A strong immune system is an essential part of leading a healthy life. A healthy immune system incorporates organs, tissues, proteins, and bodily processes that help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other foreign bodies. There are multiple ways to improve and maintain a strong immune system, one of which is to eat certain foods. Read on to learn more about foods that help in boosting one’s immune system.

Yogurt
Yogurt and other probiotic foods are essential to improving the body’s immune system. These foods help to improve the microbiome and bacteria that reside in the gut and the digestive tract. These bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. They also help ensure that the immune system only attacks infection and harmful bacteria and viruses but not healthy cells and tissue in the body. Besides yogurt, you can add other probiotic foods like kimchi and kombucha to your meals.

Fatty fish
Fatty and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and more contain loads of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked with lower risks of developing conditions such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even eczema. It also helps with the prevention of certain autoimmune disorders and even cancer.

Broccoli
Broccoli contains tons of essential nutrients, and antioxidants such as sulforaphane, and vitamin C, among others. It makes Broccoli an important vegetable to add to your meals. Studies have found that vitamin C can help improve certain components of the human immune system, including antimicrobial and killer cell activities, chemotaxis, and more.

Garlic
Garlic has been used as a natural remedy since ancient times. It is filled with sulfuric compounds that act as antiseptics. Garlic also possesses antifungal and antiviral properties. Eating raw or lightly cooked garlic is recommended because high heat can deactivate the essential compounds in garlic.

Blueberries
Blueberries contain a flavonoid that is known as anthocyanin. It contains antioxidant properties that help boost the body’s immune system. Flavonoids present in blueberries have also been linked with improved immune system defense in the respiratory tract.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is rich in fibers and contains beta-glucans that help improve the immune system. It does so by boosting the white blood cells in the body. Fibers can also have many other benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol and improving the digestive processes.

These foods can prove to be of help in boosting the immune system if a person is going through the flu. Besides these, one can also try other remedies such as eating honey, sipping warm liquids, staying hydrated, and resting properly.