CINCINNATI (WKRC) – With summer colds, viruses, and other bugs circulating, health experts say what you put on your plate can play a role in supporting your immune system.
Nutritionists recommend thinking of food as medicine, especially during a time of year when many people tend to eat the same meals on repeat. One way to “up your immunity” is to increase the variety and color of the foods you eat.
With summer colds, viruses, and other bugs circulating, health experts say what you put on your plate can play a role in supporting your immune system. (WKRC)
Laura Brown, director of nutrition at Kentucky’s Kroger, pointed to nutrients that can help support immune health.
“So, every single color has a different nutrient that you are going to get,” said Brown.
Those include vitamin C, which is known to boost immunity and can be found in foods such as lemons, limes, and bell peppers.
But vitamin C alone is not enough to keep the immune system strong year-round. Brown recommends also adding foods with vitamin D, whole grains that contain B vitamins, eggs and other complete proteins to help prevent muscle wasting, and plenty of nuts and leafy greens. Nuts and leafy greens are also packed with fiber, a nutrient often described as a powerhouse for overall health.
“That’s a hot topic right now, immune health. The reality is in order to have a strong immune system, you need to be thinking about it year round; you can’t just wait until you get sick and think that you can superpower your immune system,” said Brown.
The advice comes as allergy season continues, with many people noticing symptoms outdoors, and as a new variant of COVID-19 is circulating. While these foods won’t stop illness on their own, focusing on seasonal produce can help support overall wellness. In-season options highlighted include fresh broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and mangoes.
Experts also note that nutrition works best alongside other immune-supporting habits, including movement and sleep.
