Food to Boost Immune System

Mushrooms: Mushrooms are part of the fungus family. They contain compounds known as alpha and beta glucans. Beta-glucans have been found in laboratory studies to activate the production of immune cells including the T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells which can fight against bacterial and viral infection and even cancer. There are many different varieties of mushroom. The following four varieties appear to be most effective in boosting the immune system:

• Reishi: The Reishi mushroom can increase the production of interleukin1 and 2, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth. Studies show that Reishi can have a number of other positive effects on the body such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral (through its interferon production), lowers blood pressure. It also acts as a cardiotonic by lowering serum and increasing the production of interleukin 1 and 2, which results in inhibition of tumor cholesterol, expectorant, anti-tissue, liver protecting and detoxifying, protection against ionizing radiation, antibacterial, and anti-HIV activity.

  (Upton, R., et al. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Standards of Analysis, Quality Control, and Therapeutics. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. p. 9. Sept. 2000).

• Cordyceps: Cordyceps consists of the dried fungus cordyceps sinensis growing on the larva of the caterpillar. It is commonly used in China for the replenishment of body health. One of the known pharmacological effects is its anti-oxidation activity. Cordyceps is also known as an immune system stimulant, but more research is needed to quantify its immunological effect.

• Shiitake: Shiitake has been revered as a health and immunity booster in Asia for over 6,000 years. Recent studies have traced the benefits of this mushroom to a compound known as lentinan. Lentinan, which is technically classified as a polysaccharide and referred to as a branched beta-glucan, appears to power up the immune system, boosting it’s ability to fight infection and disease.

  (Jong SC, Birmingham JM. Medicinal and therapeutic value of the shiitake mushroom. Adv Appl Microbiol 1993;39:153-84, PMID: 18220).

• Maitake: Maitake seems to be one of the most extensively researched herbs and a number of research papers have been published by various institutes and universities. The health benefits demonstrated by Maitake include immune system support, normal blood pressure support, normal blood sugar metabolism and normal cholesterol support. Maitake mushrooms contain a fraction that stimulates macrophages, the white blood sells that are central to a powerful immune system.

  (Hong F, Yan J, Baran JT, Allendorf DJ, Hansen RD, et al. Mechanism by which orally administered beta-1,3-glucans enhance the tumoricidal activity of antitumor monoclonal antibodies in murine tumor models. J Immunol. 2004: Jul 15;173(2):797-806).

In addition to mushrooms, eat plenty of whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as lean meat and fresh fish, which provide protein and micronutrients while being relatively low in saturated fat. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in freshwater fish like salmon and mackerel), complex carbohydrates, yogurt, and seaweed are believed to increase the activity of T cells and their escort cells, and to increase the production of antibodies and fighting cells.