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.
Let's get started
Request an appointment here: https://hoadly.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Manassas at (703) 673-1558 for an appointment in our Manassas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Primary Care in Manassas, VA.
Recent Posts
There could be instances when a common cold could become a more serious disease. This often happens when your immune system weakens. Going to the local urgent care clinic might be in order. If you want to know the different complications that can develop from a common cold, here are the details.A common cold is…
The common cold can make anybody miserable. You can prevent this by taking zinc. This element can slow down the cold’s development. If you want to know how zinc can help you face the common cold, here are the details.Studies showed that zinc supplements can help prevent sickness in people. Researchers also showed that zinc…
If you recently had the common cold, you are hardly alone. This is likely the most frequent illness that medical professionals treat and that people deal with. The symptoms can range from minor to severe and everywhere in between. You may recover fully within a couple of days, or the cold may hang on for…
It should not surprise you if you get the common cold this year. The illness is appropriately named; it may be the most common sickness that people encounter. Just about anyone is familiar with colds and what this condition feels like. There are many symptoms and effects, including the production of mucus. However, this should…