend against illness and disease. Let’s see where they can be foraged.
#1: Broccoli is a veritable super food with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants galore, and is best eaten raw to retain these nutrients.
#2: Green tea overflows with antioxidants and supports the production of our knight in shining armor, T-cells.
#3: Sunflower seeds are brimming with nutrients and aid immune system functions.
Feisty Poultry
Chicken and turkey are stuffed with vitamin B-6, which is important in generating new red blood cells. All you need is six ounces and you’ll hit the recommended daily amount!
Protective Zinc
Zinc is essential in immune cell development, immune system regulation, and healing bodily tissue. Without it, we are vulnerable to infections and pneumonia. It can be found in:
- Red Meat (also lamb and pork!)
- Oysters
- Shellfish
- Legumes
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Milk and Cheese
- Eggs (double up with an omelet!)
- Potatoes
- Whole Grains
- Dark Chocolate (best news of the day!)
Variety Really Is the Spice of Life
Of course, immune system boosting practices during this pandemic and beyond call for a balanced diet with a helping of exercise and a good night’s rest!
But let’s not fool ourselves.
We all know that these stressful times are tempting us to risk life and limb to hunt down the really satisfying goodies!
So, how are you keeping your healthy eating habits (mostly) intact these days when carbs’ alluring Sirens continually call out?
Or are their enchanting voices too powerful to resist?
Know that you are not alone!
~Jennifer
Pulsing Thoughts 
I like the pics., very funny. Also the info on food. Thanks for that. Makes the day a little better
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed the Ninja Chicken! And be sure to polish off all your veggies to get in the same fighting shape as that bad-ass—at least that’s what my father always says!
LikeLike
This is great information. My cats don’t like broccoli either… Silly cats
LikeLike
The trick is to add broccoli to your cats’ fruit smoothies and they’ll never detect it!
LikeLike