2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44
Infections have attacked a person in the past, attack in the present and will attack in the future. This means that it is vitally important to know how to neutralize them, and food should be our helper.
Throughout its life, the body constantly fights against pathogenic microorganisms and antigens - foreign substances that attack it. The combination of tissues and cells responsible for the body's fight against antigens is called the immune system.
There are foods that are especially helpful in cases of infection because they:
- Improves the functioning of the immune system. The healthy functioning of this complex system, which protects against infections and foreign substances, requires certain nutrients. Among them: proteins, antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C and E), trace elements such as iron, selenium, zinc and copper. These nutrients should be included in the diet for those suffering from any kind of infection.
- Contains antibiotic substances. These foods help the immune system fight off infectious substances.
- Help cleanse the body. These foods improve the elimination of waste products from the kidneys, liver and skin.
High body temperature
Diet
Usually, a high body temperature is an indicator that the body is fighting an infection. While the foods listed below do not lower body temperature or fight infection directly, they play an important role in healing. At high temperatures, the diet should:
- be easily digestible and nutritious;
- contain a lot of liquid to compensate for water loss at high temperatures and to avoid dehydration;
- be rich in strengthening vitamins such as provitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C;
- be rich in alkalizing mineral salts that neutralize excess free radicals and acidic waste products from the body resulting from infection.
Fruits and vegetables meet these requirements very well and should form the basis of the diet, especially during the hot season.
| Increase |
| Water |
| Fruit juices |
| Citrus |
| Barley water |
| Cleansing broth |
| Borage |
| Melon |
| Raspberries |
»
Weakened immune system
Definition
This is a weakening of the immune system, often referred to as decreased body resistance.
Immune system functions
These are mainly two functions vital to the survival of any organism:
- Identification of all types of microorganisms and foreign substances that can be potentially dangerous.
- Destruction of these microorganisms, substances or foreign cells.
Which contributes to weakening the immune system
These factors can vary, many are unknown. The most common reasons for a decrease in immunity are as follows:
- Malnutrition or poor nutrition. Lack of any essential nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, can reduce the body's immune response.
- Stress, physical or mental.
- Chemotherapy (cancer treatment).
- Infectious diseases.
- AIDS is a deficiency of the immune system caused by viruses attacking the body's defense mechanisms.
Diet
The products listed below contribute specifically to the proper functioning of this comprehensive defense system.
| Increase | Reduce or eliminate |
| Antioxidants | Alcoholic drinks |
| Protein | Refined white sugar |
| Trace elements | Molluscs and crustaceans |
| Citrus | Fats |
| Vegetable oils | Coffee |
| Propolis | |
| Royal jelly | |
| Garlic | |
| Yogurt | |
| Acerola | |
| Kiwi | |
| Tomatoes | |
| Alfalfa |
»
Infections
Diet
Natural antibiotics found in some foods and plants are weaker than pharmaceutical antibiotics. However, their main advantage is that antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are not produced during their intake and the normal bacterial flora of the body is not disturbed.
In the event of an infection, it is important to remember which foods are recommended and which foods are contraindicated for a weakened immune system and high body temperature.
| Increase | Reduce or eliminate |
| Foods Recommended for Weakened Immune System | Foods contraindicated in a weakened immune system |
| Garlic and onion | |
| Lemon | |
| Cabbage and radish | |
| European cranberry |
»
Colds and flu
Causes
Colds and flu are caused by related viral infections. A cold can be the onset or the first manifestation of the flu.
Symptoms
Cold symptoms include increased mucus production and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Influenza produces more general symptoms, including headache and muscle pain.
Diet
In both cases, a similar diet should be followed to prevent infection and to facilitate treatment. Colds and flu are not cured by food, antibiotics, or medications. The body's own defenses must fight against a viral infection. Therefore, a proper diet is essential to strengthen the immune system.
| Increase | Reduce or eliminate |
| Foods Recommended for Weakened Immune System | Salt |
| Fruits and vegetables | Sahara |
| Garlic | Milk |
| Propolis | |
| Vitamin C | |
| Selenium | |
| Zinc |
»
AIDS
Definition
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) causes a decrease in the immune response to infections and cancer.
It is caused by the retrovirus HIV, which attacks and destroys the body's lymphocytes (protective cells).
An artificial diet low in fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts tends to create deficiencies in antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E) and contribute to the development of this disease.
Diet
Patients with AIDS tend to experience nutritional deficiencies, which in turn exacerbate a weakened immune system. Weight loss with AIDS is a bad sign. Various factors lead to nutritional deficiencies:
- Frequent infections as a result of reduced body resistance.
- Inability to metabolize fats that are excreted in the stool. In this case, the stool looks foamy and greasy (steatorrhea). This indigestion, which affects a quarter of AIDS patients, also interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E).
- Medicines for AIDS. They usually have digestive side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which exacerbate nutrient deficiencies.
Getting enough nutrients is vital as it can help improve the body's resistance and also slows the progression of AIDS.
| Increase | Reduce or eliminate |
| Foods Recommended for Weakened Immune System | Foods contraindicated in a weakened immune system |
| Fruits | |
| Whole grain | |
| Nuts and legumes | |
| Vegetables | |
| Yogurt | |
| Antioxidants | |
| Vitamin A | |
| B vitamins | |
| Vitamin C | |
| Selenium |
»
Candidiasis
Definition
Mycosis, or an infection caused by microscopic yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (albicans), usually found in the mouth, intestines and on the skin.
When the immune system is compromised (reduced resistance) due to diabetes, intensive antibiotic treatment, cancer, or other causes, the candida fungus multiplies rapidly and causes an infection known as candidiasis, or moniliasis.
Symptoms
This condition affects the vagina, anus, mouth, or areas of skin that are exposed to moisture or friction (such as the groin, armpits, or under the breast).
Diet
A diet that helps support the immune system and balance the intestinal bacterial flora that is conducive to the healing of candidiasis.
| Increase | Reduce or eliminate |
| Foods Recommended for Weakened Immune System | Alcoholic drinks |
| Yogurt | Chocolate |
| Garlic | Brewer's yeast |
| Folates | Hard cheeses |
| Iron | Bread |
»
Pharyngitis
Definition
Infection or inflammation of the lining of the throat or throat. In many cases, pharyngitis is associated with an infection of the amygdala, a lymph gland located in the throat. If pharyngitis appears as an underlying infection, it is called tonsillitis.
The course of pharyngitis is influenced by products that provide a local emollient and disinfectant effect.
| Increase |
| Vitamin A |
| Citrus |
| Propolis, honey |
| Okra |
| Borage |
»
Cystitis
Definition
Inflammation of the bladder (usually due to infection). For anatomical reasons, this disease most often affects women.
Diet
These dietary guidelines can help heal cystitis and prevent recurrence. This diet is also helpful for any type of bladder infection.
| Increase | Reduce or eliminate |
| Water | Spices |
| Blueberries and cranberries | Chile |
| Pumpkin seeds | Coffee |
| Citrus | Cold drinks |
| Onion | Sugar |
»
In conclusion, it must be said that diet does not replace treatment, but helps or hinders it, depending on your choice. Therefore, eat right, eat with pleasure and be healthy.
Based on the book "Healthy Food"
Recommended:
10 exercises to fight your fear of communication
Life hacker tells how to overcome fear using unusual methods. Be prepared for the fact that you have to make new acquaintances
What is rotavirus infection and how to get rid of it
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach, intestines and diarrhea. How not to catch "intestinal flu", says Lifehacker
How to do it right: fight or fight
The life hacker tells how to choose the right option: fight or fight. To do this, just remember the school curriculum
Will COVID-19 become a seasonal infection?
How seasonal illnesses differ from "all-weather" illnesses and is it worth expecting that the coronavirus will behave in the same way as common colds
Why watch the TV series "Food Block", where pioneers fight vampires
The series "Pishcheblok" suffers from poor direction and obvious political overtones, but pleases with nostalgia and an atmosphere of horror