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The way our body works and the various systems that function inside our body is so vast and amazing. One of the bodily system that works really hard to fight off diseases and infections is our immune system. Immune system is the body`s natural defense mechanism against foreign bodies like bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. A strong immune system makes us healthy by fighting off the foreign pathogens that invade our body and cause disease and illness. A weakened immune system means the body`s natural defense mechanism may not function properly and is more susceptible to diseases and infections.
There are various ways to keep our immune system strong and stay healthy in our everyday life. Lifestyle habits, diet, adequate rest etc are some of the major factors that directly affect our immune system. Here are some of the foods that can strengthen our immune system and keep diseases and illnesses at bay making us healthy.
Vitamin C rich foods: Eat a well balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Incorporate immune boosting foods in your diet like citrus fruits and vegetables which are a great source of vitamin C that helps in increasing White Blood Cells in your body. Bell peppers, oranges, wide array of berries, broccoli etc are all rich in Vitamin C that strengthens the immune system. But make sure you are getting the organic ones that are free of chemicals and pesticides.
Medicinal mushrooms: Mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, Lion`s mane, Turkey tail etc or even simple button mushrooms contain powerful ingredients that increase the antioxidant property of the body by scavenging the free radicals. They also enhance the various components of the immune system like increased WBC and killer cells which engulf cells affected by viruses and pathogens. I personally like using SACRED 7 Organic Mushroom Extract Powder – Reishi, Maitake, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Chaga – 226g – Supplement – Add to Coffee/Shakes/Smoothies (Original) in my smoothies and teas and even sprinkle them on my food. If you plan to use mushroom supplements just make sure they are 100% organic and ethically sourced and preserved.
Probiotics: Another immune boosting foods are probiotics like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha etc. They help your immune system by balancing the healthy gut flora in the gastrointestinal system and also by releasing the antibacterial peptides that kill the harmful bacteria in the gut. I always make my own sauerkraut from organic cabbage and add them to my meals. Its super easy to make with very few ingredients. You can also add good probiotic supplement in your daily life. I try making my own probiotics from fermented foods most of the time. Besides them, I also use a good quality, organic, raw probiotic supplement to keep myself healthy from Garden of Life – RAW Probiotics 5-Day Max Care – Powder Banana Flavor – Acidophilus Probiotic Support for Digestive and Immune System – Gluten, Soy, GMO-Free, Certified Organic – 2.4 oz
Bone broth: Bone broth has become another name in the list of superfoods due to its endless beneficial properties. Restaurants have started to serve bone broth instead of coffee. It is gaining a lot of popularity these days as bone broth has become the new botox due to its anti-aging properties. Bone broth contains essential amino acids that are rich in antioxidants, helps in healing leaky gut (breakdown of the lining of the stomach and intestine causing undigested foods and toxins to pass into the bloodstream), helps in production of collagen to promote skin youthfulness and elasticity and healthy hair, improved immune functions, improved digestion, speed up the recovery process in the body and much more. Not only it has all these healing properties but it is also very simple and easy to make. I usually collect the bones after baking the whole organic chicken and throw it in my instant pot Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer with some chopped organic carrots, leeks, celery, ginger, garlic and turmeric with enough water and 2 -3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar from Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, 16 Ounce (1 pack) and slow cook for 24-30 hours. Voila!! There you have, your own super healthy, immune boosting, healing superfood and anti-aging secret in your kitchen.
Spices: Just adding a dash of spices in your food makes them burst with flavors and also give your body a healthy dose of immune boosting properties. Spices like turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin which is the active constituent of turmeric. It is antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic. Besides these, it is also found to be protective against cancer. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which kills bacteria, virus and parasites in the body that can cause illness. The essential oils in cinnamon have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties preventing the body from diseases and strengthening the immune system. So next time you want that extra flavored dish, be sure to add some spices in your food and enjoy the benefits of having a strong immune system and healthy body.