In times of sickness, people often look for food and supplements that they believe can boost their immunity for faster recovery. They quickly resort to fruits rich in vitamin C, and even soups that they think can make them feel better. However, although these can help in strengthening the immune system to aid in the process of healing, experts advise that our health is influenced by an ideal balance between many factors, not only a specific nutrient.
To prevent illnesses and recover from them, it is vital for one to engage in a healthy, balanced diet, whether sick or not. This optimises health and helps the body fight infection and diseases.
The Immune System and Nutrition
The immune system defends our bodies against germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins that can lead to illness and disease. It becomes activated when it comes into contact with microorganisms that the body does not recognize as its own. However, when these microorganisms become too powerful for our bodies to handle, it is vital that we get all the help we need to aid our immune system’s work in fighting them off. One method is to eat a well-balanced diet.
Some Nourishing Food for Recovery
A well-balanced and nutritious diet powers our organs by giving all cells the ability to fight off sickness. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs should be prioritised over processed ones, as they replenish the body and regulate its functions. Among are the kinds of food that can help in speedy recovery:
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that can fight free radicals in the body, protect the cells against damages, and rebuild the immune system. Although our bodies have their own antioxidant defences, there is always a possibility for these free radicals to outnumber them, leading to oxidative stress which can damage the molecules, and sometimes, even lead to cell death.
With this, it becomes vital to include food-containing antioxidants in your diet during recovery. This may include berries, dark chocolate, green tea, coffee, meat products, fruits, and vegetables.
- Fruits
Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, which can be beneficial in supporting the immune system. Certain types of fruits, like berries, are even filled with anthocyanins, an excellent antiviral and anti-inflammatory compound that have immune-boosting effects. There are also studies showing that the minerals and vitamins found in fruits have reduced the number of days people were sick by 40%.
- Green, Leafy Vegetables
Green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and arugula, are rich in manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, folate, and provitamin A – minerals essential for optimum immune function. They also have strong anti-inflammatory functions that help subdue inflammatory proteins like TNF-alpha, according to studies.
Getting the Right Nutrition
Given their usual hectic schedules, it may be difficult for those living in fast-paced business hubs like the UAE to find time to look for sources of these healthy foods. However, wellness centres in Dubai have been established to provide them with guidance on how to engage in a balanced diet to recover from illnesses and optimise their health and well-being.
Find all the healthy food you need with our healthy cafe in Dubai to start a nutritious diet today.
