Foods to Boost your Immune System

Winter is the time of year we have to be extra careful with our immune systems, colds, flu, norovirus and now this mystery virus from China. Here are some tips to help beat those bugs that we come in contact with. Of course we should be taking a good multi mineral vitamin supplement, a good acidophilus and some vitamin C and probably a vitamin D supplement. Sambucol Immuno Forte (on offer from Superdrug) helps, 2 - 8 teaspoons a day, if you do succumb to a bug.

We need to maintain a strong immune system throughout our lives. Our thymus is the immune system master gland - the one that gorillas bash with fists before gong into battle - it sits behind the breast bone. It is linked to ageing. The larger and more active it is the more we are able to stay young and therefore our immune system can resist disease. It uses amino acids fro proteins, vitamin B6 and zinc. Growth hormones help it perform, whereas steroid hormones reduce its function. The thymus behaves like a mega computer, programming white immune cells, our army, to fight bugs and win, rapidly turning out more cells than any other organ in the body. It matures T-cells all our lives. It is stimulated by Beta carotine, vitamin A, zinc, amino acids (l-ornithine, l-tyrosine, l-tryptophan, glycine). Corticosteroids, adrenaline and sex hormones are its enemy. Growth and thyroid hormones support it.

There are a number of foods whch boost the immune system (also antibacterial), these are sesame seeds, bilberries, shitake mushrooms, garlic, ginger, turmeric, watercress. Some other foods are anti-viral, these are pineapple, grapes, plums, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, onions, garlic, cabbage, carrots and red wine. Bionutri have Elderberry Complex tablets and the smaller chewable Junior Elderberry Complex with beta glycans, which support the immune system. Eighty per cent of the immune system depends upon a healthy gut flora, so try BioKult Advanced Multi Strain Formula probiotics, 1-2 a day.

There is of course research into chicken soup and how that can boost your body back to health. To that ends I've included a nice recipe for Chicken Broth

Chicken Broth.

Ingredients

• 500ml Chicken stock gluten free - Sainsbury's, Morrisons etc
• 1-2 med/large potatoes, chopped into medium size cubes
• 1-2 med/large carrots, cubes
• 1-2 med/large parsnips, cubes
• 2-4 Red Onions/shallots, chopped
• 4 mushrooms - sliced
• 4 sticks of celery, chopped
• pinch salt and pepper
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 level tsp turmeric
• 1 level tsp ground ginger
• Fresh parsley if to hand

Time: 50mins

Method:

1. Saute onions and mushrooms in 1 tablespoon olive oil and a walnut size lump of butter in a large saucepan. Season with salt, pepper, turmeric, ginger, and herbs. 10 mins
2. Add the stock and simmer on a low heat.
3. Add the diced chunks of potato, carrots, parsnips and celery.
4. Simmer on low heat for 30-40 mins.
5. Can be blended smooth or left coarse as desired. May need to add water for desired consistency
6. Serve with 1-2 teaspoons of cream if desired.