By Katie Ussin – News 5
CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 4, 2020 — Supporting our immune systems so we’re able to fight off illness is more important than ever right now. But, do you know the best foods to help support a healthy immune system?
News 5 talked with a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic to find out.
Julia Zumpano highlighted four essential vitamins and minerals we should be eating every day.
The first is vitamin C. You can find it in in foods like oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli. Our bodies don’t store vitamin C, so eating it every day is important.
Next, vitamin B6. It is in foods like chicken, salmon, tuna, sweet potatoes, and bananas.
Vitamin E is another important one. Foods rich in Vitamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach.
Finally, zinc is an important immune-booster. You can find zinc it in oysters, red meat, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals.
And, she says don’t forget about the importance of good gut health. Zumpano said a healthy digestive system is key to making sure our body can soak-up and use these vitamins and minerals.
“Eating a high-fiber diet builds up probiotics in your gut to help digest food and helps keep your good bacteria as high and vibrant as possible,” she said.
A lot of the foods mentioned above have a lot of fiber in them, as well.
Zumpano said while supplements can help fill gaps in your diet, the best way to load up on essential nutrients is through food. She also said not to underestimate the power of plenty of sleep and water to help your immune system.