by Vic Shayne, PhD

One of my areas of interest is the immune system because it is extremely important to understand how to keep yourself well. Your body was created with a built-in system to fend off foreign invaders, regenerate cells, eliminate toxins and keep healthy.But we all know that things go wrong. The main reason for this is that few people understand that your immune system needs to be fed. With foods that nature provides. Here are seven foods that your immune system thrives on:

1. garlic
2. astralagus
3. Maitake mushrooms
4. green tea
5. echinacea
6. vitamin D foods & sunlight
7. green vegetables

You must eat to feed your immune system. A recent article stated, “Researchers studying deer mice have discovered evidence to support what mothers everywhere have long suspected: the immune system needs food to function properly. In a new study Lynn Martin and coauthors find that reduced food intake leads to a decline in immune function in their subjects. The findings could have profound implications for human health.”

However, the most important amendment I would attach to the statement above is that you have to be careful about which foods you eat. This is because not just any foods feed the immune system. In fact, most of what people eat today, on average, is hardly considered food at all if you were able to ask your body! Foods that actually depress, or bring down, your immune system include those with refined sugars, refined wheat products (pasta, white bread, etc.), altered fats, fried ingredients and artificial ingredients. So, although it’s wise to eat to bolster your immune system, remember that quality counts!!

Sources:

1. Vitamin D Deficiency May Increase Risk Of Colds, Flu, ScienceDaily (Feb. 24, 2009)
2. Plat J, Mensink RP., Curr Opin Lipidol. 2005 Feb;16(1):31-7

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