When your immune system is in tip-top shape, you probably don’t even notice how well it works in keeping you protected around the clock. But you are quite aware of a failing immune system when you wind up with an infection or an illness. At that point, it is all too obvious.

If you are feeling really good at this very moment, you can thank your immune system.

The main purpose of your immune system is to protect your body from bacteria and viruses. If you didn't have an immune system, you would be sick all of the time. Your immune system has this uncanny ability to tell the difference between your own cells and cells that don't belong in your body. Your immune system attacks the cells that don't belong and that could be potentially harmful, if not downright deadly.

A properly functioning and robust immune system helps you through life’s everyday struggles as you come into contact with all sorts of nasty germs from other people, pets and the environment. If your immune system is not up to the task, you could pick up infectious diseases and infection much too easily and you will not like the effects.

In addition to taking men and women’s health supplements from Ameriden to boost your immune system, there are other ways to strengthen it. One way is in the foods you eat. Here is a list of what foods you can eat to maintain a healthy immune system.

Shellfish

We are betting that crab, clams and lobster isn't what jumps to mind when you think about foods that boost your immune system. But these types of seafood are packed with zinc, which is a mineral our bodies need to help our immune system function as intended.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are packed with all sorts of nutritional goodness including vitamin B-6, magnesium and phosphorus. They also have a high percentage of vitamin E, which just happens to be a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin E is critical in regulating and maintaining the function of your immune system.

Chicken

When you have a cold, chicken soup is much more than just a great food that makes you feel better. Chicken soup not only helps improve the symptoms of your cold, it actually helps you from getting sick in the first place.

Chicken, and other poultry as well, is high in vitamin B-6, which is important in the body as it is vital for the formation of healthy red blood cells.

Kiwi

Kiwis are chock full of essential nutrients including potassium, folate, vitamins K and C. Vitamin C is important because it boosts white blood cells to fight infections.

Papaya

Like kiwis, papaya is loaded with vitamin C. In fact, you can find over 200 percent of your daily recommendation is just one papaya.

Papayas also have a digestive enzyme that holds anti-inflammatory effects.

Green Tea

Both green and black teas are full of a type of antioxidant called flavonoids. But where green tea excels is in the levels of EGCG is has. EGCG is an antioxidant that has been shown to boost immune function.

Turmeric

You may enjoy turmeric in the curries you east, but this spice has been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory.

Almonds

Vitamin E isn’t as important as vitamin C when it comes to fighting off colds, but it is still key to boosting your immune system.

Yogurt

Greek yogurt has live and active cultures that stimulate your immune system to help your body fight diseases. Yogurt is also a great source of vitamin D.

Spinach

Not only is spinach rich in vitamin C, it is also packed with beta-carotene and numerous antioxidants. It increases the infection-fighting ability of our immune system.

Ginger

Ginger is another one of those ingredients we tend to grab after we get sick. Ginger helps decrease inflammation, which makes your sore throat feel better and it also decreases nausea.

Garlic

Not only does garlic add a little zing to many of your favorite dishes, it is important for your health as well. For many years, garlic has been recognized for its ability to fight infections, lower blood pressure and ward off vampires.

Just kidding about the vampires. Visit Ameriden and check out our immune health section.