Keep Your Immune System Strong
Making juices, smoothies, and nutritional drinks is one of the tastier ways to stay healthy. No matter which one you like, you can always add other superfoods such as chia seeds and wheat germ for more health benefits.
Other ways to keep your immune system strong include practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, sleeping well, reducing stress, and exercising frequently.
Use a blender
If you dont have a juicer, use a blender. Add 1 cup of coconut water or nut milk to get the machine going. Youll also benefit from the fiber content of a blended smoothie.
Whats In This Green Smoothie
Lets run down our smoothie benefits. This green smoothie is a far cry from tasting anything like the mega doses of greens and vitamins in it because of the natural sweetness of the fruit weve added to our blend.
I used both kale and spinach in this recipe for a mega doses of vitamin C. They provide a powerful antioxidant punch, plus calcium, folate and fiber to help boost immunity and sometimes even fight off infection.
Next up: the sweet stuff. Vitamin C-packed mango, pineapple and kiwi give this smoothie its sweet slurp. Mango has even been shown to protect against cancer and may help lower cholesterol. An extra squeeze of purifying lemon juice adds a fresh, bright squeeze, too.
To help ward against cold bugs even more, I added fresh ginger to the mix. Ginger has been proven to help with nausea, pain and inflammation. All the extras that come with a cold and general malaise.
Every smoothie needs a liquid and Almond Breeze Original Almondmilkdoes the best job here. I always have a box or two of the shelf stable Almondmilk in my pantry so that smoothie making is always an easy option.
Where To Buy Elderberry Syrup
You can find Sambucol Elderberry Syrup at Target, Costco, , major drug stores and also on the Sambucol website. Its been flying off the shelves since COVID-19 became a pandemic, which is exciting to see more and more people lean towards the natural remedies world.
Enjoy 15% OFF your Sambucol.com purchase with code SGS15.
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How Do These Smoothies Boost The Immune System
Spring feels like it should be just around the corner, but were technically still in the middle of cold and flu season. During this time of the year, I like to help my clients get an extra immunity boost with vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a key role in the immune system: It stimulates the production of white blood cells, which help fight infections. It may also reduce the amount of time an infection stays in the body.
My smoothie formula of protein, fat, fiber, and greens is guaranteed to nourish your body with what it needs to turn down hunger hormones, keep you satisfied for hours, and limit excessive sugar. Theyre also an easy way to increase your intake of vitamin C, as theyre plentiful in leafy greens, citrus fruits, berries, and even avocado!
Whats In This Immune Boosting Smoothie
All the good stuff!
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Elderberry Syrup In An Immune Boosting Smoothie
Im sure youve noticed my favorite ingredient in this immune boosting smoothie is elderberry syrup. Along with the delicious berry flavor, elderberry syrup is packed with natural health benefits.
Its important to note that black elderberry syrup is a dietary supplement. It isnt intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Yet elderberry syrup is a natural remedy that my family has experienced the benefits of and Im excited to share it with you today.
You can make your own DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe, yet it takes more time and money. Its just so convenient to keep Sambucol Elderberry Syrup on hand. Whatever way you go, you can use either syrup interchangeably in this immune boosting smoothie recipe.
What Should I Put In My Smoothie
Anything can go into a smoothie if it tastes good to you!
Try following this simple formula and substitute ingredients with your favourite fruits and veggies:
- 2 cups of liquid . Try water, milk or nut milk.
- 2 cups of fruit. Try bananas, berries, pineapple or mango.
- 1 cup of leafy green vegetables. Try spinach or kale
- A protein source. Try nuts, yogurt or protein powder. Youll only need about 1 tablespoon of nuts or ½ cup of yogurt or protein powder.
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Echinacea Supplements May Improve White Blood Cell Counts After Chemotherapy Or Radiation
What is echinacea?
Echinacea is popular as a safe and powerful immune system booster to fight colds, the flu and other infections. Of the nine echinacea species, three are used medicinally. They appear in many preparations, which utilize different parts of the plant and come in a variety of forms. The active ingredients in echinacea are thought to strengthen the immune system.
What does echinacea do?
Echinacea acts by stimulating various immune system cells that are key weapons against infection. It also has some antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal effects and contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids, selenium and zinc. Studies suggest that the herb boosts the cells production of a virus-fighting substance called interferon.
Echinacea may prove effective against some types of cancer, particularly in people with weak immune systems. In a German study, a small group of patients with advanced colon cancer received echinacea along with standard chemotherapy. The herb appeared to prolong survival in these patients.
How to take echinacea
Ginkgo Biloba Supplements May Reduce Side Effects From Chemotherapy
What is ginkgo biloba?
This popular herbal medicine is derived from one of the oldest species of tree on earth. Today, its widely marketed as a general memory booster. The medicinal form of the herb is extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree. A form of the herb called ginkgo biloba extract is used to make dietary supplements. GBE is obtained by drying and milling the plants leaves and then extracting the active ingredients in a mixture of acetone and water.
What does ginkgo biloba do?
Ginkgo may have beneficial effects on the circulatory and central nervous systems. It increases blood flow to the brain, arms and legs by regulating the tone and elasticity of blood vessels. It also acts like aspirin by helping reduce the stickiness of the blood, thereby lowering the risk of blood clots.
Ginkgo appears to have antioxidant properties as well, mopping up the damaging compounds known as free radicals and aiding in the maintenance of healthy blood cells. Some researchers report that it enhances the nervous system by promoting the delivery of additional oxygen and blood sugar to nerve cells.
How to take ginkgo biloba
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Astragalus Supplements May Help Rebuild Your Immune System After Cancer Treatment
What is astragalus?
For more than 2,000 years, astragalus has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. Because of its powerful ability to stimulate the bodys immune system, this herb is particularly valuable for fighting disease and dealing with the after-effects of cancer treatments.
Botanically, its related to licorice and the pea. Medicinally, the herbs root is its most important part. Astragalus root is loaded with health-promoting substances like polysaccharides, a class of carbohydrates that appears to be responsible for the herbs immune-boosting effects.
What does astragalus do?
Astragalus may enhance overall health by improving a persons resistance to disease, increasing stamina and promoting general well-being. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping the body correct or prevent cell damage, and may have antiviral and antibiotic properties as well.
Astragalus is used to rebuild the immune system of people undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for cancer-it increases the bodys production of white blood cells. For this reason, it may be useful in treating patients with low white blood cell counts.
How to take astragalus
Kale Tomato And Celery
Kale is a staple in many green juices, but the Kale Mary Tescos take on a bloody Mary is truly one of a kind.
Instead of cutting the taste of kale with sweet fruits, this recipe uses tomato juice, adding more than enough vitamin A.
Adding some spicy horseradish to this recipe may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits, according to some research. Blend it up for a drink thatll awaken your senses.
Strawberries and kiwis are other healthy options to include in a vitamin C-packed drink. Since it takes about 4 cups of strawberries to make 1 cup of juice, you may want to blend these fruits into a smoothie rather than a juice.
We love this recipe by Well Plated, which includes skim milk. Milk is a good source of protein and vitamin D, which is hard to come by in juices that use only fruits or vegetables.
Many people are deficient in vitamin D, which is largely found in sunlight and in smaller amounts in animal products. Healthy levels, achieved through sunlight, diet, or supplements, reduce your risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia or the flu.
Some recent research suggests a connection between vitamin D deficiency and infection rates and severity. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether it has the same effect on SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus.
Not only is watermelon rich in vitamin C and arginine , but it also can help relieve muscle soreness. Muscle soreness is a common symptom of the flu, especially in older adults.
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How To Make An Immune Boosting Smoothie
I came up with this unique recipe of fruits and other plants chosen specifically for their immune-supporting properties. I also wanted it to be something that my kids would happily drink. This smoothie does all that with a few fun ingredients.
If youve never had a smoothie with dragon fruit, its very similar to kiwi both in texture and flavor. A lot of grocery stores now carry frozen puree or cubed dragon fruit. You can use fresh or frozen in this immune boosting smoothie recipe.
Also, I included coconut water because I love that added nutrients. You can easily swap with water or almond milk in this smoothie, if preferred.
Depending on how many youre making this smoothie for, increase the amount of elderberry syrup accordingly to make sure everyone gets some of it. Plus, the flavor of the elderberries really compliments this smoothie.
For more immune boosting recipes using Elderberry Syrup, check out my Elderberry Smoothie Popsicles and Immune Boosting Smoothie Cubes.
Constipation And Diarrhea Are Two Other Common Side Effects Can You Talk About How To Eat For Both Of Those Conditions
Fiber is key to managing both constipation and diarrhea. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber becomes sticky when it gets wet. Oats, which are rich in soluble fiber, are an example of this. When you add liquid to oats, they become thick and gooey.
Insoluble fiber does not absorb much water, so it doesnt change when liquid is added to it. Think of what a piece of celery dropped into a glass of water. It doesnt absorb liquid or change much at all. Thats insoluble fiber.
- For constipation, include a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Drink plenty of liquid to help move things through your digestive tract more quickly and easily. This can ease constipation.
- For diarrhea, you want to eat ONLY soluble fiber. Think of foods that absorb water and have a sticky quality after preparation or cooking. Examples include oats, barley, and white rice.
For more soluble fiber, try:
- oats and oatmeal
- white rice
For more insoluble fiber, try:
- whole wheat and wheat bran
- rye-based bread and crackers
- raw or lightly steamed vegetables
- berries and apples with the peel
Beans and peas contain significant amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
A daily fiber supplement, which is mostly soluble fiber, can address diarrhea and constipation. If you arent currently taking a fiber supplement, ask your doctor before starting one.
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Superfoods For Cancer Patients
Balanced nutrition and food selection play an important role in everyones health, but food choices become even more important for individuals battling mesothelioma and other types of cancer. A proper diet for cancer patients can help maintain strength and weight, reduce some treatment side effects, and assist in treatment recovery.
The hard part is sorting between helpful advice and hype when identifying true superfoods. From immunity boosters to anti-inflammatory properties, we have identified some great foods high on our superhero list.
Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric combined with carotenoid-rich carrots make Minimalist Bakers smoothie recipea slam dunk, particularly if youve been dealing with nausea. Most of the ingredients in this smoothie are also great for fortifying your immune system And it looks so pretty!
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Vegan Peanut Curry With Chickpeas And Sweet Potato
Key Immunity Ingredient: Chickpeas
The list of good-for-you benefits goes on and on with this recipe, starting with the sweet potatoes, which, as mentioned, contain immune-supportive vitamins A and C.
Pairing the fat-soluble vitamin A with the fat in the coconut milk and peanut butter in this recipe will help you better absorb it, says Deborah Murphy, RDN, a Chicago-based registered dietitian who created this recipe.
Plus, as the Cleveland Clinic notes, the chickpeas in this meal are worth eating for a healthy immune system because they contain vitamin B6, which is a crucial vitamin for influencing how the immune system operates. For example, past research shows that when critically ill patients were injected with vitamin B6, their T-lymphocyte and T-helper cell numbers significantly increased after two weeks . Meanwhile, there were no significant changes to the control groups immune system after 14 days. Just an FYI: More studies are needed because many studies on vitamin B6 use injections rather than food. Furthermore, this study was done in critically ill patients, and results may be different in a healthy population.
Nausea Is A Very Common Side Effect Of Chemo Are There Foods Or Ways To Eat If You Feel Nauseated Can Probiotics Help
The following tips can help you cope with chemotherapy-associated nausea:
- Take any anti-nausea medicines exactly as prescribed. Many people make the mistake of waiting until they are nauseous to take these medicines. Nausea is much easier to prevent than to stop once it starts. Food and nutrition can help with nausea, but medicines are your fist line of defense.
- Avoid food smells strong odors can make nausea worse. Ask for help preparing food and stay out of the kitchen while meals are being made. Take a quick walk before each meal to get some fresh air.
- Stick to small, frequent meals. Avoid eating or drinking too much at once. Feeling overly full will make nausea more intense.
- Try low-odor, dry, and bland foods, such as crackers, toast, oatmeal, and plain yogurt.
- Sip cold, clear liquids, such as ginger ale, iced tea, sparkling water, or fruit juice. Some people find sparkling water with a splash of juice soothes the stomach.
- Sip ginger tea.
- Avoid fatty, spicy, and sugary foods.
- Suck on ginger candy or other hard candy such as mints or lemon drops. Avoid citrus flavors if you have mouth sores.
- Suck on frozen fruit such as frozen grapes, watermelon, or cherries.
- Avoid laying down immediately after meals.
- Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid with food. Instead, sip liquids slowly and often throughout the day to stay hydrated.
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Berries And Spinach Smoothie
This smoothie incorporates spinach, which sounds unusual, but you dont taste the greens and it gives your beverage a wonderful pop of color.
Experiment with different fruits if you dont have all these handy, and try adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger for an extra antioxidant boost.
Ingredients
Is There Any Amount Of Alcohol That Is Safe To Drink During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be taxing on the liver. Alcohol is processed by the liver. For this reason, some oncologists recommend completely avoiding alcohol during treatment.
If you have a special occasion, party, or event and want to enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail, check with your oncologist to make sure its OK.
Suzanne Dixon is a registered dietitian, epidemiologist, and medical writer.
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Many People Say Certain Foods Taste Bad During Chemotherapy How Can Someone Keep Food Tasty Can You Recommend Some Alternatives
Altered sense of taste is a common complaint among people receiving chemotherapy. If food tastes truly terrible and you notice white patches in your mouth, tell your doctor. This can be a sign of infection in the mouth and it requires prompt treatment.
For most people, some adjustments in the types and flavors of food can help when food doesnt taste right.
The following tips can help you cope with chemotherapy-associated changes in taste:
Try A Mildly Sweet Fruit
Add 1 cup of slightly sweet, fiber-rich fruit to promote digestive health and to balance multiple flavors:
- Banana. A good source of potassium for healthy blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
- Ripe pear. A good source of flavonols, which are heart-healthy antioxidant plant compounds.
- Mango. An excellent source of immune-boosting vitamins A and C.
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