Your health Is directly related to how well your body responds to fight bacteria and viruses that can lead to inflammation, infection, and illness. This line of defense against intruders is known as the immune system. You can support your immune system and keep it strong with regular handwashing, proper nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being.
A healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in nutritious foods, is important to your well-being and ability to maintain your immune system. Nutrient deficiencies can impair immune function and decrease the body’s resistance to infections. Nutrients work together to build a healthy immune system to defend against sickness.
Nutrition Strategies to Boost Your Immune System
Don’t over-consume calories, saturated fats, or excess sugar and salt.
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Read nutrition labels.
Consider taking a daily multivitamin.
All nutrients are important, but several are particularly important to supporting your immune health, including antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Phytonutrients and Antioxidants
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants that protect plants from fungus, germs, and insects and are responsible for the color, taste, and smell of plant foods.
In the body, many phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals act as antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage. Phytochemicals have health properties that are:
Cardio-protective
Anti-diabetic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-cancer
Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, repairs damaged cells, and helps defend against foreign invaders. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables such as oranges, grapefruit, and bell peppers.
Vitamin A is known to promote healthy growth and distribution of cells, and support skin and eye health. Sources include orange vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes), leafy greens (spinach, kale, and broccoli), fish, dairy products, and eggs.
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage, support a healthy heart, and may help to prevent some types of cancer. Good sources of Vitamin E include many plant oils like sunflower oil and almond oil and healthy fats found in avocado and almonds.
Vitamin D is known to promote anti-inflammatory cells and help regulate cells involved in the immune response and healing. Vitamin D is also needed for the body to absorb calcium. Sources include sunlight (your body makes vitamin D from sunlight!), fortified foods (usually dairy and soy products), and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, and mackerel).
Zinc is a trace element shown to improve brain function and strengthen the immune system by promoting wound healing and decreasing inflammation. Zinc is found in lean meats, seafood, legumes, and nuts.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important in controlling inflammation. The body cannot make these fatty acids so they must be consumed in the diet. Plant sources include chia seeds, edamame, avocado, and oats, while animal sources include salmon and tuna.
What About Supplements?
If a well-balanced diet Is not regularly accessible, you may consider taking a multivitamin. Talk with your healthcare provider to decide if a daily multivitamin or other dietary supplements are right for you. Always be sure to read labels carefully for the serving size, ingredients, and “USP Verified” seal to ensure the supplement contains the actual ingredients listed and is made according to FDA guidelines. Choose a multivitamin that is all-inclusive to meet the daily RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance). Adhere to the serving size to meet the RDA for daily multivitamins or individual vitamin supplements, unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. Dangers of supplement interactions or overdose include upset stomach, headache, and blocking other nutrients from being absorbed by the body. For more information about dietary supplements, visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or the National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements.
No matter your age, good nutrition is key. When we choose to eat healthy, we are making a conscious effort to continually improve our well-being. When we teach young children about the importance of eating healthy, we are helping them to grow, develop, and maintain a healthy lifestyle they will carry on through adulthood. Making these smart food choices, along with regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious health problems. For individuals who deal with chronic health problems, proper nutrition can aid in the management of their conditions. There are many other benefits that come with eating a healthy diet such as improved mood and mental health, a strengthened immune system, and more sustained energy.
In addition to the benefits of good nutrition, incorporating practical tools such as MyPlate can provide valuable guidance. MyPlate serves as a visual reminder of the types of foods we should be enjoying daily. It simplifies the process of making healthy choices by categorizing foods into five essential groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. By incorporating a variety of choices from each group into our daily meals, we make every bite count. Start by making simple adjustments to your daily meals. Whether you are cooking for yourself or your family, take time to plan out meals that include a variety of choices from each food group. If you are preparing for your family, make mealtimes a priority and connect with each other while preparing and enjoying meals together. Turn off the television, put away electronics, and enjoy time together as a family. Have conversations about the colors, texture, and flavor of the food being served.
Children often are more willing to try a food they have grown or prepared. Photo credit: UF/IFAS photo taken by Camila Guillen.
Growing a garden at home is another fun way to get everyone adding more variety onto their plate. Start with fruits or vegetables that are familiar or even an herb garden that can grow in a kitchen window. Children of all ages will enjoy watching and tending to the garden. This may also inspire children and youth to assist with cooking and food preparation in the kitchen.
Remember, eating healthy is a choice you get to make every day. The importance of good nutrition cannot be overstated, regardless of age. Choosing to eat healthy is a conscious effort that has far-reaching implications for our well-being. By instilling the values of healthy eating in young children, we lay the foundation for a lifetime of positive habits, fostering growth, development, and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle into adulthood.
We are well on our way into the new year, so that means you have kept up with your new year’s resolutions, right? Most individuals begin the new year with a resolution that they are going to participate in healthier habits, whether that be eating right, drinking more water, or exercising regularly. After the first few weeks, it can be hard to keep yourself on track. I know that I tend to fall short when I make meal and snack choices. Follow along below to learn more about why it is important to make healthy choices, as well as how to keep up with these healthy habits!
Why should I make healthy choices?
That is a great question! As a busy mom of two, I am always trying to balance work, school, family, and our social calendar. Your eating habits can contribute to physical movement, sleep, health, energy levels, and education. I can tell a large, positive difference in my overall attitude, energy levels, and sleep when I am making healthier choices. This is not something that someone can force upon you. Only you can make the decision to make these changes.
When you say healthy choices, what does that mean?
This does not mean “diet” or that you cannot have the cookies or ice cream. Busy people don’t have a lot of time to prepare and eat healthy meals. It can be helpful to have a quick list of ideas to maintain healthy eating. It is important for you to balance your meals. Consider eating at least 3 of the following every day: dairy, fruit, grains, healthy fats, proteins, or vegetables. Check out MyPlate to learn all about healthy eating habits, food groups, and how to shape your meals to you. Foods in moderation are okay but try to not overindulge.
Some high protein breakfast ideas:
Boil eggs at the beginning of the week and offer them with a low-sugar, high-protein cereal, and an apple to go.
Make breakfast burritos filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, chicken, or beef on a Sunday and freeze them.
An egg sandwich, a cup of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit, and peanut butter on wholegrain toast can all be eaten on the way to school.
If I keep junk food in the house, I tend to eat it. I always make a point to keep healthy snack options available rather than boxes of junk food. Healthy snack options at home include fruits, vegetables, and healthier beverages. Soda is high in sugar, so to help cut the sugar, I keep water, milk, and pure fruit juice in the fridge. (NOTE: Fruit juices contain natural sugars, so they should also be consumed in moderation.) It is easy for me to make those choices since I am the adult that goes grocery shopping.
Ideas for healthier alternatives:
Instead of fried chicken, try baked or grilled chicken.
Instead of potato chips, try baked vegetable chips or nuts.
Craving something crunchy? Try carrots or celery.
Craving something sweet? Try vanilla Greek yogurt with some fresh fruit.
Craving something salty? Try popcorn or edamame.
On top of eating from different food groups, cut down on fats or sugars and remember to drink lots of water. Your body is unable to continue functioning properly without fluids. Staying hydrated may seem like a difficult task, but it is extremely important for us to stay hydrated for optimal health and performance throughout the day. Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.
What about exercise?
It is extremely easy to come up with excuses as to why you cannot exercise.
I don’t have time.
It costs too much.
I don’t like physical activity.
I can’t do this by myself.
Your new healthy habits should be made a priority. If you cannot take care of yourself, then you will not be able to take care of others. Physical exercise does not always have to be drastic. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking an extra block to work or around the neighborhood, or standing up instead of sitting.
How do I hold myself accountable?
Accountability for your new healthy habits can come in all shapes and sizes. The most helpful way that I have found is tracking my progress. This helps me find strengths, areas I can improve on, and helps me stay on track. You can record what you ate, how much water you drank, as well as any activity you performed. Try record keeping on an app, online, or the old-fashioned way – with pen and paper. There are several apps for your phones and websites online that will let you tailor your calorie and physical activity plans to reach your personal goals within a specific time period.
October is one of my most favorite times of year. Fall is in the air and the temperatures are starting to “fall.” School is back in session for our kids. The holiday season is beginning. Did you know that October is also National Seafood Month? There is no better time than National Seafood Month to start trying new recipes with your family and digging into heart-healthy meals!
“For a healthy heart, the American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating two, 3.5 oz servings of fish per week” (Picklo, 2020). According to the USDA, there are several studies that show that eating fish reduces risk of heart disease. Fish is an excellent source of protein, which is great for losing weight or building muscle. Fish is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help reduce blood clots, triglycerides, and irregular heartbeats.
Including at least two 3.5-ounce servings of fish in your weekly meals can reduce heart disease risk. (Photo source: Cristina Carriz, UF/IFAS)
Try to incorporate more seafood into your diet by adding it in twice a week. Fried shrimp or fish is so delicious but can contain more fat than we need to consume. For heart-healthy-conscious meals, consider baking or grilling the fish instead. You may be surprised at the delicious results. If you are unsure of where to start, take a look at the Med Instead of Meds curriculum. Many counties throughout the state of Florida are offering classes, in person and virtually.
Med Instead of Meds focuses on a Mediterranean diet and provides a variety of simple and delicious recipes! Recipes range from salmon and tuna burgers to fish tacos and much more! You can easily tweak the recipes to get creative with the herbs to make it your own dish. The possibilities are endless! Click here to visit the Med Instead of Meds website, created by a group of nutrition and health professionals from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
One of my personal favorite recipes from their website is the “Honey Balsamic Glazed Salmon.” This recipe is simple to make, but the results are oh so sweet. The balsamic and honey glaze complements the salmon in ways I could not imagine, so much so that my mouth is watering just thinking about it! My family does not like the rosemary taste as much, so we tend to use oregano or thyme instead. Again, a simple change that my family loves. Little do they know they are eating heart-healthy seafood!
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Garcia, J., & Purser, E. (2021, October 12). National Seafood Month. NC Cooperative Extension News.
Summer is coming to a close, and Fall is in the air. What better way to kick off the Fall season than by bobbing for a deep red, bright green, or yellow apple? Currently, there are over 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States, and 7,500 varieties grown throughout the world. Apples are also grown in all 50 states. That is a lot of apples to celebrate throughout the month of October!
Photo source: Claire Davis, UF/IFAS Extension
Have you ever heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? This was something that I was told throughout my childhood. I did not believe that an apple a day would keep me healthy and away from the doctor’s office. Now I understand that the saying is a tribute to the apple’s nutritional value and its health benefits. Per the USDA, an apple is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C!
Fiber affects the rate of digestion of foods, the absorption of nutrients, and the movement of waste products (stool) through the colon. It also provides a substrate for beneficial intestinal bacteria (Cornell). Vitamin C supports your body’s health by forming collagen used to make skin, tendons, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps heal wounds, repair or maintain bones and teeth, and helps absorb iron (Medline Plus). It is best to eat the apple with the skin on, because the skin contains fiber and right under it is most of the vitamin C. One medium sized apple, about 2.5 inches in diameter, has a total calorie count of about 80 calories.
Apples are a great fruit to add to our diet! Check out a few ideas below on easy ways to add them in.
Photo source: Claire Davis, UF/IFAS Extension
Apples chopped up into bite size pieces taste great mixed in with a salad.
Mix up a yogurt dip using yogurt, cinnamon, and vanilla, to dip apple slices in. Or try spreading peanut butter over apple slices.
Add a peeled apple into a smoothie for added nutrients.
If you are not convinced yet, consider this. Apples are delicious, easy to carry around for a snack, low in calories, and can be refreshing on a hot day! With the hundreds of varieties available, there is an apple to suit almost anyone’s taste. Apples can be sweet, tart, crisp, crunchy, soft, or mushy, however you like them. Try an apple today!
Fiber, digestion, and health – Cornell University. (n.d.). https://health.cornell.edu/sites/health/files/pdf-library/fiber-digestion-health.pdf
Food data Central Search Results. FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171688/nutrients
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 19). Vitamin C: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
Your health Is directly related to how well your body responds to fight bacteria and viruses that can lead to inflammation, infection, and illness. This line of defense against intruders is known as the immune system. You can support your immune system and keep it strong with regular handwashing, proper nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being.
