You asked – we answered!
What foods can I eat to boost my immune system?
Sandra Lopez • Pleasanton, CA
Supporting your immune system is especially important during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Picture your meal plate. Fill half of it with vegetables and fruit, the other part with protein-rich foods such as eggs, chicken, fish and beans and some whole grains like brown rice or oats. Some foods that can help support your immunity include almonds, bell peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits (clementines, lemons, limes, oranges,
grapefruit), dark leafy greens (arugula, kale, spinach), garlic, pumpkin seeds and red peppers. Eating a healthy diet that includes protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals is the best way to boost your immune system.
Does cutting gluten really make a difference to my health?
Laura Lynch • Granada Hills, CA
A gluten-free diet is recommended for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It may also help someone with irritable bowel syndrome or type 1 diabetes. Although there is little evidence that a gluten-free diet offers any particular health benefits, it may be a healthy way to eat, depending on which gluten-free foods are selected. Some healthy choices are lean meats, low-fat dairy, vegetables, fruit, whole gluten-free grains and healthy fats.
Are there foods that can help balance hormonal issues, particularly in women?
Vanessa Gonzalez • San Mateo, CA
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by your endocrine glands that control nearly every process in your body, from metabolism to reproduction to mood. Hormone imbalance can wreak havoc with your sleep, mood, libido, and can contribute to weight fluctuation and chronic illnesses. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to restore hormonal balance is to fill your plate with real, whole, nutrient-dense foods.
A few Foods to Consider
Wild-caught salmon or supplement with fish oil if fish isn’t your jam. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3s and helps to regulate blood clotting, arterial function and inflammation.
Kale or an organic greens powder is an excellent source of fiber to feed your “good gut bacteria” and is rich in magnesium.
Maca root is an adaptogen and helps the body adapt to stress. Maca raises hormone production when your body is under-producing hormones and lowers hormone production when your body is over-producing hormones.
You can read this in our Summer 2020 issue.
