The 5 Best Functional Foods to Support Your Immune System
Hypocrites knew what he was saying when he said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” With everything that is going on with the pandemic, now more than ever we are asked to step up our wellness game to keep our immune system strong.
So today I'm here to share the five best functional foods to support your overall health and immune system. Remember that diet is an important aspect of supporting your health and immune system, but so is getting adequate sleep, stress management, and daily movement.
Five best functional foods to support your immune system:
1. Garlic has antimicrobial effects and can improve immune function. Garlic adds great flavor to many dishes. I love a fresh herby pesto, homemade caesar salad dressing, and cook lots of meats and veggies with garlic for some great flavor!
2. Ginger has antiviral properties. Ginger adds great flavors to many savory dishes, soups, oats, latte, coffee, tea, and smoothies.
3. Turmeric (or, more precisely, the curcumin contained within it), helps regulate the immune system and is an anti-inflammatory. Simple ways to add turmeric into your diet are by adding a teaspoon to smoothies, savory dishes like soups, and curries -- this is one of my favorite indian curry dishes which calls for garlic, ginger and turmeric!
4. Bone broth is beneficial for your immune system (and overall health) and may help reduce damage to the lungs and other tissues. When buying bone broth, look for brands that are organic and made from pasture-raised animals to minimize the toxins and maximize the nutrients you get from the product. Kettle & Fire is a good option for packaged, organic broth. The company uses bones of organic, pasture-raised animals along with organic vegetables, sea salt, and herbs, all slow-simmered for 24 hours.
You can also easily make your own bone broth using bones (like a whole chicken carcass) and leftover produce scraps like onion, carrot, celery, garlic, mushrooms, turmeric, herbs, and let it simmer for 24-48 hours.
5. Fermented foods contain important probiotics for your gut health and may help reduce upper respiratory infections. Fermented foods include things like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, yogurt (opt for plain, full fat), Kefir (opt for plain, full fat), miso paste, raw cheese, and tempe.
Ultimately, the best way to support your immune system is through an overall healthy lifestyle that includes
Following a nutrient-dense diet. Eat the rainbow. Load up on whole foods including seasonal produce (the fresher, the better), plants, and minimally processed foods.
Getting enough restful sleep each night. Aim for 8-9 hours so that you wake up feeling refreshed.
Engaging in regular physical activity. Move your body in a way that feels good. Go for a walk outside and get some fresh air, climb the stairs, whatever it takes!
Sending you extra love and light during these challenging times.