Food is medicine. By providing your body with the correct tools, it has the ability to heal itself. Whether you have a diagnosed autoimmune or thyroid condition, or just want to boost your immune system during these trying times, follow this guide to learn how to use food to your advantage!
Do you remember hearing… “You are what you eat?” Food is a major player in our overall health. The standard American diet (SAD) is high in added sugars, refined grains, and industrially processed oils, and lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Your immune system requires more nutrients than any other system in the body. Without proper nutrition, it starts to lose its strength, and the first thing to go is its ability to regulate. No regulation for the immune response breeding ground for autoimmunity!
Eating fresh, organic and unprocessed foods is the key to ridding your body of toxins and providing it with the tools it needs to function optimally. Enjoy adding Dr Autoimmune-recommended foods to your diet and boost your immune system’s health. When you shop for groceries, remember: the closer to the farm (or wild, in the case of fish), the better!
(1) HEALTHY FATS
Having plenty of healthy fats in your diet is important for balancing blood sugar, improving brain function, regulating mood and reducing inflammation.
Try foods high in OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS EPA/DHA ~ Wild salmon and oysters can help with hormone balance and thyroid function.
OLIVES AND OLIVE OIL contain oleic acid and
polyphenols which help to supercharge the immune system and reduce inflammation. Try not to cook with olive oil as it burns off its nutrients. Choose organic with a high polyphenol count, and use as a finishing oil on any meal.
Use COCONUT and AVOCADO OIL for cooking, which balance blood sugar, aide in metabolism, reduce inflammation, and are antimicrobial to the digestive track.
Try grilled salmon topped with avocado salsa (avocado lemon or lime juice, cilantro, olive oil), and your favorite steamed greens.
Don’t forget the seasonings!
(5) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
We recommend eating 2-3 SERVINGS OF FRUIT per day, and 6-8 SERVINGS OF VEGETABLES. They are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Low glycemic fruits and veggies are encouraged to help keep blood sugar balanced and support digestive health, brain function, heart health, hormone balance, and healthy weight. Stick to whole fruits and vegetables (as opposed to juice) so your digestion can enjoy the benefits of the fiber.
(6) FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
HYDRATION is an essential part of every bodily system by 5 helping to regulate body temperature and improve cell communication. Tap water can contain pharmaceuticals,
chemicals, and known carcinogens, because there is only so much that municipal filtering can do. We recommend spring water since it is devoid of pollutants and contains. valuable minerals.
Squeeze your favorite citrus into your water to increase your alkalinity and reduce acid. Bonus: it tastes yummy!
(7) BRAZILIAN NUTS
Portion three BRAZIL NUTS per day to your daily dose of selenium, which is an essential mineral. Selenium is important for thyroid gland function and production of glutathione, which is an antioxidant.
*Some people with Hashimoto’s are advised to avoid selenium. Ask your practitioner about your specific case to know if selenium is recommended for you.
Pan toast brazil nuts, almonds and cashews with your favorite spices and touch of stevia for a nourishing treat.
