Eat These 5 Foods To Bolster Your Immune System

Sweet potatoes have double immune-boosting power thanks to vitamin C and beta-carotene (an antioxidant that our body converts to vitamin A); both  and  are believed to support healthy immune system function.

Get rid of germs before they can make you sick; laboratory test results show that garlic has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, giving it some serious .

Oats are a good source of  (naturally occurring sugars) that have been shown to promote a strong and healthy immune system. If you don't like oats, try barley instead; it's also a good source.

When you're choosing a yogurt, select one that contains live and active cultures (or "good" bacteria). The  that the probiotics support can have a positive impact on many aspects of your body's immune response.

Mushrooms are a good natural source of , an antioxidant that strongly influences immune response. Cremini and shiitake mushrooms are among the most selenium-rich.

Kristie Collado is The Daily Meal's Cook Editor. Follow her on Twitter @KColladoCook.