Most people know that adding a high-quality protein to the diet is necessary for optimal health, but what they don't realize is just how important it is to add high-quality protein to the diet in a way that's much easier to absorb than the solid form. Protein is not soluble in water, so most of the time you have to work hard to get it to break down and be absorbed. When you eat foods that are highly soluble or easily digested, such as dairy products and meats, your body's digestion process has a much easier time breaking down the food and getting it into the bloodstream. That means your body can spend more time focusing on healing and building up the immune system, rather than breaking down the protein.
There are also many cases where people choose not to take immune system supplements because they don't want to add extra carbohydrates to their diet. While protein does provide an advantage when it comes to boosting the immune system, it doesn't have to come at the expense of eating a lot of carbohydrates. If you make the switch from solid foods to highly soluble ones, such as smoothies or cereals, you can dramatically increase the number of carbohydrates you're consuming without sacrificing too much protein. While some people may initially think that the lack of fiber in the food makes for a poor choice for boosting their immune system, studies have shown that taking fiber can actually increase the effectiveness of the food in question.
Protein is very important to overall health, but it can have a laxative effect. This means that instead of cleaning out your bowels, you can put the food back into your body. This, of course, increases the likelihood of constipation. So protein needs to be combined with fiber to ensure that the stool stays cleaned out as well. Some fruits and vegetables have been proven to help with this process, as well as legumes.
As far as calcium goes, milk has long been considered to provide it, but most people don't get enough. Fortunately, one of the best ways to get plenty of it is by consuming high-quality protein and reducing fats and carbohydrates. The trick is to make sure that the resulting meal is a complete one, with all of the necessary nutrients for maintaining health. One example of a complete meal is a piece of fresh salmon with some fresh mussels on top.
High-quality proteins like fish and steak contain the essential amino acids that the body requires to work properly. The best source of these amino acids is lean red meat, as it provides the most B vitamins and protein possible. Taking in enough of this type of protein is essential for promoting optimal immune system function, as well as bone strength. Lean meats are also good for you in several other ways, as well.
Aside from bone strength, lean red meats and fish are also rich in fat. High-quality fats include those found in nuts, avocados and olive oil. These fats can keep the immune system healthy and ward off cancer and cardiovascular disease. They can help lower cholesterol and may help to protect against neurological damage. Low-fat dairy products, meanwhile, can help keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries, as well.
Another thing that you should consume in large amounts is Vitamin C. While most people think of orange juice when they hear the word "vitamin C," it's actually one of the better sources of this essential nutrient. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C makes a number of important health benefits. It boosts the immune system, is anti-inflammatory, reduces the chances of heart disease and can even be used to treat some forms of cancer. A glass of freshly squeezed lemonade will give you about an ounce of vitamin C per serving, making this mineral one of the more powerful capsulized foods on the market.
To avoid getting too much fat in your diet, it's a good idea to choose meats and other food items that are low in fat. In fact, if you're trying to lose weight or manage other health issues, eliminating meat from your diet may be one of the best things that you can do for yourself. The alternative is processed, fatty meats that may actually increase your cholesterol level and make you more prone to cardiovascular disease. Plus, they have a tendency to leave you with a dry feeling in your mouth and can contribute to a number of other digestive problems, including acid reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
