If you haven't heard yet, there is a nasty virus going around that can be a risk to your health, but lets not forget the other one. The popular old tried and true influenza.
Influenza has been around longer than the date of its discovery in 1918, and has been a part of our society since.
This newer virus is in good company. Thanks to influenza so much data has been collected on treatment and prevention as well as further study on the behavior of virus's. For one, virus's can replicate and mutate which is why we will never see an end to the corona virus. It has already notably mutated 5 times from the first variant to Delta and the latest being the Mu Variant. Franky, the vaccine production can not keep up with the speed of these variants.
While Science does its due diligence to get vaccines, doing it best for the vulnerable of our fellow man throughout the world there is another ancient defense system doing what it has done for over thousands of years of evolution. Our immune system! It is the only way to gain natural immunity.
And what aids the immune system better than a proper diet? Nothing! Proper nutrition is what feed our bodies cell by cell and rebuild us, literally! With the poor eating habits of most people in the majority of the countries, proper nutrition is a real challenge however it is well worth improving when faced with potentially lethal consequences.
So what good habits can you start with? The easiest starting point for good health is adding nutrient-dense leafy greens, berries and nuts. These are easily available in most markets and are reasonably priced.
Add fish to your diet two times a week. Only two times a week is recommended due to levels of mercury in fish. However if you find farm fish that tests low to none in mercury you can have a serving every day!
Oily fish are a excellent choice for promoting good health! Salmon, tuna and trout are rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids which reduces inflammation, increases airflow and protects lungs by increasing the activity of white blood cells that eat up bacteria. Fatty fish has powerful immune effects and are an integral building blocks for the structure and antibodies of the immune system.
Add a half cup of any of the following vegetables. Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots and scallions. These vegetables promote flavonoid antioxidants such as quercetin, allicin and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects that fight infection and bacteria.
Have about five button mushrooms, cooked or lightly steamed (never raw) per day. Consuming mushrooms regularly stimulates the immune system and, bonus, reduces your risk of neurological illness. This often ignored vegetable in your local market increases the production and activity of white blood cells, which help you fight off infection!
Eight ounces of yogurt, especially Greek yogurt. Yogurt has active cultures (known as probiotics) which are friendly bacteria that keep down the population of pathogens in the GI tract.
Eggs! So much has been learned about eggs. Once thought to produce bad cholesterol is now a top choice protein to add to a health diet since it is a highest-quality protein and is amongst the top most digestible food. Eggs contains the compound choline, which keeps invaders from getting into the body. When we keep things from crossing the cell membrane, which causes inflammation, especially in the GI tract, we prevent autoimmune diseases like Crohn's and colitis.
A half cup of beans twice a week is a great way to increase the production and aggressiveness of white blood cells fighting infection. Beans, rich in zinc, and other legumes are the most nutrient-dense carbohydrate source easily available.
Don't expect immediate results. You'll need superior nutrition for a few months to see a real effect on your body's defenses! With winter approaching it is a great time to get your immune system ready for the season well known for its boost in viral infections.
For those with compromised immune systems, this diet applies to you too but it keeping in coordination with your medical practitioner to keep your health in good order is vital. I would be very happy to help you if you need assistance coordinating nutritional supplements with your daily medication schedules. Send me an email, lets talk.
To Your Health!
