Strengthen your immune system with these super foods

Coconuts and coconut oil

Coconut oil contains laurie acid, which turns into monolaurin. Monolaurin is found in breast milk. So, babies that are breast fed tend to have a strong immune system.

Veggies

Locally-grown veggies eaten raw are best. If you can't handle that, steam your veggies only enough so that they still have a crunch when you bite into them.

Mushrooms

Besides having a ton of vitamin C, B, calcium and minerals, mushrooms have what are called beta-glucans which are known for their immune boosting ability. Beta-glucans bind to white blood cells and activate the anti-infection function. Shiitake and maitake mushrooms are common types.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a fresh water algae that acts as an efficient detoxification agent by binding to toxins, like mercury, and carrying it out of your system. You can get chlorella at any health food store's supplement isle.

Garlic

Garlic rocks. It is hugely beneficial to your immune system because it acts as antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal. One of the cool things about garlic is that bacteria, viruses, and yeast build up no resistance to it, unlike with synthetic antibiotics.

Fermented Foods

Kefir is what comes to mind. Kefir is an ancient cultured food full of microorganisms and enzymes that balance your gut and help with immune system. It's like taking probiotics supplements.

Other fermented foods, like olives, sauerkraut, pickles, kimchee, miso and yogurt (no sugar) are good for you too. Make sure you watch out for sugar and sodium content, because you don't want too much of either.

Here's to your healthy immune system.

- Chuck