January 10, 2025
When the cold weather kicks in it’s even more important that your senior mom or dad is keeping their immune system strong. Winter is prime time for seniors getting sick, and there are a lot of illnesses going around this year like the flu, Covid-19, and RSV.
If your mom or dad has a chronic illness or takes medication that can compromise their immune system, that can raise their risk of getting a serious illness this winter. But there are some things that your senior parent can do to boost their immune system, like watching their diet.
There are many foods that aren’t just healthy, they also can actively boost the immune system and help your mom or dad fight off germs and viruses. If your mom or dad is having trouble keeping the pantry stocked with healthy food this winter and you work every day so you can’t always shop for them, consider elder care.
Elder care can provide the extra support that your mom or dad needs this winter. An elder care provider can shop for your mom or dad, run their errands, and prepare healthy meals and snacks that include immune-boosting foods like:
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is known for boosting the immune system.
Vitamin C helps the body produce white blood cells, which fight infections. Eating citrus fruits regularly can help prevent colds and support the immune system. Your senior parent can enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice or add slices of lemon to water to increase vitamin C intake. An elder care provider can also make your mom or dad smoothies with orange juice instead of water.
Garlic is more than just a flavorful addition to food. It contains compounds like allicin, which has been shown to help the immune system. Garlic can help fight off viruses and bacteria. It also supports the body’s ability to produce white blood cells.
Adding garlic to soups, sauces, and stir-fries can give your senior parent both a tasty and healthy boost. Eating raw garlic can have even more benefits, but cooked garlic still offers good immune support.
Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which are healthy bacteria that support gut health. Since the gut plays a big role in the immune system, maintaining good gut health is essential. Probiotics help balance the gut microbiome, which can improve immune function.
Look for yogurt that contains live and active cultures, as these provide the best probiotic benefits. Your senior parent can enjoy yogurt with fresh fruit or add it to smoothies for a healthy snack.
Spinach is a leafy green packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, all of which help support the immune system. Spinach also has antioxidants that protect the body from harmful molecules.
Eating spinach regularly can boost your senior parent’s overall health and immune function. Spinach can be added to salads, smoothies, soups, or cooked as a side dish.
Almonds are packed with vitamin E, an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin E helps protect cells from damage and supports immune cell function.
Almonds also contain healthy fats and antioxidants, which further help fight inflammation and support immunity. A small handful of almonds can be a great snack for your senior parent. They can also be added to oatmeal, yogurt, or salads for an extra boost.
