What should I eat to boost my immune system when it's weakened?

Generally, to improve immunity, one can consume foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, selenium, protein, and fermented foods. Additionally, certain medications such as thymopeptide enteric-coated tablets, transfer factor oral solution, pidotimod granules, Yupingfeng oral solution, and Bailing capsules may also be used. A detailed explanation is as follows:

I. Foods

1. Foods rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C promotes the production and function of white blood cells, helping the body resist viruses and bacteria. It is a common nutrient for enhancing immunity. Citrus fruits, kiwifruit, red peppers, broccoli, and other similar foods can be consumed daily to supplement vitamin C and boost immunity.

2. Foods rich in zinc: Zinc promotes the generation and function of T cells, enhancing the body's antiviral capabilities and playing an important role in maintaining normal immune system function. Examples include oysters, beef, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Regular intake of these foods can help enhance immunity.

3. Foods rich in selenium: Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting immune cells from oxidative stress and thus improving immunity. Consuming foods such as Brazil nuts, seafood, mushrooms, garlic, and oats in daily life is recommended to prevent immune decline and promote overall health.

4. Foods rich in protein: Protein promotes the synthesis of immunoglobulins, which help the body resist pathogens. It is a fundamental substance for immune cells and plays a significant role in maintaining normal immune system function. Eating moderate amounts of fish, lean meat, legumes, nuts, and dairy products can help enhance immunity.

5. Fermented foods: Fermented foods contain probiotics and prebiotics, which help regulate the intestinal microbiota, increase the number of white blood cells in the body, and thereby enhance the immune response to pathogens. Components such as nucleic acids in fermented foods also help boost immunity. Yogurt, kimchi, miso, and other probiotic-rich foods can be consumed in moderation to improve immunity.

II. Medications

1. Thymopeptide enteric-coated tablets: Thymopeptide is a biologically active peptide substance extracted from the thymus. It can also induce T cell differentiation and maturation, enhance T cell response to antigens, and regulate cellular immune function.

2. Transfer factor oral solution: Transfer factor is a mixture of small molecular peptides and nucleotides extracted from the spleen of healthy pigs or cows. It can transfer cellular immune information from the donor to the recipient, enabling the recipient's lymphocytes to proliferate and differentiate into sensitized lymphocytes, thereby enhancing the recipient's cellular immune function.

3. Pidotimod granules: Pidotimod is a synthetic immunomodulator that exerts its effects by stimulating and regulating cellular and humoral immunity. It can promote phagocytic activity of macrophages, activate natural killer cells, and enhance chemotactic function of neutrophils, thereby comprehensively improving the body's immune function.

4. Yupingfeng oral solution: Its main ingredients are Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu), and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fangfeng). Huangqi tonifies qi, raises yang, strengthens the defensive system, and stops sweating; Baizhu strengthens the spleen and boosts qi; Fangfeng dispels wind and resolves exterior syndromes. Together, these three herbs enhance qi, strengthen the body's defenses, and stop sweating, thereby boosting immunity through reinforcing the body's vital energy.

5. Bailing capsules: The main ingredient is fermented Cordyceps sinensis mycelium powder. Cordyceps sinensis nourishes the lungs and kidneys and benefits vital essence. Bailing capsules regulate immune function, enhance disease resistance, and offer certain protective effects on organs such as the lungs and kidneys.

In daily life, maintaining good habits such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to improving immunity.