Foods That Help Boost Your Immune System

In a time of self-isolation and social distancing, you may be feeling like there’s little you have control of right now. However, one thing you can take control of is the food you eat! Certain foods have been clinically proven to boost your immune system and fight the symptoms of illnesses that cause inflammation in the body, so we thought we’d share some facts about which foods can help keep you healthy while you’re staying at home.

Garlic

Raw garlic does more than keep the vampires away, it can also help fight off viruses and reduce inflammation. In fact, garlic has been shown to fight against diseases like influenza, HIV, HSV-1, viral pneumonia, and rhinovirus in laboratory experiments. This makes the humble bulb seem much more powerful than we often give it credit for! Next time you’re considering how much garlic to add to your meal, think about the amazing anti-viral properties it contains.

Ginger

Ginger is recognized for its powerful medicinal properties around the world. It’s shown to be effective against flu, RSV, and FCV which is similar to the human norovirus that causes stomach flu. In addition, ginger is anti-inflammatory, so even if it doesn’t fight the particular illness you’re suffering from, it can help mitigate the symptoms that make your feel so bad.

Natural Yogurt

You probably know that natural yogurt is full of probiotics, but what does this really mean? It means they create a favorable environment for bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidus to grow in your gut, helping your body break down food more effectively and therefore benefit from what it has to offer. Just a few spoons of probiotic yogurt every day is enough to keep your stomach in peak condition, ready to strip food of its vital nutrients to arm your immune system.

Fermented foods

In addition to yogurt, fermented food such as sauerkraut and kimchi are great sources of probiotics. They help balance stomach bacteria while also releasing enzymes that improve the digestive process. If you’re not a fan of natural yogurt, try getting a daily dose of fermented foods. They make a great side dish to almost any meal!

Oily fish

Immune cells are complex. They require a wide variety of molecule types to function—which is why it’s so important to eat a balanced diet. One nutrient that is often overlooked is omega-3 fatty acids. This super nutrient, which is found in oily fish such as salmon and mackerel, helps enhance immune cells making them more responsive to invasive viruses. As the immune response is one of the critical factors in successfully fighting off a disease caused by a virus, they should be your first line of defense against disease-causing viruses.

The strength of our immune system is a key factor in fighting off any disease, so it’s important to ensure your body is armed with everything it needs just in case it’s called into action during a time when there is an outbreak of a disease. While you’re staying at home, why not try making some delicious meals that focus on the ingredients mentioned above? It’s a great way to help keep your immune system strong while also learning how to cook some new and exciting meals. At NetCost Market, we’ve got everything you need to keep yourself and your family strong during this difficult time, so head to our store and stock up on virus-fighting foods!