| Preliminary
research demonstrates importance of carbohydrate ingestion either
during or immediately after extended exercise sessions. Carb have
been found to prevent sickness by decreasing cortisol levels.
Additionally, carbohydrates are associated with how the body maintains
lymphocyte production. As a result, carbs are an excellent excuse
to quench one’s thirst with an energy drink or eat carbohydrates
loaded with other nutrients (in example: sweet potato).
Protein
Protein is responsible for producing antibodies for the immune
system. When the body is assaulted with virus invasions, the
antibodies, which are proteins comprised of various amino acids,
hover around the foreign substances to try to annihilate the
cell. A nutritionally balanced diet should include high quality
protein that consists of eight vital amino acids.
Yogurt
A yogurt a day has been found to keep the doctor away. Based
on the preliminary findings on yogurts, the study suggests that
consumption of one cup of low-fat yogurt a say may decrease
the body’s susceptibility to colds. Probiotic is deemed as the
beneficial bacteria in certain yogurts because it has been found
to augment the immune system.
Healthy Fats
In order to keep the immune system functioning at optimal health,
omega-3 fats are essential. Fatty tuna, salmon, trout, herring,
sardines, flaxseed, canola oil, small amounts of walnuts, green
leafy vegetables, wheat germ and soybeans, contain rich sources
of omega 3-fats. A medical study conducted in England found
that omega-3 fats enhanced the levels of T cells and virus-fighting
interferon-gamma cytokines in test subjects.
Zinc
Various clinical evaluations on zinc have found the trace mineral
to help weaken the severity and duration of the common cold
and viruses. Beef, turkey, chicken, oysters, crab and lamb contain
opulent food sources of zinc. |
