Our diet and lifestyle play a large role in determining how effective our immune system is at protecting us. Those enzymes we just read about need many nutrients in the body for them to work effectively. It’s not just what we eat and don’t eat, it is also how we live.
Let’s look at the most powerful influences on your immune systems health status.
Negatives
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Emotional toxicity hatred, anger, jealousy, resentment, self-defeating thoughts
- Isolation
- Cigarettes
- Caffeine (in excess)
- Alcohol (in excess)
- Refined and Processed foods
- Simple Sugars
- Lack of exercise
Positives for our Immune System
Lifestyle
- Relaxation
- Pure water- spring water or purified water
- Adequate sleep- 7 to 8 hours
- Love, family, community involvement, self-appreciation
- Positive attitude
- Laughter
- Being physical activity gardening, hiking etc… , exercise daily (movement is important for our lymphatic system)
- A spiritual connection
- A diet rich in diversity, including vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds and to a lesser degree wild caught cold water fish and organic turkey or chicken breast.
- Sunshine
Diet
It’s common knowledge that certain foods and nutrients boost our immune function. You can find thousands of sites publishing these lists. What most don’t tell you, is, what you do and how you eat consistently, has the biggest impact on your health. For example; if you regularly eat refined (foods that have been altered, removing most of the nutritional integrity of the original food) and processed foods ( foods such as luncheon meats, processed cheese, prepared dinners in a package) drink soft drinks or smoke, taking a multivitamin or occasionally eating a few healthy foods isn’t going to have much of a positive impact on your health. Refined and processed foods not only give little nutrition, they also pollute our bodies with harmful preservatives and additives that can diminish our health.
Foods that Promote Immune Function (all plant-based foods have immune boosting potential)
All of these are great to use in the NutriBullet!
- Algae
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Basil
- Bell peppers
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cayenne pepper
- Cloves
- Collard Greens
- Cumin
- Cinnamon (cinnamon & honey)
- Dark Chocolate (raw cocoa is the very best)
- Garlic
- Goji berries
- Grapes- red, black and purple
- Green tea (Matcha tea is even better)
- Honey (local raw unfiltered honey)
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Mushrooms – chaga, crimini, shiitake and maitake
- Mustard Greens
- Nuts and seeds– almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds
- Nutmeg
- Oats
- Onions
- Oranges
- Oregano
- Peppers– red bell, cayenne
- Pumpkin, butternut squash
- Rice bran
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Swiss chard
- Turmeric
Nutrients Important for Immune Function
All nutrients are important for our health, however a few are vitally important for our immune system to function optimally. If you have a diet rich in a variety of healthy foods, you will give yourself the best chance to build a healthy body. Remember, it is the consistency of what we do. If you live a healthy lifestyle 80% of the time you should build health. An occasional indulgence isn’t going to affect your health in a negative way. Obviously the reverse is true; live unhealthy 80% of the time and have a healthy treat occasionally and you will still build poor health.
Eat a proper balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to insure your ability to build a healthy body. Your daily calories should contain 50 to 60% carbohydrates, 25 to 35% healthy fats and 10 to 20% protein.
Nutrients Vital for Immune System Health
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6 & B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D 3
- Vitamin E
- Bioflavonoids
- Carotenoids
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Probiotics
- Selenium
- Zinc
If you really want to maximize your opportunity for optimal health, adopt a life style that includes a healthy diet, rest, relaxation, love, laughter and a strong spiritual foundation. In addition, wash your hands and use hand sanitizers when needed and avoid exposure to those who are sick when possible.
Use your NutriBullet everyday to boost your immune function!
Healthy Wishes,
Wally Bishop C.N.C.
WebND
The contents of this blog is not and should not be considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.
