FOOD ITEMS THAT BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The immune system is a complex system of cells and proteins that defends the body against infection(microbes). The main parts of the immune system are:

- White blood cells
- Antibodies
- The complement system
- The lymphatic system
- The spleen
- The thymus
- The bone marrow

These parts of the immune system actively fight infection, they’re further divided in to two groups. Our bodies are exposed to potentially harmful microbes on a daily basis and it is the immune system that recognizes these foreign invaders and stops them. Sometimes, the immune system fails and a germ invades successfully, what can you do?
Humans generally have two types of immunity:

Innate immunity

This is the first line of defense again pathogens that try to enter the body. Innate immunity is a protective barrier and these barriers include:

- The skin
- Mucus
- Stomach acids
- Immune system cells, etc

Adaptive or Acquired immunity

They recognize a pathogen and create antibodies that lead to multiplication of immune cells that are specify to the pathogen and attack and destroy it. The immune system then adapts by remembering the foreign substance so it can recognize it in future and will be more efficient in killing it. The spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes are part of the adaptive immune system.

Boosting your immune system sounds easy enough but actually doing it is more elusive than thinking about doing it. This is because the immune system is as the name goes, a system, not a single entity. For it to function well, there needs to be harmony and balance. For now, scientists have shown no links between lifestyle and enhanced immune function but healthy living strategies are advised since they’re likely to help with immune function because a healthy body is likely to have a healthy immune system. One healthy living habit to adopt is eating healthy, your entire body including your immune system will function better against environmental assaults when you eat right. When it comes to eating, specific food items cannot boost immunity but getting the required nutrients from food is what you should aim for.

Here are some food items containing good nutrients that may help improve your immunity:

- Citrus fruits (vitamin c)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Yogurt
- Almonds
- Poultry
- Blueberries
- Oily fish
- Sweet potatoes
- Green tea
- Red bell pepper

Article credit : Cocci Beauty