Foods to Build Resilience as the Seasons Change - Mushrooms are Healthy!
I think it’s safe to say that Fall is here in Wisconsin. The cool breezes and chilly nights are finally here, and it’s time to ensure that we have our nutrition on lockdown to keep our immune systems working optimally.
I am a tried and true “Eat Seasonally” kind of gal. If you’ve come in for a visit you know this already. *Cue the Blood Type Diet rave*.
Protein is a hot topic in the wellness & fitness world and I have to say I am right there with them. Our immune system is BUILT on proteins- antibodies, immune cells, and signaling molecules are all made from amino acids. The best thing you can do this fall is focus on protein-heavy meals. Build your meal around your protein source. A’s and AB’s this is you too. Utilize your lentils, beans, and chickpeas. Just remember to rotate them in and out.
The most popular immune-boosting fall food is bone broth. One I don’t want to skip but also remind you to eat in rotation/variety as it is also high in histamine and can cause histamine reactions if eaten too much.
Garlic and Turmeric are great additions to your fall meals. As both are anti-inflammatory. Garlic is a great antimicrobial/antiviral and so easy to add to savory dishes.
Mushrooms are such a great food for the immune system if you like them. Also very easy to add to meals and can be diced so finely that they can be hard for a picky eater to detect. Edible mushrooms such as Shiitake, Mistake, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Oyster, and Lion's Main. All contain beta-glucans which are a type of polysaccharide that can activate and strengthen white blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes which can increase immune system function.
The most OBVIOUS way to boost your immune system this fall is to limit the consumption of sugar and simple carbohydrates. This time of year is hit hard with multiple holiday celebrations and it’s so easy to over-indulge. Sugar is hard on the body, and too much of it can suppress the immune system and increase inflammation.
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