Immunity boosters?!

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It’s no lie to say that COVID-19 has put almost everybody in a state of panic. This panic has caused many Americans to search for ways to increase their overall health and wellness. This is because health officials have explained that healthy individuals have a high chance of recovery and survival if infected. From October 20th, 2019 through February 29th, 2020, the word “immunity” had a search popularity score of around 25 (a score of 100 is peak popularity of the term, while a score of 0 indicates no data). However, from March 1st, 2020 to March 15th, 2020, the term reached its highest popularity increase ever; it jumped to a score of 92! And on April 5th, the word hit 100. Ever since its initial popularity spike in March, the word “immunity” has been steadily searched all throughout the US. 

Google Trends: Immunity


What's fascinating about this immunity craze is the fact that there is no single food or nutrient that will “boost” someone's immunity, despite what many people believe and what many products promote! When consumers google ways to boost their immune system, they’re often looking for a quick fix, or a supplement they can easily pop in their diet every morning. In reality, that’s not how our immune systems work! There is no way to “boost” an immune system; however, there are several ways to support a healthy immune system.


To keep it short and simple, the immune system holds the very important role of protecting your body from harmful substances. It’s made up of different organs, cells, and proteins in the body, and as long as it’s running smoothly, you won’t notice it’s there. The human body is complex and much, much smarter than we think. When working properly, our immune systems do a fantastic job keeping us healthy; it doesn’t need our help to boost it, it just needs us to take care of it and support it.


Supporting your immune system begins with your diet. A balanced diet consisting of vitamins, minerals, high-quality protein, low-fat dairy, fruits, veggies, and whole grains is key (for many things, not just supporting your immune system!). External factors that contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system include properly managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and participating in physical activity. 


Looking deeper into the diet - immune system relationship, eating foods that are proven to reduce inflammation (swelling) can also assist in supporting the immune system. Polyphenols are antioxidant-rich nutrients that help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which in turn, help support a healthy immune system. Other important vitamins that are important for the growth of immune cells are: vitamin A, vitamin C, and the B vitamins. Therefore, a diet adequate in polyphenols and various vitamins is beneficial! 


Foods that can be incorporated into your diet that help support your healthy immune system include the following:

• Walnuts- vitamin dense snack

• Citrus fruits; oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit- vitamin C!

• Red Bell Peppers 

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Yogurt


*Frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as fresh produce! Don’t forget to season and prepare them to your liking… eating fruits and veggies can be delicious!*


In conclusion, here are a couple quick tips to support your immune system:

• Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet

• Find healthy ways to manage stress, incorporate physical activity

• Get adequate sleep every night

• Wash your hands! Practice personal hygiene




Other sources:


Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 22, 2020 at 1:43 PM

    I love this post! It is all too easy to fall for gimmicks in the media like "immunity shots." when in reality, most people have immune boosters right in their own pantry!

    ReplyDelete

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