Sunday Thoughts (immune boosting foods)

In today's world, anyone with a keyboard and an internet connection can sound like an expert.

And over the past 3 years, I've read some things that have made my head spin. 

Remember when people started drinking bleach to "protect" themselves from viruses and "boost" their immune system…

Wow. Consuming bleach is 100% deadly.

So, while it might be harmless to surf Facebook or Twitter… you shouldn't take anything as gospel on there.

That's why before I recommend anything, I do the research. I check the facts. And I'm careful not to hop on trends that seem a little too good to be true.

Because often, they aren't true at all.

So as we are starting to see some warning signs about new spikes and maybe some states going back to masks again… I want to cover some ways you can strengthen your immune system. 

Good news is… they're all delicious.

If we need a fancy way to think of this, how about "Jeff's 15 Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System."

First up is a classic…

Elderberry

This fruit is loaded with nutrients called antioxidants, which help your immune system fight free radicals and it may help fight inflammation too. 

Button Mushrooms

They give you the mineral selenium and the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin. If you're low on selenium, you may be more likely to get a more severe flu. Riboflavin and niacin play a role in a healthy immune system.

Acai Berry

Its dark color is a sign that it's got plenty of nutrients called anthocyanins. And they've got antioxidants, which destroy unstable molecules called free radicals that can damage your cells.

Oysters

They've got zinc in them, which appears to have some virus-fighting powers. 

Watermelon

It's not only refreshing. When it's ripe, it's also got plenty of an antioxidant called glutathione. It strengthens the immune system so it can fight infection.

Low-Fat Yogurt

Probiotics, found in yogurt and other fermented products, may ease the severity of colds. Look for labels that say "live and active cultures."

Spinach

You'll find lots of nutrients in this "super food." One of them is folate, which helps your body make new cells and repair DNA. It also has fiber, and antioxidants such as vitamin C, and more. 

Sweet Potato

Like carrots, sweet potatoes have beta-carotene. In your body that turns into vitamin A, which mops up damaging free radicals. 

Broccoli

It's easy to find at the grocery store, and it's an immune-boosting basic. You'll get plenty of nutrients that protect your body from damage. It has vitamins A and C, and the antioxidant glutathione. 

Chicken Soup

There's a chemical in it called carnosine that can protect your body from the flu virus. Guess grandma was right after all?

Pomegranate Juice

It may help your body fight bacteria and several kinds of viruses, including the flu. 

And here are the last few to help round out the list… wheat germ, tea, garlic, miso, & ginger.

As you can see, there's plenty of tasty options to help boost your immune system. (My tummy is grumbling just thinking about it.)

Well, it looks like I'm headed to the kitchen.