Influences Affect that Your Immune System

Feeling run down? Here are some things that run down your immune system.  This list is helpful as to know what to limit and cut out.  If you keep reading you will see what is helpful to do if you are trying to stay healthy and keep that immune system strong! It matters what you eat, and it is great to be active and spend time outside!

Here are 10 influences that damage immunity:

1. Sugar and everything containing it: sweets, soft drinks, confectionery, ice cream, etc.

2. Processes carbohydrates: cakes, biscuits, crisps, snacks, breakfast cereals, white bread and pasta.

3. Chemically altered artificial fats: margarines, butter replacements, cooking and vegetable oils, processed foods prepared with these fats.

4. Lack of high quality protein in the diet from meats and fish, eggs, high quality dairy products, nuts and seeds.

5. Exposure to man made chemicals: cleaning and washing chemicals, personal care products, paints, fire retardants, petrochemicals, pesticides, etc.

6. Exposure to man made radiation: electronic screens (TV, computers , play stations, etc.) mobile phones, high powered electricity lines, nuclear stations and nuclear wastes.

7. Drugs: antibiotics, steroids, antidepressants, painkillers, anti-cancer medication, anti- viral drugs, etc.

8. Lack of fresh air and physical activity.

9. Lack of exposure to sunlight.

10. Lack of exposure to common microbes in the environment. Living in a too sterilized environment is strongly associated with compromises immunity. The immune system needs constant stimulation from the microbes in the environment.  

This morning I was reading a book about John Wesley to my boys and in the book it talked about how John Wesley would have a nagging cough or feel ill and he would jump into a nearby stream and he would also spend as much time as he could outdoors in the fresh air. These two things helped him quickly recover from sickness. Unfortunately many of the freshwater streams today are polluted, but if you find one nearby you that is not polluted, getting in the water is a great immune builder!  

Here are 10 influences which boost immunity:

1. Fresh animal fats and cholesterol rich foods (butter, lard, tallow, egg yolks)

2. Cold pressed oils: olive oil, coconut oil, nut/seed oils

3. Onions and garlic

4. Freshly pressed vegetable & fruit juices

5. Regular consumption of greens: parsley, dill, coriander, spring onions, garlic, etc.

6. Probiotic supplementation & fermented foods

7. Contact with animals

8. Swimming in unpolluted, natural waters

9. Physical activity in the fresh air

10. Exposure to sunlight and sensible sunbathing

These lists are helpful to know how to keep your family strong and healthy!

**These lists were take from Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride in her Gut and Psychology Syndrome Book.