• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Fitness
  • Spiritual
  • Meet Our Writers
    • Be Featured
Best Holistic Life

Best Holistic Life

Start Your Journey to Wellbeing

  • Featured
  • Spotlight
  • Featured Recipes
  • Brittinie Wick Fitness
  • Monthly Energy Update

10 Foods To Boost Your Immunity

October 14, 2020 by Dr. Dixie Short 6 Comments

Jump to recipe

Did you know that your digestive system makes up over 80% of your immune system? In fact, your stomach acid is one of your body’s greatest defenses. This acid helps not only breakdown food for reabsorption, it is also our body’s number one way of killing off unwanted bacteria or infections. Most of us are unaware of just how much our bodies do in an effort to help and protect us. They are constantly working with us in mind. With that in mind the foods we choose to provide our bodies with can make or break its ability to protect itself. For example, some foods can damage our digestive lining and lead to cases of leaky gut. 

Your Gut Matters

In cases like leaky gut syndrome the wall lining of your digestive system (can be either the stomach, intestines, or both) had become damaged. This means that foods, bacteria, and even viruses that would have been processed through your digestive system’s defense are able to enter the bloodstream. As a result it can often lead to a number of additional health issues. One of the most common issues that appears alongside leaky gut is an excess of inflammation. While inflammation is a natural part of our body’s immune response too much or even a little over a prolonged period of time can have devastating effects on the body. Typically excess inflammation prevents nutrients and white blood cells from getting where the body needs them most. This is one of the reasons why people who suffer from leaky gut tend to experience additional health benefits when they repair their gut health.

Best Foods To Boost Immunity

Due to the importance of the role our gut health plays on our immune system today we are going to talk about some of the helpful foods we can eat more of in an effort to support and boost our immune systems. While there are a number of foods, herbs, spices, teas, oils, and supplements you can use to increase your immunity today we are going to highlight the top 10 best food options. The following is a list of the top 10 foods for your immune system (please note that some foods did not make it on this list due to the fact that they are already under another list for immunity options): 

  • Broccoli
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Spinach
  • Berries
  • Pineapple
  • Avocados
  • Apricots
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Chicken
  • Fish

Broccoli

While there are several different foods to choose that can help improve your immunity and overall health one of my absolute favorites is broccoli. Why, you ask, because it is a great way to balance out your hormones. It also helps improve your immune system due to the high levels of vitamin C it contains. The Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium aid in the regulation of blood pressure while also promoting good bone health. Due to the high concentration of antioxidants it contains, broccoli is a great way to slow down aging and reduce our risk of cancer. It is also high in fiber and protein both of which help keep us full longer and aids in digestive regularity. Broccoli is also high in B vitamins and folic acid which can help strengthen your immune system and increase your energy levels.

Citrus Fruits

Have you ever noticed that when we get sick there tend to be a handful of foods that we crave? More often than not it is things like chicken soup or orange juice. Turns out there is a reason! The vitamin C found in high concentrations in citrus fruit aids in the absorption of Calcium and Iron. It is also great for increasing collagen production which slows down the signs of aging and speeds up healing. They are high in fiber which helps you feel full longer while lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Citrus fruits can also increase our energy levels due to the fact that they contain folate and carbohydrates (good carbohydrates). Lastly, they are perfect for promoting optimal health due to their high levels of phytonutrients and potassium. Potassium is critical for our heart health and the prevention of muscle cramping. 

Spinach

Another heavy hitter for more than just our immune system is spinach. Spinach is packed with powerful nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, iron, and vitamin K. Just like other dark leafy greens they also contain fiber, magnesium, and calcium. Similar to broccoli it is another great source of plant-based protein. It can help alkalize the body, lower blood pressure, aid in digestion, and even slow down aging. Spinach helps strengthen your eyes and even help boost your energy levels while increasing your metabolism. 

Berries

If you are looking for a sweet way to support your immune system you are going to want to stock up on these little guys! While each type of berry brings its own unique additional benefits the majority have a few things in common. They are all rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium, and dietary fiber. All of which helps to provide our bodies with the resources they need to function at their best. Regular consumption of these helpful guys can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve your metabolism. Berries also contain poly nutrients that act as anti-inflammatories which can improve your overall health while also slowing the damaging effects of aging.

Pineapple

Get ready to learn even more reasons why you should love pineapple. Most of us tend to gravitate towards these sweet treats for their taste alone. Turns out your body may be leading you toward it for another reason. Packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants pineapple is a great addition that can help flush the system while also helping to reduce the risk of early aging. While also containing potassium and nearly 75% of the daily-recommended dose of manganese which is critical for bone health and strength. Pineapple also contains Bromelain which is an anti-inflammatory and can aid in the relief of sprains, strains, and other minor muscle injuries. Due to the high fiber content in pineapple and water they can help aid in digestion and promote regularity.

Chicken Piccata

Print this recipe
Dr. Dixie Short
October 14, 2020
by Dr. Dixie Short
Category Body Detox Dr Dixie Short Health Health and Wellness Experts Advice Healthy Eating Nutrition Nutrition Women’s Health
Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Persons
4
Chicken Piccata

Ingredients

  • 3 Large Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Cut into ½ inch Medallions
  • 1 Cup Chicken Broth (low sodium)
  • ½ Cup Almond Flour
  • 3 Tbsp Vegan Butter
  • 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • ½ Lemon Thinly Sliced
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley Minced
  • ¼ Cup Lemon Juice Fresh
  • 2 Tbsp Capers
  • 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil
  • ½ Tbsp Sea Salt and Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess. Heat oil in a skillet, pan-fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side). It is a good idea to work in small batches. Once chicken has been prepped, move to a warmed dish in the oven. Drain most of the oil leaving only a thin coat on the pan. Stir in garlic and sweat for about 20 seconds. Add broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to dissolve any left over bits. Stir in lemon and bring to a boil. Let reduce stirring occasionally to about ⅔ cup (5-8 minutes). Add in lemon juice and capers (you can always swap with pickled mustard seeds) simmer and allow to thicken (5 minutes). Add in “butter”, let melt and remove from heat. Add parsley and spoon sauce over chicken to serve.

Tags

#wholeshift #wellness #wellbeing #health #wellnesscoach #nutrition #nutritioncoach #healthcoach #weightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlossinspiration #fitness #focus #food #goals
© 2023 Copyright Best Holistic Life and Contributing Author – All Rights Reserved – Do Not Copy

Need a Helping Hand?

 

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at DrDeeandMe@gmail.com or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!

Filed Under: Body, Detox, Dr Dixie Short, Health, Health and Wellness Experts Advice, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, Nutrition, Women's Health Tagged With: #wholeshift #wellness #wellbeing #health #wellnesscoach #nutrition #nutritioncoach #healthcoach #weightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlossinspiration #fitness #focus #food #goals

About Dr. Dixie Short

Dr. Dixie Short (aka Dr. Dee) is a DNM, with a PhD in Natural Medicine. She is dedicated to helping people establish healthy habits to create a natural healthy, joyful way of living. She believes that by focusing on nutrition we can rebuild our bodies from within. Dr. Dee first got started in natural medicine when traditional medicine failed not only her but her loved ones as well. She was tired of feeling helpless in dealing with her health and watching her loved ones struggle with their own.

Prior to going into natural medicine she was in school to be an MD. It was during her year and a half struggle that she was first introduced to a more holistic approach. Within weeks she was feeling relief. It occurred to her that she could apply the same simple techniques and approach to others who had fallen through the cracks with traditional medicine. It is Dr. Dee's mission to make healthy, joyful living obtainable for everyone.

Dr. Dee specializes in entrepreneurs with fast past lives that are looking to improve their health naturally and increase their productivity through out there day. She is most excited about creating programs that establish natural and easy lifestyle habits that are guaranteed to help clients achieve their health goals. If you are ready to build the life you have been dreaming of contact Dr. Dee and get ready to see the difference. Visit her website here.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Babett says

    May 11, 2021 at 1:46 am

    Very interesting article. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jana Short says

      May 18, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns and as a gift here is a cookbook to help you boost your immunity: https://www.flipsnack.com/Bestholisticlifemagazine/immunity-cook-book.html

      Reply
      • Babett says

        May 21, 2021 at 1:46 am

        Thanks so much for sharing this amazing cookbook. I very much appreciate it. Lot’s of inspiration. It looks delicious.:)

        Reply
    • Dr. Dixie Short says

      May 18, 2021 at 10:26 am

      Hi Babett,

      Thank you so much for your amazing feedback. I hope the article helps to keep you and your loved ones healthy during all of this. Please enjoy this free immunity cookbook on me as a thank you: https://www.flipsnack.com/Bestholisticlifemagazine/immunity-cook-book.html

      Reply
      • Babett says

        May 21, 2021 at 1:47 am

        Thanks so much for sharing this amazing cookbook. I very much appreciate it. Lot’s of inspiration. It looks delicious.:)

        Reply
        • Dr. Dixie Short says

          May 26, 2021 at 1:43 pm

          You are more than welcome. Please feel free to let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

          Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

access our app
Print Copy
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

#wholeshift #wellness #wellbeing #health #wellnesscoach #nutrition #nutritioncoach #healthcoach #weightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlossinspiration #fitness #focus #food #goals business empowerment expert expert advice Health healthy healthy eating healthy habits healthy living Holistic Hope influencer mind Mindset nutrition omhtih omhtih podcast podcast Recipes stress reduction tragedy weight loss wellbeing Wellness

Footer

Website Disclaimer

The information provided by Best Holistic Life LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) on https://www.bestholisticlifemagazine.com/ (the “Site”) and our mobile application are for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site and our mobile application are provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the Site or our mobile application. READ MORE

Subscribe to Our Magazine

Access Our App
Print Copy

Search

Copyright © 2023 · Best Holistic Life LLC · All Rights Reserved · Website Design by Ali Lapidus