Fight H1N1 : Foods That Can Strengthen Your Immune System

Have you started to feel run down and worn out more often than usual? Do you seem more susceptible to infections than the people around you? If so your immune system may be in need of a boost. Luckily, this boost can be achieved by eating the right foods and making some changes to your diet. That's why in this article I am going to provide you with four foods that can strengthen your body's resistance to disease and help you fight infection.

1) ORANGES:- Oranges are rich in vitamin C which boosts body's defences in a number of ways. First, it promotes the production of white blood cells and antibodies which both help your body fight viral infections. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant which means that it protects the cells of your body and your immune system from free radicals (harmful by-products that are released when your body uses oxygen).

2) NUTS:- Nuts contain high levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin E and selenium and are a perfect snack food. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B9 both help keep your immune system healthy. On top of this vitamin E and selenium stimulate the production of B cells (which produce bacteria fighting antibodies) and are both antioxidants (which protect your body's disease fighting cells from free radicals).

3) MUSHROOMS:- Mushrooms are a fantastic source of multiple B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc. As I discussed above the B vitamins promote a healthy immune system and vitamin C helps protect it from free radicals. Zinc also helps keep it strong by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Furthermore, research has revealed that mushrooms can activate your body's T cells which help your body fight against disease.

4) GREEN TEA:- Green tea can increase the effectiveness of your immune system's T cells and therefore increase your body's ability to fight against disease. It is also high in antioxidants which protect your body and its defences from the damage caused by free radicals.So if you are feeling a little run down or are currently suffering from an infection give the above foods a try. Oranges and nuts are perfect as snacks whilst mushrooms can be added to almost any dish and green tea can be drank instead of your morning coffee. Not only are they all healthy, natural choices but they could give your immune system a much needed boost as well.