With the changing weather, it’s vital that we pay close attention to the foods we are eating that may lower our immune system. Nobody wants to be bogged down with a cold on top of the cold that already circulates outside, so watch out: these foods will increase your susceptibility to those pesky bacteria faster than you can say, ‘Paracetemol’!
Artificial-boost foods
That is, avoid eating such foods shortly before you go to bed at night. Consuming foods high in sugar, such as chocolate, although comforting as it may be to sneak in a final chomp before snoozing, will help keep your body energised when all it really wants to do is sleep. It is vital that you allow yourself a restful sleep on most nights, as this is the only time your body will truly be able to give itself its own, physiological spa treatment – your sleep is your body’s opportunity to recuperate and rebuild. Think twice, then, when snuggling down to a pre-snooze cup of coffee riddled with caffeine, and save it for the morning when your body will really appreciate the boost.
Chocolate
I know I’ve just mentioned this delicious little devil, but I’m sorry to say it’s devilish enough to call for another mention. Infact, it isn’t just chocolate; biscuits, pastries, cereals, cakes…I’m sure you all know where I’m going with this. White blood cells despise the added fructose syrup, the refined sugars, the high saturates in these foods that significantly impair the cell’s ability to do its thing and squeeze bacteria out of existence. Also, eating these types of foods first thing in the morning – particularly sugary cereals – tricks the body into thinking that the day’s work will only involve fat-fighting, as opposed to bacteria-beating: bad news for both your immune system and your waist line.
The ‘Debbie-Downers’
When you yourself are feeling depressed, unfortunately, your immune system decides not to bother either. Avoid foods that tend to naturally contribute to stress and leave you feeling on a low, which will then lead to your immune system following suit. The main baddies here are processed foods, whose initial insulin boost will quickly evaporate into fatigue, but also (and more so), regular consumption of alcohol, which your central nervous system treats as a natural depressant. If you happen to have a history of mood disorders, infact, attempt to steer clear of the substance altogether – it may not sound fun, but neither is a suicidal immune system
Processed (especially red) meats
Awful. Just awful. As well as their being a top source of saturated fat, the preservatives and chemicals within meats such as corned beef and sausages suffocate and expand within your immune system’s germ-defeating army of white blood cells like a particularly nasty spider’s web. Of course, red meat is a healthy source of protein for the body – but only when consumed in moderation. We should only be indulging in that bacon sarnie up to twice a week.
Medication
Technically, these do not constitute as ‘food’, but enough of us would probably beg to differ, going by the excessive amounts we consume on a weekly basis for the most trivial of illnesses. Tempting as it may be to reach for a quick pill when the morning headache sets in, try not to go too overboard; excessive use of antibiotics pours some pretty major toxins into the body, increasing the likelihood of some other naughty, little bacteria giving birth to itself in resistance to the efforts of your immune system. Take a chance and eschew antibiotics more often – and anyway, as long as you follow the above advice on your diet, you will never have to see the back of a medicine cupboard door again!
Look out for next week’s article on foods that will boost your immune system!
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