3 nutrition tips for a healthy immune system

Do stress, short nights and a packed schedule leave you feeling run down? What you eat is one part of your health you can pay attention to. Here are three simple nutrition habits to consider.

This is general wellness information, not medical advice. Talk with your medical doctor before you change your diet or start a supplement. This matters most if you take medication or have a health condition.

Nutrition tip 1: pay attention to vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Your bones and teeth need that calcium.

People who get too little vitamin D can develop soft, weak bones. In children, this condition is called rickets. In adults, it is called osteomalacia.

Researchers are also studying how vitamin D relates to the immune system. Your medical doctor can tell you whether to check your levels. Your doctor can also tell you whether a supplement makes sense for you.

Nutrition tip 2: eat your vegetables

Vegetables are plants or plant parts that you eat cooked or raw. MyPlate.gov, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, lists which foods count as vegetables. It also shows how much most adults need.

Cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts all come from the brassica family. They are good sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. If it is hard to fit vegetables into your day, try adding them to soups, smoothies or juices.

Nutrition tip 3: go easy on alcohol

Cutting back on alcohol is one of the simplest changes many people can make. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that heavy drinking can weaken the immune system. The institute also reports that heavy drinking is linked to a higher risk of infections such as pneumonia.

Alcohol use is also linked to several types of cancer. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's website has more facts and statistics if you want to learn more.

If you have questions about building healthier habits, Dr. Rosseland is happy to talk them through with you. Call (520) 444-1937 or request an appointment online. Same-day appointments are available when there is an opening.