Can You Boost Immunity?

There are a couple of things we can control in order to boost our immune system and lower our risk of becoming sick or contracting a disease.

“Superfoods” -- which are minimally processed and pack micronutrients such as vitamins B, C, D, zinc and selenium -- provide your body with the ability to trigger a more robust immune response when you come into contact with disease.

“The best defense against the acute threat of the coronavirus is chronically good health,” said Dr. David Katz, founder and president of the True Health Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting evidence-based lifestyle medicine.

And we’re not just talking about COVID, here. It’s cold and flu season, and your body needs the proper raw materials to build up its defenses.

As with most aspects of nutrition, variety is key. You’re not going to boost your immunity simply by buying all the vitamin C and zinc on the shelves at the health food store. To build a bullet-proof wall of immunity, your body needs an interplay of ‘harmonious interactions’ between the various micronutrients,” said Christopher Gardner, a nutrition scientist at the Stanford School of Medicine.

A great goal is to include a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables on your daily menu, along with whole grains, lean protein, and healthy oils (like olive and avocado oil).

Oh, and one more way to boost your immunity?

Exercise.

If your body is not strong and resilient, your immune system may have to work harder to fight off invading germs … and may not be able to win the fight.

If you struggle to put together a balanced, superfood-rich eating plan, I’d be happy to help. It may take some time to master the basics, so in the meantime, a strong supplement regimen may be the best way to bolster your immune system in the meantime.