Immune System Booster Foods You Need To Include In Your Diet
Written by Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by
Dr.Varuni Agarwal
Dr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in
diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She
focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
In today’s fast-paced world, keeping the immune system in great health is more important than ever. But instead of reaching for supplements, going natural can be a great choice. From vibrant fruits to wholesome vegetables, certain foods can give your immune system the boost it needs to stay healthy and resilient which is equally important for adults, kids, and babies. Let's explore the more diverse ways to keep us healthy.
Table of Contents
What are the immune system booster foods for kids?
We see the tendency of childrens to lean towards fast food and unhealthy processed food. It harms the immune systems of kids. It makes their immune system weak and vulnerable to diseases caused by pathogens and germs. As parents, it's crucial to cultivate a fondness for immune-boosting foods in kids. A strong immune system not only shields them from common childhood ailments like colds, flu, and fever, but also supports their overall health and well-being. Let's explore some fantastic immune system booster foods that can be beneficial for the little ones:
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Guava
- Strawberry
- Whole wheat grains
A well-balanced, nutritious diet plays a crucial role in growth, development, and maintaining overall well-being. Keeping it natural increases the probability of being free of diseases that occur from pathogens and germs.
Natural immune-system booster foods
Many immune-system-boosting foods are known for their immune-boosting properties and are rich in nutrient content. Here are some of the natural immune system booster foods, as follows:
- Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C, which is known to increase white blood cells in the body and is a key to fighting infections.
- Garlic: It has been known since ancient times for its immune-boosting properties. It contains compound-like allicin, which enhances the immune system.
- Ginger: Ginger has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which enhance the immune response.
- Spinach: It is a green leafy vegetable known for its beta-carotene properties, which boost the immune system.
- Turmeric: Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, which help enhance the immune system.
- Green tea: It is rich in antioxidants and boosts immunity naturally.
- Yoghurt: This is a probiotic-rich food that contains good bacteria that support gut health.
- Sunflower seeds: These are high in vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium, which help in maintaining a healthy immune system.
What are the best immune-system foods for babies?
While considering food to support the immune system of babies, It is essential to follow age-appropriate nutritious options which must be suitable for babies.
- Breast milk or infant formula: Doctors recommend breastfeeding babies for at least six months. It is essential for a baby’s development.
- Pureed vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, spinach, squash, and beans are rich in beta-carotene. It is good for the immune system and can be introduced after 4 to 6 months.
- Pureed fruits: Apple, pear, banana, and watermelon are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and fibre, and purees can be introduced after 4 to 6 months.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish like salmon can help support brain development and the immune system. It can be introduced after six months into the diet.
- Whole grain: Edible items like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Start finely ground grains mixed with breast milk formula or water after six months.
These can be introduced to your babies, which will help them grow and develop their overall well-being while being cautious of allergies. If needed, consult a paediatrician.
Immune system booster foods for coronavirus
In 2020, the great COVID-19 pandemic broke out all around the world. The importance of making the immune system healthy and strong enough to fight viruses came into the limelight. While there is no magic food that can cure or prevent illness, here are some nutrient-rich food items packed with antioxidants to boost your immune system:
- Red bell peppers: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and have more vitamin C than citrus fruits, gram for gram.
- Garlic: It enhances the immune system and is also known for its immune-boosting properties.
- Almonds: These are rich in vitamin E and help maintain immune system health.
- Turmeric: is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is mixed with herbal juices, which helps improve the health of the immune system.
- Green tea: contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants which help improve the immune system.
Conclusion
The immune system is a very important part of the body. Therefore, keeping it protected and healthy is also important. Food provides the ground to maintain it in good condition. The immune system can be boosted in various ways by eating healthy, making great lifestyle choices, managing stress, and staying hydrated, which are essential conditions. The immune system-boosting foods are of various categories, from babies to kids and from kids to adults. And the things that are common in these categories are natural supplements like garlic, tomatoes, beans, and fruits. By inculcating these various varieties, you can boost the health of your immune system naturally and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which foods boost immunity faster?
Foods for boosting the immune system faster are as follows:
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Guava
- Strawberry
- Whole wheat grains
Q. What are the top 10 immune-boosting foods?
Boosting your immune system incorporates a variety of nutrients into your diet. A few of them are as follows:
- Citrus fruits
- Red bell peppers
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Yoghurt
- Almonds
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Green tea
Incorporating these foods into the diet can help support a healthy immune system.
Q. How do you boost immunity naturally?
Many immune-system-boosting foods are known for their immune-boosting properties and are rich in nutrient content. Here are some of the following:
- Citrus fruits
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Green tea
- Sunflower seeds
Q. How can you boost your immune system quickly?
Boosting your immune system quickly isn’t possible, but lifestyle changes can make a difference in improving your overall well-being and your immune system. Healthy food, fresh fruits, and whole grains engage in physical activities be it Zumba or brisk walking, enough sleep, and manage stress with deep breathing can help as a therapy and limiting alcohol consumption can work wonders.