Whenever you decide to stay home, you can consider how you can boost your health by eating well, and to power up your 1st line of defence, to help your immune system stay strong and healthy.
But what is our 1st line of defence? It is NOT our immune system, but our mucous membrane.
We shall share 10 foods that you easily include in your daily diet to build up your mucous membrane, and boost your immunity.
Power Up Your Mucous Membrane For Better Immunity
Why is Your Mucous Membrane Your 1st Line of Defence?
Our mouth, throat, nose, respiratory and digestive systems are lined with mucous membrane. These mucous membrane and the mucus it produces lining these tracts are especially designed to protect any virus, bacteria, microorganisms or particles from getting into our lungs.
In order for virus to infect the body, it must first pass through the mucous membrane of these areas. That is why our mucous membrane is our first line of defence while our immune system is the second line of defence.
Thus, keeping our mucous lining and mucous in good working condition is essential. If their performance is compromised, risk of infection increases.
Super Vitamin Plus: Ellagic Acid – Boosting your immunity and respiratory system
Clinical studies have shown that ellagic acid has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It plays an important role in protecting and optimizing the condition of our mucous membrane which lines our respiratory oral tract and digestive system. Foods rich in ellagic acid include pomegranate, berries, guava and walnuts.
Additional Tip To Keep Your Mucous Membrane Healthy:
Sip water consistently throughout the day to keep your mucous membrane moist and well lubricated.
Skin immunity and UVB rays
Our skin also has immune cells, one of which is Langerhans cells. However, the Langerhans cells can be deactivated by UVB rays. As such, prolonged and excessive exposure to UVB can not only damage your skin, but also harm your overall immune health.
Foods to boost your immunity
- Turmeric
A commonly used spice in cooking that contains curcumin that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. - Blueberries.
Rich in anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties that helps to boost the immune system. - Oily fish (salmon, sardines)
These include salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduces the risk rheumatoid arthritis (RA). - Dark Chocolate
Contains an antioxidant called theobromine that protects the body from free radicals. - Garlic
Garlic is a common home remedy for prevention of cold and may help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and kills bacteria. - Mushrooms
Mushrooms are high in selenium and B vitamins that are essential for the immune system to function properly. It is also high in polysaccharides that boost the immune function. - Oranges and kiwis
Both these fruits are extremely high in vitamin C that are well known to boost one’s immune system. - Broccoli
A choice vegetables that is a source of vitamin C, and sulforaphane, a potent antioxidant. - Sweet potatos
Rich in beta carotene, sweet potato is both essential for the immune function, also great for the skin. It may also provide some protection against UV rays.
Miss your friends or loved ones? Brighten up their day by showing your care by sending them a gift, so that they can also stay healthy and beautiful with you.
Stay Safe and Healthy!