IroNext Syrup 2/10/2020

1. IRONEXT SYRUP

2. Even though we’re well into spring, we’re still seeing a lot of colds and viruses. To try and help keep everyone healthy and germ-free, we continually emphasize to our patients that their diet plays an important role in the strength of their immune system. Certain foods may actually decrease their chances of getting sick, while others can help them recover more quickly if they do get ill. Regularly consuming the foods listed below can make a real difference in strengthening your immune system, helping you resist illnesses and shortening the time you are sick. If you are unable to eat some of them, you may want to consider taking supplements which have immunity-boosting properties. No matter the season, keeping your immune system healthy is very important to your overall health and well-being.

3. 10 foods to eat if you want to boost your immune system • Iron-rich foods Iron plays an important role in immune function. A diet containing too little iron can cause anemia and weaken the immune system. Foods rich in iron include meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables and dried fruit. You can also improve your absorption of iron from foods by using cast-iron pots and pans to cook with, and avoiding tea or coffee with meals. Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C can help boost your absorption even further. Keep in mind, however, that overly high iron levels in your blood can be harmful and may actually suppress the immune system. Therefore, it’s best to take iron supplements only if you have an iron deficiency or on the advice of a doctor.

4. Probiotic-rich foods Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in your gut and help stimulate your immune system. They also help maintain the health of your gut’s lining, which may help prevent unwanted substances from “leaking” into the body and provoking an immune response. In fact, recent studies show that probiotics may reduce the risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections by up to 42%. Studies also show that when people do get sick, those who regularly consume probiotics are 33% less likely to need antibiotics. In certain cases, regularly consuming probiotics may also lead to a faster recovery from illness. Effective sources of probiotics include sauerkraut, naturally fermented pickles, yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, kimchi, tempeh, miso, natto and kombucha.

5. Citrus Vitamin C is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps maintain the integrity of your skin, which acts as a protective barrier against infection. In addition, vitamin C can act as an antioxidant, helping protect your immune cells against harmful compounds formed in response to viral or bacterial infections.Therefore, getting enough vitamin C is a great way to strengthen your immune system and may reduce your likelihood of infection. Some studies also report that increasing your vitamin C intake during a cold may help you get better more quickly. Fruits like oranges, grapefruits and tangerines are high in vitamin C. Other foods high in vitamin C include bell peppers, guavas, dark leafy greens, broccoli, berries, tomatoes, papaya and snap peas.

6. Ginger Ginger is rich in gingerol, a bioactive substance thought to help lower the risk of infections. In fact, ginger has antimicrobial properties that may inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, including E. coli, Candida and Salmonella. Fresh ginger may also help fight the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), a virus responsible for many respiratory infections. However, more studies on this are needed. As many people know, ginger is also effective at combatting nausea, and may help decrease your nausea symptoms when you have the flu. Garlic • Like ginger, garlic also contains active compounds that may help reduce your risk of infection and improve your immune cells’ ability to fight off colds and the flu. Garlic also seems to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may help it fight bacterial and viral infections. To maximize garlic’s immune-boosting effects, eat one clove two to three times per day. Crushing the garlic and allowing it to stand for 10 minutes prior to cooking can also help increase its immune-supportive effects.