Can My Diet Be An Immune System Booster?

Foods That Boost Your Immune System

There are a number of foods which boost our immunity — from super-antioxidant foods, like green tea, turmeric and spinach; to sulfur-rich free-radical fighters, like garlic and broccoli; to vitamin C immune system powerhouses, like red bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwis and papaya; and vitamin D immune system staples, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines. 

Those foods are all excellent, but if you are Googling “How to build your immune system” or “Supplements to boost immune system,” one macronutrient stands taller than most — protein. 

One great protein source is Almased, but more on that in a minute… 

As the world turns its sights to researchers and epidemiologists to help us navigate the pandemic, the topic of our immunology has come into sharp focus. Fast-tracked vaccines are being rolled out in countries around the world in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, and it reminds all just how important immune health is.

The Gateway to the Immune System

Science has shown us that the gut is, in many ways, the key to our immune systems. In addition to being the body’s nutritional and metabolic headquarters, our gut plays a vital role in protection against infection. In fact, it’s estimated that between 70% and 80% of our immune cells are found in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

With so much of our immune response linked to this critical body function, it’s perhaps never been more important to ensure your gut remains as healthy as possible.

A Critical Balance

The microflora in our gut requires a balance of bacteria. When this balance is achieved, healthy microorganisms function the way they’re supposed to. With strength in numbers, they can easily identify and eliminate so-called “bad” bacteria, and ensure that things stay in proper working order.

If this balance is disrupted, however, the body’s immune response is activated. In some cases, it goes into overdrive, resulting in a chronic inflammatory response. Other times, it can prevent the immune system from combating other threats, leaving the body susceptible to infection.

For these reasons, maintaining balance in the gut through gut-friendly foods is critical to our overall well being.

As to amino acids, a recent study points to the importance of amino acids in immunity. Mounting evidence shows that dietary supplementation with specific amino acids super-charges immunity, with arginine, glutamine and cysteine topping the list of the most immune-supportive aminos.  

Plus, protein malnutrition lowers concentrations of most amino acids in plasma, and leads to a weak immune system. In fact, one of the many reasons that protein rocks is that the antibodies which help fight these “bugs” are actually made of protein. 

Packed with amino acids, Almased is crafted from non-GMO soy, yogurt, and enzyme-rich honey in a special fermentation process that releases bioactive peptides.

Eat summer colors

One thing the weather does affect is our eating habits: studies show that we tend to consume fewer calories during the warmer months. Since you are likely eating less food during the summer, when you sit down for a meal, be sure your plate is colorful. Lots of oranges, greens, yellows, purples, etc., means more nutritious food. Additionally, bring in the spices: garlic, ginger, and turmeric are great immune backers.

Germ Anxiety? How to Naturally Support Our Body's Own Defenses

Germs. As comedian Rodney Dangerfield would have said, “They don’t get no respect!” 

In fact, before the 19th century, when people were not even aware of germs, hand-washing was just to wash off obvious grime and dirt. 

Since the “germ theory of disease” was developed by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch in 1861, society has increasingly transformed our view of germs — those we have always lived with and newer varieties to which we have inadvertently given rise — into an “us versus them” War on Germs. 

Even before the recent pandemic, both hand-sanitizer mania and fear of dirt have changed our evolutionary relationship with germs. 

The Child Who Eats the Most Dirt Wins?

First-time parents are sometimes worried when they see their toddlers touching, tasting and biting almost everything they come in contact with. Part of this “sampling” is related to teething, but part is to build up the immune system. 

The first thing young T-cells learn is to tell the difference between stuff we can use, and is good, and stuff these cells recognize as an “invader.” Every exposure mobilizes T-cell defenses, and the more frequent the exposure, the more powerful and well-trained our immune system will become. 

That’s where the “child who eats the most dirt wins” part fits in. 

Humans, including children, were not “meant” to spend most of their lives indoors in sterile and sanitized environments. 

Gut Bacteria 101

The trillions of gut bacteria do so much for our body, and control so many things, that scientists now say that the human microbiome — the sum total of all of our bacteria — is actually another organ! 

It may come as no surprise, then, that this new organ — that has been unrecognized as such for about 6 million years — requires proper care and feeding. 

For instance, if we don’t give our gut bacteria the right amount of protein, fats and micronutrients, then our digestive tract can’t do its job of absorbing nutrients.  

Gut bacteria — and a correctly working microbiome — also play major roles in supporting cardiovascular health, immunity and brain health, plus reducing the likelihood that we will become obese. 

Feeding the Gut

Healthy gut-friendly eating includes live cultured foods, as they work wonders to support a healthy balance of bacteria. Choose fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, pickles, miso, sauerkraut, kefir and kombucha.  These living foods help to metabolize nutrients, fend off unwanted “bugs,” and maintain healthy function of the gastrointestinal tract. 

Protein and amino acids, like those in Almased, encourage natural healing, both supporting the health of intestinal mucosa and of the immune system, 70 percent of which resides in the gut. Plus,the cultured yogurt in Almased, which comes from pasture-raised cows, contributes to the fermentation in the product that your gut loves.  

In addition, the high-quality raw honey in Almased feeds the fermentation process and makes our good gut bacteria happy. 

Germs, in particular good bacteria, are central to life and gut health. It’s great that we have protein-rich, gut-friendly Almased to help them thrive!