23 Nov 2022 ⢠2 min read
We know that no one likes to be ill, but thereâs lots you can do to support your immune system to keep you healthy
Your immune system is a network of cells, organs, proteins and antibodies that work to protect you against bacteria, viruses and parasites. Whilst we usually only think of our immune system when we feel ill, itâs actually working every day to keep us safe.1
Your immune system is made up of lots of individual parts, which all work together to protect you from infection. Due to its complexity, even scientists donât fully understand how it all works, but they do know that following a healthy lifestyle will help support each function of your immune system.
Top tips for supporting your immunity2:
And there are a few things you can do to stop germs spreading, if you do get ill:
There are a few key vitamins and minerals that are known to help support your immune system3. If you eat a healthy, varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, you should be able to get all the nutrients you need.
Vitamin A â this supports the normal functioning of the immune system as itâs thought to help develop a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. Some sources of vitamin A include eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and cod liver oil.
Vitamin C â this can help support cellular functions needed by the immune system. Oranges, orange juice, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries and red/green peppers are your best source.
Vitamin D â this will help to keep your immune system strong, with the ability to fight off infections quickly. As most vitamin D is received from sunlight, the UK Government recommends a daily supplement between October and March.
Zinc â this contributes to the normal function of the immune system and can be found in seafood, red meat, chickpeas, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Be careful not to consume more than the recommended daily allowance, which is 25mg.
In this episode, Eve Kalinik, author of Happy Gut, Happy Mind, and Holland & Barrett nutritionist Isabel Tarrant reveals how to take care of your gut in The Wellness Edit, the Holland & Barrett podcast, so it takes care of you.
Watch the podcast below and if you like what you hear, discover more episodes here.
Whilst eating a healthy, balanced diet is vital in supporting your immune health, there are several foods that are thought to give it that extra little kick4.
Are great for vitamin C, which can help to fight off infections. Vitamin C canât be stored by your body, so you need to try and incorporate foods that are rich in vitamin C every day. Try oranges, lemons and limes.
These contain citrulline, which helps keep your heart healthy, and watermelons are rich in vitamins A, C and B6 too. Their red flesh supplies your body with lycopene, which helps keep your immune system balanced.
When it comes to choosing your five-a-day, make sure broccoli becomes a firm favourite as itâs bursting with nutrients like vitamins A, C and E and contains choline which is good for your gut.
Instead of cooking your broccoli, try to eat it raw if you can, as itâs more nutritious this way. Similar vegetables that are classed as super foods when it comes to your immune system include sprouts, kale and cauliflower.
Zinc is needed for white blood cell production so your body can fight off infection and for healthy skin, hair and nails.
Zinc can be found in seafood (like oysters), eggs, chickpeas, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and cashew nuts, so eat these more regularly.
Raw garlic is brilliant at giving your bodyâs immune system a helping hand. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping you ward off illness and recover quicker.
Raw garlic can increase the number of t-cells in your blood, which in turn fight viruses. Crush or slice garlic cloves and add to salad dressings as garlicâs health powers are best when itâs raw.
Instead of pouring milk on your cereal in the morning, why not add a dollop of yoghurt instead?
You need to choose a yoghurt that contains live cultures or âfriendly bacteriaâ as these help your immune system fight against bad bacteria in the gut. They can also encourage your body to produce more white blood cells.
These are an interesting food ingredient, because â just like us â they synthesise Vitamin D when they are exposed to UV light.
You should therefore choose wild mushrooms or mushrooms grown in UV light. They are the only plant source of vitamin D, which supports your immune system.
Peppers contain lots of vitamin A, which can help repair your bodyâs mucosal barriers that are easily damaged by infection.
Fresh red and green chillies are incredible health boosters. They contain lots of vitamin A and C (nutrients that can support the immune system) and capsaicin which can help clear congestion and phlegm.
Top Tip:
When you go shopping, the easiest way is to pick a wide range of fruits and vegetables that are lots of different colours. Not only will your plate look more tempting, but youâll be getting all your immune-supporting nutrients as well.
Whilst exercise is known to improve your overall fitness levels and feelings of wellbeing, there is some scientific thinking that regular, moderate exertion could also give your immune system a hand5. One theory is that exercise could help remove bacteria from your lungs, whilst another considers whether a rise in body temperature (during and after physical activity) could prevent bacteria from growing.
Some recommended exercises include:
Exercise should always be included as part of a healthy lifestyle, but consult your healthcare professional before changing your current activity levels.
We're all born with an immune system but not every babyâs immune system is healthy and functions as it should. Some babies and young children can be more prone to picking up bugs, especially when they start nursery or school.
A healthy diet, physical activity, good hygiene and sleeping habits can all help support a child's immune system.
Everyoneâs immune system changes throughout their life. As you get older, your immune response starts to decline, which means youâre more susceptible to infection.6
Good nutrition and some levels of physical activity become even more important for elderly people, to ensure their immune system remains in good working order.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP/healthcare professional before trying any remedies.
Last updated: 15 May 2020