The best thing you can do to
protect yourself from sickness is to strengthen your immune system. This can be
done naturally with immune-boosting foods or with supplements.
Good nutrition is the key to
strengthening the body’s natural defences and helps you to remain focused every
day. When it comes to immune-boosting foods we’ve put together a list of some
of the best. These include:
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi Mushrooms help to
support the body’s natural immune defences against free radical damage. Its
extracts boost the function of immune cells, our body’s first line of defence
against infection. Based on its traditional use for longevity, and boosting Qi,
Reishi is often called the ‘Mushroom of Immortality’. It also helps promote
cellular protection and is rich in fungal polysaccharides, which have
immune-modulating effects. Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine
as a tonic to support liver and heart, as well as an adaptogen to enhance resistance
to stress due to fatigue.
Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms are high
in several essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and lentinan – a
polysaccharide and the key constituent of Shiitake. These nutrients help to
keep the immune system strong. Shiitake also boasts essential amino acids and
has a high content of fibre.
Baker’s Yeast (beta
glucan)
Beta Glucans belong to a
group of physiologically active compounds called “biological response
modifiers”. It is an immunomodulator which helps make your immune system
smarter. It can help enhance your immune system’s response so your body
can naturally fight off infections.
The yeast beta-glucans have
also been shown to support vitality, mood state and general well-being. It may also
help protect against the harmful effects of stress.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral
needed for healthy immune function. It acts as an antioxidant and helps defend
against oxidative stress. Zinc is found in foods such as red meat, chicken,
fish, dairy foods, eggs, legumes and sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
By consuming some or all of these ingredients you will
not only be helping to strengthen your immune
system but giving yourself the best chance to stay happy and healthy all year
round.
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