BAD FOOD
Raw foods:
Foods such as clams, oysters, sushi, very rare meats, and undercooked eggs contain infectious bacteria and intestinal parasites.
Infections that would not bother most people can be life threatening for those with compromised immune systems.
Even alfalfa and bean sprouts, which are usually associated with “health food,” contain a natural toxin that can harm the immune system. They really should be cooked before eating.
Raw fruits and vegetables should be well washed before eating.
GOOD FOOD
Protein: Generous amounts of high quality protein are important for maintaining rapid production of cells to support the immune system, preventing loss of lean muscle mass and boosting energy.
As much as possible, look for organic meat and poultry, have plenty of fish, especially those high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for building the body’s immune response.
These include salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and tuna; flax seeds are another good source of this important nutrient. Dairy products may not be the best protein source since they create digestive problems for many people, such as excess gas, loose stools, mucous and congestion.
Yeast infections and thrush also thrive on dairy. Vegetarian sources of protein include soy products such as tofu and tempeh, and beans and legumes, having the added benefit of fiber, which animal foods do not provide.
Other helpful foods include onions, garlic (unless you are having liver problems), ginger, and turmeric (a spice that is a good anti-inflammatory).
Mushrooms such as shitake, oyster, and other Asian varieties, are noted for their immune-enhancing abilities. Sea vegetables are rich in minerals such as immune-boosting zinc, as well as calcium. Small quantities of fresh almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are also good sources for zinc and healthy fats.
BAD
Alcohol:
When consumed in excess, alcohol is a poison to every system of your body. It depresses the nervous system, inhibits the bone marrow’s ability to regenerate blood cells, is toxic to the liver, depletes B-vitamins, and is dehydrating. If you are taking protease inhibitors, which place significant stress on the liver, alcohol intake must be very moderate? Anyone with chronic hepatitis B or C should pay particular attention to this added stress to the liver, and try to avoid alcohol as much as possible.
GOOD
Fresh fruit:
Providing the same benefits as vegetables, fruits can be eaten as snacks, separate from protein for better digestion. Berries are particularly noted for their cancer preventative abilities. Fruit though is very high in sugar, so large quantities should be avoided, especially tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, etc. If you are prone to yeast infections (thrush, Candida), avoid fruit juices, since the high concentration of sugar promotes the growth of yeast in the digestive system.
Who will be the first to order the soon to be released audio version of my book?
AID My Journey
by
Cindy Pivacic
‘It is all about you if you can live with yourself, stuff everyone else!
I understand fully that it is a serious, terminal disease but it is manageable, so try to keep your sense of humour and “Deal With It”, sounds simple, but for some it will not be, that is why I would like to share the more positive side of my experience.’
With – Andiamo Recording Studio
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andiamo-Recording-Studio/234135143291496
BAD
Coffee:
Caffeine is a diuretic that contributes to the body’s loss of important nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Caffeine places stress on the adrenal glands (already stressed out from our hectic lifestyles) and adversely affects the nervous system, resulting in anxiety, hyperactivity, and insomnia.
Healing occurs when the body is relaxed and its energy can be channelled inward. Regular consumption of caffeine deprives the body of this relaxed state. The acid in coffee eats away the villi of the small intestine, reducing their effectiveness in supporting nutrient assimilation.
Thus, the acids in coffee may cause as much problem as the caffeine. Try milder forms of caffeine such as green tea, or try the various caffeine-free coffee substitutes. Mix them with your coffee to gradually reduce your caffeine.
GOOD
Vegetables:
Eat as many vegetables as you can. These are really the immune-boosting heavyweights.
They are the best source of the vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that are known to protect the body against many diseases, including cancer.
Especially try to have dark leafy greens, such as kale and collard greens. Include as many of the yellow and orange vegetables as possible for beta-carotene, an important anti-oxidant.
Carrots, winter squash, and sweet potatoes are also great for satisfying the sweet tooth in a healthy way.
If you are prone to diarrhoea, which is common among those with HIV, avoid raw vegetables (and fruit). Lightly steam or sauté them instead.
I will put a ‘Bad Guys’ & ‘Good Guys’ up once a week till they are all here. Won’t bore you all in one go!!
The Bad Guys Sugar:
There is strong evidence that sugar has a negative effect on the function of the immune system. When white blood cells are exposed to high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, they have a decreased ability to engulf bacteria and have weakened systemic resistance to all infections. What is a high level of sugar? The normal sugar level in the bloodstream is approximately one teaspoon. A single can of soda or a bowl of ice cream has 12 teaspoons of sugar. The digestive system is overtaxed trying to prevent all that sugar from entering the bloodstream all at once, and the pancreas is also working hard to produce enough insulin to process the sugar. This is a lot of stress on your body. Refined carbohydrates, such as most breads and baked goods act pretty much like sugar in the body. These refined foods also lack the beneficial nutrients and fiber that are present in whole grains, and actually cause a depletion of minerals in your body. Try finding foods that are more gently sweetened with fruit juice, rice syrup or barley malt.
The Good Guys
Whole grains: Brown rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat (kasha), oats, barley, and other whole grains are a valuable source of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are an essential part of keeping the immune system healthy. Fiber helps cleanse the colon of toxins and helps prevent intestinal infections. Intact whole grains, not the flour products made from them are what really strengthen the digestive system Cooked grains make a great breakfast or a substitute for pasta, white rice or white potatoes.
We meet tomorrow at 18h00 Sharp – Contact Cindy for details.
In order to maintain the ongoing success of AID My Journey-Support and create awareness in the community this forum is designed to enlighten you around the HIV and AIDS issues in your community.
