

You can also support your gut with prebiotic and probiotic foods, which we'll discuss in more detail below. A gut-healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limits highly processed foods, refined sugars and red meat. That means not only do you need a diet rich in the above nutrients but one that supports gut health. In fact, 70% of your immune system is located in your gut, and the bacteria that live there have a significant impact on your immune health, according to UCLA Health. It's also important to understand the role your gut plays in regulating your immune health.

Protein (including the amino acid glutamine).Rather, you can focus on eating a well-rounded diet that includes all of the necessary nutrients. However, you don't have to take supplements or eat specific "immune-boosting foods" like garlic or ginger to strengthen your immune health, per Harvard Health. The best way to determine if you're deficient in any nutrients and would benefit from a multivitamin is asking a doctor. If you're unable to get enough of certain nutrients through your diet, multivitamins can be a helpful supplement.

It needs a wide array of nutrients to perform at its best. These aren't the only nutrients your immune system requires, though. Low levels of vitamins C and D or zinc, for instance, have been shown to increase inflammation and boost susceptibility to infections. Malnutrition has been associated with poor immune health in many studies.
