If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your food, you’ll be more susceptible to getting a cold or flu.
Here are 5 great vitamins that will help boost your immune system and keep you going.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps the mucus layer lining your respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. By strengthening it, infections are less able to penetrate both systems.
Get your Vitamin A from: sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, lettuce, carrots, dried apricots, cantaloupe, bell peppers, fish and liver. If you’re eating liver, opt for organic.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C assists in the production of neutrophils, antibodies and cells that fight off viruses and bad bacteria.
Get your Vitamin C from: citrus fruit, tomatoes, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, broccoli, berries, papayas and, believe it or not, peas!
Vitamin D
If you’re low on Vitamin D, you’re more susceptible to getting a virus. While scientists aren’t sure why, don’t risk it and up your intake.
Get your Vitamin D from: salmon, tuna, mackerel, fish liver oils, cheese and eggs. You can also get your Vitamin D from enriched milk. However, the best source is the sun.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has antioxidants that can protect immune system cells from oxidative damage.
Get your Vitamin E from: nuts, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil and wheat germ.
Zinc and Selenium
Zinc and selenium help T cells, a type of white blood cell.
Get your zinc and selenium from: oysters, beef, yogurt and brazil nuts.