Foods That Destroy Your Immune System

Is your food destroying your immune system?

Having a strong, fully functioning immune system is vital to deal with the inflammation that causes your Meniere’s symptoms.
Supporting your immune system with a balanced healthy diet of whole foods (preferably organic) low in salt, sugar and bad fats and high in anti oxidants and other vital nutrients is essential for anybody. But for a Meniere’s sufferer or someone with any other degenerative disease, it is even more important.

In a body that is experiencing imbalances and dysfunctions within the ear the immune system is struggling badly to cope with inflammation and needs help. We see the results of this in symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo etc.

Giving all the nutrients it needs to combat inflammation and allow the ear and lymphatic system to function as it should and preventing or fixing any malfunctions developing is just plain common sense.

Nutrition is always the main factor when considering the strength or weakness of your immune system. Eating whole, organic foods that are free of additives and synthetic chemicals provide the best nutrients to your cells without any toxins. This food nourishes your body and supports immune function. Unfortunately not all foods do that.

Some of the worst foods that destroy your immune system:

1. Red Meat?

   A recent study from the University of California suggests red meat can trigger a dangerous reaction that can weaken the immune system.  The problem comes from a natural sugar in red meat that our bodies can’t digest. The sugar is believed to cause a host of other health problems including a higher risk of cancer.

   This has to be balanced with studies that show red meat, in particular beef can have a very beneficial effect and enable the body to deal with certain autoimmune conditions.  What helps with one person might be a problem for another and of course the quality in terms of safety in the raising of livestock you are getting your meat from.

2. Fried Foods

   Fried foods can trigger inflammation, reducing the effectiveness of your immunity.  One study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that just cutting back on fried foods — or cutting them out of your diet altogether — could “help restore the body’s natural defenses regardless of age or health status.”  In addition to this, fried foods accumulate ‘acrylamide’, a dangerous carcinogen.

3. Processed Foods

   One of the biggest problems with our culture today is our passive acceptance of overly processed foods. All in all they must be the most dangerous foods to immune health. More and more people are understanding this and switching to fresh organic diets.

   Many food companies use the terms ‘natural’ to describe their product, even though their foods may have large amounts of refined carbohydrates, added sugar, and other hidden often toxic flavorings and additives

   Even organic processed foods, like cereal and breads, can contain immune-suppressing sugar. Processed foods are basically anything that comes in a package, contains more than one ingredient, and has been cooked and modified.

   Eating processed foods can lead to chronic irritation in the body. A recent study published in Nutrition Journal [Fast food fever: reviewing the impacts of the Western diet on immunity. ] even suggests that the toxins of a modern diet completely outweigh the possible nutritional gains.  Processed food is not only full of triggers for a Meniere’s sufferer, it is generally weakening the immune system all round, leading to a higher rate of other illnesses and diseases, and all round poor health.

4. Sugary Snacks

   Refined sugar,  can actually suppress the immune system. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the sugar actually targets the cells that attack bacteria.  This negative effect on the body can last for hours after you eat something sugary.

5. Soda All sodas contain phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid can deplete calcium and magnesium in the body. If you’re drinking soda — it really doesn’t matter what it’s sweetened with — you’re likely damaging your immune system. Even diet soda is a bad option, possibly worse because it usually contains aspartame.

   Because soda has no beneficial nutrients, drinkers are less likely to get enough vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium—all necessary for an optimum immune system.

If you want a healthy immune system, starting by eliminating these foods from your diet would seem very wise.  Eat foods that boost your immunity instead. These include vitamin C rich foods like green vegetables and citrus. Exercise is also prudent. Even simple moderate exercise like walking can help build your immune system. Stress has a negative effect on your immune system so finding ways to reduce stress is very important.

Supplementing with a quality, balanced, anti oxidant filled multi vitamin/mineral supplement can help support your immune system, while Oregano oil is also a powerful harmful organism cleanser and may have some benefit for immune health.

If you are not convinced yet about the importance of what you eat and your health, watch this short but excellent video:

A Message from your body; Video

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Bottom line for someone with Meniere’s disease is this: Over 12 years we have had many people contact us and report positive improvements in their condition after making the correct dietary changes. In addition, supplementing with the regimen we have used for over a decade makes even more difference, allowing people to live free of symptoms.

Not everyone is the same and we may all have different root causes and contributing triggers. But cutting immune damaging ‘foods’ out of your life and eating more immune strengthening foods is a very good place to start when dealing with Meniere’s or any other disease.

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By Mike Spencer
Founder of Meniere’s Help
Researcher and author of Managing Meniere’s Disease and The Need for Balance – Dealing with the Causes of Meniere’s

Help Other Meniere’s Sufferers

What are your experiences with dietary issues or changes and Meniere’s.? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com