Health

9 Immunity-Boosting Foods You Need in Your Diet

Ward off sick days by adding these immune system-strengthening foods into your daily diet.

by Jenn Sinrich | COMMENT

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Most of us take our immune system for granted, even though it's what keeps us from getting sick. Your immune system serves as your body's defense center, fighting infections and illnesses — and, in order for it to function properly, it's our job to fuel it (and the rest of our body) with nutritious food... preferably of the healthy, anti-inflammatory variety.

"Eating a diet high in inflammatory foods, like those made from wheat and conventional dairy, can lead to a weakened immune system and digestive issues," warns Josh Axe, DNM, CNS, DC, founder of Ancient Nutrition and DrAxe.com. "Plus, a poor diet full of processed and sugary foods, artificial sweeteners and refined carbohydrates is damaging the gut lining, leading to intestinal inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, food intolerances and an overactive immune response."

Sadly, as Dr. Axe points out, the standard American diet is full of these inflammatory, gut-damaging foods. "People simply aren't eating enough of the good stuff that provides the nutrients we need to thrive," he says. "When we take care of our gut by cutting out inflammatory foods, we are boosting the immune system naturally."

Not sure what to munch on to help keep your immune system chugging along? Here are 9 food expert-approved options.

Image via Imaxtree

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