Probiotics a “Bad Bug” Defender!
Did you know over 80% of your immune system function starts in your belly? It’s true! Most bad bacteria enter our bodies through the food we eat and drink or the air we breathe. So it makes sense for our digestive system to be the first line of defense.
Probiotic foods are filled with “active and live cultures” or good bugs. These beneficial bacteria help fight off infectious disease while helping to strengthen our immune system. Probiotics foods are found in Greek yogurt, kefir and a host of other foods. Eat something with probiotics every day.
Go Nuts!
Nuts are rich in vitamin E which helps keep the immune system healthy. Vitamin E tends to enhance the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies which destroy bacteria. Sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, peanuts, pine nuts and any nut butter are all filled with vitamin E.
Sink your teeth into zinc! Zinc plays a big role in maintaining a healthy immune system and will help keep the sniffles, sneezes and flu bugs at bay. The best sources of zinc are “beef and beans” - primarily lean beef, pork and lamb, peanut butter and all sorts of beans.
If you do catch the flu bug, don’t let it spread. Instead, remember what mom always said, “Cough on your cuff, sneeze on your sleeve, and wash your hands, please”. Interested in learning more about flu-fighting foods? Visit your favorite Hy-Vee dietitian. Find a dietitian near you.
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