Registration for Year 2026 - 2027 Regist Now
The Employee Class Program (RPL, Program and Level Transfer Categories) for TA 2024-2025 has been opened. More Info
"Immunity or the immune system plays a crucial role in fighting diseases. The immune system will protect the body from attacks by harmful organisms or disease-causing germs. This applies from infancy to adulthood.
If the immune system is weakened, we are more susceptible to diseases. Flu and fever are two common illnesses experienced by those with a weakened immune system. When sick, daily activities are disrupted. Therefore, it is important to maintain a strong immune system.
There are many ways to keep the immune system strong. Besides controlling activities to avoid exhaustion, we need to avoid foods that can lower immunity. What are the foods that can weaken the immune system? S1 Nutrition Lecturer IIK Bhakta Ana Nur Filiya SKM MPH provides examples of foods that can lower immunity, as follows.
Avoiding the consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners is a good idea to maintain a healthy immune system. However, excessive sugar consumption is also not recommended. So, sugar intake should be limited according to individual body needs. If consumed excessively, blood sugar levels will rise.
Especially sugar in the form of monosaccharide bonds or the simplest bonds. This type of sugar is believed to quickly raise blood sugar levels. As a result, the pancreas has to work hard to release insulin.
Insulin is a crucial part of the body's metabolism system. Its role can also control blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. When eating, the pancreas releases insulin that can convert glucose into energy. "But if it's excessive, the body is at risk of diabetes," Ana says. In addition, artificial sweeteners like saccharin are also believed to be associated with cancer.
Actually, the human body needs oil, especially the oil in the structure of fat bonds, which functions to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat also plays a role in protecting vital organs, nerve cells, and the brain.
But it's different when it comes to used frying oil. "If it has been used four times, it's no longer considered oil because its bonds are no longer fat, but free radicals," she explains.
Repeatedly used frying oil contains unstable substances due to exposure to heat and oxidation. Therefore, when it enters the body, the oil tries to stabilize itself. One way is by binding to the walls of blood vessels. "As a result, blood vessels will be damaged," Ana asserts.
When this happens, the body focuses on repairing or regenerating blood vessels until they heal or the wounds are closed. This can lead to a weakened immune system.
Eating salty or savory foods is indeed enjoyable. Often, we even become addicted to salty foods. Unfortunately, excessive consumption of salty foods can have fatal consequences for health.
Ana explains that salt (sodium) is one of the minerals that are water-resistant. It's no wonder that excessive consumption results in frequent urination. When the kidneys excrete too much sodium, a domino effect occurs, reducing the body's ability to fight bacterial infections. This is why excessive salt consumption can weaken the immune system.
Coffee and tea are considered healthy beverages when consumed wisely. Coffee contains anti-inflammatory substances that can prevent inflammation. Moreover, coffee can also be used as a stimulant to stay focused at work.
However, excessive consumption is still not advisable. Drinking too much coffee can disrupt sleep, leading to inadequate rest. "Lack of rest is what causes the immune system to weaken," Ana explains. Therefore, it is recommended to consume coffee at least 6 hours before bedtime.
Another type of beverage that can weaken the immune system is soda. Carbonated beverages, known as fizzy drinks, contain phosphorus. "Phosphorus can cause a depletion of calcium in cells," says the veiled lecturer. Yet calcium is an essential mineral for activating the immune system.
So, the higher the phosphorus intake, the more it disrupts calcium levels. This means that the synthesis process of the immune system is also affected.
Those are the 5 foods that can lower the immune system. It is advisable to reduce or avoid them starting from now. Additionally, you can watch this review on the official YouTube channel of IIK Bhakta."
