With flu season in full swing — and other seasonal respiratory infections also spiking across the U.S. — experts say it’s important to keep your immune system strong and healthy during this time of year. One way to combat seasonal illness is to regularly consume key nutrients and proteins that help improve immune health, according to Amy Goodson, a registered dietitian and sports nutrition consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.”The overall importance of nutritious foods in boosting immunity cannot be overstated, as the intricate relationship between diet and the immune system profoundly influences the body’s ability to defend against infections and maintain optimal health,” Goodson, who is also the author of “The Sports Nutrition Playbook,” told Fox News Digital.AS COVID CASES RISE, PROBIOTICS COULD REDUCE SYMPTOMS AND INFECTION, STUDY SUGGESTS”A well-balanced and diverse diet provides essential nutrients that play key roles in supporting various immune functions.”Goodson recommended the following seven recipes that contain key ingredients to ward off winter illness. One way to combat seasonal illness is to regularly consume key nutrients and proteins that help improve immune health, a registered dietitian told Fox News Digital. (iStock)1. Beef and veggie stir-fry”Beef is a top source of zinc, which plays a key role in immune function,” Goodson said. “Just 3 ounces of beef provides 53% of the recommended daily value of zinc.”Beef is also a high-quality protein source that can help boost immunity, she said. “Beef is a top source of zinc, which plays a key role in immune function,” the registered dietitian told Fox News Digital. (iStock)The broccoli in this recipe includes beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known to help decrease inflammation and increase immune function. The bell peppers, rich in vitamin C, can help stimulate white blood cell activity to strengthen immune defense. Ingredients: Lean beef strips, broccoli, bell peppers, soy sauce, ginger, garlicInstructions: Stir-fry beef and vegetables in soy sauce, ginger and garlic until cooked.2. Mushroom and quinoa stuffed peppersMushrooms contain selenium, a nutrient essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, Goodson noted. It also has antioxidant properties.Ingredients: Bell peppers, mushrooms, quinoa, black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, tomato sauce, cheeseInstructions: Cook quinoa. Sauté mushrooms, onion and garlic. Mix with cooked quinoa, black beans, cumin and paprika. THESE 10 NUTRITION MISTAKES COULD BE TAKING YEARS OFF YOUR LIFEStuff the peppers, top with tomato sauce and cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.3. Golden turmeric latte”Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting immune health,” said Goodson.Ingredients: Milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, honeyInstructions: Heat milk, add turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Whisk until well mixed. Sweeten with honey.4. Citrus saladA salad containing citrus fruits is high in vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections and viruses, according to Goodson. A salad containing citrus fruits is high in vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections and viruses. (iStock)Ingredients: Oranges, grapefruits, kiwi, pomegranate seeds, mint leavesInstructions: Mix citrus fruits, top with pomegranate seeds, garnish with mint leaves.5. Berry yogurt parfaitThe probiotics in yogurt promote a healthy gut microbiome, positively impacting immune function, the dietitian told Fox News Digital. The probiotics in yogurt promote a healthy gut microbiome, positively impacting immune function, the dietitian told Fox News Digital. (iStock)Ingredients: Greek yogurt, mixed berries, granola, honeyInstructions: Layer yogurt, berries and granola in a glass. Drizzle with honey.6. Chicken breast stuffed with spinach and fetaThe vitamin E in spinach acts as an antioxidant, protecting immune cells from damage.Ingredients: Chicken breast, spinach, feta cheese, garlic, olive oilInstructions: Mix spinach, feta and garlic. Stuff into a chicken breast and bake until cooked.7. Broccoli and cheddar soup”The vitamin K in broccoli plays a role in regulating the immune response and inflammatory processes,” Goodson noted.ASK A DOC: ‘DOES CHICKEN SOUP REALLY HELP CURE A COLD?’Ingredients: Broccoli, cheddar cheese, onion, chicken brothInstructions: Cook broccoli and onions in broth, blend and add cheese.8. Almond and banana smoothieThe riboflavin (vitamin B2) in almonds supports the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy immune system, according to Goodson. The riboflavin (vitamin B2) in almonds supports the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy immune system, the expert said. (iStock)Ingredients: Almonds, banana, yogurt, honey, milkInstructions: Blend almonds, banana, yogurt, honey and milk until smooth.9. Sweet potato friesSweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a nutrient that is converted into vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in immune function.WHITE POTATOES VS. SWEET POTATOES: NUTRITION AND HEALTH EXPERTS CHIME IN ON WHICH IS BETTER Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, paprika, saltInstructions: Cut sweet potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, paprika and salt. Bake until crispy.10. Mixed berry salad”The flavonoids in berries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to immune system modulation,” said Goodson. “The flavonoids in berries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to immune system modulation,” a registered dietician told Fox News Digital. (iStock)Ingredients: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mint, lime juiceInstructions: Mix berries, garnish with mint and drizzle with lime juice.THESE ARE THE BEST IMMUNE-BOOSTING FOODS, ACCORDING TO NUTRITION EXPERTSWhen putting together immune-boosting recipes, Goodson emphasized the importance of dietary diversity.”Beyond individual nutrients, the synergy of various compounds in whole foods contributes to a holistic approach to immune health,” she said. It’s wise to incorporate a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats into daily meals, said one nutrition expert. (iStock)”Incorporating a colorful array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats into daily meals enhances the body’s resilience, helping to ward off illnesses and promote overall well-being.”Bonus: Here are the 7 dietary building blocks of strong immunityOn a broader scale, Goodson highlighted seven essential components of an immune-boosting diet.1. Vitamins and mineralsEssential vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E — along with minerals like zinc and selenium — are vital for the proper functioning of the immune system, she pointed out. Adequate protein intake is essential for the synthesis of antibodies and immune system proteins, according to Goodson. (iStock)”These micronutrients contribute to the production and activity of immune cells, the regulation of inflammation and the protection of cells from oxidative stress,” Goodson said.2. AntioxidantsFound in fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods, antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and compromise the immune system, she noted.”Berries, citrus fruits and leafy greens are rich sources of antioxidants that contribute to overall immune resilience,” the expert said.3. ProteinAdequate protein intake is essential for the synthesis of antibodies and immune system proteins, according to Goodson.STUDY SUGGESTS MEDITERRANEAN DIET COULD BOOST MALE FERTILITY: ‘CRUCIAL ROLE'”Protein-rich foods, including lean meats, fish, dairy and plant-based sources like beans and lentils, support the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response,” she said.4. Gut health”A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut,” Goodson said. “Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut, promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, positively influencing immune function,” the dietitian said. (iStock)”Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut, promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, positively influencing immune function and overall digestive health.”5. Omega-3 fatty acids”Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds and walnuts, contribute to a balanced inflammatory response and support the immune system’s ability to combat infections,” the nutritionist said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER6. PhytonutrientsPresent in colorful fruits and vegetables, phytonutrients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Apples and grapes are the among the foods that have phytonutrients, which contribute to immune system health. (iStock)”These compounds, such as quercetin in apples and resveratrol in grapes, contribute to immune system modulation and overall health,” said Goodson.7. Hydration”Proper hydration is essential for the optimal function of all bodily systems, including the immune system,” Goodson said.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP”Water supports the transportation of nutrients, the elimination of waste products, and the maintenance of mucous membranes, which act as a barrier against pathogens.”For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health. Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
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