Folate is the natural form and folic acid is the synthetic form , often added to foods because of its health benefits. To get more folate, add more beans and lentils to your plate on a regular basis, as well as leafy green vegetables. Avocado is another tasty source. You can also get folic acid in fortified foods check the label first. Iron, which helps your body carry oxygen to cells, plays a part in many of the immune system processes. It comes in different forms.
Your body can more easily absorb heme iron aka iron from animal products , which is abundant in:. Selenium seems to have a powerful effect on the immune system being important for preventing infections. However, too much can be a problem, so keep to no more than one to two of these in a day. Look for selenium in:. Zinc is needed for the production of new immune system cells. It helps to make skin healthy and may even provide some protection against skin damage from ultraviolet UV rays.
Spinach may boost the immune system, as it contains many essential nutrients and antioxidants, including :. Vitamins C and E can help support the immune system. Research also indicates that flavonoids may help to prevent the common cold in otherwise healthy people. People use ginger in a variety of dishes and desserts, as well as in teas.
According to a review, ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and is likely to offer health benefits. However, more research is necessary to confirm whether or not it can effectively prevent illness. One review looked at whether taking garlic supplements containing allicin reduced the risk of getting a cold. The group of participants taking a placebo had more than double the number of colds between them than those taking the garlic supplements. However, the researchers concluded that more research is necessary to determine whether or not garlic can help to prevent colds.
Green tea contains only a small amount of caffeine, so people can enjoy it as an alternative to black tea or coffee. Drinking it may also strengthen the immune system. As with blueberries, green tea contains flavonoids, which may reduce the risk of a cold. Kefir is a fermented drink that contains live cultures of bacteria that are beneficial for health. Initial research suggests that drinking kefir may boost the immune system.
According to a review , various studies have shown that regular consumption of kefir can help with:. The majority of the research that supports this was carried out on animals or in a laboratory. Researchers need to perform additional studies to understand how kefir may prevent disease in humans.
Sunflower seeds can make a tasty addition to salads or breakfast bowls. They are a rich source of vitamin E , an antioxidant. The key is to take time off to recharge and avoid getting others sick. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.
Related Articles. Because our immune response to fighting disease, infections and viruses in the body is so complex, there's a lot we don't know about why some people have a more balanced immune response while others don't. You may not have a lot of control over how your immune system functions, but there are ways to keep from getting sick. To prevent illness and avoid being exposed to the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.
Skip to content. How your immune system works. Read: Is It a Cold or the Flu? Can you strengthen your immune system? What you can do to protect your immune system.
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