The Immune Boosters That Work by Sandy Powers

Every day our bodies are attacked by toxins, viruses, bacteria, and carcinogens that weaken our immune system and make us more vulnerable to disease. To top it all off, this year's flu vaccine is not protecting us against the new strain of flu virus. How do we strengthen our immune system to remain a strong defense against these invaders that can make us sick, or worse? We turn to immune boosting foods, preferably organic.

The nutrients shown to be immune boosters are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, Garlic, Onion, and Protein. Don't rush out to buy vitamin and mineral multiple supplements. It is far safer and healthier to gain boosters through organic food. In fact, overloading on Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium can be detrimental to your health by actually working against your immune system. It may seem like a daunting task to get all these immune boosters through food choices, but it really isn't. Merely eating healthy will fulfill the need: salads, fruits, cereals, nuts, meat or bean dishes cooked with garlic and onion. The only immune booster your body will not store is Vitamin C. Foods rich in Vitamin C must be taken daily.

For Vitamin A, eat carrots, sweet potatoes, and red bell peppers. For Vitamin C, drink orange juice, eat strawberries, and broccoli. For Vitamin E, eat beans and whole grains. For Zinc, eat whole grain cereals and chickpeas. For Selenium, eat Brazil nuts and seafood. For Protein, eat meat, walnuts, and beans. For Vitamin D, fortified milk, or 30 minutes a day outside without sunscreen. Cook with the garlic and onion.

Now, let me say a word about supplements. Multiple supplements are the culprits in overdosing, yet, there are single supplements that do work in concert with your immune system. Take these three supplements along with your food choices: 250 milligrams of Vitamin C daily, 400 IU of Vitamin D daily, and, especially for women, 600milligrams of calcium daily.

And there you have it. Along with drinking plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, you immune system will be up and running, ready to attack whatever is lurking in your body to make you sick.

About the Author

A breast cancer survivor who also battled liver problems, Sandy Powers shares her recipes rich in antioxidants and immune boosters in her book, "Organic for Health." Visit Sandy at http://www.organicforhealthsite.com