Our body is amazing!!! Our body is designed to adapt to challenges. It's designed to tackle viruses through the immune system. Even if you break a bone, the body will heal the bone if properly set. However, your body will do all of these things if it is fueled properly. Think of the body like a car. You can run a car on low grade gas and hardly any oil or even really dirty oil. Eventually the car will start to break down. The engine might blow or the transmission might seize. But with proper maintenance of oil changes and better quality gas the car will last a lot longer and it will run a lot more smoothly.
The body is just like that. Technically you can eat Twinkies, Doritos and drink Coca-Cola every day to fuel your body. The calories in those foods would give you enough energy to run through a typical day. You could even lose weight eating those foods. HOWEVER, you would probably feel like crap. You wouldn't sleep well, your nails would be brittle, you'd have a weak immune system, your skin dull, you'd probable enjoy lots of joint pain, depression might set in and you probable wouldn't be able to think clearly.
So, why not feed your body with amazing food that actually fuels YOU. Imagine waking up every day feeling great. Imagine LOVING your life and living to your full potential. Imagine knowing that you have done your very best to fuel your body to fuel your immune system. Wouldn't that be such peace of mind? So, lets do it!!! Check out this list of common foods that I put together to fuel your body to properly boost your immune system and your mind.
Citrus fruits
Citrus Fruits are chock full of vitamin C. But we already knew that...right?? But what does vitamin C do? Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells, which play a vital role in fighting against infections. Wait, what?? YES, it fights against infection. I know for me I've been eating 1 orange a day. This has become mandatory for me. It's part of my Covid healthy action plan. One of my favorite ways to eat an orange is with a ¼ cup of cottage cheese. It's delicious, easy and boosts my immune system.
Sweet Potato
It is such an easy Potato to add to any meal. Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kids LOVE these too. These things are filled with beta-carotene. Which turns into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A helps to prevent the signs of aging and boost the immune system. I cook a few at the beginning of the week and just grab one for lunch or throw in a salad. These potatoes are sweet enough that you don't need butter or anything. So they are low calorie and good for you!!
Broccoli
A simple veggie to eat cold or cooked. Eating this cold is a great grab 'n go item. -because let's face it- if it is not convenient we probably won't eat it. Broccoli also has vitamins A and C, and the antioxidant glutathione.
Garlic
The University of Florida conducted a study on 120 people to determine the effects of aged garlic on the growth of immune cells and cold and flu symptoms. Guess what? They discovered that by consuming garlic reduced the severity of cold and flu symptoms and that these symptoms also went away quicker. That's right-they overcame a cold faster!!
Ginger
Ginger is a root spice, which is loaded with vitamin B6 and dietary minerals like magnesium! It's antibacterial and promotes less inflammation. Less inflammation equals less pain and less sickness!!
Spinach
Spinach is a super food and it can be grown super local (well here in NH)!!! I bet you have a friend growing some spinach right now. Spinach is loaded with folate, which helps your body make new cells and repair DNA. Let's repeat that- IT REPAIRS DNA!!! Spinach is great in smoothies, with eggs or just as a salad.
Almonds
These are one of my absolute favorite grab 'n go foods. Almonds contain iron and protein. They last forever and don't need to be refrigerated. I'd recommend creating an almond bowl at work instead of a candy jar. Almonds are high in vitamin E. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in your body and helps your immune system function. That is the point. right? A high functioning immune system.
It is time we all start taking our health seriously. Now more than ever we need our families and our bodies stronger. With a few good food choices we can power up our immune system which in turn will power up our lives. Cheers to your health!!!!!