Keeping the immune system strong is the way to avoid various types of diseases. This is a network of interconnected organs, tissues and cells that have the mission of protecting the body once morest foreign agents.
For this reason, having a healthy immune system is key to dealing with possible effects by bacteria and viruses. Among its most characteristic parts are the skin, mucous membranes, white blood cells and various organs of the lymphatic system.such as the tonsils or bone marrow.
When the body detects foreign substances that intend to invade it, the immune response is launched and to take care of it, you have to eat a healthy and balanced diet. In fact, according to studies, people with malnutrition are more susceptible to infectious diseases.
Among the foods that weaken the immune system if eaten in excess, according to the specialized food portal GastroLabis it so:
1. Sal: a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine and quoted by the same medium, explains that the response of the immune system can be affected by the consumption of sodium, the main component of salt. Furthermore, it indicates that the suffering of autoimmune diseases increases.
2. Whole Dairy: When you’re young, dairy should be part of your diet to promote healthy growth. Nevertheless, Over the years, they must be eliminated to avoid inflammation problems in the stomach, in the immune system and in other parts of the body.
3. Sugar: It is no secret to anyone that the abuse of sugar consumption can cause various conditions to the body. For example, it can affect the immune system and increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
4. Red meat: They are usually highly recommended for health if they are eaten in moderation. Even, its excessive intake can promote the suffering of cardiovascular diseases.
5. Saturated and trans fats: unsaturated fats (found in fish, avocados, nuts, and sunflower, soybean, canola, and olive oils) are preferable to saturated fats (found in fatty meat, butter, palm and coconut oil, cream, cheese, clarified butter and lard).
On the contrary, it is possible to resort to other foods to strengthen the immune system:
- Foods that contain vitamin C: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the word vitamin comes from the Latin ‘vita’, which means life. There are several types of foods that contain vitamins that help. Vitamin C is found in the citrus fruit group such as guava, orange, tangerine, kiwi, tomato, and even in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli.
- Foods rich in vitamin A: It is found in foods of animal and plant origin. It is characterized by being easily absorbed by the body. The best way to acquire vitamin A is through the consumption of foods such as liver, eggs, dairy products such as milk and butter
- Foods that contain vitamin B: they help the body’s cells generate energy from food and use the nutrients to repair tissues. Strengthens the muscular, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, benefits the immune system and reduces infectious diseases in older adultsaccording to the FAO.
- Hydrate the body with water: the lack of fluid in the body favors the dehydration process, makes the body lose energy and is exposed to a drop in the defense system.
- Consume fish and shellfish: are considered the main source of fatty acids such as omega-3 and proteins that promote the proper functioning of the immune system.
