Primary Care Tips: Foods to Boost Your Immune System

Your primary care physician is a wealth of knowledge concerning all things health. Primary care doctors know much more than how to treat a cold, as they specialize in preventative care and health tips for each patient.

Becoming your healthiest self starts with feeding your body the nutrients it needs to fight off illness. When the immune system is functioning properly, it should be able to subdue most incoming germs. Sometimes, the immune system needs a little extra boost to keep you healthy. Read on to discover the many foods that can boost your immune system.

Foods that boost the immune system

Broccoli

Rich in vitamins A, C and E, broccoli is an excellent option for those trying to keep a cold virus out of their system. Broccoli also contains antioxidants and fiber. Antioxidants help protect cells in the body from free radicals, increasing your resistance to harmful chemicals.

Almonds

Long known as a superfood, almonds are packed with vitamin E. Vitamin E is instrumental in supporting the immune system and contains many similar benefits to vitamin C. Almonds have loads of healthy fats to raise good cholesterol.

Garlic

The healing, disinfectant properties of garlic date back to ancient history. Primary care doctors have been using garlic to fight infections for centuries. This helpful cousin to the onion can also lower blood pressure and slow down hardening of the arteries.

Citrus fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, limes and clementines are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Many consume vitamin C because it is proven to increase the number of white blood cells in the body, an important factor in fighting off bacterial and viral attacks.

Bell peppers

For those who need a low sugar alternative to citrus fruits, bell peppers are a great option for getting the daily dose of vitamin C. Bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as an orange. The vitamin C in bell peppers can boost your immune system and provide the skin with healthy nutrients.

Ginger

In addition to providing the body with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help settle an uneasy stomach. Ginger can soothe a sore throat as well.

Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt has many health benefits. The live cultures in the dairy product help stimulate the immune system to stave off disease. It also contains high levels of vitamin D, boosting the body’s natural defenses.

Green tea

Green tea and black tea are both rich in a type of antioxidant known as flavonoids. One particular type is known as EGCG, which has immune-enhancing properties. Green tea is usually less processed than other forms of tea, which is why it has the most health benefits.

Spinach

Leafy greens like spinach are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, increasing the ability of the immune system to fight infection. Broccoli and spinach are both healthiest when they are cooked as little as possible to retain all the nutrients.

Consult your primary care physician for a full list of immune-boosting foods and to find out which ones are right for you.

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