Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Building A Healthy Immune System

Since getting a bad case of the flu several weeks ago the boys have had a hard time getting better. When they get around other who may be carrying a bug they are like magnets, catching everything. The doctor said we needed to keep them in as much as possible so their immune system can built back up. I have been reading up on ways to help build a healthy immune system and found a helpful article here from the University of Kentucky. What is your immune system and why is it important? Each person is born with a system in his/her body to fight off disease caused by bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and even parasites. This is your immune system. Some people have strong immune systems,others do not. The immune system has many processes with one of three particular jobs to do:



1. stopping disease from entering the body

2. killing bacteria or viruses once they enter the body but before they make you sick

3. destroying viruses and/or bacteria after they have created disease.

The immune system can recognize viruses that have been in your body before. The first time a virus enters your body, a healthy immune system will develop antibodies or other compounds that are designed to attack this virus. The next time this virus enters your body, these antibodies are ready to attack right away.

A few healthy immune building foods the we have been enjoying

  • Blueberries
  • Red Grapes
  • Oranges
  • Plums
  • Broccoli
  • Beets
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Corn
  • Onion
  • Spinach (love using this in salads)
  • Nuts
  • Cheese
A diet high in fruits and vegetables has many of the phytonutrient critical to enhance immunity as well as many of the important vitamins and minerals. A steady and balanced intake of essential vitamins and mineral helps to keep our immune systems working properly by providing us protection from infections and disease. Fish, poultry, lean meat, low-fat dairy products, cereals and legumes (peas, lentils, beans) are all good sources of minerals. Foods such as cheese, eggs or liver, which supply vitamin A, and spinach, sweet potatoes or carrots, which are good sources of beta carotene, should also be eaten daily.

Source: Women's Fitness



I've never been a "worry wort Mom" but seeing how sick they were with this H1N1 flu has caused me to become a bit more concerned. Washing hands, keeping shoes on their feet when outside, and eating healthy food has become more of a focus in our house. They don't know it yet, but the flu shot is next on our to-do list! Shhhh, let's not tell them just yet! I hope you stay healthy this flu season too!

1 comment:

  1. Just as a side note,I have studied this too and have read on many occasions that high blood sugar is very hard on the immune system. Processed foods are a major culprit as well. Just thought I'd share. Stay healthy and stay away from sugar! Blessings,Rebeckah

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