3 Common foods that weaken the immune system and makes it prone to infections

Keeping your immune system strong is one of the most important and impactful things you can do right now, as the coronavirus pandemic is almost over. But increasing immunity is a two-sided coin: it’s about choosing foods that help support immune function, while sidestepping behaviors that can weaken immunity. In the olden days Ghanaians used to eat their locally prepared foods which had a lot of nutrients and vitamins in them. Of late most people have resorted to eating junk foods and this has decreased their immunity and making the body more prone to infections and diseases.

Below are foods that weaken the immune system

1.Processed foods

Many processed foods contain unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives. These can improve a product’s taste, texture, and shelf life, but as the studies below suggest, they may weaken the immune system. Some processed foods with high amounts of additives include: canned foods, microwaveable meals, chips, cakes and cookies.

One 2017 study found that eating foods containing additives may increase the risk of several chronic inflammatory or metabolic conditions. The study looked at additives such as sucralose, aspartame, carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate-80, sodium, and carrageenan. The researchers also observed that people with diets high in additives are more likely to have obesity, immune-related inflammation, and insulin resistance.

Meanwhile, a 2014 review of studies noted that a high intake of salt, refined sugar, saturated fat, and omega-6 fatty acids, along with a shortage of omega-3 fatty acids, can damage the immune system.

2.Foods high in sugar

People with high sugar diets have an increased risk of several chronic conditions, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Some foods that tend to be high in sugar include: preserves, marmalades, and sweets cookies and cakes, flavored milk and sweetened dairy products, sugary drinks, such as soda

Also, eating a diet high in sugar may limit the immune system’s ability to combat disease. It may do this by reducing the effectiveness of white blood cells and increasing inflammation.

3.Foods high in refined carbohydrates

Foods that are processed and high in refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and refined sugar, are associated with increases in inflammation and oxidative stress, which can harm the immune system. Some foods that contain refined carbohydrates include: white rice ,white bread, sweets, cookies, and cakes made with white flour.

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