Preparations supporting the immune system

Immunity from the gut

The conviction that immunity largely comes from the stomach, and actually from the intestines, has become firmly entrenched in our heads. The large number of adverts promoting probiotic yoghurts have made consumers aware that what we put on our plates directly affects our health and immune system. It is certainly the case that the gut, and an appropriate bacterial flora in the gut, have a huge impact on the immune system.

A healthy diet is the basis

The basis for good health and well-being is a healthy and balanced diet. And this does not mean following the latest fads or simply comparing the food pyramid from old biology textbooks with the latest trends. Plenty of vegetables and fruit, as fresh as possible, cereal products, fish, eggs, dairy products, meat and the avoidance of fast foods and processed foods are now the solid foundations for a healthy diet. However, during flu outbreaks or colds it is worth placing more emphasis on ingredients that have immune-boosting properties.

The most important of these are:

Fish – containing vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.

Probiotics – supporting good intestinal flora. Natural probiotic products include: kefir, buttermilk, sauerkraut and fermented cucumbers.

Raspberries – these have high levels of vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, and Beta carotene, which is a strong antioxidant.

Products containing zinc – low levels of zinc lowers immunity due to a decrease in the number of T-cells, which protect the immune system. Zinc can be found in garlic, almonds, wild rice, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, white beans, cocoa, and sunflower seeds.

Oregano – an antioxidant displaying antiviral functions and a natural antibiotic.

Green tea – a powerful antioxidant with immune-enhancing properties.

Cruciferous vegetables: cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli – these all contain glucosinolates.

Choose what is good for you

The list of products supporting the immune system doesn’t end here. The benefits of nature do not end with the traditional inclusion of lemon and garlic in our diets, although they should also certainly be regular ingredients in our kitchen. Supporting our immune system should be a good habit and the easiest way to do this is by eating what suits us the most. That is why it is worth becoming familiar with the different treasures of nature available to us and choosing what’s best for ourselves.