The backbone of your immune system is made from protein; without
adequate protein your immune system can’t survive, and is less able to
stay and fight cancer. It’s critical to include healthy protein such as
fish, poultry and beans in your daily diet, because they provide plenty
of protein yet without much saturated fat. Here I emphasize a few foods
high in immune boosting protein.
Beef
Sure, a diet high in red meat is not good for your health. This doesn’t
mean you should ban beef. Beef is rich in immune boosting mineral zinc,
in addition to protein. Zinc in your diet is very important for the
development of white blood cells, the heroic immune system cells that
recognize and destroy invading bacteria, viruses, and other harmful
foreign bodies. Zinc deficiency weakens your immune system; even mild
zinc deficiency can increase your risk of infection. Since vegetarians
and those who avoid red meat (beef and pork) let pass this major source
of zinc, these folks should make sure to consume zinc-rich oysters,
fortified cereals, poultry, yogurt or milk.
Fish and shellfish
Research showed that of all fats, omega-3s — found in fish such as
salmon — created the highest blood levels of flu-fighting T cells and
interferon-gamma cytokines. Cytokines are various protein molecules
secreted by cells of the immune system that regulate the immune system
Shellfish like oysters, lobsters, crabs and clams contain plentiful
of selenium. Getting adequate selenium can increase immune cell
production of cytokines. Cytokines help clear flu viruses out of your
body.
The bottom line:
Dietary deficiencies in protein and key micro-nutrients have long been associated with immune dysfunction.
Photo Credits: by Art By Steve Johnson and TheBusyBrain
