Boosting Immune System?

[Sienna-forever]

Does anyone know of any good food for boosting the immune system? In the last two/three months I've had constant colds, viruses and a stomach bug

I've recently become vegetarian but would say I am eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of fruits/veg. Currently the only supplement I take is folic acid, and occasionally evening primrose oil. I would prefer not to take other supplements, so would like to know of some super foods for boosting the immune system.

Any ideas would be really appreciated.

[lakeruby]

I would say garlic, honey (especially Manuka honey), mushrooms (especially shiitake and probably others-- but less so the crimini) and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice).

Most importantly, though, would probably be to cut out sugar-- sugar really lowers your body's immune response. Of course, honey is sugar too, but I would only take about 1-2 tsp a day of the manuka honey and then try to eliminate sugar/white flour in your daily diet.

And don't forget to get enough sleep

[PGTlatte]

Raw garlic. I put it through a "garlic smasher" thingy and add it to a dish of pasta or bowl of soup, or sometimes mix it into a little salsa and eat it on chips.

[Sienna-forever]

Thanks for the replies, I love garlic, so I'll definitely use more of that! I'll try the manuka honey too. You're right about getting enough sleep, my ds is a very good sleeper, but early to bed early to rise! DH has been really finding it hard to sleep with the hotter weather we've been having, and i'm finding it hard to sleep due to constand running/blocked up nose! :0
The cold I currently have is on its way out (I hope) so hopefully with a few adjustments to my diet I'll be able to prevent catching another one too soon!

[Bettercare]

Well here's my list of food to boost your immune system...........

1. Brocolli : excellent source of vitamin A, C and E, also has otent anti cancer agents

2. Turmeric : A polyphenol with strong cold and flu fighting properties

3. Garlic : The immune-boosting properties of garlic come from its sulfur-containing compounds, which are effective against bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections

4. Green Tea: rich in plant antioxidants (polyphenols) and other chemicals that can help protect the body against cold or flu.

5 Ginger: Ginger is often recommended as a tea or a bath for those with a cold or flu because it is helpful in increasing sweat production, which may help us get rid of germs and toxins.

So these r my suggestions to boost up ur immune system

[julie80]

I use an oregano oil supplement called Oreganol P73 anytime I feel like I'm getting sick. My doctor recommended it and it works well for me.

But others have given some good recommendations too.

[Purple Sage]

I know you said that you don't want any more supplements, but I would suggest taking vitamin D. It is very important for the immune system, and most people are deficient. It's also pretty much impossible to get in a good bio-available form from plant-based foods.

I bought a bottle of liquid vitamin D drops for about $10 from Vitacost which has something like 900 servings of 2000 IU per drop. It's a great deal.

[Sol_y_Paz]

I would eat fresh ripe citrus. Lemons and limes in water. Oranges and grapefruits enjoyed liberally.

[koru]

Elderberries! I buy them dried & make tea...usually combined with a good scoop of nettle, too. So technically I'm recommending a tea & not a food but it goes down the same pipe.

[oceanbaby]

I started taking Vit D3 drops, and noticed a huge increase in my ability to fight off colds.