“Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it”
As I walk through the isles of the emptied grocery store and look around me to see what remains after all of the panic and chaos, I was surprised to see how much healthy food was still there. In the midst of all of the startle over a pandemic, I couldn’t believe that people were still reaching for the junk food, leaving the healthier produce and snack options untouched on the shelf.
Looking back on it, I guess I can believe it. After all, people don’t really want to change that much, do they? As you read the quote above, one that I have repeated to myself over and over again over the past few weeks, I hope it caused you to pause and reflect on how you’ve been treating your body as of lately.
Are you the person reaching for the Bagel Bites, or the person looking to really make healthier life choices? Whichever you may be, try sneaking some of these foods into your diet, and give your immune system a boost – even if you don’t think you need it.
Oranges, Kiwi, Papaya and Citrus Fruit
This one seems obvious, doesn’t it? Eating fruit – or drinking fruit juice and smoothies – helps give your body a boost of Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, which are necessary for your body to fight infection and disease. Your body doesn’t produce Vitamin C, nor does it store it, so it’s important to stock up on your favorite fruits and sip on that Vitamin C smoothie each and every day.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in protein and iron that helps improve and maximize the absorption of Vitamin C. Iron plays a key function in your body’s immune response, and is necessary for your body to create the ‘fighter’ cells it needs to battle with bacterial and viral infections.
Ginger
Ginger works great to decrease inflammation. It takes its place among many other foods and snacks that are high in antioxidants, which is the special component in ginger that gives its special anti-inflammatory response. Ginger is also helpful for a sore throat or upset stomach and has been proven to relieve nausea.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great addition to any diet and is versatile enough to easily sneak into any meal plan. It’s high in Vitamin D and probiotics to keep your stomach flora happy, while also giving you a tasty treat. Mix in some fun fruit like kiwi or papaya and you’ve got the sweet and immune-boosting snack of your dreams.
Shellfish
If you were surprised to see this one on the list, you wouldn’t be the first. Shellfish such as crab, lobster, and muscles have a high zinc content. Zinc is widely acknowledged for its help in healing wounds and fighting infection, and while there are many sources you can get zinc from, shellfish definitely seems like the most fun.
