The best diet for immunity is one rich in fruits and vegetables, as they are full of immune-boosting ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals. Most modern diets consist of a lot of processed food and chemicals or toxins, which bring the immune system down. Adding more fresh, whole, foods to the diet is the best way to enhance immune function and cleanse the body of toxins.
It is best to consume fruits and vegetables from a variety of families. Eating various colors and textures is one good way to ensure that all necessary vitamins and antioxidants are being consumed. For instance, blueberries and other dark blue or purple foods are packed with immune-boosting substances. Oranges have the antioxidant vitamins C, while strawberries have folic acid as well as many vitamins and minerals.
Adding supplements may also be a good idea for anyone starting a new diet for immunity. While taking a daily multivitamin does not replace the need for eating plenty of vitamin-rich foods, it is almost impossible to eat the required amount of fruits and vegetables each day. Some research suggests that the recommended daily amount is far lower than what is really needed. It should also be factored in that most fresh produce is picked and then must be brought to its final destination, where it sits on a supermarket shelf. Many nutrients are lost in the process.
To combat this, taking a daily vitamins and buying local produce are both good options. Another factor in any diet for immunity should include freshly extracted juices. Juicing fresh raw vegetables at home maintains the vitamins and antioxidants found in the whole fruit in a way that is much easier to consume. Juicing three carrots and drinking it is much more doable for most people than sitting down and eating three carrots. Almost any vegetable or fruit can be juiced, although carrot greens and apple seeds should be removed.
Drinking plenty of water is another important aspect of any diet for immunity because every cell in the body is made primarily of water. When dehydration sets in, no system in the body can function as well as it should. This includes the white blood cells which make up the immune system. Sometimes this won’t affect the body’s ability to fight disease directly, but side effects, like fatigue, may set in if the body is working hard to fight off an infection without the proper fuel.
