Your food choices affect how you feel both physically and mentally. What you eat affects immunity, mood and anxiety levels. The good news is that immunity-boosting foods also help improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
What should I eat?
Fruits and Veggies. You've heard it before, but there is a reason health professionals recommend a diet loaded with a variety of fruits and vegetables. These provide nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin C to boost immune function. They are loaded with antioxidants that strengthen your ability to fight infection and support immunity.
Great Pick: Red bell peppers—they have one of the highest levels of vitamin C. Add them to salads, soups or stir fries, or snack on them dipped in hummus.
Lean Protein. Protein is vital for keeping our immune function strong. Immune system powerhouses such as antibodies rely on protein to fight infection. Lean protein is also a good source of B6 which plays a key role in immune function. Great Picks: Chickpeas, lean chicken and tuna.
Foods High in Zinc. We need Zinc for immune cell development and communication which is vital for immune function. Great Picks: Oysters, cashews, red meat and chicken.
Magnesium-Rich Foods. Stress depletes magnesium so loading up on these foods is especially important during difficult times. These foods can help you feel calmer and more relaxed, in addition to supporting immunity.
Great Picks: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Fatty Fish & Probiotics. Fish like salmon and probiotic foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, and kefir are also good foods for reducing anxiety and supporting immunity.
Bottom line, restrictions and changes in routine are challenging for everyone and can cause us to abandon many of the healthy routines we had in place. But with a little planning, you can make good food choices that can help keep your immune system strong and help you feel better.
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