The Best Foods For Immunity
Your immune system is an advanced, strong, complex network of cells and organs that is always working to protect the body from injury and illness. It’s pretty badass if you ask us - and it works constantly to keep us alive and well and full of energy and vitality.
As we pay attention to prioritizing our health, especially our immunity, our first focus is food:
We believe an organic, non-GMO, plant-based, whole-food diet is our first line of defense. Envision your pantry (and fridge) as your medicine cabinet. The right kind of food not only nourishes our bodies, but also acts as health enhancing medicine. Roughly 70% of our immune system lives in our gut and we can feed the billions of beneficial bacteria for optimal performance. The more you can foster a healthy microbiome by eating lots of plant fiber, the happier your gut will be - allowing your body to fight disease with a healthy and strong immune system. Add in probiotics, superfoods and adaptogens to energize and promote balance and you will be fueling your immunity super power.
Remember that stress and poor sleep compromise the immune system - so breathe deeply, exercise every day, and get your zzz's!
The Best Foods For Immunity:
Broccoli to the rescue! A UCLA study showed sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, can enhance and support some immune cells that fight free radicals in the body. Broccoli is also high in zinc and iron, plus an array of energy promoting B Vitamins.
Sweet Potatoes are one of the richest natural sources of of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A in your body and is effective in fighting free radicals. This helps boost he immune system and may even improve the aging process.
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and is rich in antioxidants. Ginger can reduce cold and flu symptoms, as well as indigestion, stomach aches, headaches, and sore throats. Other spices like garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, thyme and cayenne pepper also pack an immunity boosting punch! Teas, shakes and tonics are a great way to add these immune boosting spices to your diet. We have Recipes Here.
Grapefruit is incredibly ripe with vitamins A, C, and E—the vitamin trifecta known to boost immunity. Did you know that one whole grapefruit has over 70 mg of vitamin C? All citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal.
Fermented Foods, we are obsessed with them. To boost health and immunity, add a scoop or two of fermented foods to your diet to feed your gut the probiotics it needs to function optimally. Sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vineagar, miso or coconut yogurt are all great ways to get your dose.
Millet is a super-grain. It's incredibly mineral-rich - an excellent source of phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. Zinc is an immunity super star that helps fight free radicals, regulates immunity and controls inflammation in the body.
Mushrooms have antiviral properties that help strengthen the body against viruses like cold and flu. Reishi, chaga turkey-tail, lion's mane and cordyceps are known as medicinal mushrooms (not to be confused with hallucinogenic magic mushrooms!) They contain beta-glucans (a type of carbohydrate) which have been shown to enhance immune response. Each mushroom is distinct and carries it's own medicinal benefits. We love Four Sigmatic for immune boosting mushroom blends.
Matcha Green Tea has one the highest antioxidant values of any ingredient found in nature, including the ultra powerful epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which is known to enhance immune function and fight against cancer. Green tea is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T cells.