Best Foods to Boost your Immune System in Rock Hill SC

Interested in boosting your immune system in Rock Hill SC? Your body requires a consistent supply of many different raw materials, both macronutrients and micronutrients to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. You need large amounts of macronutrients, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. And while you only need a small number of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, failing to get even those small quantities welcomes disease.

Boost Your Immune System in Rock Hill SC

The importance of micronutrients

Essential micronutrients consist of about 30 vitamins and minerals that your body cannot make in sufficient amounts on its own. British sailors learned centuries ago that living for months without fresh fruits or vegetables-the main sources of vitamin C-caused the bleeding gums and fatigue of scurvy, a disease that often proved fatal. Even today in many low-income countries, people frequently suffer from a variety of nutrient-deficiency diseases.

True vitamin and mineral deficiencies-in which the lack of a single nutrient leads directly to a specific ailment-are rare in the United States because our widespread supply of inexpensive food, and the fortification of many common foods with some key nutrients. However, eating less than optimal amounts of important vitamins, minerals, and other compounds can still contribute to major illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Are you Getting Enough Micronutrients?

The best way to get vitamins and minerals is from a well-rounded diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean sources of protein, along with healthy fats, such as nuts and olive oil. You should ideally try to meet your vitamin and mineral needs through your diet rather than supplements.

Choosing Foods to Boost Your Immune System

Five micronutrients play key roles in maintaining immune function: vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Supplements containing these nutrients are often sold as immune boosters in doses that greatly exceed the recommended daily allowance. However, there is no evidence that such supplements have more benefits than following a healthy diet year-round. Focus on using the foods listed below to boost your immune system.