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Some microorganisms living in the human body are probiotic (helpful) while others are not. It is a healthy immune system that helps the body fight against the microorganisms that are not healthy. For many people, it is the immune system response that helps prevent infection and ensures that they are healthy. However, for some people, a compromised, impaired or weakened immune system causes a low or weak immune response, thereby increasing their chances of infection or chronic diseases. Some of the weak immune system causes are an overdose of sugar, consuming excessive alcohol, food allergens, lack of sleep, and obesity. A healthy immune system can also be damaged by certain medication, dehydration, exposure to radiation, an unhealthy lifestyle, inactivity, and stress. A healthy immune system can be maintained by following tips such as eating the right foods and following a proper diet. Some of the best foods to improve the immune system naturally include the following.

• Blueberries: The strong anti-oxidants that are present in the pigments and flesh of these berries help improve the immune system. These anti-oxidants also boost your nerve response, mental acuity, colon health, and macular degeneration.
• Fish Oil: Fish oil contains omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for boosting the immune system. Fish oil can be obtained by consuming fish such as salmon, taking cod liver oil supplements, or by cooking with fish oil. Vitamin E oil which is found in fish such as salmon has strong anti-antioxidant properties.
• Figs: Figs contain essential nutrients such as manganese and potassium in addition to antioxidants that help improve the immune system. Figs can be consumed fresh or you can opt for the dry fruit variety.
• Pistachios: Pistachios are extremely rich in anti-oxidants and are considered to be an important food that helps increase your immunity. It is recommended that you eat these nuts at least thrice a week.
• Ginger: The anti-bacterial properties of ginger can be used in the cure of infections such as stomach ailments, running nose, and sore throat. Regularly drinking ginger tea is one of the best natural immune system boosters that provide protection against colds, flu, or sore throats.
• Kiwi: The phytonutrients present in kiwi help protect the DNA that is present in the human cell's nucleus. Kiwi is also packed with vitamin C that helps neutralize free radicals that are responsible for cancer formation or inflammation.
• Pomegranate: This fruit features among the top immunity boosting foods. Its anti-microbial properties help kill disease causing bacteria such as E Coli. The antioxidants present in pomegranate are effective enough to shrink existing tumors and also help fight inflammations.
• Raw carrots: The beta carotene present in carrots helps strengthen the immune system. Cooking the carrots destroys the beta carotene and it is best you eat them raw.
• Yoghurt: Yoghurt provides your body with healthy bacteria that helps fight infections. Including yoghurt in your daily diet is therefore a good idea.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a wonderful source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, phosphorous, fluorine, and sulfur. It can be used in fish marinades and can also be used to make salad dressings.

Here are a few tips for those who are wondering how to improve the immune system during pregnancy and in children. Pregnant women should follow a whole foods diet that includes fresh citrus, green leafy vegetables, and fresh garlic; they should also drink plenty of water. The carotenids that are present in vegetables and fruits not only increase a pregnant woman's immune-fighting ability but also protect the fetus. A protein-high diet that includes foods such as cottage cheese, eggs, chicken, pork, and meat is recommended. Include nuts, seeds, and flax seed oil in your diet. In addition to eating the right food, care should be taken to avoid or minimize the intake of fatty foods, refined flours, and sugar. For a healthy immune system, vitamins in the form of supplements should also be added to the diet. Caffeinated products and foods such as shellfish should also be avoided by pregnant women. Children should be encouraged to increase their intake of fish, and you could also give them cod liver oil (one teaspoon) daily. This oil contains vitamins D and A and omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce infections.

In addition to the immunity boosting foods mentioned above, green vegetables should also be made a part of your diet. Leafy dark green vegetables help fight off a number of diseases and can also help defend your body from cancer and give you the required nutrition. Make sure you add vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, Chinese broccoli, and kale to your diet. Carotenoids that are present in vegetables such as tomatoes, yams, carrots, and pumpkins are high in fiber and antioxidants. These vegetables are either orange or yellow colored. The lycopene present in tomatoes are extremely beneficial in preventing heart disease and cancer and many other diseases.

An unhealthy lifestyle and certain foods can increase a person's susceptibility to flus and colds. It is therefore best that you avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods as they hamper the functioning of your immune system. Avoiding caffeine-laden products such as tea, coffee, and chocolates is also a good idea as caffeine acts as diuretic and could also undermine the functioning of the body's immune system.

To sum up, if proper care is not taken of the immune system, it could result in a number of diseases. If the immune system turns inactive, it could cause immunodeficiency, which, in turn, could make you susceptible to many diseases that are life-threatening. It is therefore important that we pay attention to our body and take good care of it. One way by which we could begin with our weak immunity treatment is by consuming natural foods that increase immunity and which help make us healthy and strong. Our main ally is the immune system that helps us keep robust and healthy. Eating foods that are full of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals will strengthen out immune system and help it fight harmful bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites in our body.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.