Food as medicine: Bolstering the immunity

By Dennis Archambault

It turns out you can build strong bodies — maybe not as Wonder Bread advertised at one time (“Helps build strong bodies 12 ways”), but through consistent consumption of nutrient-rich foods. The coronavirus pandemic revealed the health disparities of African Americans through the disproportionate share of Blacks who died from the coronavirus, compared with the population at large. One explanation is that chronic disease, exacerbated, in part, by poor diet, over time erodes the body’s ability to defend itself against infectious disease.

Kelly Nohl, a registered dietitian with Henry Ford Health System, says you can bolster the immune system by maximizing intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins that really do build a strong body (https://www.freep.com/story/sponsor-story/henry-ford-health-system/2020/06/01/boosting-immune-system-food/5282543002/). Vegetables like red peppers and sweet potatoes, as well as nuts and yogurt, are good. Mix it up and spice it up, she says. “You’ll get the best nutrient bang for your buck when you consume a variety of healthful foods rather than sticking with the same options. Make room for herbs and spices, too. Garlic, onion, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and other flavoring agents contain powerful disease-fighting chemicals.”

Just as you can build your immune system, you can break it down as well, through overconsumption of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

This is an opportunity and a challenge for vulnerable populations with chronic diseases. Programs such as the Fresh Prescription program, which provides basic nutritional education and a regular free supply of fruits and vegetables, helps build understanding and good habits so people can not only better manage their current health, but also strengthen their body for whatever disease we’re confronted with in the future.

We’re looking forward to launching this year’s Fresh Prescription program, in conjunction with Islandview Farmer’s Market, in July. For information on this program, contact Dr. Carolyn Custer at ccuster-gme@authorityhealth.org.

Dennis Archambault is vice president for Public Affairs at Authority Health.