Ivy Blog
Immune-Boosting Foods For Brain Tumor Patients
Now more than ever, staying healthy at home is a top priority for everyone and even more so for patients with malignant brain tumors since cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system. One way to stay healthy is to show our bodies love and nourishment with healthy, grounding foods that can help support immune function.
Remember, all diet modifications should be discussed with your doctor to ensure it is the right option for you.
Power Foods to Boost Your Immune System:
Broccoli. With numerous vitamins packed inside like vitamin C, A, and E, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.
With a quick sauté or roast in the oven, this power-packed veggie will taste delicious and help fuel your body.
Add lemon and garlic to the pan and you’ve got three immune-boosting ingredients in one dish. Try this broccoli recipe!
Yogurt. Yogurt that contains live and active cultures such as Greek yogurt, can help stimulate your gut flora and help boost your immune system.
Yogurt is also a great source of Vitamin D, which helps your body regulate the immune system.
However, be sure to avoid sugary, pre-flavored yogurts and sweeten them yourself. Use berries, honey, nuts, or cinnamon for simple, healthy additions.
Dark, leafy greens. Spinach, kale and arugula are all great sources of inflammation reducing minerals, which aid disease-fighting cells to help support your immune system.
When paired with fatty nuts and oils, they can be quickly absorbed into your system. Eat them raw or cooked.
Tea. No matter what type of tea you prefer, hot tea can deliver polyphenols and flavonoids which help disease-fighting antioxidants.
These antioxidants seek out cell-damaging free radicals and help rid the body of them.
Tea can be a great afternoon caffeine boost without the jittery side effects of coffee.
Citrus. We couldn’t forget our go-to for immunity, the vitamin C powerhouse that is citrus.
Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits and clementines are all in season through early summer, so get moving on these immune-supporting fruits.
They also contain many vitamins and minerals that continuously help our bodies function properly.
Pantry favorites. These are items that can almost always be found in your pantry and remain fresh in your home for a while.
Ingredients like:
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Hearty chicken broths
All can be great for whipping up meals like this immune-building and gut-healing garlic broth.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-immune-foods
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system#papaya