By Dr. Sam Rehnborg, guest contributor
I find it heartwarming to see so many examples of resilience and compassion making headline news.
Glass walls may separate the most vulnerable from their loved ones, but care and love are still on full display. Older folks may need to shelter in place, but neighbors are stepping up to help shop for supplies or lend a helping hand.
It’s important to realize just how connected we all are. If we focus on staying healthy and positive, we’ll have an easier time navigating the uncertainty ahead. Plus, the better we take care of ourselves, the better we are able to help those around us.
Dr. Sam participates in a video conference.
Choose more foods that support your immune defenses
It’s always a good time to let your positivity and optimism shine. What better way to start than by focusing on a healthy diet to support your body’s immune defenses?
Whether you’re heading to the kitchen to prepare more home-cooked meals or ordering food delivered, I encourage you to keep healthy food choices top of mind.
Of course, before preparing or eating any food, it’s important to wash your hands with clean water and soap for at least 20 seconds. And, as you think about each meal and snack, ask yourself, “What is the best choice I can make to support my immune defense?”
For inspiration, here are five essential immune-supporting nutrients and ideas for foods you can add to your menu now and all year long:
1. Vitamin C
For all its body benefits, vitamin C is most recognized for its role in immune health and as an antioxidant. Without it, you would be hard-pressed to maintain the protective membranes that line your nose, mouth, throat and intestinal tract.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits, are your best food sources. Although, don’t overlook frozen options as freezing helps retain the vitamin. In fact, commercially frozen foods are often higher in vitamin C than their fresh counterparts shipped across long distances and stored on supermarket shelves.
2. Zinc
Zinc is critical for healthy immunity in large part because it is required for the optimal function of immune cells. Plus, zinc helps maintain the integrity of skin and the protective membranes that line the nose, mouth, throat and intestinal tract.
You’ll find zinc in meat, fish, poultry, milk and milk products, but don’t overlook plant sources such as nuts, enriched cereals, garbanzo beans and other legumes, and whole grains.
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps maintain the integrity of your skin. In this way, it supports your body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders. Plus, vitamin A plays a central role in the ability of white blood cells to do their job. All good stuff for immune health.
Animal foods are a source of pre-formed vitamin A (retinol), but don’t overlook plant foods that contain carotenoids like beta-carotene that easily convert to vitamin A in the body. For this reason, one of the easiest ways to boost your intake of this vitamin is to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily plate, especially orange, yellow and green varieties.
4. Vitamin E
While most people recognize vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant, it also supports the body’s immune defenses. Why? Molecules and enzymes in immune cells use vitamin E to help maintain optimal function.
Just about any meal or snack is an opportunity to boost your intake of vitamin E. You’ll find it in a wide variety of foods like fortified cereals, vegetable oils, seeds, nuts and nut butters. Fruits, vegetables and fish are also good sources.
Toss a few sunflower seeds on top of scrambled eggs at breakfast. Grab a handful of almonds as a mid-day snack or serve up a spinach salad with a drizzle of olive oil at dinner. It all adds up to more support for your hard-working immune cells.
5. Vitamin D
In the body, the major circulating form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D) helps support immune function. Nutrition experts attribute this action to an intracellular vitamin D receptor and key enzymes expressed by immune cells that metabolize vitamin D. So, it’s important not to skimp on this essential vitamin.
Yes, you can produce vitamin D in your skin from sunlight, but it may not be enough. So be sure to add food sources to your daily plate. Fatty fish, egg yolks and cheese are natural sources and other foods may be fortified with vitamin D.
Of course, you can fill any nutrient gaps between what your diet provides and what your body needs when you include a multivitamin in your daily routine.
Focus on what’s in your control
While it may feel like we have little control over the environment or the economy, remember we do have control over how we react and adapt.
Stay positive and take good care of yourself and those around you.
To read Dr. Sam’s full blog on immune health, visit drsamsblog.com. And to learn more about the Nutrilite brand, visit Amway.com or Amway.ca.
was very good