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tive health. Taking Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt or tablet form has been shown to increase general immunity, help heal infections and restore metabolic health. Yogurt made from goat's milk is much more easily digested than that made from cow's milk.
Not enough can be said about the value of garlic and onions in a healing diet for the immune system. Besides their cholesterol-lowering and antibiotic effects and their blood pressure-regulating and cardiovascular benefits, these allium family foods help to detoxify the body from chemicals and drugs. For example, a good preventive dose of garlic would be three crushed, fresh cloves daily. Bear in mind though, that because of its blood-thinning capabilities, it is not advisable to take garlic when there is risk of hemorrhage.
Miso soup, the classic favorite of macrobiotic cooks, is a fine food for speeding recovery from illness and restoring strength and vitality. Made from fermented soy bean paste, it is easily digested and is delicious with onions, carrots and dark leafy greens.
Another powerful restorative soup highly acclaimed in both Jewish and Chinese traditions is chicken soup. Many versions are available: one of them is given in this book. Usually, the bones (which include the marrow) are cooked in the soup along with a panoply of tonic herbs and vegetables. Tofu is an easily digested protein which can also be used in soup recipes or added to other dishes.
Both medicinal mushrooms and sea vegetables have a place of high honor in the Oriental tradition and are being used more commonly now in Western culture as well for their numerous healing benefits for the immune system. Shiitake and maitake are two delicious mushrooms which are often available in the produce section of supermarkets. Both of these can be prepared by cooking them with onions, garlic and other vegetables or adding them to soups and stews.
Some delicious recipes for enchancing immunity follow.

 
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