Foods that increase your immunity

With the COVID-19 pandemic taking South Africa (and the rest of the world) by storm at the beginning of 2020, immunity is a buzzword that has been thrown around frequently. The body’s immune system consists of proteins, cells, tissues, and organs which fight off pathogens that cause disease. The majority of the immune system is located in the gut and this means that the foods we eat impact the GI tract’s microbiome. Good gut health is promoted through eating healthy foods, which in turn helps with boosting the immune system.

Here are 5 foods you can incorporate into your diet in order to increase your body’s immune response:

1. Garlic

Not only is garlic great for making delicious and flavourful food, but it has medicinal properties that are beneficial for health. These medicinal properties are caused by the release of sulfur compounds when garlic is chewed, crushed, or sliced. These compounds enter the body through the GI tract, helping reduce the chances of illnesses such as colds and flu, cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

2. Citrus fruit

We’re all familiar with the idea of eating citrus fruit like oranges, grapefruit, and naartjies to ward off a cold. Citrus fruit contains vitamin C which is important for the functioning of the immune system, as well as iron absorption, growth and repair of body tissues, the healing of wounds, and many more.

3. Plain yogurt

Plain yogurt can improve gut health as it contains probiotics, which are considered great for people who are on antibiotics as they alleviate the symptoms caused by them. Added to that, the probiotics in plain yogurt reduce inflammation and can also reduce the frequency and severity of catching a cold.

4. Chicken soup

Chicken soup is an old-school favourite. Chances are your grandmother made you chicken soup anytime you were sick with a cold or the flu. You may be wondering how chicken soup can actually help your immune system, but don’t fret, it’s not just an old wives’ tale.

Chicken soup is said to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate symptoms of illnesses such as the common cold. Chicken is also abundant in B-6, which is vital for the creation of healthy red blood cells and a well-functioning metabolism. In addition to this, chicken soup can aid with healing the gut as it contains gelatin and because over 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, chicken soup can be beneficial for the body’s immune system.

5. Spinach

Spinach is high in vitamin C and if you’ve been paying attention, you know that vitamin C is essential for the functioning of the immune system. Added to that, spinach is filled with antioxidants, folic acid, iron, vitamin A, and a pigment called beta carotene, all of which are good for the immune system.

Consider incorporating the above 5 foods into your diet to aid your body’s immune system. 

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute as medical advice and serves only as a source of information.