Secrets to Boosting Your Immune System

Nutrition has a huge impact on our immune systems. According to Harvard Health, eating a balanced diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables is essential for a healthy immune system.

Here are some of our favorite power foods for immunity:

Ginger

Ginger is an immune system superhero! Its antioxidant properties stave off disease and premature signs of aging. It’s also a powerful antimicrobial that prevents infections while clearing up congestion.

Ginger also promotes digestive health, alleviating constipation and indigestion. This is significant, since 80 percent of your immune system is powered by your digestive tract!

Curcumin

Curcumin has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb in parts of Asia and India, and for good reason. Its antioxidant properties fight oxidative stress, preventing premature signs of aging. It is also an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce fatigue and pain while fighting disease.

Perhaps most impressively, curcumin protects against bacteria and fights viruses, acting as a powerful immune support.

Orange

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, the vitamin C in oranges “guards your immune cells” and aids in the function of white blood cells, which attack foreign bacteria and viruses that could get you sick.

Eating plenty of oranges (and other foods chock-full of vitamin C) can shorten the duration and severity of colds and other infections.

What’s more, their antioxidant content fights cell damage that causes disease and premature aging. Feeling good means looking good, and good health leads to clear, wrinkle-free skin.

Carrot

The nutrients in carrots: beta-carotene and zinc, act as a protective barrier against infection and disease. In our bodies, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, which has a huge role in protecting immune function. And since carrots have 400 times the daily amount of vitamin A, they provide a strong barrier to viruses entering the body. Furthermore, the zinc content in carrots boosts the immune system by attacking foreign cells, reducing risk for infection.

And just like oranges, carrots are rich in all the good stuff: vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

A Healthy Immune System is Your Key to Healthy Skin

We don’t tend to think of the skin as an immune-system organ, but it is! Many of the same vitamins and nutrients that boost your immune system are also wonderful for skin health.

According to the Department of Dermatology at the Oregon Health Science University School of Medicine, the skin is the “frontline of immune protection against environmental toxins and microbes.” Our skin protects us, and is an active part of our immune systems. The more immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and nutrients we get in our diets, the more support we’re giving our skin. And according to Dr. Ben Kaminsky, “If the immune system fails to function as it should and sickness results, dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles can result.”

So get your daily dose of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and zinc for a stronger immune system and for fresher-looking, clearer skin.

Other Ways to Boost Your Immune System

While nutrition is tantamount to your body’s immune response, other lifestyle factors influence the strength of your immune system. Be sure to get plenty of sleep. Implement self-care into your daily routine. This includes stress-reducing activities such as meditation and enjoyable hobbies. And of course, get plenty of exercise.

Immunity Blend: A Delicious Way to Support Your Immune System

If you’re feeling worn down, check out our Immunity Blend. This protecting blend has a sweet citrus flavor, made with real ginger, curcumin, orange, and carrot: the ultimate immune-boosting foods! Mix this powerful blend in smoothies, lattes, baked treats, noodles, and whatever else you can think of! Get creative! Your immune system will thank you!