On Sat, 22 Apr 2000 14:41:04 -0700, David Lewandowski <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>At 04:34 AM 04/22/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>>Hello all,
>>I just recently decided after following other low carb ways,
>>that Neanderthin is one that will probably work out for me. I
>>was eating bread on the weekends and everytime I had allergy
>>type symptoms the next morning. My question is, I just developed
>>a cold or virus, and was wondering if I should add more fruit or veggies
>>to my daily diet. I was mostly eating meat with a serving of
>>allowed veggies and several cups of green tea a day. I have a feeling
>>that the more closely I follow eating guidelines, the less colds,
>>flu and sickness i'll have.
>>Thanks,
>>--Liz B.
>
>        Liz, I would eat less fruits or any food for that matter that contained
>significant carbs. Any sugar will promote insulin release which by the way
>will suppress the immune system. I would suggest eating more organ meats at
>this time and stay away from not only fruits but also vegetables that are
>starchy.

What you've said about insulin is true, but only up to a point.  If your carb
intake is less than roughly 100 grams a day (spread out over 3-5 meals), then
you are not stimulating insulin enough to affect your immune response.

However, there are other factors involved with immune response.

One is antioxidants and another is free radicals.

It is clear that antioxidants help prevent colds, flus, etc. by keeping the free
radicals in check.

A study has been done of the natural antioxidant content of foods, called
"ORAC".   The foods highest in natural antioxidants generally are the berries -
blueberries are highest, and the other berries are high as well,  Kale is also
pretty high as well.

If you search the web for "ORAC" you should find the full list (plus some pages
on "Blake's 7" ...).

Another general health aid is to eat more "Omega-3 fatty acids".   Our modern
diet has much less of these than in Paleo days.   Cold water fish (salmon, tuna,
mackerel, sardines, and others) are probably the only natural modern food source
for Omega-3, because most modern meat sources are fed grains instead of natural
vegetation.    One option is to augment Omega-3 with fish oil capsules
(Twinlab's Dale Alexander brand has several styles).


--
Cheers,

Ken
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