Getting sick is never ideal. As the weather changes and waves of common illnesses make their way through your community, the chances of catching an illness become greater. Though some people wait until they’re already sick to treat their symptoms, there are ways to prioritize your health to prevent sickness.

Research shows that fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients that improve immune function. By incorporating immunity-boosting foods into your diet, you can give your body the nutrients it needs to strengthen its response to viruses that can impact your health.

If you want to naturally enhance your resistance to illness and maintain a state of true health and wellness, continue reading to learn the best immune-boosting foods to incorporate into your diet.

Jump Ahead:

1. Grapefruit

A weak immune system doesn’t just make your body more susceptible to illness, it also allows diseases to become more severe. Vitamin C has a unique and vital response to infections, allowing your immune system to become stronger before and while you’re sick.

Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C and folate. These nutrients strengthen the mechanical, chemical and biological barriers of your immune system and reduce your body’s inflammatory response with antioxidants.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries may be tiny, but they’re one of the most powerful fruits that boost immune systems. They have natural antihistamines, a significant amount of antioxidants and flavonoids, vitamin K and vitamin c.

Antioxidants help fight free radicals that can cause illnesses like cancer, heart disease, inflammatory joint disease and dementia. Flavonoids are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. They’re known for their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.

3. Cherries

Deliciously tart and tangy, cherries are filled with rich nutrients, including potassium, antioxidants, flavonoids and melatonin.

Inflammatory cells and cytokines are the body’s first response to injuries, bacteria and free radicals. However, when faced with chronic inflammation, this response can cause additional damage to your body and disrupt the immune system’s natural processes. Chronic inflammation can lead to health issues like Alzheimer’s disease and asthma.

The antioxidants found in cherry juice have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation and improve immune system function. The potassium and iron in cherries will also aid your body’s defense system in fighting infection, allergies and autoimmune diseases.

4. Pineapples

Pineapple is one of the most impressive super fruits for immune system optimization. It has 19 essential nutrients, including manganese, vitamin C, phenolic compounds and bromelain.

Manganese is a mineral that fights free radicals and improves bone health. It also contains antioxidant properties that protect your body from inflammation and conditions related to inflammation.

Bromelain is another compound found in pineapple that has a notable impact on your immune system. It can help reduce cancer risk by limiting oxidative stress and fighting heart disease and cancer.

5. Bananas

Bananas

Bananas contain high levels of prebiotics, potassium, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin B6, all of which contribute to a strong immune system.

While vitamin C often takes the spotlight when fighting the common cold, vitamin B6 is just as important in stimulating your immune system. Vitamin B6 is essential for brain development, regulating the nervous system and promoting the body’s response to germs and bacteria.

Similarly, zinc can lead to shorter durations of infections and viruses, while selenium and magnesium promote the production of healthy immune cells. The prebiotics and fiber found in bananas work to improve gut health and digestion, which are key factors in maintaining a strong immune system.

6. Ginger

This spicy yet sweet root has a long medicinal history. From ancient China to today, people have used ginger as a digestive aid, anti-nausea remedy and treatment for colds and the flu.

Ginger contains powerful antioxidants and elements with anti-inflammatory properties, such as gingerols, zingerone and shogaols. Its properties help improve digestive health and reduce the risk of respiratory viruses. Ginger can help treat symptoms of common cold weather ailments, including sore throat, muscle soreness, stomach cramps and vomiting.

Ginger can be found in many forms, such as tablets, teas, candy and sauces. However, it’s best consumed in its raw form or as a homemade tea. If you like the taste of ginger ale, be sure the drink contains natural ginger so that you can get health benefits from it — artificial ginger won’t provide the same advantages.

7. Garlic

Garlic has more to offer than its favored pungent flavor. Eating garlic has been linked to a number of notable health benefits, including improving cognitive health, decreasing the risk of cancer, reducing the risk of heart disease and mending gut issues.

Alliin is a compound found in garlic that can increase your body’s disease-fighting response of white blood cells when faced with viruses. Research suggests that garlic has the ability to reduce the chances of becoming sick altogether and limit the duration of how long you’re ill.

8. Watermelon

Watermelon offers hydrating and immunity-boosting benefits by improving overall gut health. Ripe watermelon is rich in compounds that support the liver and kidneys, neutralize free radicals, promote collagen production and reduce inflammation.

Gut health is directly linked to the immune system. Along with treating digestive conditions, such as bloating, cramping and irregular bowel movements, the prebiotics in watermelon may decrease inflammation that can lead to serious chronic illnesses.

Boost Your Immunity With Mobile IV Medics

Boost Your Immunity With Mobile IV Medics

When your immune system is under attack, it’s time to go on the defense with proven treatments that work to give your body the boost it needs to come out feeling better than ever. Instead of consuming different fruits and vegetables to try to feel better, you can get an IV that supplies all of the necessary vitamins and nutrients directly to your system.

At Mobile IV Medics, we’ve streamlined the process of preventing and recovering from sickness with vitamins, nutrients, fluids and antioxidants that are administered in the most efficient and effective way possible. Whether you’re stuck at home in bed or starting to feel ill at the office, you can rely on our expert nurses to come to your aid with IV packs that will get you back on your feet in no time.

Shop our immune-boosting packages and start feeling your best today!