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Eating for Immunity: How Nutrition Can Support Your Health This Spring

  • Writer: Nicole Barrato
    Nicole Barrato
  • Apr 15, 2020
  • 2 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

Spring arrives this year under extraordinary circumstances. As our community navigates the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are asking the same question: what can I do right now to support my health from the inside out? While no food or supplement can prevent or treat illness, the evidence is clear that a well-nourished body is better prepared to mount a strong immune response.

Several nutrients play well-documented roles in immune function. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, bell peppers and broccoli, supports the production and activity of white blood cells. Vitamin D — a nutrient many Americans are chronically deficient in — has been linked in multiple peer-reviewed studies to reduced rates of respiratory infection. Zinc, found in pumpkin seeds, legumes and lean meats, is essential for immune cell development and the regulation of inflammatory response.

Beyond individual nutrients, your overall dietary pattern is what matters most. A diet rich in whole foods, fiber and colorful plants supports a diverse gut microbiome, and research published through the National Institutes of Health estimates that approximately 70 percent of immune activity is tied to gut health. Conversely, diets high in added sugar and ultra-processed foods promote chronic low-grade inflammation that can impair immune function. This spring, let whole foods be your first line of support — and reach out to one of our NutriGreene dietitians if you would like personalized guidance.

Sources

  • Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(1):CD000980.

  • Martineau AR, et al. Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2017;356:i6583.

  • National Institutes of Health. Gut microbiome and immune function. NIH Research Matters. 2020.

Ready to take the next step in your nutrition journey? Schedule an appointment at NutriGreene today. www.nutrigreene.com | (203) 429-4211 | info@nutrigreene.com

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