of Health in Transit
By: Dr. Dana Cohen, M.D., author of “Quench”
When it comes to maintaining optimal health and well-being, how you fuel yourself while on the road plays a crucial role. For the avid traveler, understanding the connection between what you consume and the immune system’s ability to fend off virus infections is paramount for smooth sailing.
The Nutritional Foundation of Immune Resilience
Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense against infections, and it relies on a balanced intake of essential nutrients to function optimally. For travelers seeking to bolster their immune systems and protect against viral infections, the right nutrition and supplementation is key. Foods high in antioxidants, such as colorful fruits and vegetables, provide the body with the tools it needs to combat viruses and maintain overall health. Consider adding these immune-boosting foods to your travel diet:
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are packed with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports immune function. Vitamin C can help your body fend off infections and reduce the duration and severity of illnesses. If you have a difficult time finding fresh citrus fruit when traveling, take packets of vitamin C powder with you to mix in water or try vitamin C chewable supplements that can be taken without water.
Mushrooms: Particularly varieties like shiitake and maitake mushrooms, are renowned for their immune-boosting properties. They contain compounds like alpha-glucans and beta-glucans that can stimulate and enhance the activity of immune cells, helping the body’s defense mechanisms operate at their best. The most effective way to reap the immunity benefits of mushrooms is through supplementation. You can unleash your immune system’s ability to fight viruses like high-risk HPV infections, COVID-19 and flu strains with AHCC® supplementation. Derived from shiitake mushroom mycelia, this naturally cultured extract has undergone extensive research, with over 30 human clinical studies and 50 papers in Indexed MEDLINE journals supporting its efficacy.
Green Juices: Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like leafy greens, cucumbers, and celery, offer a refreshing and convenient way to boost immune health while staying hydrated during travel. These juices are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can fortify the immune system, helping your body fend off potential infections. Additionally, their high-water content helps combat dehydration, a common concern during travel, ensuring you stay energized and revitalized while on the go.
Empowering On-The-Go Health
For those who love to travel, understanding the influence of diet on immune function is key to unlocking your full health potential while on the go. By incorporating immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, mushrooms, green juices, and considering supplements like vitamin C and AHCC, you can take proactive steps to support your immune system no matter where you go!
Biography:
Dr. Dana Cohen MD, is a nationally renowned internal and integrative medicine specialist whose multi-disciplinary approach has helped treat thousands of patients using a variety of conventional and complementary therapies. She was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1998 and was appointed to the Board of Directors of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM), the leading voice of integrative medicine for more than 1,500 MD, DO, ND and master-level health care providers, and served as advisor to the Board of Directors and advisor to the education committee. Dr. Cohen earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed a three-year internal medicine residency at Albany Medical Center. She is the author of “Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration” (Hachette Books, 2018).
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