Feeding your immune system the correct foods can help increase its effectiveness. Eating foods that boost your immune system will not only cause your white cells to multiply, but also increase their ability to fight off diseases. To keep your immune system healthy, you need to ensure you get adequate amounts of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a healthy snack that many people eat on a regular basis. It contains bacteria that your body uses to protect itself from infections and harmful bacteria. The bacteria in yogurt, also known as probiotics, line your intestinal tract and protect it from any germs that try to invade. Eating yogurt rich in probiotics increases your white blood count, improving the response by your immune system. If you are the type of person who doesn't care for the taste of yogurt, you can still get the benefits by taking plain, unflavored yogurt and mixing in your favorite sliced fruit for flavor.
Beef
When thinking of foods that boost your immune system, beef would not even be on the radar for most people. This is because many health experts state that your consumption of red meat should be limited. Though you shouldn't eat a huge T-bone steak every day, beef should still have a place in your diet. Consuming a 3 oz. serving of lean, low-fat beef provides you with a source of zinc. Zinc is another substance that helps white blood cells develop, so not getting enough of it leaves you susceptible to infection.
Fish
Shellfish such as clams, oysters, crabs and lobsters are loaded with selenium, which assists your white blood cells in making cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that serve many functions, including helping your body rid itself of viruses. Other types of fish, such as herring, mackerel and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids that protect your lungs from infection by reducing inflammation and allowing more air to flow through.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are a good source of beta carotene, which your body uses to create vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a vital role in strengthening your immune system. Adequate amounts aid in keeping your respiratory system healthy, which comes in handy during cold and flu season. You have to be careful not to consume too much vitamin A as it is a fat-soluble vitamin that becomes stored in your fat cells. Too much vitamin A in these cells could be toxic to your body.
