8 Foods that’ll Protect Your Body
We don’t always pay enough attention to the food we eat, but once you start giving your body the right food, your immune system's ability to fight disease will improve significantly. The immune system and white blood cells work together to deal with various infections, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and even treat cancer cells. The normal range of white blood cells in the body is 4,300 -10,800 cells per microliter of blood, and having fewer than 3,500 cells is a disorder known as neutropenia, which is indicative of an immune system problem. Below you will find the recommended nutrients and foods that can be used to improve the production of white blood cells, along with a bonus recipe( see in recipe blog).
Vitamin C
It is very important to include different vitamins in your daily diet,
but vitamin C is the most important for increasing the production of
white blood cells. Foods that include citrus, chili, broccoli and green
and red peppers are rich in vitamin C, making them essential to your
diet. Also, it should be noted that broccoli not only helps to increase
white blood cells, it also contains many antioxidants thanks to its high
vitamins A and E content.
Zinc
The consumption of zinc accelerates immune system function, which is
linked to increased production of white blood cells. Studies have shown
that zinc deficiency may increase the risk of infection, and other
studies have found evidence that zinc intake of 75 mg or more per day
may reduce the duration of a cold and also the severity of the symptoms
associated with it. Natural food sources include beans, sunflower seeds,
chicken, nuts, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, wheat grass, and spinach.
Folic acid
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that is needed to create and maintain new cells, and the consumption of this nutrient is especially important during periods of rapid cell division, such as during pregnancy or during the development and growth of infants. Vegetables such as spinach, turnips, peas, legumes and other fruits and vegetables are rich in folic acid, so it is recommended to add them to your regular weekly menu.
Selenium
The recommended daily amount of selenium for an adult is 55 micrograms,
and a lack of this mineral may increase the chances of developing
angina, myocardial infarction, and coronary heart disease. In addition,
selenium can increase the production of white blood cells and can be
found in beef, tuna, salmon, chicken, beans, and Brazil nuts.
Beta-carotene
This substance helps protect the thymus gland, which creates immune system cells. Foods that contain beta-carotene increase the production of white blood cells, and they have the ability to fight infections if you make sure to consume them daily. Daily consumption of this nutrient should range from 2 -7 mg per day and it can be found in fruits and vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, oranges, loquat, pumpkin, mangos and dark leafy green vegetables.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory substance that relieves both types
of arthritis; Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the
main active ingredient is curcumin, which has proven its ability to
reduce inflammation and fever, thanks to its positive effect on the
proper functioning of white blood cells.
Kale
Just one cup of kale will give you all the vitamin A you need a day, which can help your body fight cancer cells. Also, kale increases the production of white blood cells and helps antibodies respond to invasive infections and even neutralize them.
Garlic
Garlic contains elements that stimulate the immune system. Furthermore,
it has an impressive ability to fight infections, thanks to the large
concentration of allicin, created by crushing fresh garlic cloves.