Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E are three vitamins that are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. You can take these pills or choose food high in these vitamins.
KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA ( http://lifestyleuganda.com/) — So, which vitamins are most essential for maintaining a healthy immune system? Most likely, you are born with the immunity you now possess. The age and exposure to germs for many years may change it a little bit, but in general, the safety of your body depends on your parent’s protection system.
Treatments such as allergy scenarios and medications such as Zyrtec may help you deal with irritable immune system reactions (aka allergies), but the way your cells respond to foreign invaders is not true to change completely.
But none of this is to say that you cannot take certain steps to boost your immune system. Your lifestyle and diet choices are important. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse, and lack of adequate sleep can severely impair the functioning of our immune systems.
Eating foods that lack significant vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can also be harmful.
So, which vitamins are most essential for maintaining a healthy immune system? Let’s see.
Vitamins for a Healthy Immune System
You should remember three vitamins to include in your diet: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin E. You can either take these vitamins in the form of tablets or choose foods that contain these vitamins.
Vitamin C
Look for citrus fruits like vitamin C, orange and grapefruit. Strawberries, kale and broccoli are high, too, so if you don’t like sour food, try these other options.
Vitamin B6
The Mediterranean diet is completely loaded with vitamin B6. This important nutrient can be found in poultry, salmon and tuna. If you like hummus, you are in luck too, because the chickpea is loaded with B6. Consider making your hummus, and adding green peppers or other vegetables to the mix is a more varied meal.
Vitamin E
Finally, vitamin E is found in seeds, nuts and greens. This antioxidant is so powerful that some people even use it on their skin (in the form of oil) to prevent wrinkles or scars.
Don’t make too much of it with extras
Please note that a high intake of vitamin E can lead to an overdose. If your doctor does not prescribe, try to stick to vitamin-rich foods instead of pills.
The same can be said for the B6, though it is hard to consume too much. Still, those who take vitamins from tablets instead of eating a variety of foods may be nervous about vitamin B6 overdoses.
As for vitamin C, there is no need to worry. It is water-soluble, so if you consume too much, your body will dispose of it with urine.
Healthy Immune System Foods
In order to have a healthy immune system, you must eat the right kinds of foods. Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins and minerals are great for your immune system. Try to consume them several times a week.
Fruits contain high amounts of antioxidants, which can help your immune system fight off infection. Some fruits are particularly good for your immune system, such as citrus fruits. These fruits are full of vitamin C, which is responsible for the development of disease-fighting antibodies in the body.
Zinc is another essential nutrient that can support your immune system. Zinc is found in animal proteins, which help your body produce white blood cells. You should also consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help keep your immune system healthy.
Foods high in vitamin E include broccoli, avocados, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, can also support your immune system. You can find it in oranges, mangoes, and cantaloupe.
In order to help your immune system fight off diseases, you should make sure your children consume a healthy diet. According to the CDC, most children in the United States consume 40 percent of calories that have no nutritional value. Many of these calories come from processed foods and soft drinks.
Besides eating fruits and vegetables, it is also beneficial to consume healthy fats such as coconut oil and omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have shown that eating a healthy diet will help your child’s immune system function.
