Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (75 page)

Organic foods—conventional foods are higher in pesticides that challenge the immune system and are lower in nutrients that the body needs for health and healing.

Freshly pressed vegetable juices, which are a great way of getting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into the body in a highly absorbable form.

Colorful foods—the natural color of food often indicates the presence of specific immune-building nutrients. Make sure you include plenty of greens every day.

Unripe papaya and fresh pineapple, which contain enzymes that aid proper digestion of proteins. Eat these between or before meals.

Cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts, which contain the powerful antioxidant sulphoraphane that can really benefit the liver, which is important for the immune system. Instead of steaming the cabbage and sprouts, simmer them in water. When they are ready, strain the water off and drink it.

Shiitake and maitake mushrooms, which have been found to contain substances that keep HIV from destroying the immune-strengthening cells.

AVOID

Sugar, processed foods, refined foods, cigarettes, caffeine, alcohol, salt, additives, and saturated fats—these all challenge the body and suppress the immune system.

Anything to which you may be
intolerant—common culprits include wheat and other gluten grains (rye, oats, barley, kamut, and spelt), dairy products, eggs, soy, chocolate, and peanuts. It is probably worthwhile getting tested for food intolerances if you are not sure which foods affect you. See www.gillianmckeith.info for a home food-intolerance testing kit.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Cat’s claw has been shown to be helpful.

Pau d’arco, which can be drunk in tea form, has antibiotic and antifungal properties if infections are present.

Astragalus helps to fight infections and enhance immunity. You can take it in either capsule or tincture form. I recommend 30 drops of the tincture four times daily.

Use turmeric in your cooking for its immune properties.