Simple diet swaps to support your immune system this fall
Feeling under the weather? A nutritionist shares four simple and effective diet swaps to help strengthen your immune system, and keep you feeling your best all season long.
This season can feel like a struggle, especially when you are sick.
Here are four easy diet swaps to keep your body stronger and less likely to suffer from infection.
First: Iceberg lettuce is out and kale is in.
"Kale contains zinc, copper and selenium to make immune cells," said Diane Murphy, a nutritionist and CEO of Murphy Greens Family Juicery.
This one might be hard, but instead of reaching for that second or third coffee, try a hot lemon water.
"It's no secret that lemons contain a lot of vitamin C. Did you know the peel contains an essential oil called limonene? Preclinical studies show it may help to manage respiratory viruses and decrease inflammation in the lungs," said Murphy.
Next, no more sugar-filled juices. Bring in the pure, cold-pressed varieties.
"Cold-pressed juice is my favourite way to saturate my immune cells with a powerful matrix of nutrients in a short period of time," said Murphy.
Finally, instead of snacking on empty calories, grab some protein.
"Just about everything in our body is made of protein, and the stronger we make it, the more robust we become against the bacteria and viruses out there," said Murphy.