The foods we choose and the ones we skip can impact our bodies—especially our immune system.
The majority of our immune system is in the gut, so what you eat matters. Every real, whole food makes a much-needed nutritional contribution that benefits, strengthens, and supports the immune system and its function. Processing strips the nutrients from food and then manufacturers can add synthetic versions of them back. This negatively influences immune function by disrupting hormonal balance and increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. Here are a few of the powerhouse immune system boosters to add to your diet:
Spinach helps increase the alkalinity of your body and can heal your gut and strengthen the immune system. It contains at least 13 types of antioxidants along with lutein—both huge immune system boosters.
Mushrooms (especially reishi, shiitake, and maitake)improve your immunity as they are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins C and B, calcium, and other minerals. They contain powerful immune-reinforcing T-cells and macrophages to fight bacterial and viral infections.
Asparagus contains quercetin, another important antioxidant to help reduce inflammation and increase the production of detoxifying enzymes.
Green tea is high in flavonoids and epigallocatechin gallate, both powerful antioxidants. It’s also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, which increases killer T-cells.
Turmeric, an important, potent antioxidant and immune system addition, is five to eight times stronger than vitamins C and E.
Grass-fed beef contains more omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than other beef, providing enhanced immunity to cell membranes and reducing inflammation.
Wild-caught salmon contains astaxanthin, which helps increase the number of T-cells and macrophages that help us fight cellular invaders.
Blueberries rate very high in antioxidants compared to other fruits. They help raise immunity levels and lower inflammation. They also contain powerful phytochemicals, such as anthocyanin, which is the pigment that gives blueberries their color. They are also lower in sugar than most other fruits.
Have you been suffering from a lowered immune system; you have frequent colds and/or infections, lots of GI issues, slow healing wounds, lots of stress and fatigue? Contact me now to get your immune system up and working FOR YOU!
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