🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Every winter, influenza becomes a major threat to human health. Recently, American nutritionists reminded the public: four types of foods can help enhance immunity and resist influenza.
The first category includes protein-rich foods. When the body lacks protein, lymphocyte counts in immune cells drop significantly, leading to severely weakened immunity. Protein mainly comes from lean meats. For those who dislike meat or have poor dental health, tofu, legumes, nuts, and eggs are excellent alternatives.
The second category includes iron-rich foods. Scientists have found that older adults with iron deficiency have lower immunity compared to those maintaining normal iron absorption. This is because insufficient iron levels reduce the number of T cells responsible for regulating the immune system, impairing its effectiveness. Iron-rich foods mainly include animal liver, meat, pork blood, duck blood, eggs, and dark green vegetables.
The third category includes zinc-containing foods. Zinc activates over 200 vital hormones and enzymes, helping the immune system function optimally. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, crabs, legumes, beef, lamb, dried fish, scallops, pig liver, and wheat germ.
Experts caution that excessive intake of iron and zinc is harmful. According to the U.S. National Academy’s recommended dietary intake standards: men and postmenopausal women should consume 8 mg of iron daily, premenopausal women 18 mg, pregnant women 27 mg. Men should consume 11 mg of zinc daily, women 8 mg.
The fourth category includes foods rich in folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Experts say these nutrients are abundantly present in vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes, but key is balanced and sufficient intake. They particularly emphasize that drinking more yogurt and probiotic beverages greatly enhances immunity.