09/01/2020
6 Easy Ways to Support Your Immune System
Now more than ever maintaining a balanced immune system is vital. Over the next few days we are going to discuss our top 6 ways to staying healthy and supporting our immune systems.
First up is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for a healthy immune system response.
Vitamin C, scientifically known as ascorbic acid has been shown to support the immune system in many different ways.
â˘Vitamin C stimulates the production and function of white blood cells to fight off illness causing bacteria and viruses.
â˘Vitamin C assists the body in producing important antibodies, which are proteins that bind to invading microbes to neutralize them.
â˘Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties that help fight off free radicals and protect our white blood cells as they fight off invaders.
⢠In addition to the benefits for our white blood cells Vitamin C also has roles in other areas of the body. It helps to stimulate collagen production which assists our skin and mucous membranes in being our first line of defense against bacteria and viruses by promoting proper wound healing.
⢠Our adrenal glands use a significant amount of Vitamin C to respond to stress. Without a proper stress response our immune system is likely to be weakened.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient, meaning our body cannot produce it on itâs own, we must get our supply from the food we eat. Eating a varied diet rich in plant foods will ensure we are getting the Vitamin C we need.
In addition to oranges some of our favorite Vitamin C rich foods are: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Red peppers, Tomatoes, Kiwi, Strawberries, Papaya, and Cauliflower.