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When we talk about building up our immune system we are really discussing increasing the number of white blood cells and their strength to fight invaders. Foods that can aid the boosting of our immune system can be very valuable because of the current depleted food supply because of processed foods, pesticides, and additives place in foods. Vitamin C is one of the top boosters to our immune systems. This vitamin is probably the most studied and researched nutrients. It has readily identifiable qualities that enhance our immune systems and it is readily available in many fruits and vegetables. The supplement form of vitamin is inexpensive to produce and is available everywhere. There is also an abundance of vitamin C fortified foods. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so if supplements are taken, it is best to take a little at a time throughout the day. The agreed upon dose for optimum results is around 200 mg per day. Vitamin E stimulates the production of the killer cells of our immune system. These cells hunt down and destroy bacteria and cancer cells. It also lowers the risk of cancer. It is found in seeds, vegetable oils and grains. Wheat germ is a rich source of vitamin E. 100 to 400mg per day is a recommended dose. Bioflavinoids act to protect the cells in the body against pollutants in the environment. Pollutants will attach themselves to the membranes of the cells and that attachment is prevented by bioflavinoids. Fruits and vegetables are rich in bioflavinoids. Juicing of these fruits and vegetables can get the bioflavinoids into the body more quickly. Garlic is a powerful booster of the immune system in that it increases the growth and multiplication of white cells that fight inflammation and infection. It also increases the production of antibodies. It has also been shown to be an effective antioxidant that fights free radicals that accumulate in the bloodstream. It also can be an anti-cancer agent and is a help in the promotion of heart health. Selenium is found in many salt-water fish such as tuna, red snapper, shrimp, and lobster. It is also contained in vegetables and whole grains, brown rice, cottage cheese and egg yolks. Selenium increases the production of the natural killer cells and kicks cancer fighting cells into action. The habit of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will go a long way in keeping the diet in line with all of the needed nutrients that enhance our family of white blood cells, which make up the balance of the immune system. It is difficult for most of us to actually get the quantity of vegetables and fruits in our diet, so juicing is a viable alternative. It is possible to get more of the nutrients into our systems more quickly and efficiently by juicing. One eight ounce glass of carrot juice is the equivalent of eating about 8 to 10 carrots. Probiotics, or the “good bacteria” keeps our gut full of the bacteria that helps in our digestion and keeps the bad bacteria at bay. People can take Lactobacillus tablets or eat yogurt to keep this area in balance. Green vegetables are all good for us. They say the darker the green, the better it is for us. Green beans, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cabbage, spinach, mustard greens, and cucumbers are all rich in all of the nutrients that are valuable for our immune systems. Carrots rank very high in nutrients that are helpful as well. An interesting fact is that carrot juice has the exact same molecular make up as red blood cells in the human body. Again, juicing these vegetables provides instant entry into our bodies and it can get more in there much faster. It takes less time to go to work enhancing our immune system. There are, of course, a large range of vitamins and minerals in capsule form, available from local healtheries store or online from retailers like Pure Vitamins. But consistent, well-rounded and balanced diet is the best thing you can do for yourself.
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immune system, vitamins and minerals, vitamin c, vitamin e,
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