TOP 5 FOODS TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM (plus 3 supplements)

Staying well while those around you sniffle and sneeze requires that you extract as much nutrition from your diet as you can, loading up on the foods that pack the biggest nutritional punch.

Avoiding processed foods, grains, and sugar will go a long way toward strengthening your immune system. However, you can do even more by selecting foods that are loaded with specific immune-boosting nutrients.

Eating a diet rich in the following foods will be far better for your health than loading up on handfuls of supplements, or worse yet, falling victim to vaccines that expose you to health risks far worse than influenza.

Below, I have outlined what I consider to be 5 of the absolute best foods you can eat to help protect yourself this season, although the list is certainly not exhaustive.

1. Fermented Foods

If you are serious about boosting your immunity, then adding traditionally fermented foods is essential.

Good fermented foods include natto, kimchee, miso, tempeh, pickles, sauerkraut, yogurt (watch out for sugar), and olives.

Friendly bacteria have a powerful, beneficial effect on your gut's immune system, your first line of defense against pathogens, and aid in the production of antibodies.

2. Coconut Oil

Besides being excellent for your thyroid and your metabolism, coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin. Monolaurin is the actual compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby's immunity.

When selecting coconut oil, make sure you choose organic ones that are unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and are non-GMO.

3. Blueberries and Raspberries

Blueberries and raspberries contain powerful phytochemicals, such as anthocyanin, which is the pigment that gives blueberries their color. And they are lower in sugar than many other fruits.

4. Mushrooms

Mushrooms strengthen your immune system because they are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and other minerals.

Mushrooms also contain powerful compounds called beta-, which have been long known for their immune enhancing properties. The beta-glucans in medicinal mushrooms (especially Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake) are notable for their ability to activate/modulate your immune system.

5. Green Tea

Green teas are rich in polyphenols, in the form of natural chemicals called catechins. The most powerful catechin in tea is epigallocatechin (EGCG), which was found in one study to be 25 to 100 times more potent than antioxidant vitamins C and E.

Make special immunity-boosting teas from a combination of herbs that synergistically cause your body to sweat -- which is very desirable if you want to eradicate a virus from your system. And then drink it hot and often.

Your immune system relies on nutrition to fuel and support many of its important functions. Along with a healthy diet, quality dietary supplements are a great way to help ensure optimal function of your immune system.

Listed below are 3 of the top immune boosting supplements.

1. Echinacea

Long used by North American Plains Indians and also known as the purple coneflower, Echinacea has been used to treat general infections and wounds, the cold and flu, strep throat and allergies. The potent herb encourages white blood cells and lymphocytes to attack invading organisms, thus increasing the number and activity of immune system cells. While you can find echinacea in power bars, teas and capsules, researchers recommend the standardized extract above all other forms.

2. Vitamin C
Long known for its myriad health benefits, vitamin C is one of the most popular nutrients taken in supplement form—and for good reason. This potent antioxidant has been shown to protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease and even wrinkly skin. While many multivitamins and energy drinks, such as Emergen-C, include "superdosages" of vitamin C, the ubiquitous immune system booster can be found in many of our favorite fruits and vegetables, including red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, dark leafy greens, and of course, oranges.

3. Zinc

Zinc, an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Individuals who suffer from mild to severe zinc deficiency are more prone to a variety of illnesses, but even those without a deficiency have been found to benefit from the administration of zinc, either in lozenge or spray form, at the early onset of a cold or flu.

By incorporating some of these fantastic foods and supplements, you'll not only evade the circulating viruses but improve your overall health and longevity at the same time.