What types of foods, if any, are proven to be beneficial to the immune system? Are there any foods that are harmful to the immune system? I have heard garlic has antibiotic properties, and I just read Mr. Adam’s debunking of the zinc lozenge craze. What can I put in my body to help keep the germs at bay?
Vitamin C. I’ve found that this really alleviates symptoms of the cold. Linus Pauling wrote a couple of books that megadoses prevent colds, as well as help cancer patients. Initially, the establishment debunked his findings, saying that the studies were not controlled, etc. More recently, however, well done studies have demonstrated that they do reduce the severity of a cold, but does not prevent a cold.
Some swear on echinacea. Not me. Didn’t help me. Yet some studies have shown a possible alleviation of cold symptoms.
Zinc as a cold prevention has not completely been debunked. Some studies have shown a preventative effect, but most have not. I have more details about this at work, and if you’re really interested I can post the citations tomorrow at work.
The best way to prevent infections is to keep healthy. Eat healthy. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, which contain phytonutrients such as antioxidants and bioflavonoids. Of course you’re still get colds, etc.