9 Foods That Destroy Your Immune System

2. Cold cuts

Cold cuts can be any type of meat. Beef, pork, chicken, and turkey are just some of the most popular choices. Their meaty goodness and smoky flavors makes them irresistible. And because they’re easy to prepare, cold cuts are often used in sandwiches and salads, eaten as part of a meal or snack. Sadly, cold cuts or deli meats are among the top foods that destroy your immune system.

One problem with cold cuts is they tend to be high in trans fats and saturated fats. These unhealthy dietary fats not only promote inflammation, they also raise your risk for obesity, a condition where there is over excessive fat in the body. In 2009, Dr. Lydia Lynch discovered a link between obesity and decreased immunity. She found that obese people experience a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, making it difficult for them to recover from infections. In 2012, a review which appeared in The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society stated that obesity has a negative impact on the immune system – it alters your white blood cell count and impairs proper immune function.

Another problem with cold cuts lies in their preparation. Cold cuts often include additives and preservatives that promote shelf life. However, the same ingredients can suppress your immunity and make you vulnerable to infection.