Give those white blood cells some live ammo!
In these uncertain times, one of the best things you can do is keep your immune system in fighting shape. When disease comes knocking, you want your neutrophils to seek and destroy it with extreme prejudice. To that end, there are certain foods you can eat that’ll give your white blood cells a little extra firepower to work with. We’ve already talked about the benefits of citrus fruits and vitamin C, but there are a few more options.
First, vegetables. Not just any vegetables, either. You want the really pungent stuff. Spinach, kale, cabbage, onions, and garlic, to name a few. Studies show that the non-starchy stuff is great for building immune strength. Yeah, your breath might stink a bit, but it’s not like you’re going to any parties right now. On that note, you’ll also want some fermented stuff like sauerkraut and kimchi, preferably without added sugar. Fermented foods power up your microbiome, which makes you harder to infect.
Secondly, protein. When viruses attack, your body needs protein reserves to rebuild its cellular structure. You know the drill; meat, fish, and poultry. If meat’s off the table, then you’ll want gluten-free grains and legumes. Beans, beans, the musical fruit, baby.
Finally, you’ll want vitamin A and antioxidants. Vitamin A is an anti-inflammatory agent, good for enhancing your immune functions, while antioxidants fight off diseases and help you recover faster. For vitamin A, try sweet potatoes and squash. For antioxidants, a cup of fresh mixed berries will do you fine.
