Immune System
What Is It?
The immune system is the collective name for the organs, tissues and cells of the body that work to prevent and heal disease. Parts of the immune system include the lymphatic system, the skin and mucous membranes (which prevent germs and toxins from entering the body in the first place), white blood cells, spleen, bone marrow and antibodies. The immune system’s function is to protect the body against infection and disease.
Cause and Effect
According to Dr Bernard Jensen, the immune system becomes depressed when toxic material builds up in the body. Stress, nutritional deficiencies and bad food choices can all impair the immune system.
Juice Pharmacy Recommendations
What to Avoid
Processed foods - All processed foods should be avoided but particularly white bread, white rice, sugary drinks, sweets, cakes and salty snacks. An excess of fatty foods has been associated with immunodepression. White refined sugar may impair cell-mediated immunity, antibody production and phagocytosis. Dairy products, polyunsaturated vegetable oils, alcohol and caffeine should also be eliminated.
Toxins - Be aware also of the toxic pollutants that surround us, not only in the food we eat, but in the air we breathe, products we use on our skin and in our homes.
What to Include
Research has shown that deficiencies in the following may have an adverse effect on the immune system: vitamin A, B6, B12, C, folic acid, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, copper, iodine, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, arginine, beta-carotene, L-carnitine, taurine and essential fatty acids.
A diet which is rich in raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and plenty of water can help flush out toxins. Increase consumption of yoghurt, broccoli, ginger, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Use avocado, cantaloupe, orange, pear, pomegranate, banana, strawberries, mango and blackcurrant in your juices, and try to add more sea greens, whole grains, ocean fish and cayenne pepper to your diet. Increase your exercise levels and reduce stress by using relaxation techniques.
Aloe vera - Acemannan, a water soluble, long chain polymer found in aloe vera is a potent immunostimulant.
Echinacea - Unpurified fresh pressed juice may have immunostimulating effects.
Garlic - Along with onions, garlic has antibacterial qualities. Both are good immune builders and offer a natural antibiotic.
Ginseng - May be effective in improving the immune system.
Omega-3 - Fatty acids in oily fish and flax oil increase the production of white blood cells that eliminate bad bacteria in the body.
Shiitake mushrooms - The beta-glucan, lentinan in Shiitake mushrooms appear to have a beneficial effect on immune function.
Sleep - You heal as you sleep, so getting fewer than eight hours of sleep a night can reduce your immunity.
Vitamin D - Get at least 15 minutes of sun every couple of days to help your body produce vitamin D. This can be difficult in the UK, so try adding some spirulina to your juices instead for a boost.
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Ginger Shot - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Plan
3cm Ginger
1 Small or ½ Large Apple
Simply juice the ingredients and knock back!
Juice: Ease The Pressure - taken from the Funky Fresh Juice Book
3 Small Bulbs of Raw Beetroot
2 Golden Delicious apples
1 Large Handful of Black or Red Grapes
Ice
Simply juice the lot, pour over ice and enjoy. When juicing grapes don’t forget to pack them in the juicer tightly to get the most juice (making sure your machine is off when you pack them down!)
Blend: Antioxidant King - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Plan
¼ Medium Pineapple (peeled)
1 Apple (Golden Delicious or Gala)
1 Large Handful of Spinach
1 Small Bulb Raw Beetroot (remove hard ends)
1 Handful of Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen)
½ Banana
3 Ice Cubes
Juice the pineapple, apple, spinach and beetroot. Add the banana, berries, extracted juice and ice to the blender and blend everything until smooth.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.