With new strains of bacteria and viruses mutating with alarming speed, the challenge for our immune systems has never been greater.

A raw food diet can help you achieve good immune system health by providing essential vitamins and nutrients and reducing stress on the body.  

Functions of the Immune System

Components of the immune system

The major components of the immune system are spread throughout the body. They include

• Spleen - filters the blood searching for foreign cells
• Thymus -produces T-cells
• Bone marrow - produces new red and white blood cells
• White blood cells - used to destroy bacteria and viruses
• Lymph system - produces lymphocytes ( a specific type of white blood cell)

Antibodies - proteins which bind to and destroy toxins

Your skin also plays an important role in creating a physical barrier against attack. Raw foods can also act as a form of organic skin care . All of these systems work together to fight off any infections or disease that your body comes up against. Conditions that can effect the proper function of the immune system include stress, sleep deprivation and a nutritionally deficient diet.

How To Feed Your Immune System

In order to fight infection and avoid a weakened immune system it is vital to maintain good nutritional health. Organic raw foods are abundant in natural vitamins, minerals and nutrients to keep you in peak health

Essential vitamins to boost your immune system

Vitamin C - increases infection-fighting white blood cells, reduces cardiovascular disease and lowers blood pressure
Vitamin E - stimulates B-cell production, the immune cells that destroy bacteria

Bioflavonoids

A group of phytochemicals called bioflavonoids aid the immune system by protecting the body's cells against pollutants found in the environment. They can also help to reduce cholesterol and prevent blood clots in arteries. These bioflavonoids are sometimes referred to as 'Vitamin P' and can be found in abundance in the pulp and rinds of citrus fruits .

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene has been shown to dramatically increase T-cell production. These 'killer cells"  are produced by the body's lymph system to remove toxins and ward off unwelcome bacteria and viruses.

Minerals

Zinc and selenium are valuable minerals in fighting infection. They stimulate the production of T-cell lymphocytes and have been shown to fight against cancer.

Raw Food Tips For A Healthy Immune System

• Eat sprouts such as alfalfa, mung beans and brown rice.
• Algae such spirulina and chlorella is high in protein and acts as a natural immune booster.
• Brightly colored purple, red, green, yellow and orange foods such as blueberries, blackberries, apricots, papayas, carrots, bell peppers are natural immune boosters. Also the more intense the green, yellow or orange color, the more beta carotene the vegetable or fruit contains. 
• Nuts and seeds are packed with essential fats, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. Other sources include egg yolks, brown rice and whole grains.
• Flax seed and organic flax oils contain high levels of Omega 3 acids which act as immune boosters.
• Garlic is a powerful immune booster

Some Foods To Avoid

To maintain good immune system health you must eat as much organic food as possible and make sure your diet is high in fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time it is important to recognize the foods that can have a negative effect on your immunity. Certain foods can inhibit your ability to fight disease and may result in a weak immune system.

Refined Sugar
The effects of high blood glucose levels on the immune system can be severe, sending your body's natural defenses into freefall. Raw natural foods with a low glycemic index help to steady the rollercoaster effects of blood sugar highs and lows. If you have a sweet tooth, try using raw organic sweeteners such as agave syrup, honey or lucuma.

Stimulants
Reducing your intake of caffeine and alcohol will place less stress on your body, making you less prone to a weakened immune system.

Saturated Fats
Reduce you intake of saturated fats found in full-fat dairy products including milk, cheese, yoghurts and chocolates, as well as hydrogenated and trans-fatty acids.

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