Vitamins and supplements won’t cure anything, but they can help maintain/boost the normal immune function as part of a balanced lifestyle in a time when it’s very necessary. With so many great antioxidant properties of fruit and veggies, here are just a few foods to consider buying to help you whether you’re healthy or sick.

Along with these supplements, try to exercise daily, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of water to keep your immune system at its best.

If you want juices that contain some/most of these ingredients, feel free to buy the ingredients or order juices from local shops like Subia’s Vegan Cafe on Jersey Ave.

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Oregano oil

Oregano oil is known for its antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. You can take it orally or diffused in steam to help with a sore throat, allergies, sinusitis, and other aspects of a cold or flu.

Planet-based milks, fish, cheese, and other Vitamin D-fortified foods

Vitamin D is needed to maintain a healthy immune system and is known for helping fight off illnesses. The next time you get groceries, pick up fortified milks, cereals, yogurts, fish, and cheese to help boost your Vitamin D levels. You could also pick up supplements for an extra boost, since Vitamin D is best sourced from sun exposure but we’re all staying indoors pretty often for the next few weeks.

Garlic

Garlic is known for enhancing the way the immune system functions through its allicin compound. It can help boost white blood count and help with anti-inflammation.

Ginger

Ginger can help soothe a sore throat and helps ease nausea and inflammation. Enjoy some ginger tea or throw fresh ginger into a soup!

Leafy greens

Enjoy leafy greens like spinach and chard fro vitamins E, K, and A. These vitamins help with immune processes and inflammation, and dark leafy greens can help boost gut health by feeding microbiota.

Almonds, sunflower seeds, and other nuts + seeds

Nuts and seeds like sunflower seeds and almonds are great sources of Vitamin E. Sprinkle them onto your salads or enjoy them alone as a snack.

Citrus fruits, red peppers, and other foods rich in Vitamin C

I think we all know vitamin C is considered a go-to whenever we get sick or are trying to prevent getting sick. Citrus and vitamin C-rich foods stimulate the formation of antibodies and supports normal immune function. I’m a big fan of adding lemon to soups and teas, especially for sore throats.

Yogurts and other probiotic-rich foods

Probiotics are helpful for gut health as they promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. They also regulate inflammation and immune function. Enjoy probiotic yogurts as they are or sneak them into salad dressings or as substitutes for mayo and sour cream.