Flu season will be here before we know it. I hope you all stay healthy this year. However, there is one thing you must do; you must build yourself a healthy immune system. One of the most effective ways to boost your immune system is through the food in your daily diet. If you want to stay out of the doctor’s office, head to the store and fill your cart with foods that will strengthen your immune system today.

When choosing foods that build a strong immune system it’s important to choose foods plentiful in vitamin D, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Need help creating a diet that’s ready to fight any bacteria that comes into the way this flu season? Well, allow me to share various food items that can create a strong immune response within our bodies.

Avocado

Avocados are loaded with vitamins. According to Healthline.com, there are 20 vitamins in an avocado which include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, antioxidants, and few others that build a healthy immune system. There’s even a study that suggests people who regularly eat avocados tend to be healthier.

Elderberry

All of the buzz you hear about this berry is true. Research done with elderberry extracts shows improvement from fever, headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion within 24 hours. The vitamin C inside elderberries is a rapid repair option for an immune system.

Watermelon 

Watermelon seems to have a stigma of just being a tasty melon with little nutritious value. But, that’s far from true. According to Onhealth.com a serving of watermelon will build your immune system with 25% of its daily need of Vitamin C, and 30% of Vitamin A.

Spinach 

Spinach is an immune system favorite. It’s jammed-pack with antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A. Spinach is most hearty and full of these vitamins in its raw state. The more you cook spinach the more nutrition you’ll lose. So, you may want to keep that in mind when planning meals.

Garlic 

For centuries garlic has been used to build immune systems and fight the common cold. Garlic contains a high amount of vitamin B and C. WebMd also states that one clove of raw garlic is powerful enough to “wipe out bacteria and viruses.” I know, the smell is painful, but the immune-building qualities in garlic are necessary for your daily diet.

Red Bell Pepper

A pepper helping you build an immune system may be a shocker. However, did you know that one red bell pepper contains up to three times more Vitamin C than an orange? Red bell peppers contain vitamin A, and it is also more nutritious raw. Cooking a red pepper thoroughly will reduce the health impact it has on your immune system.   

Ginger

Ginger is another traditional food that’s been used for thousands of years to strengthen an immune response when ill and prevent illness. Ginger is rich in antioxidants and most powerful against bacteria in respiratory areas. When grounded ginger can be added to any meal or drink in your diet to boost the immune support.

Boosting your immune system is never-ending. To stay healthy, you must be consistent and strategic with your food intake daily. Try these foods listed and add more to build the best immune system for you and your family.