No More Colds

Here are five easy steps you can take now to support a healthy immune system:

1. Load up on fruit and veg – aim for at least five portions a day and pick a rainbow selection of colours to get a good range of nutrients.
2. Have a clove or two of garlic a day – this is naturally anti-viral and anti-bacterial.
3. Eat sufficient proteinProteins are large molecules consisting of chains of amino acids. Proteins are essential nutrients for the human body – they are a building block of… – aim for lean (preferably) organic meat, fish, game, quinoa (a South American grain), eggs, pulses combined with grains, dairy foods or tofu.
4. Herbs and spices contain immune-supporting nutrients – for example, add turmeric to rice; grate ginger into stir fries or on to vegetables; make tea from the Cat’s Claw herb; add aloe vera to drinks.
5. Avoid sugar – it can suppress the immune system.

THE IMMUNE POWER DIET

• Reduce ‘bad’ fats and increase ‘good’ fats: The ideal immune-boosting diet is, in essence, no different from the ideal diet for anyone. Since immune cells are produced rapidly during an infection, sufficient protein is essential. Eating the right kinds of fats is important too. Diets high in saturated (processed meat like burgers and sausages, dairy) or hydrogenated fatThere are many different types of fats; polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, hydrogenated, saturated and trans fat. The body requires good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) in order to… (biscuits and cakes) suppress immunity and clogs up the system, while essential fats – found in oily fish, nuts and seeds – boost immune function.

• Avoid meat, dairy and eggs: If you have an infection that increases mucus production (eg a cold), it is best to avoid meat, dairy produce and eggs – these foods tend to stimulate more mucus.
• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables: To ensure you get plenty of immune-boosting nutrients, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Good sources include carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and bean sprouts, plus watermelon and berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc – you can buy these frozen when they are not in season).
• Raw foods: Eat what you can raw, and lightly steam the rest. Avoid frying anything as this introduces harmful free radicalsFree radicals are molecules produced when the body breaks down food or by environmental exposure to things like cigarette smoke, pollution and radiation. Free radicals… that increase your toxic load.
• Avoid sugar: Sugar is not good news at the best of times, but studies show that it can actually depress immune activity, so avoid any forms if you are fighting an infection. Also avoid refined grains (which quickly digest down to sugar and contain few nutrients), instead opting for wholegrains (oats, rye bread, brown rice etc).

SUPPLEMENTS

To keep your immune system fighting fit, I recommend you take:

• A high-strength multi vitamin and mineral complex.
• An antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect cells within the body from damage caused by free radicals. They help to strengthen the body’s ability to fight infection… formula containing vitamin CWhat it does: Strengthens immune system – fights infections. Makes collagen, keeping bones, skin and joints firm and strong. Antioxidant, detoxifying pollutants and protecting against…, zincWhat it does: Component of over 200 enzymes in the body, essential for growth, important for healing, controls hormones, aids ability to cope with stress… and immune-boosting phytonutrients such as black elderberry and ginger.
• Extra vitamin DWhat it does: Helps maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. Deficiency Signs: Joint pain or stiffness, backache, tooth decay, muscle cramps, hair loss…. – I recommend supplementing 15mcg a day all year round, plus eating dietary sources such as oily fish and eggs. Together with half an hour of sun exposure in the summer, this will give you 30mcg a day. But, during the winter months, in the absence of sun, you need to take more. I take an extra 10mcg a day, or four drops of Biocare’s liquid vitamin D.

• To ward off a cold, vitamin C can be very effective. I take 3 grams immediately, followed by 1 gram an hour, together with other supporting nutrients such as zinc, ginger and black elderberry.

FURTHER HELP

Read the book Boost Your Immune System

For a personalised diet to help boost your immunity try our online 100% Health Programme. You can order supplements online from Totally Nourish. Members of the 100% Health Club areentitled to special discounts.