Want better immunity in 2022? 7 foods you need to say bye to
With a new variant of the coronavirus on the rise, here are some food items to avoid in order to protect your immune system and stay healthy
Standing on what might be the cusp of a third wave of Covid-19, boosting immunity has once again become the need of the hour. While eating immunity boosting foods such as oranges and broccoli can certainly help, avoiding some food items might be even more important. Nutritionist Dr Lovneet Batra says if your diet is low in nutrients and high on processed foods, sugar and refined carbohydrates, you may be reducing your body’s ability to ward off diseases. So, as you enter 2022, leave behind these seven foods for a healthier lifestyle.
SUGAR
Sugary foods such as baked items and desserts and drinks such as soft drinks contain large amounts of sugar that increase your risk of heart problems. Consuming excess sugar can lead to the accumulation of fat, worsen preexisting diabetes and increase inflammation. All of these make your immunity weak.
REFINED FLOURS
Foods that are processed and high in refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white bread, white rice, and refined sugar are associated with increases in inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm the immune system. Choose high fibre carbohydrate sources instead.
REFINED OILS
While consuming cold-pressed oils reduces bad cholesterol and blood pressure levels, the intake of refined oils in an everyday diet can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. In fact, refined oils can lead to inflammation and imbalances in bacterial communities, which can affect your immune system.
ALCOHOL
While occasional drinks might not hurt your immunity, regular consumption of drinks can cause damage to your overall health.
EXCESSIVE COFFEE
Being high in antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties, coffee is good for health but too much caffeine intake leads to indigestion, bloating, and an upset stomach that can hamper your immune system. Switch to low caffeine beverages.
STALE FOOD
If you eat food past the expiration date, you could develop symptoms of food poisoning. The symptoms of food-borne illnesses, which is referred to as food poisoning, can include fever, chills, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. So practise eating fresh.
PROCESSED MEATS
Any meat that has been cured, smoked, canned, or salted is a processed food, and these types of meats, including hot dogs, salami, and cured bacon, are associated with increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers such as bowel or stomach.