Infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are common. Also known as a staph infection, Spreptococcus pyrogenes infiltrates the body when your defenses are compromised or when the bacteria are strong enough to penetrate your defenses. Staph infections may include strep throat, or the skin infections impetigo and cellulitis. Building a strong immune system supported by good nutrition can help protect you from these infections.
Infection
Infections due to the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are common, especially among children, individuals with compromised immune systems and athletes. This is because the bacteria is able to colonize and rapidly multiple in your body while avoiding attack by your immune system. This bacteria is able to confuse your immune system and initially prevent your immune response from mounting an attack because of its complex and chemically diverse cell surface.
Immune Boosters
You can help protect your body against bacterial infections by eating a well balanced diet and including certain nutrients that play a pivotal role in boosting your immune system. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that help strengthen your immune system. They can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables including carrots, papaya and peaches. Zinc is a micro mineral that you need in your diet to promote the functioning of white blood cells. White blood cells play a key role in mounting an attack on bacteria to prevent infection. Zinc can be found in sesame and pumpkin seeds, oysters, lamb and peanuts.
Folate and Vitamin A
Your skin is your body's first line of defense against infection. Eating foods high in folate is important to help your body produce and maintain skin cells. Foods rich in folate include romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, mustard greens, calf's liver, parsley, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, and lentils. Vitamin A also helps maintain healthy skin, in addition vitamin A is important to white blood cell functioning. Good sources of vitamin A include milk, eggs, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes and dried apricots.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are high in refined sugar. Sugar can weaken your immune system and impair your ability to fight off infection. In addition, sugar interferes with your body's absorption of nutrients as well as provides a breeding ground for bacterial infections.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Staph Infections
- "Supercharge Your Immune System: 100 Ways to Help Your Body Fight Illness;" Ellen Brown & Karen Konopelski; 2008
