Proper functioning of the immune system is essential, especially now that new strains of viruses are emerging with alarming frequency. A person’s immunity depends on many factors, including what he eats regularly.
Sometimes people’s dietary habits do not help strengthen their immunity, but, on the contrary, only weaken it. Here are some of these habits.
1. Drinking too much alcohol
A glass of wine with dinner a couple of times a week won’t hurt you, and it might even be helpful. But excessive drinking can seriously undermine the body’s defences.
In alcohol, you need to know when to stop since it increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases, slows down recovery after them, increases the frequency of postoperative complications, impairs wound healing, etc.
2. Too much salt
Few people can eat food without salt at all, and that’s okay. But excess sodium in the body caused by over-consumption of salty foods is terrible. It can cause high blood pressure and fluid retention.
In addition, when the kidneys excrete excess salt, it reduces the body’s ability to fight bacterial infections.
3. Excessive sugar consumption
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that sugar causes a decrease in the ability of immune cells to fight bacteria due to sugar.
Therefore, do not eat too many sweets. Reducing excess added sugar in your diet improves not only physical health but mental health as well.
4. Excess caffeine
Coffee and strong tea can be very beneficial for the body, but only in moderation. Drinking ten cups of caffeinated drinks a day can weaken your immune system and promote inflammation.
This is because caffeine impairs the quality of sleep, and poor sleep, in turn, negatively affects the functioning of the entire body. Avoid drinking tea and coffee at least four hours before bedtime.
5. Lack of fibre in the diet
Fibre supports good digestion and helps reshape the gut bacteria on which our immunity is highly dependent. The best way to increase your fibre intake is to eat more whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
However, eating processed foods such as convenience foods, sausages, chips, and sweets should be cut back.
