Happy Spring semester!! Coming back after winter break is always the best. You get to catch up with your friends and classmates and explore the new classes you signed up for. Plus, it’s syllabus week, so you still have some time to socialize before classes get hectic – it’s the best week of the semester! Of course, it would be devastating if you felt under the weather this week, so let’s ensure you keep your immunity up! There are a couple of immunity-boosting foods that can provide you with vitamins and nutrients that support your health. Here are examples that you can easily incorporate into your diet:
- Poultry, such as chicken, turkey, etc., are high in vitamin B-6, essential for reducing inflammation and producing red blood cells and zinc, creating white blood cells – our body’s best fighters against disease and infections!
- Berries are a sweet addition to your diet and can be eaten by themselves, in smoothies, and as a healthy sweet treat! From blueberries to acai berries, they’re high in vitamin C, iron, B vitamins, and fiber. You can’t go wrong adding these tasty, nutrient-packed snacks to your diet!
- Nuts and seeds are nutritious snacks rich in vitamins and minerals that assist in maintaining one’s immune system! They’re easy to eat by the handful, throw on a salad, or eat as butter!
- Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet, one of the world’s healthiest diets. It’s a good fat that promotes heart and brain health and reduces inflammation. It’s an excellent base for sauteeing foods or a delicious salad dressing, and it tastes great drizzled over bread!
- Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are great bases for salads and delicious enhancements to sandwiches! They’re packed with Vitamin C, beta carotene, and numerous antioxidants that fight off infections.
- Spices are easy additives that can boost the flavor AND your immunity! Ever heard of a turmeric shot? There’s a reason they’re so popular! Tumeric, ginger, garlic, and zinc are known for their immune-boosting properties, so don’t be afraid to add them to the mix.
These are just a few simple foods that can boost your immune health. Other easy and delicious options are yogurt, citrus fruits, and fish oil. A healthy diet isn’t the only way to promote immunity – lifestyle also matters. Managing stress, regular exercise, good sleep, and good hygiene are all simple ways to boost your immune system. Make sure to add these foods to your diet to build up your immune system for a healthy start to the spring semester!!