How to optimize your immune system?

Want to optimize your immune system?

Did you know that your white blood cells, which are the powerhouses of your immune and defense system, are packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants (prevents cell damage), and other nutrients? One such nutrient is vitamin C. Including vitamin C rich foods in your diet helps your white blood cells function optimally. In addition, vitamin C is utilized by the body for collagen synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, as an anti-oxidant among other functions. Your body does not make vitamin C, (as humans lack the last enzyme in the vitamin C pathway), so you need to consume vitamin C rich foods in your diet. A few foods rich in vitamin C include:

1. All citrus including oranges and lemons
2. Green, red and yellow peppers
3. Broccoli
4. Kiwi
5. Brussels Sprouts
6. Strawberries
7. Kale
8. Tomatoes
9. Papayas (When I was in Costa Rica last summer, they had delicious papayas, but couldn\’t find good ones in Baltimore upon my return)

Tip: for dental health, try and rinse your mouth after eating citrus so the acids don\’t wear away tooth enamel.

There you go! Aim for vitamin C rich foods daily to maximize your immune health!

Yours in great health!

Kevin Grodnitzky, MS, RDN, CDE, LDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Certified Personal Trainer