Post Cancer: Boost Your Immune System
Cancer patients are often left with a compromised immune system which makes them more susceptible to infections and disease. Resources designed to defend our bodies are stymied by the cancer treatment or cancer itself. Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to reverse this.
In researching ways to rebuild my body's immune strengths in a natural way, I recently found an excellent article by Prevention Magazine titled "9 Power Foods That Boost Immunity." Why, I wondered, are they considered power foods? What happens that is so unique with these nine foods? I decided to find out.
Although nine foods were listed (yogurt, oats & barley, garlic, fish, chicken soup, tea, beef, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms) I chose the first three foods for this article. I plan to complete the list in later posts.
Here are the first three stars in the galaxy of healing:
1. Yogurt has probiotics, live microorganisms that have a beneficial health effect on the host, you! The specific probiotic to look for in yogurt is Lactobacillus reuteri or L. reuteri, which appears to stimulate white blood cells. It is an active culture that keeps our digestive system free of disease-causing germs. In a Swedish study, workers taking the probiotic reduced their sick days by 33 percent. According to Prevention.com, “any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain.” L. reuteri gives its host a high level of resistance to salmonella and E. coli, as well as ulcerative colitis. Other benefits cover a variety of health conditions - including reduction of gastro-intestinal distress, infant colic, dental/oral health including reduction of the effects of gingivitis, and overall wellness.
2. Oats and Barley contain beta-glucan, immune enhancing properties. Widely studied for its medicinal value, there are many current scientific studies covering a wide range of conditions, including liver toxicity, auto-immune disorders, and as an adjuvant to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Studies show that a diet high in beta-glucan from oats helps to lower blood LDL (bad) cholesterol.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Great information, Annette! I was glad to see yogurt is number one on your list as I just purchased a yogurt maker so I can make my own very healthy and very pure yogurt at home. Like you, I'm excited by all of the wonderful choices available to us from nature to boost our immune system and maintain our health. Take care, Pat
March 17, 2010 - 5:30pmThis Comment