Bolstering Compromised Immunity: Our Collective Experiences

Many of us here work towards the goal of HEALTHY HYDRATION ...

We try to reach for the water bottle throughout the day, and do our best.

Proper hydration can lead to better digestion, alertness, better sleep, and more energy.

For those of us trying to shed a few pounds, water consumption can be a step forward in that, as well.

Once, I was feeling light-headed, on occasion. My doctor recommended that I drink more water, and it worked like a charm.

Drinking extra water for a couple of days before a scheduled blood draw can make the procedure go better ~ making the veins more visible.

I especially discovered the importance of healthy hydration during chemotherapy infusions and radiation treatments.

Here's a new twist on hydration, stemming from a health article I just read:

Several fruits and vegetables have very high water content, and can be factored into your hydration goal.

Some shining examples of fruits and vegetables that have a water content of 90% or higher include the following:

* watermelon
* tomatoes
* strawberries
* cucumbers
* summer squashes
* lettuces
* radishes
* bell peppers

These can actually help bolster your hydration goals.

A new way of looking at "healthy hydration!"

CYCLONE ~ # Iowa State University

I have been studying an insightful article in a Blue Cross & Blue Shield health publication.

It's got a well-researched list of their recommendations for boosting immunity ~ by adding healthy food items to one's meals.

First of all, fruits and vegetables should be a centerpiece of one's meals. The article states they contain phytonutrients, which experts believe can slow or stop the processes that start cancer or support its growth.

Phytonutrients are anti-inflammatory, support digestive health, keep the heart healthy, and help bolster the IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Here are their recommended food choices, to bolster immunity:

* Berries of all sorts
* Walnuts, almonds, and other tree nuts
* Tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, and other red fruits
* Carrots, squash, and other yellow-orange fruits & vegetables
* Brown rice, whole-grain bread, quinoa, and bulgar
* Edamame, soy foods, tofu, tempeh
* Kidney beans, lentils, beans, peas, legumes
* Avacados
* Spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, leafy greens
* Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, & Bok choy

I'm focusing on adding more salads to my meals lately --- and eating more berries as a snack, with yogurt.

Here's to healthy eating!

CYCLONE - # Iowa State University