Nutritional Boosters to Help You Weather the Flu Season
Whether or not you decide to get the flu shot this year, it makes sense to protect your self and your family with a fine-tuned nutrition plan. This is not the time for extra sugars and fast foods.
The immune system is a complex collection of tissues and cells that protect the body from allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful organisms. Skin and the membranes that line entrances to the body — nasal passages, eyes, and respiratory and digestive tracts — are the first line of defense, providing a physical barrier against invaders. You can keep your skin healthy with a balanced diet and extra essential fatty acids. Make sure you work up a sweat daily (from exercise and/or saunas) as it is a great detoxifier. Shower with a natural soap and loofah brush to keep skin and circulation healthy.
Internally, specialized white blood cells fight antigens that make it past the skin: T-lymphocytes continuously patrol the body in search of antigens; B-lymphocytes manufacture antibodies, special blood proteins that neutralize or destroy germs; and neutrophils and macrophages scavenge antigens from the blood for delivery to the lymphatic system, which disposes of them. To work smoothly, these cells depend on you keeping your body in top shape. Nutrients critical for the production and maintenance of key germ-fighting cells in the immune system. A balanced diet has a strong effect on vascular function. The immune system is dependent on blood flow. The bloodstream is the route along which infection-fighting cells travel throughout the body to where they’re needed.
Vitamins and phytochemicals in colored fruits and vegetables are great at promoting immune function. These nutrients help ensure that lymphocytes can divide and reproduce properly in response to a virus and that the neutrophils and macrophages that engulf and kill invading bacteria can do their job. Eat five to nine servings of different colored organic, locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables per day..
Amino acids found in protein are the building blocks of all the body’s cells — including the cells that power your immune system. If your diet is low in protein, you won’t manufacture enough white blood cells to combat antigens. Consume about a gram of protein per kilogram (kg) of your body weight. Eat plant protein like lentils, peas and beans every day for at least one meal. Keep animal protein choices to 100 gm portions of lean protein. Add a protein shake for breakfast or before workouts if you are often on the run.
By Guest Blogger:
Victoria Pawlowski, R.D., R.C.C., M.Ed.
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