How Your Quick Weight Loss Diet
Could Be Killing Your Immune System
Most people are not "proactive", and instead "react" to
things that happen to them. What I mean by this is most people
turn to doctors, or medicines when some ailment strikes them.
From a simple cold, to something more deadly - like cancer. But
did you know the things you put into your body can help, or
harm your ability to fend off diseases our Nation seems to be
stricken with?
So Listen Up! (it's for your own good)
Evidence suggests that the most important contributor to proper
immune function is what you eat. For you to stay healthy -- and
to recover quickly from illness and help prevent disease --
your immune system must be healthy too.
THE ANTIOXIDANT SHIELD
You've probably already heard about free radicals. These
molecules cause cells to break down, speeding the aging
process, promoting heart disease and cancer and weakening the
immune system. There's no way to completely avoid free
radicals. They're produced within the body as a result of
normal metabolic processes. But certain antioxidant compounds
destroy free radicals.
VITAMIN E
This potent antioxidant forestalls the gradual decline in
immune function brought on by aging. It boosts synthesis of
antibodies and encourages reproduction of key
infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes.
People who take vitamin E supplements mount a stronger immune
reaction against invading viruses and bacteria. They also enjoy
a reduced risk for cancer.
It's hard to get adequate amounts of vitamin E in your diet but
good sources include seeds, nuts, avocados, and healthy
vegetable oils (flaxseed, evening primrose oil, hemp oil,
sesame oil, and sunflower oil).
CAROTENIDS
These antioxidants increase the number of lymphocytes and
natural-killer cells. Supplements are available, and the best
food sources are fruits and vegetables -- especially carrots,
kale, collard greens, tomatoes and cantaloupes.
VITAMIN C
It energizes the immune system to react more vigorously to
cancer cells and microbes. Diets rich in vitamin C have been
linked to reduced risk for breast, colorectal and prostate
cancer.
Good natural sources of vitamin C include all citrus fruits,
cantaloupes and green or red peppers.
MINERALS
Minerals are needed for the synthesis of proteins, which are
key components of all cells and enzymes in the body...
ZINC
The most important mineral for immune function, zinc boosts the
number of lymphocytes and helps natural-killer cells attack
cancer cells.
The average person needs 15 mg of zinc a day. Higher dosages
seem to impair immune function. Meats and whole grains are good
sources.
IRON
An iron deficiency increases infection risk by weakening many
different types of immune cells. Too much iron impairs immune
function too.
Meats and beans are good sources. Iron pills are good only if a
doctor has found you to be iron-deficient.
SELENIUM
This mineral encourages growth of immune cells and stimulates
production of antibodies.
Grains, nuts, seeds and fish are good sources of selenium.
Because too much selenium can cause digestive and neurological
problems, supplements generally are not a good idea.
IMMUNITY BOOSTERS
Research is beginning to confirm what traditional healers have
long known -- that certain foods and herbs boost immune
function...
* SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS. Studies in Japan show that these
mushrooms boost immune function and inhibit viral
multiplication. In Japan, a shiitake derivative called lentinan
is used as a cancer-fighting drug. Shiitakes are tasty in
soups, stews and vegetables dishes. Eat two to six shiitakes a
week.
* REISHI MUSHROOMS. These Chinese mushrooms boost reproduction
of lymphocytes and trigger production of chemical "messengers"
that coordinate immune system activity. Eat two to four reishis
per week.
* GARLIC. Garlic is a good source of selenium and of certain
compounds with anti-infection and anticancer properties. Season
food with garlic at least three times a week.
* ECHINACEA. This popular herb boosts the ability of immune
cells to swallow up cells infected with viruses...and
stimulates production of compounds that coordinate the immune
system's response against yeast infections. Echinacea extract
should be taken for no more than three days in a row -- when
you have a cold or flu, or feel one coming on. The usual dose
is 30 drops of echinacea tincture, twice a day.
ONE FINAL THOUGHT
If you aren't supplementing regularly with vitamins and
minerals you may be deficient and not even know it. Why?
Because of our society's propensity to consume processed foods.
And processed foods are notorious for being calorie rich and
nutrient poor.
Combined with massively depleted levels of minerals in our
soils (from excessive crop production) and you have the basis
for widespread vitamin and mineral deficiency in our
society.
This is also true a statement: the processing of whole foods
destroys a lot of the phytonutrients they contain (plant
nutrients including antioxidants and healthful enzymes). This
means the more processed foods we eat, the more likely we lack
the necessary raw materials to assure our bodies not only
function optimally, but also help prevent disease from
forming.
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