Foods That Weaken Your Immune System


1. Candy

It's no secret that candy is filled with sugar, which is one of the top things you want to avoid for better health, especially when you are sick.Sugar causes inflammation and this has been shown to decrease immunity by weakening white blood cells. These cells are responsible for fighting infection.

2. Strawberries



If you think this superfood is a safe bet when you are sick, think again.strawberries are histamine releasers that can contribute to congestion. Histamine-powered mucus can create a sense of discomfort in your nose and sinus area, so stick to other fruits until you're feeling better. 

3. Milk



Milk is another food to stay away from when you're feeling under the weather. Dairy can temporarily thicken mucus, which will cause harmful allergens to stay in your system longer. Whole milk, in particular, has also been shown to stimulate the production of mucus, which is the opposite of what you want when you are sick.

4. Cheese



There is nothing comforting about the effects of full-fat dairy on your immune system when you are sick.the importance of avoiding pro-inflammatory foods, as they can reduce your body's immune system response. Full fat dairy, such as most cheese options, are on her list of foods that spike inflammation after consumption.

5. Ice Cream



 Most ice cream is made with full-fat dairy, meaning it is high in inflammation-triggering saturated fat. Additionally, the sweet stuff has plenty of sugar, another ingredient that has been known to increase inflammation. Think of this as a double don't when you're trying to keep your immune system functioning at full capacity.

6. Yogurt




Dairy products may worsen or thicken the phlegm production in certain individuals. Phlegm is the mucus that lines our tissues and acts as a protective barrier. However, during a sickness, our body's mucous production goes into overdrive.

7. Coffee




Coffee dehydrates the body and can make muscle aches worse.The immune system works most efficiently when the body is well hydrated. Since the caffeine in coffee is a diuretic, it will make you pee a lot. Combined with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, the caffeine will only make dehydration worse.

8. Chili Peppers



Lewis lists spicy foods like chili peppers as something to avoid when you are sick, especially if a runny nose is one of your symptoms.The capsaicin in chili peppers is an irritant to the nasal passage, causing a greater production of mucus to come out.

9. Bananas



The oblong fruit can trigger a histamine release, which is what you want to avoid when you are sick. Additionally, bananas have a high sugar content, which can lead to inflammation and decrease the efficiency of your immune system's response to disease.

10. Pizza




Each of pizza's three main components has the potential to exacerbate cold symptoms, so combining all of them is a nightmare. The high saturated fat content in cheese can trigger inflammation, as can the crust if you have any kind of gluten sensitivity. Tomatoes are known histamine releasers, meaning the sauce can cause you to feel even more congested.

11. Chocolate



That foods that are high in refined sugar, such as chocolate, can increase the production of yeast in your body, which will lead to an overgrowth of bacteria. Additionally, most chocolate bars have high levels of saturated fat, which is known to increase inflammation and exacerbate cold and flu symptoms.

12. Cookies



Cookies are filled with sugar, which will lead to inflammation and cause you to become more susceptible to illness.If you have a poor diet high in excess sugar, you will be prone to get sick more often.

13. Energy Drinks



Avoiding both alcohol and caffeine when you are under the weather.Excessive caffeine can dehydrate the system, while you really need a ton of fluids to promote optimal hydration, boost your immune system, and flush out the system. Many energy drinks are also high in sugar, which can tax the immune system.

14. Milkshakes



If your immune system is already battling an infection.Ice cream is the worst as it combines fat, sugar, and dairy that generate increased stress and inflammation on the already compromised immune system.

15. Fruit Juice



Although most juice does contain ample amounts of immune-boosting vitamin C, it's also chock-full of sugar, which will cause inflammation and weaken your body's immune system responses. If you're really craving a glass, try diluting the juice with water to lower the amount of sugar you are consuming.