Happy March! Did you know that march is National Nutrition Month? It is, and today, I am chatting with Baptist health South Florida about all things nutrition and the immune system.
As we navigate our way through what I hope is the final countdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are still wondering how to strengthen their immune system to fight against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. But like, what exactly is the immune system? You hear the terms “BOOST” and “Immunity” often to strengthen it, but when it comes to actually understanding what the system is, more often than not, we are at a loss.
The immune system defined is a network of cells, tissues, organs and substances that help the defend against infection. The immune system is also the bodies “record keeper”. It keeps a record of every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated so it can recognize and destroy that said microbe quickly if it ever enters the body again.
No wonder we want to keep our immune response strong!
Exercise
Adequate Sleep
Consume alcohol in moderation
Minimize Stress
Maintain a diet high in fruits and vegetables
According to the experts at Baptist Health South Florida, proper nutrition may be the KEY to maintaining a healthy immune system.
Key takeaways from the article include:
What a healthy diet CAN’T do: It cannot stop a pathogen such as Coronavirus from entering your body. Preventing infection and following CDC guidelines are key!
What you CAN Do: Eat the rainbow! Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables of varying colors can help to strengthen your immune response and fight off pathogens. Vitamin C, A, D and E along with antioxidants help to keep your immune system running optimally.
What do the vitamins mean & where can they be found?
Orange Beta Carotene (Converts to Vitamin A): Has been shown to offer protection for lungs and help with immunity. Foods include: squash, carrots, sweet potato, spinach and tomato!
Vitamin D: Important elements to support immune system functions and fight infection. Mushrooms, eggs, salmon, fortified milk and/or SUNSHINE!
Vitamin C: Vitalize your diet by reaching for food high in vitamin C. Foods include: citrus, bell peppers, broccoli, berries
Probiotics: Are the “good” bacteria that promote gut health, which helps regulate the immune system to protect against infectious diseases. Yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut.
Prebiotics: Are the high fiber foods that promote feed the probiotics. Vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, whole grains.
Zinc: Zinc not only helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses, it also helps wounds heal and is important for maintaining a proper sense of taste and smell. Zinc is found in wheat germ, beans, nuts and tofu, as well as in meats and seafood.
Learn more on what the colors on your plate mean, head on over to Baptist Health South Florida for more!