As people age, the functions of various organs in the body decline, leading to a weakened immune system. With the current season of fluctuating temperatures, enhancing the immunity of the elderly has become an important aspect of their health maintenance. So, how can the elderly boost their immunity?
1. Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infective properties. It protects the normal functions of the liver and cardiovascular system, regulates blood sugar, lowers blood lipids, prevents arteriosclerosis, and inhibits platelet aggregation.
2. Sea Buckthorn
Rich in Vitamin C, sea buckthorn can combat fatigue, promote the hematopoietic system, protect the digestive tract, scavenge free radicals, improve the function of the vascular system, and enhance immune function.
3. Spirulina
With a protein content of up to 60-70%, spirulina is rich in carotene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. It can correct an acidic constitution, thereby improving the body's immunity.
4. Pollen
Pollen is the essence of plants. Regular consumption can combat aging and fatigue, increase physical strength, and improve the function of the central nervous system.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has extremely strong vitality. Its main functions include clearing heat and detoxifying, acting as a mild laxative, and providing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immune-enhancing, stomach-protecting, liver-protecting, and skincare effects.
6. Propolis
Propolis can enhance the body's macrophages' ability to engulf viruses and bacteria, keeping the immune system in a state of dynamic balance and is known as a "natural immune enhancer."
7. Ensure high-quality protein, including animal foods and soy products
Animal foods like fish and eggs, and soy products like milk and soybeans are all high-protein foods that can enhance the resistance of the respiratory tract and internal organs to infection, preventing viruses and bacteria from adhering to the respiratory tract. The soy protein in soybeans is highly digestible, absorbable, and utilizable by the human body. Like milk protein, it can form antibodies in the body. It supplements high-quality protein without increasing blood lipids.
8. Eat more fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits
They are rich in trace elements, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc., play an important role in maintaining the body's normal physiological functions, while dietary fiber can increase intestinal motility in the elderly, preventing or alleviating constipation.
Foods to Eat More for the Elderly to Improve Immunity
The elderly have poorer digestive function and reduced dietary intake, so it is recommended to appropriately supplement with multiple vitamin and mineral supplements rich in antioxidant nutrients. Nutrition is the foundation of immunity. First, ensure high-quality protein, including animal foods and soy products. Increase the intake of fish, eat one egg daily, and drink 250 ml of milk daily. For those with high cholesterol, skim milk can be used.
Choose more soy products such as tofu, dried tofu, and vegetarian chicken, which supplement high-quality protein without increasing blood lipids. Usually eat more fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits, which are rich in trace elements, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc., play an important role in maintaining the body's normal physiological functions, while dietary fiber can increase intestinal motility in the elderly, preventing or alleviating constipation.
Porridge Must-Eats for Boosting Immunity
Walnut and Pork Liver Porridge
1. Walnut Porridge
Take 50 grams of walnut kernels, crush them, and cook with 100 grams of japonica rice to make porridge. It can nourish the essence and marrow. Walnuts are high in calories and rich in linoleic acid, with the effects of nourishing the brain and blood, nourishing the stomach and spleen, and tonifying the kidneys. It is suitable for the elderly with kidney deficiency, aversion to cold, and weak and sore knees. It can also assist in the treatment of chronic gastritis and chronic colitis.
2. Ginseng Porridge
Take 3 grams of ginseng, place it in a clay pot, add water, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Then add 100 grams of japonica rice and cook until the porridge is thick. Add an appropriate amount of honey or rock sugar to taste. It is suitable for the elderly who are weak after illness, or those with aversion to cold, food stagnation, and loose stools. Regular consumption of ginseng porridge has good preventive and therapeutic effects on patients with myocardial malnutrition, coronary arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, and arrhythmia.
Must-Eat Fruits for Boosting Immunity
1. Strawberry
The nutrients in strawberries are easily digested and absorbed by the human body, and eating more will not cause coldness or "heatiness." It is one of the fruits that can enhance the immunity of the elderly. Strawberries can be prepared in many ways with a special flavor. They need to be washed patiently before eating: first remove the leaves, rinse under running water, then soak in salt water for 5-10 minutes, and finally soak in cool boiled water for 1-2 minutes.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a fruit that can help the cardiovascular system function healthily. The pectin it contains can lower low-density lipoprotein, reduce damage to the arterial wall, maintain vascular function, prevent arteriosclerosis and heart disease, and enhance the immunity of the elderly.
3. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is nutritious and uniquely functional, beneficial to the human immune system, especially for the elderly. It contains plant albumin, which is rare in other plants, as well as anthocyanins, rich vitamins, and water-soluble dietary fiber. Albumin is a sticky, gelatinous substance that has a remarkable effect on improving the immunity of the elderly.
4. Banana
Eating bananas can help people with inner weakness and sentimentality dispel pessimistic and irritable emotions, maintaining a peaceful and happy mood. This is mainly because it increases the content of serotonin, a substance that brings pleasure in the brain. Studies have found that the serotonin content in the brains of patients with depression is lower than that of normal people.
Must-Eat Dairy Products for Boosting Immunity
1. Milk
Milk is sweet and neutral in nature, with the effects of tonifying deficiency, benefiting the spleen and stomach, and generating body fluids. The protein in milk contains all the amino acids needed by the human body.
2. Goat Milk
Goat milk is sweet and warm in nature, with the effects of tonifying deficiency and nourishing blood. The fat and protein content of goat milk is higher than that of cow's milk, and that of sheep's milk is even higher.
In conclusion: When the elderly have good immunity, their overall health naturally follows. The above shares information on how the elderly can improve their immunity and food recommendations that help enhance their immunity. It is hoped that this article can help elderly friends improve their immunity.
Pork porridge