Certain antioxident compounds destroy free radicals. There is no way to avoid free radicals
since they are produced within the body; due to normal metabolism. These molecules cause
cells to break down which speeds the aging process, promotes heart disease and cancer. They
also weaken the immune system.
Vitamins: The best vitamins to take are Vitamin E, Carotenoids and Vitamin C. Vitamin E
helps in the decline of the immune system. It boosts the synthesis of antibodies and mounts a
stonger immune reaction against invading viruses and bacteria. Whole grains, seeds and nuts and
vegetable oil contain Vitamin E. Caortenoids are in carrots, kale tomatoes and cantaloupes.
Vitamin C is plentiful in citrus fruits, cantaloupes and green peppers. Carotenoids increase the
number of lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Vitamin C reacts to cancer cells.
Minerals: Minerals are needed to break down proteins. Zinc, Iron and Selenium are vital
in this process. Zinc supplements are not usually necessary if you eat fortified cereal and
whole grains. Iron deficiency increases the risk of infection because it weakens the immune
function. Selenium helps the growth of immune cells and stimulates production of antibodies.
Grains, nuts, seeds and fish are good sources of selenium.
Immune Boosters:
Shiitake mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, Garlic and Echinacea are in this category. Mushrooms
are good in soup and I fry them with peppers and onions. Garlic has great anti-cancer properties
and Echinacea has the ability to swallow up cells infected with viruses. Do not take more than
three days in a row and take 30 drops of tincture twice a day.
Elinor Levy PhD of microbiology
Vera A. Tzelepis-Liddle MS, ND, CPT
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