These 5 foods for immune support are incredibly healthy and can be found at your local grocery store!

After having children, I really began to re-think my diet. For five years prior to having my son, I was a pescatarian (a vegetarian who occasionally ate fish). I maintained this diet throughout the pregnancy and birth of my daughter, but when I got pregnant with my son in December 2010, I suddenly started craving meat. This led to extensive research on the best food to nourish my body and to support a healthy immune system. I read traditional cookbooks, tried new recipes, and purchased different foods at the grocery store. But recently, because I always feel so busy, I’ve slacked off a bit with our diet. So this year, I want to return to eating more food that truly nourishes our bodies. Check out these 5 foods for immune support!

Here are 5 foods for immune support:

1. Yogurt. Quality yogurt from grass-fed cows is loaded with probiotics. Additionally, it contains multiple vitamins, minerals, protein, and good fats (like Omega 3s). This combination of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics can aid in digestive health.

2. Bone broth. There is nothing quite like the comforting smell of a pot of chicken broth simmering away on your stove top. Bone broth is the base for so many recipes cooked both at home and in restaurants, in this country and around the world. Bone broth contains multiple vitamins and minerals and has extensive health benefits, including digestive wellness and immune support. Whenever possible, make bone broth from home by simmering chicken or beef bones for about 24 hours (or longer) in a pot of water. Add your favorite herbs and vegetables for additional flavor and vitamins.

3. Kimchi. Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish which was first created in Korea about 1,300 years ago. Kimchi generally contains cabbage and other vegetables such as carrots and celery. It can be prepared mild, medium, or spicy. Due to the large concentration of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants, the health benefits include improved digestive health and immune support.

4. Kombucha. Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from black tea that was first created in China about 2,000 years ago. Kombucha is loaded with B vitamins, probiotics, and enzymes that provide immune support, increase energy, and improve digestion. It is available at a variety of grocery stores and comes in many different flavors, like citrus, cranberry, and strawberry. It is carbonated, making it a much better alternative to soda.

5. Sourdough. If you’ve never tried homemade sourdough bread, you are seriously missing out. Sourdough bread is more easily digested than other breads because of the probiotics found in the starter. Sourdough bread also includes Vitamins B 1-6, B 12,Vitamin E, and many different minerals.  These vitamins and minerals, along with healthy bacteria, work to support your immune system. Want to learn how to make sourdough bread at home? It’s super-easy! Begin by purchasing a starter (search the web for different companies that sell starters) or find a friend who can share a starter with you. Try this Sourdough Bread Recipe!

What is your favorite foods for immune support?