Immune Boosters

 New research reveals that inflammation is a key indicator of decreased immune function and premature aging. Some primary signs of inflammation are: allergies (inflammation of the sinus tissues);  acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tissues);  chronic neck, back,  extremity joint pain/ arthritis (inflammation of the hands, feet, knees, shoulders).

Natural immune boosting and anti-inflammatory foods are: apples, berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) pomegranates,; vegetables: crudiferous-(cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower); green tea, red wine (can buy at whole foods without sulfites) or concord grapes/juice;  garlic, onions, and leeks. Herbs/spices: caraway seeds, basil, parsley, cinnamon, ginger, cardomom, tumeric (curry);  and oils-omega 3 (from flax seeds, walnuts, fish(salmon/sardines.)

Colorful fruits and vegetables and their specific immune boosters: Red fruit- contain lycopene which reduces the effects of sun damage on our skin. Guava, cranberries, watermelon, pink grapefruit, cherries, apples, strawberries. Orange fruit- source of Vitamin A, promotes vision and strengthens retina. Oranges, apricots,cantaloupe, nectarines.  Green fruit- chlorophyll stimulates liver enzymes to speed body detoxification. green pears,green apples, green grapes, kiwis, honeydew. White fruit- contain beta-glucans that also boost immune function. Bananas, brown pears, white nectarines, white peaches.

Walking 30 min briskly 5-6x per week boosts immune system and decreases inflammation thereby decreasing pain of arthritis.

Immune enhancing: avoiding parabens and phthalates in cosmetics, lotions, and soaps, avoiding scratched teflon pans, using environmental dry cleaners-thereby avoiding percholorethylene gas.

Acupuncture and Chiropractic assist the body in clearing inflammation and increasing immune function.

Foods that increase serotonin and therefore lift our mood: Eggs, spinach, salmon, turkey, tuna, soy, lentils, berries.  Eggs- by increasing Vit D which in turn raises serotonin. Spinach and lentils by increasing folic acitd which in turn raises serotonin.Salmon and its’ omega 3 fatty acids. Turkey,tuna, and soy increases trytophon which calms us. Berries sweetness  elevates our mood but their fiber modulates blood sugar preventing  mood and blood sugar drops.