Immune Boosting Foods

Having a strong immune system is optimal for a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to have a plan of action. Knowing what to eat and the nutritional benefits of different foods can make it easier to maintain a powerful immune system all year long.
Certain herbs are great for supporting a great immune system. Herbs such as garlic contain compounds like allicin, ajoene and thiosulfinates which help your body fight off infections. Horseradish, cayenne and ginger stimulate blood flow and also kill microbes. Oregano and thyme contain aromatic compounds which have amazing antimicrobial effects.
Mushrooms are amazing immune boosters. Eating mushrooms on a regular basis will create optimal health. Mushrooms are especially amazing because they contain complex polysaccharides which act as immunomodulators. Immunomodulators work to balance your immune system, they can stimulate a weak immune system and also calm an overactive immune system.
These ingredients have overwhelming effects on boosting your immune system.

Immune Boosting Foods

Astragalus Root

There are two chemical compounds found in astragalus, polysaccharides and saponins which help boost immune systems.

Shitake Mushroom

Shitake mushrooms have many benefits. Shitake mushrooms contain a compound called eritadenine which could lower cholesterol. Shitake mushrooms also contain a compound called lentinan which helps your immune system fight off infections. The compound lenthionin is found in shitake compounds and lenthionin  prevents platelets from aggregating and thus could prevent thrombosis. Shitake mushrooms are also high in iron and aid in weight loss.

Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is unique among medicinal mushrooms.  Like all medicinal mushrooms Chaga contains the beta glucan rich polysaccharides that give medicinal mushroom extracts their potent immune supporting properties. However, Chaga also contains other active compounds, primarily betulinic acid and polyphenols, which can give Chaga extracts powerful anti-oxidant properties.

Ginger

Ginger can not only be warming on a cold day, but can help promote healthy sweating, which is often helpful during colds. A good sweat may do a lot more than simply assist detoxification.
Eating shitake mushrooms, reishi mushrooms, astragalus root and ginger root everyday can boost your immune system all year long.

Immune Boosting Soup

This soup tastes amazing, is easy to make and gives you an optimal working immune system.
Ingredients: 
- 2 ounces of astragalus root
- 2 ounces of shitake mushroom
- 2 ounces of reishi mushroom
- 1 ounce of codonopsis
- 2 ounces chaga mushroom
- 1 ounce ginger root
- 3 gallons of water, divided

Instructions

1. Bring herbs and 2 gallons of water to a boil. When the water starts to boil turn it down to a low simmer. Simmer for 2-3 hours, covered until the volume is decreased by half.
2. Add the remaining gallon of water and simmer for 3 more hours. Allow the liquid to cool, strain and freeze into ice trays.
3. To use, thaw 1-2 cubes daily. You can drink it plain, warmed up or add it to your soup of choice.
Try this soup out and let us know what you think.