Tag: Diet and immunity

A single high-sugar meal can temporarily suppress immune function, inhibiting the body's primary defense cells. This effect is one of several ways that sugar contributes to infections and compromises overall immune health, moving beyond its obvious link to dental decay.

A 2018 study on mice revealed that a diet high in fat and added sugar caused significant splenomegaly, or enlarged spleen, underscoring the link between diet and spleen size. While no single food directly makes your spleen bigger, certain dietary patterns can drive underlying conditions like liver disease and inflammation, which, in turn, can cause the organ to swell.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 80 autoimmune diseases exist, impacting millions worldwide. Many individuals with these conditions turn to dietary changes, such as the Paleo diet, hoping to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. This article explores whether the Paleo diet is good for autoimmune disorders and examines the evidence supporting its use.

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets are among the top risk factors for diet-related noncommunicable diseases globally. So, can junk food make you more sick? Evidence strongly suggests that a steady diet of processed foods can compromise your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.

Up to 70% of the body's immune cells are housed in the gut, making a healthy digestive tract a cornerstone of your body's defense. This fact emphasizes exactly how proper nutrition supports your immune system and helps prevent diseases by nurturing this vital core.

According to research from Harvard University, malnutrition—both under- and over-nutrition—can impair the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies. So, can a bad diet affect your immune system? The answer is a resounding yes, impacting everything from your gut health to your inflammatory response.

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition, which includes both undernutrition and overnutrition, affects billions of people worldwide and is a leading risk factor for chronic diseases. Understanding the complications associated with poor nutrition is crucial for safeguarding your health and well-being.

Research has shown that consuming healthy fats can boost the body's immune response to pathogens by decreasing chronic inflammation. The right kinds of fats, specifically unsaturated fats and omega-3s, provide essential fatty acids and energy that are vital for optimizing immune function. Understanding what are healthy fats for the immune system is a crucial step toward better health.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, originally developed to combat high blood pressure, has been shown to offer far-reaching health benefits, including a stronger immune system. Its emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods provides the body with the vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary to fend off illness and reduce systemic inflammation. This comprehensive eating plan is more than a strategy for cardiovascular health; it is a powerful tool for bolstering your body's natural defenses against infectious and chronic diseases.

According to research published in the *British Journal of Nutrition*, amino acids are fundamental to immune function, regulating cellular processes vital for defense. Exploring the question, 'Is protein powder good for your immune system?' reveals that this supplement can be a strategic tool for supporting your body's defenses when used correctly.