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The Connection Between Raw Foods and A Healthy Immune System

Our immune systems and our bodies are becoming increasingly compromised and weakened. Why? There are many theories and causes. One reason why we hear about outbreaks in the news media is because the average American’s immune system is so weak that many foreign bacteria we come into contact with have the potential to cause a serious issue. As a result, the government has increased legislature and laws regarding the sale of raw foods – in particular, meats, fish, and dairy products.

The requirement came about as a result of the continuing weakening of the immune systems of people in our country’s population. Studies have shown that a healthy immune system is directly linked to the diversity of bacteria found in the digestive tract – in particular, the intestinal system. Raw foods provide these bacteria and help to develop an environment where the body stays healthy. American diets are extremely deficient in those foods, with mostly dead food that is devoid of good, living bacteria vital to health. Immune systems are then rendered unable to protect us, as they should, against foreign (or harmful, as doctors call it) bacteria. To keep your immune system in good working order and maintain good bacteria, consumption of living foods is paramount. This includes raw dairy, raw vegetables and fruits, sprouted grains, legumes and seeds, and even some raw meats.

Raw foods contain less trans and saturated fats than that found in most of the foods in typical Western diets. These foods are low in sodium and high in potassium, magnesium folate, fiber, and health-promoting plant chemicals known as phytochemicals. These elements are associated with a reduced risk of illnesses such as Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consumption of a raw food diet lowered plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride.

Raw meats are actually healthy if they are prepared correctly and your immune system is healthy. For more information on raw meat preparation, read Sally Fallon’s Nourishing Traditions.

Taking a good probiotic daily is also very important, which can be found at or ordered through most health food stores. The best kind to take are the liquid variety. The brand I take is Nature’s Life Green Apple Pro 96 Acidophilus. These supplements contain living bacteria (just like the kind found in yogurt), but they do not contain pasteurized dairy products because they are just the bacteria and some other ingredients that are also living-food based (plant, fruit, and vegetable). They will boost your immune system and provide you with necessary good bacteria so that you can eat raw and living foods that will nourish your body in the best way possible.

Organic Pastures is a good resource for food items like raw dairy. Visit their site for more information. Visit the Raw Foods site to read more about the benefits of raw foods, preparation, and lifestyle.

Types of foods found in raw food diets (preferably organic, unprocessed, whole foods):

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Beans
  • Grains
  • Legumes
  • Dried fruit
  • Seaweed
  • Unprocessed organic or natural foods
  • Freshly juiced fruit and vegetables
  • Purified water
  • Young coconut milk

If you have never before eaten raw foods consistently, you may experience a detoxification reaction – especially if your previous diet has been high in sugar, meats, and caffeine. Starting out slowly and gradually by incorporating some raw foods into your diet daily is a good way to introduce yourself to the idea and lifestyle of raw. Eating 75% or higher raw food content in your overall diet takes commitment, research, and time. Many foods are made from scratch and are grown and sprouted, or are difficult to locate in health foods stores. It may not be appropriate for everyone.

Here are some great resources for additional information on raw foods. Visit:

Shirley’s Wellness Cafe

Livrite – Natural Nutrition