The Epstein-Barr virus spread via saliva causes mononucleosis, an illness whose symptoms include fever, sore throat, swollen glands and extreme fatigue. A weakened immune system can put you at greater risk for mono, according to the University of Maryland School of Medicine. While drug therapies might help manage symptom severity, some nutritional guidelines might help strengthen your immune system to help you avoid succumbing to this often-debilitating virus.
Foods with Antioxidants
Increasing your food and vegetable intake will help ensure you get enough antioxidants to bolster your immune system. According to the Cleveland Clinic, antioxidants remove harmful oxidants known as free radicals from the bloodstream. Free radicals can damage DNA and suppress the immune system. In particular, green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and peppers are high in antioxidants, as are fruits like blueberries, tomatoes and cherries.
Trans Fatty Acids
Trans fatty acids are full of free radicals that can compromise the immune system. According to the University of Maryland Medical System, it is important to reduce or eliminate foods with trans fatty acids, which include fried foods like french fries and onion rings, as well as processed or refined foods like white breads and sugary products. Commercially baked items including cookies, crackers and cakes also are high in trans fatty acid content and should be eliminated.
Meats
Red meats can contribute to the amount of free radicals in the body, which can in turn compromise the immune system. While both the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Maryland Medical System recommend reducing your red meat intake, the Cleveland Clinic states that if you have to eat red meat, keep it to once every 10 days. Instead, substitute red meat for lean meats or cold water fish. Oily fish like salmon are a great substitution because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, said to help play a role in a strengthened immune system.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements, including omega-3 and probiotics with lactobacillus acidophilus, might help improve immunity, according to the University of Maryland Medical System. While it is possible to get omega-3 by eating salmon, one to two capsules also will suffice. When it comes to probiotics, 5 to 10 billion colony forming units, or CFUs, can help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the body, which in turn strengthens immunity.
