What Best Juice to Drink When Sick? Juices to Boost Immunity

Hey. I get asked all the time about the best juices to drink when you're feeling under the weather. There's so much noise out there, so many "miracle cures" being touted, and that it's hard to know what's real and what's just hype. Let's cut through the confusion and talk about how juice (especially fresh juice) can actually support our immune system and get us back on our feet.

Understanding the Immune System

What is the Immune System?

Let's start with the basics. Our immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs, which work together to defend our body against the harmful invaders. You can think of it as our body's personal army, it is constantly patrolling and ready to fight with the infections. When our immune system function is well, it can recognize these threats and will launch an effective attack to keep us healthy. Key players in this defense include immune cell types like lymphocytes and macrophages, each with specialized roles in identifying and neutralizing threats. The goal of supporting your immune system is to keep this army strong and ready for anything.

How Juice Can Support Your Immune System?

So, how can juice help? The magic things in the nutrient density of fruits and vegetables. When we juice them, we are actually extracting a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and so on, which all are really important for the immune function. For example, vitamin C, abundant in citrus fruits, is a well-known immune booster, helping to stimulate the production and function of immune cells. But it's not just about vitamin C. Other nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and various phytonutrients found in things like kale, carrots, and even beetroot juice all play a role in strengthening our immune system and helping us fight with infections more effectively. So now we could understand that why juice provides an easy way to flood our body with these essential compounds, helping to boost our immune system naturally.

Common Factors That Weaken Immunity

Before we dive into specific juice recipes, it's important to understand what can weaken your immune system in the first place. Things like chronic stress, poor sleep, a diet lacking in essential nutrients, and even dehydration can all compromise your immune function. Processed foods, high in sugar and unhealthy fats, can also wreak havoc on your immune system. And, of course, a lack of regular physical activity can contribute to a weakened defense. The reason I'm bringing this up is because drinking the best juice alone isn't a magic bullet. It's part of a holistic approach to staying healthy and supporting our immune system, of course we should also prioritize sleep, diet, and exercise.

7 Best Juices to Drink When Sick

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Top Juices to Boost Immunity

When you're feeling under the weather, knowing which juices to reach for can make a big difference. I recommend focusing on juices packed with key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Juices like orange juice, kale juice and carrot juice may help you improve. These juices can offer several benefits:

When looking for juices to boost immunity, always consider the nutrient density of the fruits and vegetables. It's about fueling your body with what it needs to fight infections and get you back to better health, making it one of the best ways to boost your immune system.

Benefits of Fresh Juice vs. Drink Store-Bought Juice

I'm often asked about the difference between fresh juice and store-bought juice, how much do you know? Fresh juice keeps more of the important nutrients and antioxidants that are often lost during the pasteurisation process used to make commercial juice. Also, a lot of store-bought juices have extra sugars and preservatives in them, which can make your immune system weaker. When you make your own juice, you know exactly what goes into it, so you can be sure you're getting a strong dose of pure, unadulterated goodness to boost your immune system. That's why I think you should make your own juice at home whenever you can. You can be sure to get the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes you need with a cold-pressed juice.

Juice Recipes for Immune Support

Ready to start juicing your way to a healthier immune system? Here are a few of my favorite juice recipes designed to help you boost immunity and fight off those pesky colds. I have some great options to share, including:

• The classic "Citrus Blast" featuring orange juice, lemon juice, and a touch of ginger juice for an extra kick. The vitamin C and ginger can do wonders to support your immune system.
• My "Green Machine" juice recipe, blending kale, apple juice, celery juice, and a bit of lemon. This juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

For a sweeter option, try a blend of watermelon juice and beetroot juice, rich in lycopene and betalains, respectively. These compounds are known for their immune-boosting properties. Remember, the best juice to drink is one that tastes good to you and keeps you coming back for more!

Key Ingredients in Immune-Boosting Juices

Vitamin C Rich Juices: Orange and Apple Juice

When you're looking for the best juice to drink to boost immunity, vitamin C-rich options are a great place to start. Orange juice, for example, is a classic choice because it's loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports your immune system and helps fight infections. Apple juice, especially when made with certain varieties of apples, also provides vitamin C, although typically in lower concentrations than citrus fruits. It's important to remember that the freshness of the juice matters. Fresh juice made from fruits and vegetables retains more nutrients compared to processed, store-bought varieties. These fruit juices contribute greatly to supporting your immune system and help you stay healthy during a cold. Drinking orange juice and apple juice are best ways to give your immune system a boost with essential vitamins.

Green Juice: The Power of Kale and Spinach

Green juice is a great way to boost your immune system and fight infections. The main ingredients, like kale and spinach, are full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as a lot of minerals and antioxidants that are good for your immune system. Kale is especially good for boosting the immunity because it has a lot of nutrients. Adding these greens to your juice recipe gives you more than just vitamins; it also gives you phytonutrients that help your immune cells work better. Green juice might not be the sweetest choice, but the best juice for your immune system is one that is full of good things. That's why these juices that are good for your health are a smart addition to your diet. It helps you stay healthy and not get sick with the cold.

Ginger Juice and Its Immune-Boosting Properties

If you want to boost your immune system, ginger juice is a great addition to any juice recipe. Ginger juice has strong chemicals that are known to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Adding ginger juice to your juices not only gives them a spicy kick, but it also helps your immune system get stronger on its own. Ginger's active ingredients can help lower inflammation, which can make the immune system less effective. If you're making orange juice, green juice, or any other drink with fruits and vegetables, think about adding some ginger juice. It is one of the best juices for staying healthy and avoiding getting sick. It gives you a natural boost that will help you get better.

How to Make the Most of Your Juicing

Tips for Choosing Ingredients

When you're diving into the world of juicing to boost immunity, prioritize fruits and vegetables that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Opt for organic whenever possible to minimize exposure to pesticides. Orange juice is a classic choice for its vitamin C, which is essential for supporting your immune system, but don't stop there. Explore the benefits of kale, spinach, and other leafy greens, which are loaded with essential nutrients that can help fight infections. Remember, the goal is to fuel your body with the best juice possible to keep your immune cells in tip-top shape, stay healthy, and strengthen your immune system during the cold and flu season. Don't just grab the best juice to drink, but grab the most beneficial ingredients.

Cold-Pressed vs. Fresh Juice

You've probably heard about cold-pressed juice and wonder what the buzz is all about. Well, the key difference lies in how the juice is extracted. Traditional juicers often use high-speed blades that generate heat, which can destroy some of the delicate vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables. Cold-pressed juices use a slow, gentle pressing action to extract the juice, preserving more of these vital nutrients. I recommend cold-pressed juice when supporting your immune system because it gives you a nutrient-dense juice that is best when you want to boost immunity. A cold-pressed juice can help fight infections and stay healthy by ensuring you are getting the most nutrients from your produce. Making sure you boost your immune system is what we're here for, and a cold-pressed juice is one of the best juices to help you do that.

When to Drink Juice for Maximum Benefits?

When you drink your juice can actually impact how your body absorbs the nutrients. Drink your best juice to drink on an empty stomach, ideally first thing in the morning, to maximize absorption of vitamins and antioxidants. If you're drinking juice to boost immunity when you feel a cold coming on, timing is even more crucial. A fresh juice can also be a great pre- or post-workout drink to replenish electrolytes and support your immune system by getting orange juice, green juice, apple juice, tomato juice, celery juice, and other fruit juices into your diet, as it helps strengthen your immune system. However, avoid drinking juice right before bed, as the natural sugars can give you an energy boost and disrupt your sleep. Keep your immune health in mind, and timing is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

FAQs

Is orange juice good to drink when sick?

A lot of people wonder if orange juice is a good drink when they're sick. People often praise orange juice for having a lot of vitamin C, which can help the immune system and maybe even make colds go away faster. Also, the natural sugars in orange juice give you a quick boost of energy, which can help when you're tired. It's important to remember, though, that citrous juices can sometimes make a sore throat worse. People who have this symptom may want to choose milder options instead. In general, orange juice can be a nice drink when you're sick, but you should always pay attention to your body and pick what feels best for you.

Can you drink apple juice when sick?

You can drink apple juice when you’re sick, especially if you’re dehydrated. Apple juice also has disease prevention and fighting properties, thanks to its nutritional profile. Besides, it can provide quick energy thanks to its natural sugars. However, avoid store-bought varieties with added sugars. Since apple juice is a bit acidic, you may want to dilute it if you have an upset stomach. 

What not to drink when sick?

When sick, avoid caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks, as they can dehydrate you. Sugary sodas and artificially sweetened beverages can weaken your immune system and cause inflammation. Also, avoid any and all alcohol. It can suppress immune function and lead to dehydration. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, or natural juices with no added sugars.

Which juice is best for fever?

Citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit juice can help with fever due to their vitamin C content and hydration benefits. Coconut water or diluted pomegranate juice are also great because they replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. Watermelon juice is another good option. It’s refreshing, hydrating, and easy on the stomach. 

Which juice gives instant energy?

Most fruit juices provide instant energy because of their natural sugars, but beetroot juice, in particular, is best for getting an energy kick. That’s because it’s high in nitrates, which increase blood circulation and oxygenation