Foods That Bolster Immunity

The flu is now widespread and besides that, it seems everyone is walking around with the upper respiratory infection. There are a few things we can all do to increase our chances of avoiding "the plague". Frequent hand washing, getting enough rest, a little extra disinfectant cleaning around the house can help to avoid sickness. In the gym, it's a good idea to clean equipment before you use it as well as after. It is really important to clean those spinning class cycles before and after class. You never know if the person before you cleaned it well or at all! Another way to avoid illness is to boost the immune system with foods that have natural immune bolstering properties.
Following is a list of 9 resistance boosting super-foods:

1. Oats and Barley: contains beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties more than echinacea.

2. Garlic: contains allicin which fights infection and bacteria.

3. Fish and Shellfish: the selenium in seafood increases immune cell production.

4. Mushrooms: increases production of white blood cell and makes them more aggressive.

5. Beef: contains zinc which is important for development of white blood cells.

6. Chicken Soup: Yes! We all knew there was something to that chicken soup thing! It contains the amino acid cysteine which blocks the migration of inflammatory white cells into the upper respiratory system. It mimics the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine.

7. Tea: builds the immune system T cells and the result is that they pump out 10 x more interferon which fights infections and viruses.

8. Sweet Potatoes: Your skin is the ultimate fortress against the invasion of unwanted bacteria and viruses. The vitamins A (beta carotene) in sweet potatoes keep skin healthy and strong.

9. Yogurt: probiotics in yogurt keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease fighting germs.

These foods can't guarantee you won't ever get sick, but they will certainly help you fight these infections if you do indeed get sick.