Food/Health/Wellness

Harness The Power of Healthy Food Choices In Combating Illnesses

The disease process is heavily influenced by dietary and lifestyle factors.

It is no secret that it is our immune system that fights off invading viruses, bacteria, and other nasty things that can make us sick. The immune system is intricately organized in organs, tissues, and cells that work perfectly to carry out this disease-fighting task.

Study shows that the immune system is compromised by bad food and lifestyle choices, as well as environmental factors.

How Food Affects the Immune System

The bioactive chemicals in plants, termed phytonutrients, provide a strong barrier against pathogens that cause diseases. Since immunity decreases with age, it is important to eat immune-protecting foods as we age. There is also proof that diets rich in fruits and vegetables support immune function.

Let us remember to go for the organic varieties, whenever we can, especially in food.

Food That Supports Healthy Immune Function

Dr Joel Fuhram said the best foods for the immune system are what he termed THE G-BOMBS, (Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, and Seeds.)

Greens: All green vegetables fall into this group, as they contain phytonutrients needed for optimal function. Greens are also rich in folate, (which can destroy antigens), calcium, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. Greens are better eaten raw or slightly cooked.

Beans: beans, peas, and lentils are all in the group of carbs, full of fibre and resistant starch (starch that is not broken down in the gut). Beans, peas, and lentils are part of the legume family, which can enhance the gut microbiome.

Onion— and its related families like shallots, leek, scallions, garlic and chives are rich in organosulfur compounds, which have powerful effects on bacterial actions. The onion family is also rich in quercetin, a powerful chemical with probiotic effects (feeds only beneficial bacteria in the large intestine).

Mushrooms are readily available in all varieties, and they are all good for the immune system. Mushrooms contain a compound called agaritine that has cancer-fighting properties, called agaritine. Some people advocate eating mushrooms raw, but it is best to at least steam or stir-fry them. Mushrooms boost the production of an immune-balancing compound, IgA.

Berries—examples are blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all nutrient-dense, helping our immunity fight diseases. Blueberries especially contain pterostilbene, an inflammation-fighting compound. Berries are delicious raw, sprinkled on breakfast cereals, or in smoothies.

“Food is not just calories, it is information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. The most powerful tool to change your health, environment and the entire world is your fork.” Dr Mark Hyman

Seeds — Seeds, like pumpkin, flax, nuts, sesame, hemp, almonds, chia, and walnuts are rich in fibre and micronutrients like iron, and calcium, They are also rich in zinc (deemed the gatekeeper of the body because they keep diseases at bay) and healthy omega-3 fat.

Other natural foods like courgettes (zucchini), beetroots, and cruciferous vegetables (kale, cauliflower, cabbage, and eggplants) are equally important for immune health and the prevention of diseases.

Courgette, also known as zucchini, is particularly known to protect cells against oxidative damage, slow down ageing, promote digestion (containing about 90% water), and lower blood sugar.

Beetroot is very rich in nitrates, which become nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide opens up blood vessels for improved circulation, which of course improves heart health. Beetroots also contain betalains, which prevent oxidative damage to cells.

Cruciferous vegetables, like arugula, bok choi, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts, especially their purple varieties, are particularly effective in cancer prevention.

Dragon fruits are tropical fruits that are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. It is high in vitamin C, making it effective for immune function. Eating dragon fruits can boost the iron level, which is essential to transporting oxygen in the body.

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The Takeaways

• ‘’You start treating your body right and your immune system is better.’’ Aaron Bruno
• A compromised immune system is a haven for frequent illness and, of course, diseases.
• ‘’The most powerful force for maintaining a good immune system is the power of positive thinking and not allowing yourself to be unnecessarily drained emotionally by worries and fears.’’ Frederick Lenz
• ‘’As you begin to heal the inner you, you alter your immune system.’’ Wayne Dyer.
• ‘’The mind, in addition to medicine, has the power to turn the immune system around’’. Jonas Salk

DISCLAIMER

Although great research has gone into this post to give the true and genuine substance to it, nevertheless it does not still represent professional advice in any way. Please consult your professional health provider for any health concerns that you have. It is therefore given for readers’ interest and entertainment only. Thank you.😑

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