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We know stress affects the immune system in a negative way, and many times we hold up during stress only to let down on vacation and get sick. Use the following food strategies to boost your immune system for any trip:
1. Take Extra Vitamin C Before You Travel
Adding extra vitamin C to your diet two or three days before you leave for a trip helps your immune system fight viruses before they make you sick and helps breakdown stress hormones. It is best to double what you normally do. This can mean taking supplements or by eating the proper foods.
Foods packed with vitamin C include:
- Red bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Citrus
- Sweet potatoes
If you have been taking a vitamin C supplement, double the amount and try to choose a supplement with flavonoids for optimal absorption.
2. Mine for Minerals
Activate your immunce system with beta glucan-, zinc- and other mineral-rich foods such as:
- Mushrooms
- Barbanzo beans
- Squash
- Deep greens (turnip or beet greens are the best)
3. Add Color to Your Plate
To help nourish the thymus gland, which is responsible for much of the immune-system function, eat two servings a day of foods rich in carotenes. Foods high in carotenes include colored vegetables and dark greens, such as:
- Yellow and orange squash
- Carrots
- Yams
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Berries
- Garlic
4. Boost Your Digestive Tract with Bacteria
The live active cultures of friendly bacteria in the following foods boost your digestive-tract health and are very helpful to the immune system:
- Yogurt or Kefir
