Eating more fiber can support immune health during cold season

As cold season approaches in Iowa, experts highlight the role of fiber in supporting immune health, according to reports from kdat.com, koel.com, and y105music.com. While vitamin C and zinc are commonly known immune boosters, fiber is an often-overlooked nutrient that plays a key role in gut health.

Fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy microbiome. Much of the immune system is connected to gut health, making fiber intake important for immune function, the sources explained.

Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Examples given are apples, berries, broccoli, chickpeas, oatmeal, almonds, and chia seeds. Simple changes like adding berries to breakfast or choosing whole grain bread can increase fiber intake.

Although fiber supplements and multivitamins are available, getting fiber from whole foods is recommended because they provide additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Experts advise increasing fiber gradually and drinking plenty of water to support digestive health.

With winter germs on the way, paying attention to gut health through fiber consumption may help strengthen the immune system during the colder months, the reports concluded.