There are so many reasons to keep the immune system working effectively. Whether you’re battling seasonal allergies or have a cold or infection, you need your body’s immune response to do its best. Some foods can help your body’s immune system work effectively while others make it work less effectively. These are the foods you should be eating and the ones you should limit.

Three Foods That Help the Immune System

Which three foods should you look at to help boost the immune system? Try these.

#1 – Fruits: Aim for fruits that are high in antioxidants. Citrus fruits and berries are ideal. Have oranges, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries on hand. You can blend frozen berries into smoothies for an easy breakfast drink or eat them fresh as snacks.

#2 – Homemade Soups: Soups are great meals and can help boost the immune system. Chicken noodle soup is one option. Make it with a lot of fresh parsley, celery, lemon, dill, and garlic. A bowl of vegetable soup with tomatoes, garlic, kale, carrots, and celery is another great soup to have on hand when you’re not feeling great.

#3 – Leafy Greens: Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are all good at boosting the immune system. They’re high in beta-carotene and vitamin C. They also have antioxidants like Kaempferol and quercetin, which helps ease inflammation.

Foods That Suppress the Immune System

Some foods reduce the immune system’s responsiveness. These are two to avoid.

#1 – Sugar: Sugar can suppress the immune system’s cells. It limits their defense against bacteria and other “invaders.” Added sugar in drinks and baked goods are not beneficial. While your mom may want a glass of ginger ale to settle her stomach, it’s better to have ginger tea. Look for added sugar or other forms of sugar like corn syrup, fructose, or malt syrup.

#2 – Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not helpful when it comes to the immune system’s responsiveness. It may be an old habit to have a hot toddy when your mom or dad isn’t feeling great. Instead of alcohol, they should aim for a drink like hot lemon water sweetened with a small amount of honey or unsweetened herbal team.

When your mom or dad isn’t feeling great, make sure they’re supported by caregivers. Elder care services help with housework, laundry, meals, and transportation. Elder care aides can pick up groceries and medications, arrange doctor’s appointments if it’s believed your parent should see a doctor, and wait for your mom or dad to provide a ride home from the doctor’s office.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Los Gatos, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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