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Discover 3 Compelling Reasons to Take Black Cumin Seed Oil

AHA Publisher — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 07:00:38 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – For many people in the United States, black cumin seed oil isn’t exactly a household name. But this nutrient, also known as black seed oil, has an illustrious history dating back over 3,500 years. It was reportedly revered by ancient Egyptians – who believed it could treat coughs, colds, digestive issues, and even bubonic plague – and was advised by Greek physician Hippocrates, the “Father of Modern Medicine,” for its anti-aging and health-promoting benefits. Now, modern scientific research has identified powerful antioxidants and therapeutic compounds in black cumin seed oil, which is made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa shrub. A study showcases black seed oil’s ability to promote joint health and ease joint pain, while other recent reviews have recognized its anti-allergy and heart-healthy effects. Let’s Look at Three of the Most Significant of Black Seed Oil’s Benefits Compound in black cumin seed oil can quench inflammation and soothe joint aches and pains In a 2019 study published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, researchers found that thymoquinone, a constituent of black seed oil, decreased the expression of toll-like receptors in the body, thereby helping to suppress the release of inflammatory substances such as interleukin-1. Noting that thymoquinone helps to modulate the immune system, the scientists added that it inhibited bone erosion and reduced pain and swelling in participants with rheumatoid arthritis– without showing any signs of toxicity to the liver and kidneys. And this isn’t the only research showing joint benefits for black cumin seeds. In one placebo-controlled study, 42 patients with arthritis were given 1,000 mg a day of powdered black seed for eight weeks – and experienced reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. Black Seed Oil Relaxes and Widens Airways to Promote Free Breathing In addition to its powerful immune system-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, black seed oil has bronchodilatory effects, meaning that it widens the airways and facilitates free breathing. Black seed oil has been shown to benefit hay fever, with one study in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture showing that four weeks of supplementation reduced nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Black seed oil nasal drops have also been shown to ease hay fever symptoms – as well as boost participants’ ability to tolerate exposure to allergens. In one review, the authors noted that thymoquinone in black cumin seed oil significantly improved symptoms in participants with asthma. If seasonal allergies are getting the best of you, black cumin seed oil may be able to help. Benefit Heart Health by Helping to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels Black cumin seed oil is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats – including oleic acid, found in olive oil, and EPA and DHA, the beneficial fatty acids in fish oil. Multiple studies have shown that black seed oil for eight to twelve weeks significantly reduced total cholesterol levels and unhealthy LDL levels. This versatile oil may help support normal blood pressure levels as well. One study of 70 healthy adults showed that one-half a teaspoon of black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks significantly reduced blood pressure. Finally, some studies have shown that black seed oil supports healthy blood sugar levels. By supporting healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, black seed oil offers multiple gifts to cardiovascular well-being. Promote Overall Health With Black Cumin Seed Oil Black cumin seeds (from which the oil is made) are also known as black seeds, black caraway, nigella seeds, fennel flower, and Roman coriander. To make sure that what you are getting is black cumin seed oil, check the label to be sure it is made from Nigella sativa seeds. As always, opt for a high-quality product from a reputable vendor. (Pro tip: you can also incorporate black seed oil into sauces, curries, and salad dressings). Natural healers typically recommend one-half to one teaspoon of black cumin seed oil daily. Before supplementing, however, check with your integrative doctor. While few serious side effects have been noted, some patients have reported digestive problems such as nausea and bloating. By the way, black seed oil may also support efficient kidney and liver function, protect cognition and memory, soften and moisturize skin and promote healthy weight. With an accumulating body of evidence highlighting its benefits, black cumin seed oil may be beginning to receive the credit it deserves. Sources for this article include: Harvard.edu NIH.gov NIH.gov YourVedicBotanicals.com To read the original article click here.

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The Power of Vitamin D: What Experts Already Know (and Are Still Learning) About the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 07:00:35 +0000

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston via Newswise – It’s no secret that vitamin D is critical to balancing many areas of health. But from pediatric broken bones to cluster headaches, physicians and scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) are still learning just how powerful the so-called “sunshine vitamin” is. Vitamin D deficiency is already extremely common, affecting approximately 42% of the U.S. population, according to research published in the National Institutes of Health database. Because of this, some researchers across the globe have referred to vitamin D deficiency as an “invisible epidemic.” Doctors ranging from orthopedic surgeons to family medicine practitioners are seeing an uptick in patients with vitamin D deficiency. More testing, people staying indoors because of skin cancer risk, or more recently, safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been factors in the increase. “The reason why we’re seeing an upward trend is because we’re checking for it,” said family physician Deepa Iyengar, MD, professor of family and community medicine and the Stanley G. Schultz, MD, Endowed Professor in Global Health with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “Identifying vitamin D deficiency is such an important part of the family medicine genre because deficiency is seen across all ages.” Iyengar sees patients at UT Physicians, the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School. Although most people have no symptoms, severe cases of vitamin D deficiency can lead to thin, brittle, or misshapen bones. Fortunately, the deficit is treatable, with doctors often prescribing over-the-counter vitamin D supplementation. How Vitamin D Affects the Body Vitamin D is best known for promoting healthy bones and teeth. The human body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Accordingly, there is a well-documented relationship between vitamin D and orthopedic health, said pediatric orthopedic surgeon Alfred Mansour III, MD, clinical associate professor of orthopedic surgery with McGovern Medical School. His team at UT Physicians recently conducted a quality improvement project examining the link between low vitamin D levels and broken bones among pediatric patients sent to the emergency room at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. “Everyone notices a fracture or a broken arm, but now we’re looking deeper and uncovering the ‘why’ behind it. Why did this kid break their arm compared to these thousands of other kids who also fell? Why did this kid get a stress fracture in their foot?” Mansour said. “I’ve had many patients who have struggled to improve from these injuries, and our group has found that vitamin D deficiency played a role in that.” Of the pediatric patients studied by Mansour’s group who needed surgical treatment for their fracture or broken bone, 85% were found to be vitamin D deficient. The discovery has led his team to implement new protocols, including partnering with the pediatric emergency room at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital to test for the condition in admitted patients. As noted by Iyengar, a person can experience vitamin D deficiency at any age, from birth to later in life. However, some factors put certain individuals at greater risk than others. Infants who are being breastfed are among the high-risk groups, according to UT Physicians pediatrician Kenya Parks, MD, clinical associate professor of pediatrics with McGovern Medical School. “We definitely want to promote breastfeeding, and breast milk is the best milk for babies, but it is very low in vitamin D,” Parks said. “Breastfeeding moms will want to make sure their infants get supplementation early on.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfed and partially breastfed infants be supplemented with 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day, beginning in the first few days of life. Some doctors advise breastfeeding mothers to purchase vitamin D drops, which are available at nearly any pharmacy or grocery store and should be given to breastfed babies on a daily basis. Babies can also get vitamin D through 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight exposure each day. Parks said other patients who are vitamin D deficient include children and teens who are obese – a phenomenon at least partially attributed to distribution into a greater amount of body tissue – and children and teens who are on certain anti-convulsant and anti-fungal medications, which interfere with their body’s ability to absorb or convert vitamin D. In children, extreme cases of vitamin D deficiency are manifested as rickets – a disease which results in soft bones and skeletal deformities. Rickets can also cause developmental delays, seizures, muscle spasms, and other abnormalities, Parks said. “Vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone,” Parks said. “Kids have growing bones, so if they don’t get enough vitamin D, their bones aren’t fortified.” Beyond children with these medical issues, however, vitamin D deficiency is high among Black individuals, whose darker skin has more melanin than lighter-skinned individuals, reducing their ability to synthesize vitamin D from the sun and resulting in lower vitamin D levels. The deficiency is highest among people who are elderly, institutionalized, or hospitalized. In the U.S., according to a study published in Pharmacotherapy, 60% of nursing home residents were low in vitamin D, while according to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, 57% of hospitalized patients were found to be vitamin D deficient. “As you get older, bone resorption increases and bone formation decreases, so if you don’t substitute that loss with enough calcium, it causes a bone mass deficiency,” said Iyengar, who sees geriatric patients at UT Physicians. “Your body thinks you’re short of vitamin D, so it takes that vitamin from the bone and gives it to the blood, which puts people at major risk for osteoporosis.” Vitamin D production in the skin from sunlight exposure also declines with advancing age, making elderly populations more dependent on the dietary supplements. Additionally, because vitamin D deficiency is also linked to parathyroid metabolism, women become especially prone as they go through menopause and lose estrogen, Iyengar said. A woman’s ability to build bone peaks in her mid to late 20s, according to Pamela Berens, MD, the Dr. John T. Armstrong Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology with McGovern Medical School and an OB/GYN with UT Physicians. Therefore, as women enter their 30s, Berens advises her patients to simply work on maintaining their bone health. “For post-menopausal women, it’s really important to know your bone density and vitamin D level. Having that knowledge gives you the power to fix it,” Berens said. “Younger women just need to think about what they can do to build healthy bones.” Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties supporting immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity. Mark Burish, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery with McGovern Medical School and a neurologist and headache management specialist with UTHealth Neurosciences, has begun enrolling patients in a clinical trial to determine whether a multivitamin combined with high doses of Vitamin D3 supplements – similar to those prescribed to patients with multiple sclerosis and other diseases – could potentially serve as an effective treatment for excruciating cluster headaches. Burish theorizes a few possible reasons why increased vitamin D intake might be able to treat cluster headache. One is that vitamin D appears to block a key pain-signaling molecule that is commonly activated during cluster headache. Another theory is that the headaches might be linked to circadian rhythms, a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. “Normally, people receive vitamin D through direct sunlight, and the most common time for a cluster headache attack, no matter where you live, is 2 a.m., when it’s still very dark outside,” said Burish, who is also with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. “Vitamin D may be able to help regulate the light-dark pattern that seems to be tied to these headaches.” How to Get Enough of It A person can get vitamin D in three ways: through the skin, from their diet, and from medically prescribed supplements. Some time in the sun is recommended, but given that too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, food may be a better source. A few foods – including fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, mushrooms, and egg yolks – naturally carry the nutrient. It can also be found in fortified foods and beverages, such as milk, breakfast cereals, orange juice, yogurt, and soy drinks. People also get vitamin D from multivitamins and supplements, which come in both pill and liquid form for infants. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended amount of vitamin D is 400 IU for infants up to 12 months old, 600 IU for children and adults up to 70 years old as well as breastfeeding women, and 800 IU for adults who are at least 71 years old. The standard treatment for vitamin D deficiency involves supplements. Depending on an individual’s condition, their health care provider will recommend how much they need to take, how often they need to take it, and how long they need to take it. To read the original article click here.

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Study Suggests SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Breast Milk Are Robust, Neutralizing and Durable

AHA Publisher — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 07:00:42 +0000

Dr. Liji Thomas, MD via News-Medical – The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused over 123.7 million cases and has claimed more than 2.7 million lives worldwide. However, the infection, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affects children and adolescents with strikingly less severity than adults. Infants are also included in this low-risk group. However, a new preprint on the bioRxiv* server addresses the issue of passive immunity for newborns via breast milk. Importance of the Study Among infants with COVID-19, one in ten require intensive care for severe illness. A significant minority also shows signs of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children(MIS-C) associated with COVID-19, setting in after weeks or months. The possibility of transmitting infection also exists with infants, adding reason to protect this group against infection. Breast Milk Antibodies Breast milk contains about 0.6 mg/mL of antibodies in the form of immunoglobulin (IG). About 90% of this is IgA, mostly secretory (sIgA). This comprises a complex of IgA antibodies, the J-chain and secretory component (SC) proteins, forming antibody polymers. The entero-mammary link is in action to produce sIgA from the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and from B cells recruited from other mucosal surfaces, as well as from the draining lymphatics of the breast tissue. This form of IgA is very stable and does not easily break down under enzymatic action, whether in the milk or the infant’s gut or in the mucosae of the gut, the upper airway and the lungs. The concentration of IgA in the infant’s stomach drops by half within two hours, while that of IgG drops by three-quarters. Preterm infants fail to show a decrease in IgA concentration within the first three months after birth, which is important given their increased susceptibility to infection. Earlier Research An earlier study by the same authors showed that all milk samples from 15 recently recovered COVID-19 mothers contained significant IgA binding activity against the viral spike protein. About 80% of samples were also observed to contain antibodies specific to the receptor-binding domain (RBD), including secretory antibodies. Only a few showed anti-RBD IgG or IgM activity, indicating that the anti-RBD IgA was secretory in nature. What Were the Results? The current study showed the types of anti-spike antibodies in breast milk from a larger group of donors, collected at 4-6 weeks after infection. The antibody profile in milk was studied using IgA ELISA against the recombinant trimeric spike protein of the virus. The researchers found that 88% of samples were positive for anti-spike IgA and that binding was higher for spike-specific binding compared to controls. Titration of 40 positive samples showed positive IgA endpoint titers in 95% of them (indicating the highest dilution at which the reaction is positive). Of these, half showed a titer five-fold or more the endpoint titer of the positive cutoff value, entitling them to be called high-titer samples. Again, 19 of 20 samples that were assayed for spike-specific sIgA and IgG were positive for spike-targeting secretory antibodies. One lacked specific IgA but showed specific secretory antibodies, with another showing the opposite profile. Of these samples positive for spike-specific secretory antibodies, 18 had positive endpoint titers. Meanwhile, among the high-titer spike-specific IgA-containing samples, seven contained high titers of specific secretory antibodies. The levels of IgA and secretory antibodies were positively correlated. Again, 15/20 samples contained spike-directed IgG, and 13 had positive endpoint titers. Only two were high-titer samples. IgA and IgG titers were not correlated, neither were IgG and SC titers. Persistent IgA Response The researchers also observed persistently high spike-targeting IgA titers in 28 paired convalescent samples collected at 4-6 weeks and 4-10 months after infection. The average endpoint titers showed no significant change over this period In half of the samples, the IgA titer was reduced by more than a tenth, of which only two showed over 50% reduction. In 43% it went up by more than a tenth. The longest follow-up was up to 10 months after infection in 14 patients. Here too, the titers were unchanged on the whole, with five donors showing more than 10% drop, eight more than 10% increase, and one with no change. One showed more than a 50% reduction in titer. Neutralizing Activity Neutralizing activity was demonstrated by 75% of samples at the highest concentration, vs. only 13% of controls. The mean percent neutralization values at 50ug/ml were much higher for the convalescent samples relative to the controls. Convalescent samples achieved effective inhibition of 50% of viral particles (50% inhibitory concentration, IC50) in 6/8 samples, but only 1/8 pre-pandemic controls. The mean IC50 among the six convalescent specimens was 33.6ug/mL of total IgA. The neutralizing capacity was correlated significantly with the IgA binding. The two samples that failed to show neutralizing activity also had the lowest IgA endpoint titers. What Are the Implications? The lack of evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via human milk has led to recommendations to continue breastfeeding if desired following the delivery of a COIVD-19 positive mother, along with the use of masks, hand and breast hygiene. The current study confirms that breast milk is not just harmless but positively efficacious in providing passive immunity to the infant of a convalescent mother. Not only is the presence of sIgA in milk very common after infection, but is dominant relative to IgG. Moreover, the correlation between anti-spike IgA and secretory antibodies is strong, which shows that the greatest part of breast milk spike-targeting IgA is sIgA, thus effectively protecting the infant. Secretory antibodies are capable of withstanding harsh biological environments such as the gut and the mouth of infants. Extracted milk IgA is also a potential therapeutic avenue for COVID-19, since it will probably survive administration to the airways and will be highly effective at lower doses than those required with the current convalescent plasma or plasma Ig protocols that are administered systemically. While all high-titer IgA-positive samples showed neutralizing activity against the spike, two out of three positive but not high-titer samples failed to do so. These were all from 4-6 week samples, and neutralizing activity may have been detectable as the immune response matured. The durability of the response points towards protection of the infant while on breast milk, and also a potential donor pool to generate extracted milk IgA for therapeutic use. The fact that 8/14 samples at 7-10 months showed a rise rather than a fall in specific IgA titers indicates the possibility of long-lived plasma cells in the GALT and breast tissue. These may be restimulated by other coronaviruses or the same virus on repeated exposure. *Important Notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. To read the original article click here.

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Rethinking Mushrooms: Why This SUPER Food Is Great for Your Health and the Real “sustainability” of This Planet

AHA Publisher — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:25:17 +0000

Damon Hines via NaturalHealth365 – Our ancient ancestors documented the health benefits of mushrooms as early as 200 or 250 CE in the book The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica, a fundamental text on Chinese wellness practices, medicinal plants, and agriculture. From China’s Reishi mushroom, which is known for its immune-supporting properties, to Finland’s Chaga mushroom, it supports antioxidant pathways, the health benefits and ecological and culinary potential of fungi are as diverse as the number of species that dot the forest floor. But our relationship with mushrooms is complicated. For every semi-obsessed forager scouring the woods for wild chanterelles, there are those who are wary of mushrooms and don’t like the idea of eating fungus. Perhaps they’re worried they’ll get poisoned, or maybe that slimy mushroom pizza experience they had as a child forever ruined the food for them. Nevertheless, it’s time to reconsider the mushroom, not just because fungi are gentle on the planet and the great recyclers of the natural world but also because they can be the sustainable superfood of the future. Mushrooms Are Healthy on the Plate and Gentle on the Planet According to a 2017 study by SureHarvest, to grow and harvest a pound of fresh mushrooms in the U.S. requires only 1.8 gallons of water, 1.0-kilowatt-hours of energy, and generates only 0.7 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions. In woods and forests, mushrooms break down organic material and create healthy soil by making its raw materials available again for the ecosystem. Mushrooms might be the earth’s most sustainable food, but it’s not the only thing that makes them super. Mushrooms are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including vitamin D, vitamin B6, folate magnesium, zinc, and potassium. Fungi are rich in antioxidants such as ergothioneine and selenium, reducing inflammation and improving immune function. Coming in different shapes, sizes, and colors, mushrooms are a gastronomically versatile, low-carb, practically no-fat food that can replace meat as a main course or work as a side-dish. Are People Finally Getting Out of That Slimy Mushroom Pizza Mind-Set? There are more than 2,000 edible mushrooms in the world, but 90 percent of the fungi people cook are the cultivated basic Portobello and white buttons. Classics like Shiitake are also popular. However, food trends are changing, and fungi-inspired companies fill a new niche with alternatives to conventional mushrooms. A heightened interest in foraging and locally-sourced ingredients coupled with an aversion to tech meat (Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, etc.) has done wonders for the reputation of the mushroom, turning it from culinary curiosity to mainstream star. Generally speaking, consumers are more comfortable with this weird organism, finding that it’s easy and versatile to cook and respecting the fact that responsible cultivators use timber waste that would otherwise end up in landfills to sprout their mushrooms. Whether you’re buying local, foraging for native varieties, or sprouting your own at home with a grow kit (Smallhold is a well-recognized brand in organic mushroom grow kits), the health benefits mushrooms provide are as complex as the ecosystem from which they come. Sources for this article include: Theamericanscholar.com Smithsonianmag.com Mushroomcouncil.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 08:00:10 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Let’s talk about meatballs. What is it about these little nibbles take a meal to the next level? Of course, when you buy them at the store or order them off a menu, it’s always a gamble; you’re never quite sure what’s in those. Luckily, this is one of the simplest things to make at home! These Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs are fantastic. They’re made with grass-fed beef, which is loaded with immune-boosting conjugated linoleic acid. These also fit well into a Paleo or even keto diet. Best of all, these meatballs keep their shape even without breading. Gluten-free eaters, rejoice! Ready to whip up a batch of these easy meatballs? Let’s get started! We’ll kick things off by placing all our ingredients, minus the oil, in a large bowl. Mix ’em all up and then form them into 1 to 1–1/2 inch meatballs. This is a great activity to let the kids help out with! Next, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add in the meatballs. Be careful not to overcrowd them! Brown these easy gluten-free meatballs on all sides, then let them cool on paper towels before serving. How fast was that? These easy gluten-free meatballs are super versatile. Serve them in a sandwich, add them to gluten-free pasta and homemade pasta sauce or gobble them up with mashed faux-tatoes. They’re also awesome on game day as a quick snack. I love making a double batch of these and freezing the extras. They thaw quickly, making dinnertime a snap! Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe DESCRIPTION These Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs are fantastic. They’re made with grass-fed beef, which is loaded with immune-boosting conjugated linoleic acid. INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground grass-fed beef 2 eggs, whisked one 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and drained ¼ cup finely grated raw sheep’s milk cheese, such as Pecorino or Zamorano ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper 1 tablespoon coconut oil INSTRUCTIONS Place all of the ingredients except the oil in a bowl. Mix ingredients together and form into 1 to 1–1/2-inch meatballs. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs well on all sides in the skillet and place on paper towels to cool briefly before serving. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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How Does Sleep Affect Your Immunity?

AHA Publisher — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Ratan-NM, M. Pharm. via News-Medical Net – Adequate sleep is vital for good health; unfortunately, not many people relate to this feeling. Amidst the growing workload and late-night culture, the importance of proper sleep is often side-lined. This issue is much relevant in the current pandemic when people are working from home. Insomnia and Its Consequences Insomnia is a condition in which a person is unable to fall asleep. A person with insomnia may present with the following symptoms: Feels sleepy and tired throughout the day Is always irritated Have problems in focussing on one thing and memorizing stuff Lack of sleep in the long term may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Sleep is also vital for a proper immune response; lack of sleep can weaken your immune system; it can increase the body’s susceptibility to infection and hamper the ability to fight the illness. Lack of Sleep and Immunity The sleeping and feeding habits of all the animals, including humans, are governed by the circadian rhythm. The word circadian is taken from the Latin word “circa,” which means day and “diem” means around. Circadian rhythm is a natural process that controls the sleep-wake cycle. The sleep-wake cycle is determined by complex interactions between the central nervous system, endocrine system, and the immune system. During sleep, your body releases cytokines, which are essential for the regulation of the immune system. Cytokines are required in increased amounts when you are attacked by a pathogen or are under stress. The level of cytokines increase during sleep, and therefore lack of sleep hinders the body’s ability to fight infections. This is also a reason why the body tends to sleep more while suffering from any infection. According to the National Sleep Foundation, chronic sleep loss poses a potential risk to the immune system. In a study conducted by Ackermann et al., researchers compared white blood cell counts of 15 subjects under normal and severely sleep-deprived conditions. In the first part of the study, 15 participants followed a strict 8-hour sleep schedule for a week. During the study period, they were exposed to 15 minutes of sunlight within 1 ½ hour of waking up and made to refrain from caffeine, alcohol, or medication during the last three days, to normalize their circadian cycle. In the second part of the study, participants were subjected to 29 hours of continuous wakefulness period. After study completion, the white blood cell counts of the participants were compared, and it was found that a type of white blood cells known as granulocytes reacted to the sleep deprivation in a typical way of body’s stress response, that too particularly at night. What Is the Optimal Amount of Sleep? The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following sleep ranges: Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours Younger adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours Adults (26-64 years): 7-9 hours Older adults (65years and above): 7-8 hours The above numbers reflect the ideal amount of sleep in normal circumstances; however, there are certain cases when people need more sleep, for example, while recovering from illness, jet lag, radical time zone shift, etc. Can Good Sleep Improve Immunity? Poor quality sleep can deteriorate immune response; however, a good night’s sleep can increase your immunity. Good quality sleep helps improve the efficiency of T helper cells. T helper cells are the cells that fight invading bacteria, viruses, or any foreign antigen cells as part of the body’s defense system. Whenever a foreign pathogen enters the body, our immunity cells recognize them and release a protein called integrin. Integrin helps T cells to bind with the foreign antigensand ultimately destroy it. According to a study published in the Journal of experimental medicine, T cells activate integrins and also identify the factors that can compromise the efficiency of T cells in attaching to the target pathogen. It was found that hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, and pro-inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins interrupted T cells from combining with integrins. The level of these stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline) and prostaglandins decreases during sleep. Hence, good sleep boosts the efficiency of T cells and improves the immune response of the body. The benefits of good sleep are well established. Good sleep must be a priority in every person’s life. Maintaining sleep hygiene, like sleeping in a comfortable and dark, cold environment, and eliminating electronics at night can help achieve good sleep. Regular exercising and avoiding alcohol and caffeine are also vital in improving sleep quality. Sources Irwin, M. R., (2017). Sleep Health: Reciprocal Regulation of Sleep and Innate Immunity. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(1), 129–155. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2016.148 Reis, E. S., et al. (2011). Sleep and circadian rhythm regulate circulating complement factors and immunoregulatory properties of C5a. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 25(7), 1416–1426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2011.04.011 National Sleep Foundation Recommends New Sleep Times. National Sleep Foundation. Available at: www.sleepfoundation.org/…/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times Sleep deprivation effect on the immune system mirrors physical stress. Available at: www.sleepfoundation.org/…/ Dimitrov, S., et al. (2019). Gαs-coupled receptor signaling and sleep regulate integrin activation of human antigen-specific T cells. The Journal of experimental medicine, 216(3), 517–526. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20181169 Ackermann, K., Revell, V. L., Lao, O., Rombouts, E. J., Skene, D. J., & Kayser, M. (2012). Diurnal rhythms in blood cell populations and the effect of acute sleep deprivation in healthy young men. Sleep, 35(7), 933–940. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.1954 To read the original article click here.

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Israel to Begin Clinical Trials of Covid-19 Vaccine

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 07:00:19 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – The governmental Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) has approval from the Ministry of Health and the Helsinki Committee to begin testing its vaccine, BriLife, against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on November 1. The IIBR has prepared 25,000 doses of BriLife and has recruited the first volunteers in an 80-person clinical trial, 40 at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem and 40 at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan. Each volunteer, aged 18 to 55, will receive an injection (vaccine or placebo). After a few hours of supervision he/she will be discharged and monitored for three weeks for any possible side effects and for the development of antibodies to the virus in response to the vaccine. The second phase will include extensive safety tests on 960 healthy volunteers, to begin in December in several medical centers across Israel. In this phase, scientists aim to complete vaccine safety precautions, determine effective dosage, and further determine the vaccine’s effectiveness. The third and final phase is a large-scale trial to test the effectiveness of BriLife, with the participation of up to 30,000 volunteers. Subject to the success of the first two phases, this phase is scheduled to begin in April or May. If it is successful, the vaccine may be approved for mass use. On June 21, ISRAEL21c reported that a single dose of the IIBR’s recombinant VSV-∆G-spike vaccine “results in rapid and potent induction of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2” in Syrian golden hamsters in a successful preclinical trial. It was also tested successfully in mice, rabbits and pigs, paving the way to human trials. “Our final goal is 15 million doses for the residents of the State of Israel and for our close neighbors,” said Prof. Shmuel Shapira, director of the IIBR. The research institute in Ness Ziona, which is part of the Ministry of Defense, has been directing all its efforts in the past few months toward novel coronavirus research. In collaboration with several partners, the IIBR also is developing an antibody-based Covid-19 treatment and a new method to detect the virus through breath analysis. Shapira said the name BriLife puts together the Hebrew word for health, briut, with “il” for Israel and “life” — which speaks to the importance of the vaccine. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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How to Train Your Mind to Fight Off Stress & Viruses

AHA Publisher — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:00:48 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – If anything, this year and the global COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that so much is out of control. Yet there is still reason to hope! Even though we cannot always control what happens to or around us, we can control how we choose to react to the circumstances of life. In this podcast (episode #216) and blog, I speak with the incredible “Iceman” Wim Hof about his new book The Wim Hof Method, the power of mind management, how cold exposure and deep breathing can improve our mental and physical health, ways to protect your body against viruses, how to train the brain to overcome any obstacle, and more! Although it may not seem like it, many aspects of our lives are in our willful control. Everyone can influence, at will, their own biology and lifespan through directed mindfulness and good lifestyle habits like deep breathing. In his book, Wim Hof points out how research has shown that within just 8-9 weeks you can lengthen the telomeres in your DNA through mind work and healthy lifestyle choices, which can have a positive effect on your health and longevity! No matter what happens or what will happen, you are in charge of the moments of your life! You are capable of so much more than you have ever thought possible. The power we have within us is unreal. Wim Hof teaches people how to start harnessing this power naturally through the three pillars of his method: 1. Mindfulness: Through the power of intention, you can direct your biochemistry and genetic expression and become happier, stronger, and healthier. You are a thought alchemist! However, this is something that needs to be practiced daily. Mind-management is a skill that needs to be taught and developed from youth—it is a lifestyle, not a one-off thing. As you self-regulate your thinking daily, you change the way you function for the better. Always remember, you are the owner of your own mind. Don’t focus so much on the external world that you forget about the power you have within you. You can awaken this power at any time! 2. Cold exposure: Cold exposure (like taking regular cold showers) helps boost the cardiovascular system, which increases blood flow, oxygen levels and the availability of nutrients, so we are better able to have energy to think and live well. 3. Deep breathing: Based on research, Wim Hof has shown how deep breathing, mindfulness and cold exposure helps with mood regulation, which can strengthen our mental resilience and help us combat depression and anxiety. The adrenaline rush from deep breathing also resets our biochemistry, putting the brain and body into a state of good stress and preparing you for positive action. Deep breathing can help make stress work for you and not against you. Top-down regulation through mind management and deep breathing creates neurological pathways in the brains that harness your stress mechanisms to help you deal with the ups and downs of life. Deep, intentional breathing can also help boost the immune system by better fueling the cells of the body and helping it fight off pathogens, which is especially important as we enter flu season during a global pandemic! In fact, as Wim notes, deep breathing may even increase the white cell count in our bone marrow, helping us combat illnesses like cancer (when paired with other treatments). Wim Hof has an amazing free app that can help you learn how to make deep breathing, mindfulness and cold exposure a daily habit, so check it out! He also has a free mini-class online. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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6 Surprising Benefits of Eating Onions

AHA Publisher — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 07:00:28 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – There’s a reason you need to get your daily servings of veggies. They’re packed with nutrients essential to your health, and every vegetable has its own unique properties and benefits. For example, onions – which are in the same family as chives, garlic, and shallots – are well-known for making you cry when you chop them. But, there’s a lot more to these flavorful, and sometimes tear-inducing, veggies. A closer look at this superfood finds that the nutrients in onions offer essential immune-boosting, inflammation-fighting, and antiviral properties. For centuries, people have used onions for their medicinal properties, and studies continue to back up the powerful health benefits of this superfood. Why Onions Can Improve Heart Health and Help You Avoid Cancer Cell Growth Onions pack in more than 25 different antioxidants, which help to inhibit oxidation – a process that can damage cells and contribute to many diseases. It’s all the different antioxidants in onions that enable them to fight against heart disease and cancer. When it comes to heart health, studies show that onions address multiple factors associated with improved heart health. Anthocyanins found in red onions have been proven to reduce the risk of a heart attack. Other studies show that regularly consuming onion lowers some of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglycerides and inflammation. The key compounds and chemicals found in onions can also help to prevent cancer, specifically liver and colon cancers. One meta-analysis concluded that individuals with a high intake of onions reduced their risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers discovered that the bitter, pungent onions seem to have the most potent anticancer benefits, helping to prevent cancer and, in some cases, even slow the spread of the disease. Additional health benefits of eating onions include: Improved bone density: Eating onions may help reduce bone loss and boost bone density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Studies show women who eat onions more frequently had a lower risk of bone fractures. Blood sugar control: Especially helpful for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes, eating onions regularly helps control blood sugar levels. Boosts digestive health: Onions offer an excellent source of prebiotics and fiber, and both are essential for good gut health. Eating foods that contain prebiotics helps increase the probiotics present in your digestive system, giving your digestive health a boost. Easy Ways to Get More of This POWERFUL Superfood Into Your Diet Onions don’t just have a powerful nutritional punch; they add plenty of flavor to many of your favorite dishes, too. Get more onions in your diet, and you’ll boost your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A few easy ways you can eat more onions to reap the health benefits include: Adding cooked onions to other veggies for delicious side dishes Use raw (chopped) onions in guacamole Add raw onions to salads Sauté onions and top your favorite protein with them Use onions along with garlic as a base for your soups and stocks Top your Mexican dishes like tacos with raw onions Toss onions into your favorite stir fry dish Sources for this article include: LifeExtension.com, Healthline.com, NaturalHealth365.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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