Foods that strengthen the immune system

Foods that strengthen the immune system  

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are in general anti-inflammatory, diminish body inflammation is important for good immune function. Studies showed obesity weakens the immune system, so a plant-based diet can also help reduce weight.

I’ve already talked about cinnamon in another article, garlic, onions, horseradish, ginger, Ginseng, safran,  curcuma, cayenne, oregano, thyme or mushrooms can also strengthen the immune system.

• Herbs and spices

Garlic is full of anti-infectious compounds like allicin, ajoene and thiosulfinates. Historically garlic was used to disinfect wounds and fight fungal infections. The best way to use garlic for immune support is to eat crushed raw garlic! Maybe if you don’t want to smell too bad, choose cinnamon lol!

Horseradish, cayenne and ginger are used in Chinese medicine to help blood circulation. They not only stimulate blood flow and can also kill off many microbes. Oregano and thyme are also full of aromatic compounds (the essential oils that make the plants smell so wonderful) that also have potent antimicrobial action. They can be consumed as a culinary spice or as a tea, inhaled, or taken in capsules…

Thyme contains potent antiviral and antibacterial properties delivered right to the lungs and sinuses. 

Eucalyptus is the herb of choice to clear congestion

Lavender is a calming, soothing aromatic that also delivers antimicrobial action to an irritated respiratory tract

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is probably the most delicious herb used to support a strong immune system. Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat colds, flu and other viral infections. Native to Europe, Asia and North America, it can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions. The blue and black berries, along with the flowers, are used to make syrup or are taken dried as a food. Elderberries are a great source of vitamins A, B and C, and contain a high level of flavonoids, anti-inflammatory compounds that can promote healthy cell function.

Echinacea and goldenseal, often paired together, are probably the best-known herbs for immune support, especially for acute illnesses. In general, human studies have found that echinacea taken orally stimulates the function of a variety of immune cells by stimulating the immune system to respond faster and better (versus killing the virus directly). Echinacea doesn’t have much use in preventing infections, but can be taken immediately when already have a viral infection. Goldenseal contains the compound berberine, which I already talked about in my anti-diabetes plants article.  

Andrographis is an herb native to India and Sri Lanka that strengthens the immune system It can both reduce cold symptoms and prevent cold by stimulating the immune cells to fight off viral invaders.

-              Immunity-Boosting Mushrooms

Mushrooms such as maitake, shiitake, reishi and chaga contain complex polysaccharides that can make your immune system stay in good balance by stimulating an underactive immune system and calming an overactive immune system.

Research has shown that medicinal mushrooms also can help prevent white blood cell diminishment in people given chemotherapy and radiation, and can elevate antibody levels (proteins that help identify foreign invaders) in healthy people.