Outside of running my health-coaching business, I work full-time with some incredibly smart individuals helping to revolutionize our health care system. I work with a whole food supplement company that trains doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and naturopathic doctors on nutrition. We teach the doctors how to teach their patients about whole food nutrition in order to get them out of the medical model and off unnecessary pharmaceutical drugs.
Our end point: Food Heals.
One of my mentors is Charlotte, a master herbalist – in my eyes, she knows EVERYTHING! Each month she creates a presentation for our monthly Roundtable events; this month’s topic was Eat Well to Stay Well: Back to School for your Immune System.
One of the points that stood out for me was the top 10 foods that support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation.
Emphasize the following 10 foods in your diet to stay strong all year long!
1. Garlic ~ antimicrobial and stimulates the immune system. If I’m starting to feel unwell, I’ll eat straight garlic cloves mixed with coconut oil or olive oil. It sounds intense, but it’s worth it!
2. Fish oil ~ omega-3s increase phagocytic activity and strengthen cell membranes. Fish oils have earned their reputation as “brain food” because some people eat fish to help with depression, psychosis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other thinking disorders.
3. Leafy greens ~ high in B vitamins, minerals, and beta-carotene. Greens are the number 1 food you can eat regularly to help improve your health.
4. Berries ~ packed with antioxidants to deal with the aftermath of immune battles.
5. Citrus ~ high in vitamin C and other bioflavonoids. Citrus fruits have strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers. Lemons are extremely beneficial in weight loss efforts because they serve as a digestive aid and liver cleanser.
6. Chicken Soup ~ delicious, digestible, and familiar; it’s also nutrient-rich. Learn how to make your own chicken broth HERE.
7. Ginger ~ antioxidant, antimicrobial, and warming to fend off colds.
8. Elderberry ~ loaded with antioxidants and helps your cells hide from viruses.
9. Carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes ~ packed with beta-carotene and other phytonutrients. After completely removing all forms of bread & gluten from my diet, I rely on squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes when I am craving a “hearty” meal.
10. Mushrooms ~ high in immune-boosting polysaccharides.
