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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

It’s ironic how the most wonderful time of the year is also the most common time of the year to get sick because being sick is far from wonderful! So, now is the time to take all the necessary precautions to avoid catching a cold or flu!

When most people think of building their immunity, the first thing they reach for is often those little vitamin C packets, you know, the ones that try to taste like orange juice but fail to do so miserably! While vitamin C definitely does play a part in keeping yourself from becoming sick, research that the best way to build a strong immunity is to eat a well-balanced diet.

According to registered dietician-nutritionist Sarah Schlicter certain nutrients can activate immune systems and bodily processes making them more efficient. For example, Consuming vitamin C stimulates the body’s formation of antibodies for fighting illness. Or, vitamin A keeps your skin and tissues healthy and prevents infections. So, in other words, it’s not the foods themselves that can cure us, but rather the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in these foods that work together to better assist immune defenses and reduce inflammation.

So, my advice to you this sickness season is to kill two birds with one stone. Eat a healthy, diverse, and balanced diet. Not only is it good for your health nutritionally, but it also is more effective at building a strong immune system and keeping you sniffle-free this holiday season!

Arizona agriculture grows and provides lots of healthy food options that are both fresh and local! Check them out at your local grocery store!

For more health and food articles, check out the Fill Your Plate website!