While it’s becoming harder and harder to find Vitamin C in pharmacy and grocery shelves due to the ongoing pandemic, we must remember that there are other alternatives that deserve space in our carts (and tummies!). However, since no one knows how exactly to keep ourselves COVID-free other than constant hand washing and wearing face masks, it might help to beef up our immune system through nutrient-rich food wile waiting for a vaccine to be developed.

With this topic in mind, our friends from Sekaya – a brand under Unilab’s natural products company Synnovate Pharma Corp., shared suggestions from Dr. Oyie Balburias to guide us in picking immunity-boosting products during our next grocery run.

WHAT WE NEED:

1.Fruits and leafy greens

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a superhero when it comes to boosting the immune system. Because ascorbic acid inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation, clinical trials have found that Vitamin C shortens the frequency, duration and severity of the common cold and the incidence of pneumonia. If you’re like me who is constantly under stress, these will be helpful in protecting our immune systems from becoming susceptible to viruses:

• Oranges
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Red bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Malunggay or moringa
• Kale

2. Seafood

Vitamin D is another must-have when living through a global pandemic. It helps activate our body’s immune system defenses with its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Vitamin D is so important in immune function that low levels of this have been associated with increased susceptibility to infections, diseases, and immune-related disorders. However, there are studies that show that Vitamin D should be taken with caution and perhaps discontinued if you already have symptoms of infection. You can find vitamin D in several kinds of seafood, particularly:

• Sardines
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Mackerel or tanigue
• Halibut
• Swordfish

3. Meats and nuts

Now is a better time to load up on your protein because it promotes the growth of new cells. Protein has arginine, which is an amino acid that heals damaged tissues. So make sure to include:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Legumes like monggo or mung beans

4. Fermented fruits and veggies

Probiotics and prebiotics stimulate the immune system by inhibiting toxins and stopping bad bacteria from infesting your body. We can get our daily dose of probiotics from fermented vegetables or fruits like:

• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Miso
• Natto
• Atchara or papaya relish
• Eggplant
• Asparagus
• Bananas
• Garlic
• Onions

“A healthy immune system will be able to perform its role of defending and repairing our body,” shares Dr. Balburias. “Let’s proactively find ways to support how our immune system can induce, enhance, suppress, regulate and if needed, strengthen its responses to viruses and infections.”

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Keep safe and healthy, everyone! We can bounce back stronger. 💪

*Photos courtesy of Sekaya