10 Things You Eat That Can Weaken Your Immunity

While a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can improve your body's immunity and functions, a diet that is high on processed foods and low in nutrition can also adversely impact it.

Let’s take a look at 10 foods that can weaken your immunity:

Sugar

Excess sugar in the body means a higher risk of Diabetes. High levels of blood sugar in the body can be harmful and lead to gut bacteria imbalance. It also inhibits the immune cells in the body, making it more vulnerable to infections.

Salt

Like sugar, excess salt intake can also inhibit the immune system's anti-inflammatory response, create an imbalance of gut bacteria, and even lead to an increase in autoimmune diseases like Lupus, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, etc.

Fatty foods/Fried Foods

Deep fried foods like French fries, bhajjiyas, samosas, chips, etc., are high in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which cause inflammation and cell damage in the body.

Fast Foods

Eating highly processed food are responsible for increasing inflammation, causing an imbalance of gut bacteria, and can even create immune dysfunction in the body.

Soft Drinks and Colas

These types of drinks have a high level of artificial sweeteners in them which hamper the immune response, alter the gut bacteria, increase gut inflammation, etc.

High Omega 6 Foods

Omega 6 fats are needed by your body to function smoothly. However, it can increase your risk of contracting diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and other autoimmune diseases when had more than required.

Charred Foods

Grilled meats, barbequed paneer, etc., are great to have once in a while. However, if consumed regularly, the saturated fat in the foods can create immune dysfunction and increase the risk of diseases like cancer.

Foods With Additives

Processed or packaged food often contain additives that make them flavourful and last longer. However, these additive ingredients can lead to intestinal inflammation and weakening the immune system.

Bread and Other Baked Foods

Highly refined carbs found in white bread and other bakery items like cakes, pastries, etc., causes the sugar and insulin levels to shoot up in the body and increase inflammatory proteins.

High-fat Foods

Fatty foods like milk chocolates, white bread, red meat, etc., can damage the intestinal lining, increasing the chances of infections and diseases if had too frequently.

Make sure to have a balanced diet always. Don't give up on your favourites; make sure you eat them in moderation.

Author Bio: Prapti Chauhan is a professor of Genetics in Bangalore. She has contributed to several online research papers. However, she passionately develops contents on pregnancy, childbirth, childcare and stem cell preservation in india and umbilical cord lining and more.