Salmon, tuna, pilchards, and other oily fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. According to a report , long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis RA. RA is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body.

Broccoli is another source of vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants, such as sulforaphane. For these reasons, it is a good choice of vegetable to eat regularly to support immune system health. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene , a type of antioxidant that gives the skin of the potatoes its orange color.

Beta carotene is a source of vitamin A. 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. In the same way as other antioxidants, vitamin E improves immune function. It does this by fighting off free radicals, which can damage cells.

Almonds are another excellent source of vitamin E. They also contain manganese, magnesium , and fiber. A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that may benefit the immune system.

Research in humans indicates that turkey tail may enhance immune response, especially in people with certain types of cancer 48 , Many other medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their beneficial effects on immune health as well. Medicinal mushroom products can be found in the form of tinctures, teas, and supplements 50 , 51 , 52 , Many types of medicinal mushrooms, including cordyceps and turkey tail, may offer immune-enhancing and antibacterial effects.

According to results from scientific research, the supplements listed above may offer immune-boosting properties. However, keep in mind that many of these potential effects these supplements have on immune health have not been thoroughly tested in humans, highlighting the need for future studies.

Astragalus, garlic, curcumin, and echinacea are just some of the supplements that may offer immune-boosting properties. Still, they have not been thoroughly tested in humans. Many supplements on the market may help improve immune health. Zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D are just some of the substances that have been researched for their immune-enhancing potential.

However, although these supplements may offer a small benefit for immune health, they should not and cannot be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Aiming to eat a nutrient-dense balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking or considering quitting, if you smoke are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.

If you decide that you want to try a supplement, speak with a healthcare professional first, as some supplements may interact with certain medications or are inappropriate for some people.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Vaccines Basics Testing Symptoms. Nutrition Evidence Based The 15 Best Supplements to Boost Your Immune System Right Now. Medically reviewed by Sade Meeks, MS, RD , Nutrition — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on February 1, An important note No supplement will cure or prevent disease.

Was this helpful? Vitamin D. Vitamin C. Medicinal mushrooms. Other supplements with immune-boosting potential. The bottom line.

How we reviewed this article: History. Foods can certainly boost the immune system. Specifically, try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean protein.

Also, fit in foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like eggs, salmon and avocados, as well. All these foods will not only build up parts of your immune system, but can help you maintain a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water.

Water intake can have many positive benefits for your immune system, including but not limited to aiding in digestion and preventing possible pathogens like a virus or bacteria from getting into the eyes, nose and mouth.

Prioritizing exercise. Moderate-intensity exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system. Getting enough sleep.

A strong immune system helps to keep a person healthy. Berries, oily fish, turmeric, kefir, and other immune-boosting foods provide nutrients that support the immune system. The immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, these carry out bodily processes that fight off pathogens, which are the viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies that cause infection or disease.

When the immune system comes into contact with a pathogen, it triggers an immune response. The immune system releases antibodies, which attach to antigens on the pathogens and kill them.

Read on to discover 15 foods that boost the immune system. A healthful, balanced diet plays a vital role in staying well. The following foods may help to boost the immune system:. Researchers found that people who ate foods rich in flavonoids were less likely to get an upper respiratory tract infection, or common cold, than those who did not.

Free radicals are molecules that the body produces when it breaks down food or comes into contact with pollutants. Despite its potential benefits, dark chocolate is high in calories and saturated fat, so it is important to eat it in moderation.

Turmeric is a yellow spice that many people use in cooking. It is also present in some alternative medicines. This is due to the qualities of curcumin , a compound in turmeric.

According to a review , curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Salmon, tuna, pilchards, and other oily fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.

According to a report , long-term intake of omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis RA.

RA is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body. Broccoli is another source of vitamin C. It also contains potent antioxidants, such as sulforaphane.

For these reasons, it is a good choice of vegetable to eat regularly to support immune system health. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene , a type of antioxidant that gives the skin of the potatoes its orange color.

Beta carotene is a source of vitamin A. 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. In the same way as other antioxidants, vitamin E improves immune function. It does this by fighting off free radicals, which can damage cells. Almonds are another excellent source of vitamin E.

They also contain manganese, magnesium , and fiber. A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that may benefit the immune system. Google searches for "immune boost" and "immune boosting" jumped significantly in February , right before the World Health Organization declared COVID a pandemic in March The immune-boosting craze got a big push in May when Tom Brady launched a vitamin supplement called TB The supplement contains ingredients that allegedly "activate your immune system.

However, as of , the Food and Drug Administration has not approved TB Around that same time, many other people or companies were careful not to link their products directly to COVID Still, the Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission had to send warning letters to at least seven companies advertising untrue cures and treatments for COVID The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH also released a statement regarding the increased interest in supposed remedies for COVID Those remedies included:.

The NCCIH also explained that there was no scientific evidence that any of those remedies could prevent or cure COVID Also, the NCCIH said that some of them might not even be safe to consume. Your body has different immunity levels, including:.

But you can't actually "boost" or "activate" your immune system. Simply put, that's not how your immune system works. Then, there's another big issue: Unlike medicines, laws and organizations don't regulate supplements.

That means companies can make vague health claims based on indirect research. For example, research has shown that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Still, that doesn't mean research has proven that turmeric helps COVIDrelated inflammation. Instead of trying to "boost" your immune system, here's what you can do to support your immune system.

Your body needs certain vitamins and minerals to perform optimally. There are tons of supplements for nutrients out there that might help support your immune system. Some examples of helpful nutrients include:.

In particular, another type of supplement, adaptogens, can also have positive effects on the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems.

For example, research has found that Ashwagandha, an herb, can support immunity and decrease stress, which also negatively impacts the immune system. Of note: if you consume more than what your body can handle when it comes to supplements, it'll get rid of the extra.

Also, taking more than the daily recommended value can lead to dangerous side effects in severe cases. Too much vitamin A, for example, is toxic and can lead to liver damage. Everyone won't need to take supplements, nor will they be able to do so.

Some supplements may mess with the way other medicines work or worsen a person's health conditions. Supplements can help fill in the gaps if someone doesn't have enough of certain nutrients, said Dr. Kader, "[b]ut there's nothing that you can overnight to have this superhuman immune system that will help you fight off infection.

If you're interested in or think you might need supplements for immune system support, talk with a healthcare provider first to see if the supplements are right for you. You can also help your immune system by eating foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Those foods naturally come with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, benefiting the immune system. But even a healthy diet can't make up for other factors that may mess with your immunity level. For example, stress and a lack of quality sleep can leave a person with a weak immune system.

With that in mind, you'll want to find ways to reduce stress and get good quality sleep. Other ways you can help your immunity include:. Even if immune-boosting supplements say so, there's no quick, packaged fix for protecting yourself against illnesses.

However, there are ways to help support your immune system over time. You can change your eating habits to get more nutrients, like zinc or vitamin D, or make sure you get enough good sleep every night. But always talk to a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your immune system and how it works.

Wagner DN, Marcon AR, Caulfield T. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. TB12 protect. Food and Drug Administration. Coronavirus update: FDA and FTC warn seven companies selling fraudulent products that claim to treat or prevent COVID National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

COVID and "alternative" treatments: What you need to know. National Library of Medicine. Immune response. FDA Dietary supplements. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Tharakan A, Shukla H, Benny IR, et al.

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.

In the same way as other antioxidants, vitamin E improves immune function. It does this by fighting off free radicals, which can damage cells.

Almonds are another excellent source of vitamin E. They also contain manganese, magnesium , and fiber. A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that may benefit the immune system. Oranges and kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold developing.

While scientists are still not sure exactly how it helps, vitamin C may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms and improve the function of the human immune system.

For people trying to avoid the sugar in fruit, red bell peppers are an excellent alternative source of vitamin C. Stir-frying and roasting both preserve the nutrient content of red bell peppers better than steaming or boiling, according to a study on cooking methods.

That said, it is important to remember that the immune system is complex. Eating a healthful, balanced diet is just one way to support immune health. It is also essential to be mindful of the other lifestyle factors that may affect immune system health, such as exercising and not smoking.

Anyone who gets frequent colds or other illnesses and is concerned about their immune system should speak to a doctor. In this article, we describe types of foods that may weaken the immune system and others that may help support it.

Learn more here. What are the best ways to boost the immune system and can they give you enhanced protection against infections and diseases? We take a look. While no drinks can quickly give the immune system a boost, staying hydrated and getting plenty of nutrients is essential for immune function.

Elderberry supplements may help support immune system health. The immune system defends the body from invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. Find out how it works, what can go wrong, and how to…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

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The best foods for boosting your immune system. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Which foods boost the immune system Other ways to boost the immune system Summary.

Which foods boost the immune system? Share on Pinterest Blueberries have antioxidant properties that may boost the immune system. Share on Pinterest Garlic may help to prevent colds. Other ways to boost the immune system. Share on Pinterest Washing hands properly may help make the immune system stronger.

How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. Specifically, try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean protein.

Also, fit in foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like eggs, salmon and avocados, as well. All these foods will not only build up parts of your immune system, but can help you maintain a healthy weight. Drinking plenty of water. Water intake can have many positive benefits for your immune system, including but not limited to aiding in digestion and preventing possible pathogens like a virus or bacteria from getting into the eyes, nose and mouth.

Prioritizing exercise. Moderate-intensity exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system. Getting enough sleep. If you get enough sleep, it will help your body fight off sickness and help succeed at the tips mentioned above.

Adults should get between hours of sleep each night. Increasing vitamin intake. Vitamins B6, C and E are all known for their immune-boosting properties.

Some foods rich in these vitamins include eggs, bell peppers, spinach and almonds. Immune System Supplements Many products claim to give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you running at your best.

Foods can certainly boost the immune system. Specifically, try to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and lean protein. Also, fit in foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like eggs, salmon and avocados, as well.

All these foods will not only build up parts of your immune system, but can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Drinking plenty of water. Water intake can have many positive benefits for your immune system, including but not limited to aiding in digestion and preventing possible pathogens like a virus or bacteria from getting into the eyes, nose and mouth.

Prioritizing exercise. Moderate-intensity exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system. Getting enough sleep. If you get enough sleep, it will help your body fight off sickness and help succeed at the tips mentioned above.

Adults should get between hours of sleep each night. Increasing vitamin intake. Vitamins B6, C and E are all known for their immune-boosting properties. Some foods rich in these vitamins include eggs, bell peppers, spinach and almonds.

Exercise is essential to preventing chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure, and to keep your weight in control. Exercise also contributes to a healthy immune system.

It promotes good blood circulation, which helps your immune system do its job more efficiently. Daily stress can overwork your immune system and drain your ability to stay healthy. Big and little daily stressors can constantly push your immune system.

Make time each day to do things to "refill your tank. It can include setting aside time to read, meditate, talk a walk, do a hobby or get a massage. Discover the benefits of mindfulness Deep Breathing techniques.

Sleep is essential for the health of your body and brain. Good sleep helps strengthen your immune system. Adults should try for at seven to eight hours of sleep a day. Children and teens need more sleep. A healthful diet is important to a healthy immune system. An eating plan that focuses on plants, fiber, protein and healthful fats can help you feel better and heal faster.

Protein also is essential to a body that is healing. Some of the best foods to boost immunity contain probiotics, live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your gut health , and digestive system.

Probiotics can be found in fermented and cultured foods. Look on the food label for "live active cultures".

Some foods that contain probiotics are:. If you want to explore taking a probiotic supplement, talk to your health care provider. A variety of options are available in the vitamin section of grocery and natural food stores.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep you well. Eat a rainbow of vegetables and fruits daily to ensure you're getting a variety of nutrients. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, like brown rice and quinoa, are also part of a healthy diet.

Reduce how much you consume of processed foods, sugar and beverages that have few nutrients such as soda and alcoholic drinks. Nutritional and health benefits that can boost your immune system. If you want advice on how to get and stay health talking with your health care provider is a good first step.

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