Can Foods Help Support the Immune System
in Winnebago IL

Most of us may not consider foods in the kitchen when we want to support our immune systems. However, making a few simple swaps to your diet and loading up on some immune system-supporting foods can actually be beneficial. Plus, it can help mix up your meals and increase your intake of important nutrients like protein, performance fats and fiber.

Ready to learn more? This article from the Winnebago IL chiropractors will dive in and take a closer look at a few suggested foods (and supplements) to support immune health, along with which other foods you should limit or avoid.

Note: You should always check with your healthcare professional prior to making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Can Foods Help Support the Immune System in Winnebago IL?

The immune system plays a pivotal role in overall health. In short, it is the body's first line of defense that keeps us healthy.

Switching up your diet is one of the best strategies for how to support your immune system's health naturally. In fact, many foods provide specific nutrients that can help support immune function and help keep you healthy.

Fruits and vegetables, for example, are a great source of vitamin C, which is an important water-soluble vitamin that, generally, supports a healthy immune system. Other foods like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that can help support healthy heart function and healthy brain function. Some ingredients are also high in antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds, which may support a healthy immune system.

Food List

Loading up on a few of the top immune system-supporting foods for is a simple way to promote immune system health while also adding a variety of essential nutrients into your daily diet.

It is really pretty simple. Healthy foods help you have a healthy immune system.

Here are a few suggested healthy immune system-supporting foods for kids and adults:

• Fruits: apples, oranges, lemons, limes, kiwi, papaya, melons, berries
• Vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, kale, cauliflower
• Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts
• Seeds: chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds
• Protein Foods: grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, free-range poultry, eggs, legumes
• Whole Grains: couscous, quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley, buckwheat, Grains from Bear Grains
• Fats and Oils: avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter
• Herbs and Spices: ginger, garlic, cinnamon, black pepper
• Beverages: green tea, kombucha, coconut water, kefir

Try mixing and matching some of these healthy immune system-supporting foods in your favorite recipes.

Immune System Health-Supporting Supplements

In addition to modifying your meal plan, you may also want to consider making some changes to your supplement routine. Many supplements can be used to complement a healthy diet and help support a healthy immune system.

• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Probiotics
• Vitamin D

These supplements are available in our office or at our e-store https://freedlundfamilychiropractic.ehealthpro.com/

Foods to Avoid

Just as important as enjoying a variety of foods that support a healthy immune system is limiting your intake of certain foods.

Foods that are heavily processed and refined, in particular, often contain ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, additives and preservatives, that you should avoid.

Other products like baked goods or refined carbs also often contain high amounts of added sugar, which can take a toll on many aspects of health, including immune system health. Meanwhile, processed meats should be avoided, too.

Here are a few foods that you may want to limit or avoid to support immune system health:

• Processed Foods: fried foods, baked goods, fast food, convenience meals
• Refined Carbs: white bread, pasta, crackers, chips, tortillas
• Processed Meats: bacon, salami, bologna, beef jerky, lunch meats
• Sugary Beverages: soda, fruit juice, sweet tea, sports drinks, energy drinks
• Added Sugar: high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, agave nectar, molasses

Final Thoughts

• Making changes to your diet is one of the best strategies for how to help support your immune system health.
• This is because certain vitamins, minerals and compounds can help support immune system health and may offer other benefits as well.
• In fact, these nutrients can support cognitive function, cardiovascular function, joint health and more.
• Fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and whole grains are a few of the top immune system-supporting foods.
• Meanwhile, heavily processed or refined ingredients are generally considered foods to avoid when it comes to supporting immune system health.
• Enjoy these foods and supplements that support immune system health as part of a nutritious, balanced diet to support a healthy you.

God Bless,
Your Freedlund Family Chiropractic & Nutrition Team