Are You Supporting Your Immune System?

November 4, 2020 2:52 pm Published by

Healthy eating supports your immune system.

The immune system is a complex network of cells, organs and tissues that help the body fight off infections and diseases. Everyone has an immune system, but some people’s immune systems are weaker than others due to issues that range from cancer to HIV to autoimmune disorders. When your immune system doesn’t work as well as it should, you’re at risk for minor and potentially deadly health conditions. Since COVID-19 spreading in our community, learn what you can do to keep your immune system as strong as possible.

Support your immune system by following a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking, eat healthier, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and develop stress management skills. Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands and wearing a mask when out in public, also aid in preventing harmful illnesses.

Learn more: Eating Right All Year

Support Your Immune System

Fruits and Veggies

These fruits and vegetables may help your immune system work to the best of its ability.

Citrus fruits—Grapefruit and oranges are both high in vitamin C, which is known to increase the production of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells are key to fighting infections.

Red bell peppers—These delicious veggies contain three times as much vitamin C as oranges and are a great source of beta carotene, which is useful for maintaining healthy skin.

Broccoli—This veggie is supercharged with vitamins A, C and E and is considered one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.

Garlic—This immune-boosting veggie has a high concentration of sulfur-containing compounds and is recognized for its value in fighting infections.

Papayas and kiwi—These tropical fruits are loaded with vitamins C, K and E and also have digestive enzymes known for reducing inflammation.

If you’re interested in learning more about optimizing your health through diet, the Magnolia Regional Health Center Food and Nutrition Services department offers outpatient nutrition counseling.

Boosting Your Child’s Immune System

It’s normal for your child to develop some minor illnesses over the years, and it’s not uncommon for kids to get eight or more colds each year. While there is no definitive way to keep your child from getting sick, these steps may help your child stay as healthy as possible.

Breastfeed infants. Breast milk contains antibodies and white blood cells that can help prevent colds and other illnesses.

Serve more fruits and veggies. Studies show that when your child’s diet is rich in nutrients, it offers some long-term protection against diseases like cancer and heart disease in adulthood.

Help them get the right amount of sleep. Sleep deprivation has been known to reduce natural killer cells, which help limit the spread of tumors and some infections. Make sure your child gets at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Exercise together. Encourage family-fun activities like hiking, biking and swimming. While it’s not proven that exercise plays a role in helping you prevent illness, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says that exercising might flush bacteria out of the airways and lungs, potentially lowering your risk of developing some respiratory illnesses.

The Immune System and Coronavirus

With the pandemic threatening global health, it’s important to understand that no supplement, diet or lifestyle change has been proven to protect you from COVID-19. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness due to COVID-19. Take steps now to be as healthy as possible.

If you have questions about your immune system or your general health, a primary care provider (PCP) is your best source for information. To find a PCP, visit care.mrhc.org/primary-care or call (662) 664-5181.

 

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center