What nutrients boost the immune system?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You should make sure to get omega-3 fatty acids (found in olive oil, avocado, fish oils and nuts), Resveratrol (found in red wine, grapes and knotweed plants), catechins (found in green tea), Quercitin (found in onions, tomatoes, garlic and apples) and lycopene (found in tomatoes and red grapefruit). Avoid these: simple sugars, syrups, enriched/non-whole grains, saturated fats, trans fats, alcohol (in excess), nonorganic meats and fish with mercury.
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You should make sure to get omega-3 fatty acids (found in olive oil, avocado, fish oils and nuts), Resveratrol (found in red wine, grapes and knotweed plants), catechins (found in green tea), Quercitin (found in onions, tomatoes, garlic and... More -
Dole Nutrition Institute answered:The science of eating for immunity has come a long way since the days of relying on grandma’s chicken-noodle soup remedy. Scientists have found vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants like quercetin, prebiotic fiber and zinc, to be potent defenders against germs, viruses and infections. So, adding fruits and vegetables rich in these nutrients to your diet is a good way to give your immune-health regimen a boost.
The science of eating for immunity has come a long way since the days of relying on grandma’s chicken-noodle soup remedy. Scientists have found vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants like quercetin, prebiotic fiber and zinc, to be potent defenders... More -
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:The following nutrients are essential for keeping your body’s defenses working properly:
Zinc may well be the single most important nutrient for maintaining optimal immune function. Chronic infections can cause large losses of zinc from the body, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Zinc deficiency will cause marked immune suppression. Recommended daily dose: 15 to 25 mg.
Vitamin A is critical for mucosal immunity, which can help prevent respiratory and bowel infections that often accompany yeast overgrowth. Recommended daily dose: 2,000 IU.
Vitamin C actually does make you less likely to catch a cold. A review of the medical literature published in the Journal of Military Medicine in 2004 showed that, in five studies, participants who took vitamin C experienced a 45 to 91 percent reduction in common cold incidence. Three other trials found a marked reduction in the incidence of pneumonia in the vitamin C group. Recommended daily dose: 500 to 1,000 mg.
Vitamin D is especially important in regulating and supporting immune function. Most of our vitamin D comes from sunshine. Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of infections and can also increase the risk of diabetes. Avoid sunburn, not sunshine. Recommended daily dose: 1,000 to 2,000 IU.
Selenium is critical for optimal immune function. This antioxidant can help eliminate sinusitis and bowel infections. Recommended daily dose: 200 mcg.
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The following nutrients are essential for keeping your body’s defenses working properly: Zinc may well be the single most important nutrient for maintaining optimal immune function. Chronic infections can cause large losses of zinc... More -
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Good nutrition is essential to keeping your immune system strong. Nutrients important to supporting your body's ability to fight infections include:
- Protein (lean meats, dairy, nuts and tofu)
- Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, eggs, fortified milk)
- Vitamin C (citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit)
- Vitamin E (wheat germ, whole-grain products, seeds and nuts)
- Zinc (lean red meat, poultry, beans, nuts and fortified cereal)
Good nutrition is essential to keeping your immune system strong. Nutrients important to supporting your body's ability to fight infections include: Protein (lean meats, dairy, nuts and tofu) Vitamin A (sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy... More
