How to Overcome Infection

10 top foods that build up your body's defense mechanism are

Garlic It has enjoyed a reputation as a miracle healer way back in Ancient Egypt and Babylonia. The Greeks fed garlic to their athletes as an antiseptic wash and it is still used to dispel everything from worms and headache to tumours. Time and scientific enquiry have not dimmed garlic's appeal.

Onions spring onions and leeks also come with formidable reputations and along with garlic, rev up your immune system against viral infections (like colds) and cancer and stave off the risk of heart disease. They all contain allilin, a chemical which is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti - fungal and also help to prevent the growth of tumors.

Carrots are a major source of beta carotene also found in red, yellow and dark green fruits and veggies. They help strengthen immune barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, and increase the activity of battling antibodies.

Oranges are one of the most concentrated sources of Vitamin C, which is also found in most fruits and veggies. Vitamin C increase the number of chemical messengers specially interferon which are vitally important in the process of fighting infection.

Nuts contain vitamin E that help improve the function of white blood cells.

Brown bread and liver are great sources of vitamin B6, needed to boost the activity of the spleen and thymus gland, both vital to immunity. Other B vitamins involved in immunity include folic acid, found in green leafy veggies, and vitamin B12 found in fish, eggs and brewer yeast.

Prawns and seafood contain zinc which helps increase the action of destructive cells.

Tea contains magnesium which steps up the activity of the army of immune cells.

Cheese and other dairy foods contain calcium which works in combination with magnesium to boost immune function.