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The Naturopathic Chef: How can I boost my immune response?

The biggest question right now is, how do I really boost my immune response?

This is my 3 step protocol. The foundation of my 90 day Cancer Eradication program and a valuable tool to assist in prevention of all disease.

Before we have a barrage of “Vitamin C doesn’t affect COVID-19″ comments: it does give the immune response a “punch in the arm”. The pure Cranberry prevents the adhesion of germs to mucosal tissue. This lets the body eliminate them through natural cleansing processes. 

Omega 3s, found in Cannellini Beans, wild-caught Salmon, Hemp Hearts, Chia and other sources, reduce inflammation throughout your body. This reduces stress put on your 10 bodily systems. It also significantly reduces the production of stress hormones.

What does control the actual bio mechanisms of our immune system? Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). Food sources include Avocado, Acorn Squash, Pistachios, Spring Greens, Hazelnuts, Oranges, Quinoa (see my Spanish Quinoa recipe below), Brussels Sprouts, Tahini, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Bananas and Potatoes.

Providing you don’t have allergies to anything listed: everyone greatly benefits from a lifetime of following these 3 steps.

Spanish Quinoa Recipe

This is a recipe I developed for my Taco Tuesday menu at my cafe. It was an immediate customer favorite. The flavor profile is that of traditional Spanish Rice, but with all of the great phytonutrients, B6, and amino acids found in Quinoa. Your side dish game just leveled up!

Fast & Easy Side Dish

  • 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
  • ¾ cup chunky salsa
  • 3 cups Veggie broth or Vegan Not Chicken broth

In a dry saute pan, toast Quinoa over medium heat, 5 minutes. Add broth and salsa, stir well and cover. Cook 15 minutes, covered, or until liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat, and remove lid. Drape a clean kitchen towel over pan and cover with lid. Allow to rest until you are ready to serve. Serves 6.

Main Course Southwest Quinoa

  • 1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
  • 3 tsps Avocado oil, divided use
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • 1/3 cup Red Bell Pepper, small dice
  • ¼ cup mild roasted Green Chilies, diced
  • ¼ cup Onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup Pasilla Chili, diced (optional)
  • 1 clove Garlic, peeled and minced
  • ¾ cup Corn Niblets, Organic, frozen is great
  • 1 small can Black Beans, drained and ice bathed
  • 2 cups Veggie or Chicken-less broth
  • 2 Tbls fresh Cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp mild Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • ½ tsp Cumin
  • ¼ tsp Coriander

Heat 1½ tsps oil in a large saute pan and toast corn niblets until slightly charred. Remove from pan and toast quinoa. Remove from pan and set aside with toasted corn. Add remaining oil and saute veggies 2-3 minutes. Add everything to your pan. Bring to boil and turn down heat. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until broth is absorbed. Turn off heat and uncover. Drape kitchen towel over pan and cover with lid. Rest 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and garnish with diced avocado, cilantro leaves, and diced tomato.

Phyte Bites

Quinoa is a great staple for those following a vegan or plant-based nutrition program. High in vitamin B6, quinoa boosts our immune function and calms the nervous system, allowing us to manage stress more effectively. This seed is gluten free and provides amino acids to build the protein necessary in maintaining muscle mass, even as we age. One serving of quinoa provides 58% of our daily Manganese requirements. This essential mineral is very effective in stopping sugar cravings and addiction. Phytonutrients found in quinoa include the cancer-killer Kaempferol, as well as a big trauma reducer Quercetin. People suffering from clinical depression benefit greatly from adding quinoa to their wellness toolbox. We also benefit from level blood sugar, Quinoa helps us maintain, throughout our day.


Get more great recipes from Tina Martini — her book, Delicious Medicine: The Healing Power of Food is available to purchase on Amazon. More than a cookbook, combining 20+ years of experience, along with her love of coaching, cooking and teaching, Tina offers unexpected insights into the history and healing power of clean eating, along with recipes to help reduce your risk of disease and improve overall wellness so you can enjoy life!

Affectionately referred to as The Walking Encyclopedia of Human Wellness, Fitness Coach, Strength Competitor and Powerlifting pioneer, Tina “The Medicine Chef” Martini is an internationally recognized Naturopathic Chef and star of the cooking show, Tina’s Ageless Kitchen. Tina’s cooking and lifestyle show has reached millions of food and fitness lovers all over the globe. Over the last 30 years, Tina has assisted celebrities, gold-medal athletes and over-scheduled executives naturally achieve radiant health using The Pyramid of Power: balancing Healthy Nutrition and the healing power of food, with Active Fitness and Body Alignment techniques. Working with those who have late-stage cancer, advanced diabetes, cardiovascular and other illnesses, Tina’s clients are astounded at the ease and speed with which they are able to restore their radiant health. Tina believes that maintaining balance in our diet, physical activity, and in our work and spiritual life is the key to our good health, happiness and overall well being. Visit her website, themedicinechef.com

MFN Contributing Author

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