One Big Health Nut

We are in the midst of cold and flu season. And though it is helpful to learn remedies that help alleviate symptoms and expedite your recovery, it is even better if you can avoid becoming ill all together. In order to accomplish that you will have to build up your immune system. And nutrition supplies the means to do just that.

If you build up your immune system, you just might avoid the inconvenience of illness. The strength of your immune system depends largely on the fuel you provide. So what will boost your immune system?

Vitamin C is essential to proper immune functioning. Vitamin C increases the production of the white blood cells and antibodies necessary for fighting off infections. Vitamin C is also responsible for fighting chronic conditions that can affect your overall general health. Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease will lower your body’s ability to fight off other illnesses. Eat plenty of fruits and foods supplemented with vitamin C.
 Strawberries
 Oranges
 Cantaloupe
 Grapefruit
 Kiwi

 Carotene is a common carotenoid. Like vitamin C, this nutrient also helps prevent chronic conditions that can lead to a deterioration in health. The stronger your body, the more efficient the immune system will be. Carotenoids are found in fruits and vegetables.
 Carrots,
 Sweet potatoes
 Squash
 Spinach
 Tomatoes
 Grapefruit
 Milk

 Bioflavenoids are responsible for protecting the cells of the immune system from environmental toxins. The toxins will invade the cells and weaken the immune system. The bioflavenoids prevent this from occurring by eliminating open space in the cell.

 Vitamin E incites the body to produce the cells that destroy germs and cancers. These cells include the killer cells and B-cells. Vitamin E can also prevent or reverse the weakening of the immune system inevitable with age.

 Zinc will increase the infection fighting cells known as T-cells.
 Oysters
 Crab
 Beans
 Beef
 Cereal w/ zinc

 Garlic will also increase white cells and the killer cells in the body. Both are responsible for fighting infections. Garlic will also multiply the efficiency of the antibodies. So add garlic to your meats and enjoy the immune boosting properties.

 Selenium will increase, once again, the natural killer cells and the cancer fighting cells in the body.
 Tuna, shrimp, red snapper, lobster
 Whole grains
 Garlic
 Brazil nuts
 Chicken
 Cottage cheese

Make sure you eat from these foods every day. The more immune boosting nutrition you flood your body with, the less likely you will become ill. And if you are unlucky enough to catch a cold, your immune system will have the ability to fight it off much faster.