Foods that increase Immunity

Soy Soy has strong antioxidant properties and is a potent immune stimulant that has shown benefits not only for influenza, but also for cancer. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Fresh fruits and vegetables have been shown to be antibiotic, antiallergic, tumor-protective, anti-inflammatory and stimulating to the immune system. People on plant based diets have been shown to have significantly high intakes of Antioxidants and significantly higher blood concentrations of Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The vegetarian’s natural killer cell activity has also been found to be twice as effective. Apples Five or more apples per week actually improves lung function, and apples contain phytochemicals which inhibit influenza viruses. One of these phytochemicals is quercetin. Quercetin has been shown to protect the lungs from damage by influenza. Quercetin is also found in, onions, green leafy vegetables and beans. Grapes Grapes possess a phytochemical (resveratrol) that strongly inhibits the replication of influenza virus within the cells and significantly improves survival of influenza infected mice. Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency reduces natural killer cell numbers and functions,especially in older adults. Vitamin A deficiency also results in a loss of IgA producing cells. Remember that IgA is critical for the eradication of influenza from the lungs. Vitamin A pills have not  been proven as helpful as just eating good food. Foods high in vitamin A are paprika, cayenne, sweet potato, carrots, kale, spinach, winter squash, cantaloupe and broccoli. Vitamin E Vitamin E is effective in helping the body reduce the number of influenza viruses in the lungs. It also helps prevent the loss of appetite and weight loss associated with being sick with the flu. Vitamin E helps lower the damaging inflammation in the lungs caused by tumor necrosis factor alpha. It is usually the inflammation that starts the downward spiral that ends in death for some influenza sufferers. Vitamin E pills have not  been proven to be as helpful as just eating good food. Foods high in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, flaxseed oil, wheat germ, olive oil, pine nuts, peanut butter, and ground cloves, just to name a few. Vitamin C Vitamin C actually increases lung macrophage function, and helps reduce the number of viruses running around in the lungs. Taken before or after the appearance of cold and flu symptoms it can relieve or even prevent them. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant that helps reduce damage in infected lungs,  and preserve vital lung tissue. Vitamin C is also best when taken in the form of food. Foods high in vitamin C include strawberries, bell peppers, chives, red cabbage, broccoli, pineapple, oranges, lemons, kale, cauliflower,and peas. I like to juice half a lemon into my first morning glass of water, this should give me about 500mg of vitamin C. Folate Severe Folate deficiency is associated with a 60% reduction in lymphocyte counts and significantly impaired natural killer function in one study. If a person is already on a Folate sufficient diet, taking Folate pills only decreased their immune systems function. Foods high in Folate include arrowroot, wheat germ, peanuts,sunflower seeds, spinach, lentils, pinto beans, and parsley. Selenium Selenium increases natural killer activity by 70% while protecting the lung tissues from inflammation. Selenium is very important for recovery from the flu—infected lung tissues recover more quickly if you aren’t deficient in this element. Foods high in selenium includebrazil nuts, mixed nuts, sesame seeds, wheat, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ. Zinc Another nutrient necessary for both natural killer cell numbers and function is zinc. Foods high in zinc include wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, wheat bran, pine nuts, maple sugar, wild rice, and cashews. Copper Copper Antibody titers and natural killer-cell cytotoxicity were markedly suppressed in animals fed with a copper deficient diet. Copper is best obtained from Spirulina, seaweed, sesame seeds, soybeans, cashews, sunflower seeds and mixed nuts Magnesium Magnesium-deficient animals exhibit dramatic elevations of inflammatory mediators that are responsible for the cytokine.You can obtain your magnesium from rice bran, wheat bran, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, flaxseed, brazil nuts, sesame seeds and cashews. Garlic Garlic has long been recognized as a potent immune stimulator. It is reported that during the 1918 flu epidemic, 20 people in one area ate raw garlic daily with their meals. None of the 20 contracted the flu. It is suggested that 3 cloves be eaten along with each meal. Turmeric Turmeric is widely used in India for the treatment of inflammation. It inhibits several cytokines responsible for lung damage in viral pneumonia. It is also an antioxidant through modulation of glutathione levels in alveolar lung cells,and it is a potent oxygen radical scavenger. It is also a good source of vitamin C. Andrographus Andrographus is widely grown in India and is proven to shorten the duration of the flu. The leaves of Andrographis paniculata, an annual herb, provide preliminary evidence that andrographus extract may be effective not only for standard URI treatment but also specifically for influenza treatment. There are no known drug interactions or adverse effects. A good dose is 1,000-3,000 mg in divided doses. Golden Seal & Echinacea In countries like USA and Canada, Golden Seal is easily accessible than Andrographus. Golden Seal and Echinacea are good immunomodulators and would help in treating the flu. Basil Basil improves the overall body defence mechanism including its ability to fight Viral disease. It not only helps to prevent Swine flu but also helps patients to  recover fast. Ideally it has to be taken fresh. Juice or paste of at least 20 -25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day. Flax seed tea. Boil ½ cup of flax seed in 3 cups of water. Add ½ lemon and raw honey to taste. The flax turns into a gelatinous mass and coats the throat as you drink it.

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