Health / Wellness

Boosting our immune systems

In November, the Health & Wellness section of The Wall Street Journal included an article by staff reporter, Anne Marie Chaker entitled, “The Foods to Boost your Health in COVID Winter.” Interesting information. Take note of these five nutrients, and the foods that contain them.

Vitamin B12 – found in meat, milk and fortified foods like cereals – “plays an important role in producing serotonin, which helps regulate mood, and may help thwart symptoms of fatigue and even depression.”

Vitamin C – found in citrus fruits, potatoes and tomatoes – “helps the immune system function properly, and has been shown to slightly reduce duration of cold symptoms. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 75 to 90 milligrams. One orange contains 51 milligrams.”

Vitamin D – found in mushrooms, eggs, liver and fatty fish – is often added to orange juice and milk, and can be produced by the body “through exposure to sunlight. For people who are vegan or who live in northern latitudes, doctors may recommend taking vitamin D supplements to ensure adequate levels. And researchers are looking into possible links between vitamin-D deficiency and COVID.”

Zinc – found in red meat, poultry, crab, lobster, oysters, nuts, beans and whole grains – “can help the immune system fight bacteria and viruses.” And may shorten the duration of cold symptoms.

Iron deficiencies “can lead to anemia, with symptoms that can include tiredness; memory and concentration lapses; and reduced ability to fight infections.” So, include spinach, beans, poultry, seafood, meat, and iron-fortified bread/cereals in your diet.

Visit www.wsj.com for the entire article.