Nourish Magazine

General Health FAQs: How Nutrition, Exercise, & Mental Health All Work Together Immunity has become a hot topic as we continue to navigate through the new normal. When it comes to one’s health and wellness, there are many things to consider: we need to ensure that we get enough rest and sleep, put nourishing food into our bodies, engage in regular exercise, take care of our mental health, and manage our stress levels. Each of these factors plays a role in our overall well-being. But where do you start, and where can you find reliable advice on these topics? To answer frequently asked questions related to immune health, we gathered together a few of our experts and scientific leaders to share the best ways to keep your immune system working optimally so it can do what it’s meant to do: defend your body. These questions were answered by Susan Bowerman, Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training. Nutrition and Immunity FAQs Most people know that protein is needed to build and maintain muscle mass and it also helps make meals more satisfying. But protein is an important player in keeping your immune system healthy, too. Specialized cells in your immune system are proteins, so your body needs protein from the diet to manufacture them. Fruits and vegetables are sources of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A and C which support immune function. Along with healthy whole grains, fruits, and vegetables also provide plenty of fiber which supports digestive health – an important factor in immune function, since we have immune cells that line our digestive tracts. Fermented foods, such as yogurt, and pickled vegetables provide natural probiotics (the so-called “good bacteria”) that populate the digestive tract. Good bacteria support immune health by crowding out other bacteria that can potentially make you sick What foods can boost the immune system?

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