Building Immunity Through Whole Foods

By Janelle Deeds CNC, NE, Nutritional Consultant, Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging

Why is it that with all of improved technology, in depth research and modern knowledge that we continue to reach epidemic proportions of disease instead of optimal health? Why are our bodies not responding to conventional treatments, but instead we find that we have multiple diagnosis and a cupboard full of medication?

I believe that these answers lie in our choice of lifestyle. From eating habits to our environment all of these factors have an impact on our health.

In a 1999 study of the American Cancer Society it is suggested that over one-third of the 563,100 cancer deaths were caused by lack of proper nutrition. But more importantly, it concluded that MOST of these could have been prevented. Let’s just hear that word again, prevented. That means there is something that we can do about it.

Many Americans have taken notice and are committed to regaining their health by going on a diet or taking the best advertised supplements, not to mention that new gym membership or fitness equipment. These are all positive steps toward improving health; however, it is HOW we use the tools that are available to us as to whether or not it makes a difference.

Bestselling books, trends, fads, that excess weight, it all comes and goes. But basic whole food nutrition has been a staple of health for many years. These powerful principles help in:

• maintaining healthy cellular function and metabolic balance,
• supporting our appropriate level of fitness, and
• developing a stress-free mind.

Foods and their vital ingredients can be enjoyed as well as be nourishing when they are not over processed, isolated individual nutrients but remain in their closest to natural state. Such a diet ensures that the 3 functions of digestion – absorption, assimilation and elimination – work in perfect harmony. Often “synthetic” or “processed” foods create conditions that disrupt the harmony between these 3 functions. Over years, this leads to severe physical and psychological problems.

A balanced diet of immune-boosting foods and bacteria balancers just might help you ride out the final months of winter's chill.

7 Powerful Immune-Boosting Foods

1. Whole Fresh Juices – Vegetable and fruit juiced fresh and whole contains vital nutrients and many anti-oxidants. Think of these anti-oxidants, including Vitamin C as your best pre-cold and flu friend. While the proof for loading up on the stuff will help once you've been bitten by the bug is still coming in, there is definitely power in keeping your immune system in top shape. Bake a batch of these light and fluffy Whole Wheat Orange Juice Muffins for a daily dose of this immune-booster.
2. Green Tea – If disease fighting had a prize fighter, it would be green tea. Besides providing much-needed antioxidants (also found in whole grains, legumes, and nuts), green tea is said to have disease-fighting powers to prevent cavities and protect your gums.
3. Garlic – First it was fed to the Egyptian slaves to give them strength to build the pyramids, then it was hailed as the refuter of vampires–it seems there is nothing garlic can't do. There is contention that one of its real strengths comes in its pungent flavor, a key to clearing up congestion
4. Almonds – Hailed as a "nutritional powerhouse," almonds are packed with fiber, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin E. Raw almonds and other raw nuts contain much more active nutrients than roasted nuts.
5. Ginger – Packed with virus-fighting agents, ginger is a warrior in the battle against colds and flu viruses. It's touted for opening nasal passages, clearing congestion, and even soothing nausea.
6. Horseradish – Fight stuffy noses and chest congestion with a fiery helping of horseradish, hot sauce, or hot peppers. Consuming these zesty items not only allows you to taste something you're eating, but also encourages the congestion lingering in your sinuses, head, and chest to loosen up.
7. Arugula – When the worst of winter colds hits, steer your grocery cart toward the produce section and fill up on bitter greens, such as arugula and watercress. These fresh leafy veggies are packed with iron and vitamins A and C, and are believed to help relieve many flu-like symptoms, ranging from chest congestion to the sniffles.

An annual wellness visit will offer you the opportunity to determine your current health status. This is important because it is really up to you. Your health or lack of is in your hands. Some simple annual markers assist in determining if your body is functioning well or there is room for improvement. A comprehensive Functional Endocrinology Blood Serum Analysis (blood based biomarker profile) is one of the lab tests we evaluate and work with in our clinic. Everyone will benefit greatly from a once a year to look at their body’s baseline indicators especially as we get older. Aging doesn’t have to mean not feeling as good or sharp as you did a few years ago. Energy, stamina, memory, mood and quality of life are your health right when it comes to vibrant and healthy living.

A client in his late sixties has come back to HealthWalk™ clinic regularly to learn strategies for rebuilding his immune system after chemotherapy. He was anxious and eager to learn how to regain strength, stamina and vitality after the damaging effects of the chemotherapy on his body. He followed our guidance on juicing, whole food blending, nutritious meal plans and appropriate supplementation such as HealthWalk’s Rupronol™ to keep viruses and bacteria at bay especially during the winter season’s many colds, flu’s and virus outbreaks. He has happily proven to be able to sail through the over the last six months in good health.

Vibrant health, you can attain it and we are here to support you on your path to regaining and maintaining it.