Nutrition And Immunity - Protect Yourself This Winter Season

Along with the shorter days and falling leaves come the colds and flu, however, not for everyone! Survival of the fittest " the fittest immunity that is. We know to wash our hands frequently, dress warmly, get plenty of rest, and of course incorporate daily exercise into our routine, but can the foods we eat really make a difference in our efforts to fight off colds and the flu? In my experience, there is no question that a well-nourished individual is more immunologically competent and better able to cope with illness/infection challenges than those with nutrient-poor diets. So where to start?

Your Foundation Diet

This is what I characterize as your day-to-day intake of the essential nutrients. It's not what you eat Friday nights after hockey or for the occasional birthday gathering, it's what your food choice tendency is day-to-day over months and years that really impacts your overall resilience to create a body of health, vitality and strength. Your immune system is what protects you from viral infections, and the foods you eat have a major impact on your immune systems ability to fight off colds and flu. Balance, variety and moderation are three key areas to keep in check.

Balance Balance your meals and snacks by including at least 3 out of 4 food groups in each meal and 2 out of 4 for snacks. In general aim for lean/low fat proteins, unprocessed carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Examples: 1. Breakfast (all four food groups!) a. Grains: choose whole grain cereals high in fiber and low in sugar b. Fruits & Vegetables: sweeten by topping with berries or a sliced banana c. Meat or Alternatives: chopped almonds or walnuts add good fats and protein to your cereal bowl d. Dairy or Soy: Low fat milk or soy milk " a generous amount for a good blast of calcium and vitamin D.

2. Snack (two food groups) carrots sticks and a container of low-fat yogurt

Variety Escape routine and try new foods (plant derived) as often as possible. Phyto -(Greek for plant) chemicals are important nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and even chocolate and wine! Each plant derived food hosts its own profile of these powerful antioxidants " the more variety you eat the more of these antioxidants your body can utilize to fight disease and boost immunity.

Moderation Limited or moderate intake of unhealthy food is important too. Stay away from excess sugar and unhealthy fats, such as saturated fat and especially trans fats, which have been shown to suppress immune function. Watch alcohol intake as well, which can impair your ability to fight off pathogens.

Adequate intakes of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E) and trace elements (Selenium, Zinc) are required for the immune system to function efficiently, however there is limited evidence of any benefits unless you are deficient (however in the case of vitamin D many of us might be). Taking a multivitamin/mineral a few times a week is a good safeguard for falling short, but supplements continue to prove their inferiority to a nutrient-rich diet. A variety of Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, Nuts, Seeds, Lean Protein and Essential Fats are your key to optimal immune function.

Vitamin C Supplements

You need vitamin C for a healthy immune system, however you should get it from the fruits and vegetables you eat so that you also get other important nutrients, fiber and other phytochemicals and antioxidants that you won't get from dietary supplements. There is no current scientific evidence to support the idea that taking large doses of vitamin C will prevent or reduce the symptoms of colds or flu, however you can take dietary supplements to assure that you get enough vitamin C on the days you don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. In addition, your immune system requires a constant influx of vitamin C when it's working hard to fight invaders, so drinking 100% juice or eating oranges every 2-3 hours at the onset and during a cold may shorten its duration.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D has made news headlines numerous times over the past couple of years, and growing evidence suggest we need to at least triple our intakes, especially during winter months (unless you're lucky enough to live in the tropics!). Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, and foods that are fortified with vitamin D (fluid milk/soy) are often inadequate to satisfy an adult's vitamin D requirement. Vitamin D deficiency, aside from poor bone health, has also been associated with increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and infectious diseases. This is a supplement you may want to consider at 800-1000IU daily.

Zinc Supplements

Zinc is a mineral that is needed for a healthy immune system and is safe to take when ingested through food sources such as seafood, nuts and yogurt but more is not better although it's often sold as an over-the-counter natural treatment for colds. Zinc is necessary for optimal health but most studies show little or no benefit when studying zinc supplements. Zinc sold in a nasal gel form has been shown by several studies to cause a loss of the sense of smell in some patients and should be used with caution. Zinc is often sold as ingredient in lozenges that may help to sooth a sore throat in some. But supplementing with higher doses of zinc, particularly long term, can be toxic.

Echinacea

This herb is available as a dietary supplement and is used to prevent or decrease the duration of the common cold. Most studies show mixed results, however a meta-analysis of several studies reports that taking echinacea supplements may actually be beneficial, and the most effective preparation seems to be the pressed juice of the Echinacea purpura species

Probiotics

These "friendly or good bacteria" help to keep your digestive tract healthy and appear to have some beneficial effect on your whole-body immune system. Probiotics may be found in dietary supplements or as a nutritional ingredient in yogurt (be sure "active" or "live" cultures is in the ingredient list), yogurt drinks (Bio-K) and other foods. Some research does support the use of probiotics for reducing the symptoms and duration of the common cold.

Food First -- the foods listed here will give your immunity a boost, naturally!

For Vitamin C Citrus fruits and juices Apple juice Kiwi fruit Strawberries Broccoli Brussels sprouts Red/green/yellow Sweet potatoes Potatoes Tomatoes

For Vitamin E Vegetable oils Wheat germ Nuts Peanut butter Sunflower seeds Papayas Avocadoes Peppers

For Selenium Brazil nuts Grain products Wheat germ Wheat bran Oat bran Fish, shellfish Meat, poultry Eggs Beans

For Carotenoids Carrots Cantaloupe Sweet potatoes Pumpkin Broccoli Pink grapefruit Tomatoes/tomato products Dark green leafy Veggies

For Zinc Oysters and other seafood Red meat Poultry Fortified breakfast cereal Whole grains Beans Nuts

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