A healthy immune system produces antibodies, which attack and subdue any foreign elements that invade our bodies. An equally important part of our immune defense is inflammation, a completely natural and necessary process that also helps repel invading organisms while staving off infection and preventing further disease.

However, when your body is sleep deprived, nutritionally challenged or stressed out, you lack adequate reserves to fight off infection or sickness. That’s why people who suffer chronic illness are unable to produce a robust inflammatory response, as their immune systems are constantly battling their afflictions.

By continuously putting the immune system under attack, chronic illness causes chronic inflammation, thus compromising our overall immunity.

To build a strong immune system and keep chronic inflammation at bay, eat the following: •  Phytonutrients - berries, tomatoes, oranges, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, cabbage and soy

•  Carbohydrates - whole grain such as brown rice, bulgur wheat and quinoa

•  Fats - olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids inhibit  excess inflammation

•  Supplements - Vitamins A, C, E  and the mineral selenium

•  Proteins – eat more  vegetable protein, especially  beans and soybeans

Live Your Life #VoxxLife Strong