Boosting your immune system can be one of the most important things you do for yourself. The immune system protects the body from pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. It also fights off foreign substances, such as pollen or dust mites, that may enter our bodies. If you want to keep your immune system strong and ready to fight off any illness before it happens, including colds and flu (often caused by viruses), look no further than these seven foods that have been shown to boost your immunity!
Garlic
Garlic is a great immune system booster and natural antibiotic. It can help with colds, flu, and other infections. Garlic also helps with blood pressure by lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
It is also rich in manganese, vitamin B6, selenium, and iron. Garlic can help prevent the development of certain types of cancer by activating the body's immune system.
Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with joint pain, muscle aches, and other inflammatory conditions. Ginger also has been shown to have an analgesic effect on the body, which can reduce pain from injury or illness.
Ginger has long been used as an effective remedy for pregnant women's nausea, motion, and morning sickness. Ginger contains active compounds called gingerols, which inhibit prostaglandin synthesis (prostaglandins are chemicals produced by the body that cause inflammation).
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. It also helps to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and even heart disease risk.
If you want to add cayenne pepper to your diet but don't want it spicy enough for people who like their food hot (or if you're not into spicy), there are ways around this! You can use cayenne powder instead of regular paprika in recipes that call for paprika--it will give them a similar color without any heat.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that Native Americans have used for centuries. It's known to boost the immune system and help fight colds and flu, but it also has some surprising benefits.
Echinacea can be used to ease the symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever or seasonal rhinitis (a runny nose). In one study on patients with nasal polyps (benign growths in your nasal passages), researchers found that taking echinacea extract daily reduced swelling in their nasal cavities by up to 50 percent after six months of treatment.
The active ingredient in echinacea is called caffeoylquinic acid esters (CQAE), which are believed to be responsible for many of its beneficial effects on our bodies defense systems against infections like colds.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has many health benefits, including boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation.
Cilantro contains antioxidants that help protect your body from free radical damage caused by environmental toxins, UV rays, or oxidative stress caused by exercise. These antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The phytochemicals found in cilantro include lutein (which protects against macular degeneration), beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), zeaxanthin (an antioxidant), and vitamins C, A, and K, as well as iron, potassium manganese.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for thousands of years. It's rich in curcumin, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric helps reduce inflammation and can be an alternative treatment for arthritis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
- They are lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease. Studies show that curcumin may prevent colon cancer cells from growing up to 50% and lowering cholesterol levels by about 30%. Other studies suggest that turmeric could help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by regulating insulin production in the body (1)
- Relieving arthritis pain. Research shows that curcumin reduces pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (2)
Additionally, you can use turmeric to improve digestion since it contains gingerol, which acts as a carminative agent (3)
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can be used as an alternative to antibiotics to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Because oregano oil has antimicrobial properties, it can also treat digestive problems like ulcers and diarrhea by killing harmful bacteria in your gut.
Boost your immune system with these natural supplements.
- Natural supplements are better than synthetic ones.
- Natural supplements are more effective than synthetic ones.
- Natural supplements are cheaper than synthetic ones.
- Natural supplements have fewer side effects than synthetic ones, and they're better for the environment, too!
Conclusion
There are many ways to boost your immune system. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and exercising are just a few of them. Incorporating some or all of these tips into your daily routine can help keep your body strong and ready for anything!
