When the body faces an infection, the immune system works at its best. During an illness, nutritional needs change and proper nutrition can help you recover much faster. We are talking, in particular, about foods that contain essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, omega-3s, and probiotics.

Doctor and health expert Ulyana Werner told OBOZREVATEL about this. According to her, to support the immune system, it is worth eating foods rich in vitamins D, A, C, E.

Supporting the immune system

Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining immunity and preventing inflammation. It promotes the production of peptides that fight infectious agents. It can be synthesized in the skin under the influence of solar radiation and is also found in food sources such as oily fish (salmon, sardines), eggs, and some types of mushrooms.

In turn, vitamin A strengthens mucous membranes, which play a role in fighting infections. It is also important for the development and functioning of white blood cells. Sources of vitamin A include orange and red vegetables: carrots, zucchini, red paprika, as well as knotweed, eggs, and dairy products.

Vitamin C helps increase the activity of white blood cells that fight infections. It is rich in paprika, kiwi, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), and strawberries.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from oxidation damage. It can support the immune system by ensuring a healthy level of oxidation in the body. Sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and green leafy vegetables.

Trace minerals such as zinc and selenium , which are found in nuts, seeds, and seafood, are also important for supporting the immune system.

Providing energy

As the body spends more energy fighting infection, it needs nutritious proteins. Consume light protein sources that do not overly burden the gastrointestinal tract. These can be skinless chicken, fish, and legumes.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, can help speed up recovery. Fish such as salmon, sardine, and mackerel are a rich source of omega-3s.

Hydration and recovery

It is important to keep your body hydrated during an illness. Water-rich fruits and vegetables can help with this : oranges, watermelons, cucumbers, and tomatoes, due to their water content, will help maintain optimal fluid levels.

Support for the gastrointestinal tract

To maintain the health of the gastrointestinal tract during an illness, you should consume foods rich in probiotics, the doctor advises. These can be yogurts with live cultures, kefir, and sauerkraut.

In addition, Ulyana Werner emphasized that it is important to drink hot drinks during illness: warm tea with honey and lemon can help relax and soothe the throat. You should also consume soups based on low-fat broths with the addition of various types of vegetables and meat, which will help provide the body with the necessary nutrients and fluids.

"Remember that nutrition plays a key role in supporting the body during an illness. Consume foods that will help support the immune system, provide energy and restore the body. However, take into account the specifics of your health condition and consult a specialist if you have special dietary needs or restrictions," the doctor said.

As OBOZREVATEL reported earlier, the doctor named five inconspicuous signs that give away heart problems. It often starts to malfunction from an early age, without showing any special symptoms in the form of chest pain, high blood pressure, or serious arrhythmia.

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