These 4 Foods Can Boost Immunity When Sick

 

We know that food is not a cure when we are sick. But scientific evidence shows that eating certain foods can help with immune function. Makes us feel better while the body is fighting infection.

Even so, it doesn't mean that when you're sick, especially in the midst of the current pandemic Covid-19 , you only rely on food to recover. Getting vaccinations and boosters and taking medication from your doctor is still the best way to fight the
main symptoms of a viral infection. Food is just an added bonus so the body can recover faster.

Then what kind of foods can help boost immunity and make our bodies feel better when we are sick? According to Eat This, Not That! , here are four foods recommended by Dr. Cedrina Calder, a doctor of preventive medicine, which you can try to boost your immune system when you are sick.

1. Chicken Soup
For fans of Korean dramas, it must be very often seen samgyetang brow ginseng chicken soup served when one of the characters is sick. Well, apparently chicken soup does have a good effect on the body when consumed when you are sick. Calder explains that chicken is a good source of vitamin B6 which is necessary for healthy immune function.

According to a study in the Journal of Immunology Research, vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to a weakened immune system. This makes vitamin B6 an essential micronutrient for our health.

In addition, lean chicken breast is recognized as one of the best foods for vitamin B6 with up to 30 percent of the daily nutritional value, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Plus, the chicken soup also comes with a warm gravy which is a relief for sore throats, which is the main symptom many people experience with the Omicron variant of the Corona virus.

2. Fresh Ginger Tea with Honey
A cup of warm soup isn't the only liquid that soothes a sore throat. A cup of tea combined with certain ingredients such as ginger and honey can also help soothe and boost immunity. Ginger helps reduce inflammation and can relieve nausea.

In addition to reducing inflammation and relieving nausea, ginger also helps with gastrointestinal function, pain, metabolic syndrome, and other symptoms, according to a review in Nutrients. While honey can relieve a sore throat.

3. Chili
According to Calder, adding certain foods, such as chili peppers, to your diet can actually help with illness as well. "The capsaicin in chili peppers can help with a stuffy nose when you're sick," says Calder. "It can relieve stuffy nose and sinus congestion."

Previous studies from African Health Sciences have also shown how capsaicin can produce anti-inflammatory effects. Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in chili peppers such as jalapeno, habanero, and shishito. You can also benefit from this compound by including cayenne pepper in your diet.

4. Garlic
Besides chili peppers, garlic is another easy-to-find additive that can help boost immunity. Calder says garlic stimulates immune cells and can help fight infection.

Another review in the Journal of Immunology Research concluded that garlic modulates the secretion of cytokines, responses from cells in the body that can aid injury and infection recovery. That means eating garlic can work as an anti-inflammatory and boost our immune system.

Foto: Pixabay/cegoh

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