HealthFlex
×
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Videos
    • Doctors on Call English
    • Doctors on Call Hindi
  • COVID 19
    • Information
    • Articles
  • Recipes
  • Media
  • Contact

Foods for the Elderly to Boost the Immune System

Foods for the Elderly to Boost the Immune System
June 20, 2020ArticlesDiet and LifestyleGeneral Health

Studies show that while many aspects of the immune function decline with ageing, some become overactive. One thing agreed upon is that most parts go through change.

Good nutrition can be vital in supporting the immune system through this change.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is very effective in protecting the membranes of immune cells and is considered one of the most effective nutrients enhancing immune function. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells.

Foods rich in Vitamin E are:

  • Vegetable oils, such as soybean oils
  • Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts
  • Seeds, such as sunflower seeds
  • Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
  • Fortified breakfast cereals
  • Fruit juices

Zinc

Zinc is only required in trace amounts but is essential for growth and development. Some human studies have indicated that zinc supplementation may provide protection against infection.

Foods rich in zinc are:

  • Oysters, crab, and lobster
  • Fortified breakfast cereal
  • Yogurt
  • Dark meat (chicken)
  • Low-fat or non-fat milk

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria which keep our digestive tract healthy. For a healthy body, strikinga balance between good and bacteria is essential.

Foods rich in probiotics are fermented foods, such as:

  • Kefir
  • Kimchi
  • Yogurt
  • Sour pickles
  • Sourdough

Fish Oil

Fish oil is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient which our bodies cannot create naturally. It is excellent in suppressing inflammation and its deficiency has been linked with cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

For vegetarian people, important sources for omega-3 fatty acids can be:

  • Seaweed and algae
  • Seeds, such as hemp seeds and flaxseeds
  • Walnuts
  • Kidney beans

Bonus: Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and contributes to immune defence by supporting the cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.

Vitamin C even appears to prevent and treat respiratory and system infections.

Foods rich in Vitamin C are:

  • Red & green peppers
  • Orange juice
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Strawberries

Keeping track of and taking care of your nutrition will help you to maintain a strong immunity and is one of the keys to a long and healthy life.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.

References:

  1. US National Library of Medicine, ‘The Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Immunity in Aging’, official website (accessed on 9th June, 2020)
  2. MedlinePlus, ‘Vitamin E’, official website (accessed on 9th June, 2020)
  3. National Institutes of Health, ‘Zinc’, official website (accessed on 9th June, 2020)
  4. Harvard Health Publishing, ‘How to get more probiotics’, official website (accessed on 9th June, 2020)
  5. MedicalNewsToday, ‘What are the best sources of omega-3?’, official website (accessed on 9th June, 2020)
  6. US National Library of Medicine, ‘Vitamin C and Immune Function’, official website (accessed on 16th June, 2020)
  7. National Institute of Health, ‘Vitamin C’, official NIH website (accessed on 16th June, 2020)

Add Comment Cancel


Articles, Diet and Lifestyle, General Health

  • Burnt Out From the Day? Here’s How to Change That

    “If only I could have another vacation to the mountains, read more

  • Foods for the Elderly to Boost the Immune System

    Studies show that while many aspects of the immune function read more

  • The Most Important Yoga Posture is Breathwork

    I still remember the very first yoga session I had. read more

  • Healthy Habits for #MensHealthWeek

    Men’s Health Week is celebrated each year from the 15th read more

  • Happily Unattached: A Guide to Well-Being

    When we get caught up in the “worries of life”, read more

  • Old Age and Loneliness: What to Do?

    Elderly people might start losing social connections over time. Several read more

  • Mindfulness: Doubling the Joy of Living

    “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a read more

  • Your Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep

    Most of us today, idolize the ones working on 3 read more

  • Vitamin Supplements: Hype or Help for Your Vitality?

    Parents and teachers run after children to keep a constant read more

  • Gut Feeling: Your Mood Can Be a Reflection of Your Gut’s Health

    Did you know that messages travel from the gut to read more

Voice of Health is an initiative by medical experts, Dr. Sameer Gupta and Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, to make more people aware of the importance and benefits of leading healthier lives.

info@voiceofhealth.in

Latest Articles

  • 3 Yoga Poses to Start With Jul 1

    Yoga is a holistic practice – aiming to not only...

  • Accepting Your Greys: Healthy Ageing Jun 30

    One of the recent shifts in modern culture is that...

  • Burnt Out From the Day? Here’s How to Change That Jun 29

    “If only I could have another vacation to the mountains,...

  • DIY Hand-Sanitizer Guide Jun 26

    Making a hand sanitizer at home is incredibly simple and...

Copyright ©2021 all rights reserved
Designed & Developed by Contemporary Connect
en English
en Englishhi हिन्दी