Immune-Boosting Foods Are Important During Flu Season
Registered Dietitian Marissa Martorana offers tips to have a properly functioning immune system. (Photo courtesy of Beach Cities Health District) By Marissa Martorana, R.D. As a Registered Dietitian, I am often asked if there are certain foods that could prevent the flu or a cold. Although there is not one particular food that will offer complete immunity to the flu or a cold, there are certain eating patterns, nutrients and daily practices that could contribute to a properly functioning immune system. According to the USDA dietary guidelines for 2015-2020, “An eating pattern is more than the sum of its parts: it represents the totality of what individuals habitually eat and drink, and these dietary components act synergistically in relation to health. As a result, the eating pattern may be more predictive of overall health status and disease risk than individual foods or nutrients.” There are, however, specific nutrients that have been shown to help support the growth of immune cells such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, iron, selenium and protein. These nutrients can be easily obtained through diet with a bit of planning to ensure that eating patterns are reflective of these…
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