Immune Function Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Load Up On THESE Plant Foods to Boost Your Iron Intake

AHA Publisher — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 07:18:20 +0000

News Staff via NaturalHealth365 – We’ve all heard about the importance of including iron in our diets. However, it can be hard to know how to up your iron intake without eating tons of meat. Dialing back your meat intake, even if you don’t completely cut it out, has been shown to reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. But lowering your meat intake doesn’t mean sacrificing iron. Several powerful plant foods rich in iron can help ensure you’re giving your body what it needs. Iron Maintains Optimum Health in MULTIPLE Ways Iron is a vital mineral that plays a role in good health. One significant function of iron is that it helps your body make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is pivotal for transporting oxygen throughout your bloodstream. But that’s not all. Iron is vital for the immune system and cell function. Without iron, you could be at risk of anemia, a condition where you don’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen to your cells very well. Pregnant women are especially at risk for anemia. While the required iron intake varies from person to person, typically, men need about 8 milligrams a day, women 18 milligrams, and growing infants need 11 milligrams. Eat These Plant Foods to Boost Your Iron Intake So the question is, how can you maximize your dietary intake of iron? Several animal foods are rich in iron, such as meat, wild game, poultry, and seafood. There are two types of iron – heme and non-heme. The difference between them is that it’s easier for your body to absorb heme iron. So if you’re not getting dietary iron from meat, it’s a good idea to get plenty of vitamin C, which helps you absorb non-heme iron. Minimizing your toxic (factory produced) meat intake can benefit your overall health and lower your risk of certain chronic diseases. Luckily, several tasty plant-based foods provide essential iron. Nuts and legumes are good sources of iron for plant-eaters. Green leafy vegetables are also ideal sources of the mineral. For example, spinach contains 4 milligrams of iron in just one cup. It can be used in soups, salads, and more. You might even make it in a smoothie or use it as a pizza topping. What’s even better is that it also contains many other beneficial nutrients. Beets are also among iron superstar vegetables. These purple-hued root vegetables and their greens contain magnesium, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C for even more wholesome nutrition. Dark, leafy greens are another great source of plant iron. Kale is versatile and packed with good vitamins and minerals, including iron. Collard greens are also a delicious iron-rich choice. Or you could opt for sweet potatoes, broccoli, or peas to liven up your meal and give you some iron. With so many scrumptious plant-based recipes available, you can’t go wrong by adding these iron-rich plant foods to your meal plan. Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com To read the original article click here.

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Saffron Improves Brain Function in MULTIPLE Ways, Studies Suggest

AHA Publisher — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:00:28 +0000

Stephanie Vick via NaturalHealth365 – Saffron is one of the world’s most exotic and expensive spices. Besides its culinary prowess, it is a powerful healer with a long history of use as a medicinal herb dating back to ancient times. Thankfully, modern science is finally catching up and realizing the therapeutic effects of saffron on memory and mood. Real Proof That Saffron Improves Memory One of the most exciting findings on saffron’s medicinal use comes from a couple of studies published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Psychopharmacology. These studies show that saffron can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. In these two studies, patients were given 30 milligrams of saffron each day. One study monitored patients for 16 weeks, while the other study monitored patients for 22 weeks. At the end of the two studies, study authors discovered that the patients who took the daily saffron (in both monitored groups) did better on cognitive memory tests than those who did not take it. How Does Saffron Work to Help the Brain Retain Information? Saffron is full of natural antioxidants. These antioxidants are known to offer some protective benefits against the amyloid plaques that form in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. In addition, this spice also has gallic acid – which supports healthy immune function – which helps to keep those plaques from forming in the first place. And, finally, saffron contains pyrogallol, a natural compound that scientists have long known to have memory protective benefits. The evidence seems to point strongly to the fact that saffron, taken daily in moderate amounts, can protect against Alzheimer’s disease. It may even help improve memory, during the early stages of the disease, by keeping the formation of amyloid plaques to a minimum. A Safe Alternative to Toxic Antidepressant Medications Saffron has been used as a mood elevator since ancient Persian times. This is significant since conventional antidepressants are often given to Alzheimer’s patients, increasing the risk of unwanted side effects such as nausea, weight gain, insomnia, and anxiety. With Alzheimer’s disease already causing so many health problems, why would any rational healthcare professional want to give out dangerous drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, and Prozac – three of the most popular drugs on the market? Because of the danger posed by these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), many scientists are reasoning that the mood-boosting benefits of saffron would be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in July 2013, a study was done to test the mood-boosting properties of saffron. The same 30 milligrams a day was given to a group of clinical depressives for six weeks. At the end of the study, it was found that the mood of the test subjects improved as much or better than with traditional antidepressant drugs, and there were no side effects. Although the pharmaceutical industry may not be so happy about these results, it seems saffron has many benefits for the brain, and those benefits could lead to better memory function for those with Alzheimer’s disease. And, while it may not represent a ‘cure,’ it is definitely something that can offer hope for a better future and a healthier memory for those who take it. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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6 Anti-Inflammatory Teas to Begin Drinking Today

AHA Publisher — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:00:44 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – When it comes to immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory drinks, teas are at the top of the list. The antioxidant properties in most teas help to reduce oxidative stress, and the antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties work to boost immune function and overall health. What better way to support your health than by sipping on a comforting, nourishing cup of tea throughout the day? Explore these top anti-inflammatory teas that can benefit your overall wellness in so many ways. Top Anti-Inflammatory Teas 1. Green Tea The benefits of green tea and well-known and plentiful. It’s known as the ultimate anti-aging beverage, and it’s one of the most consumed drinks in the world. Many studies indicate that green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It suppresses the gene and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines. Drinking green tea has shown to improve the quality of life in patients with inflammatory diseases. And a study published in Food and Nutrition Research found that supplementation of green tea has beneficial effects on markers of inflammation and antioxidant status, as well as blood pressure. How to prepare: There are many types of green tea, with sencha being the most popular and matcha green tea gaining popularity because of its high antioxidant content. To prepare green tea, place your tea bag or high-quality tea leaves in a teapot and heat the water to 160–180 degrees Fahrenheit. This is under boiling temperatures so that you don’t reduce the delicate compounds found in green tea. Steep the leaves for 1–3 minutes, or more if the leaves are larger. You can add lemon juice or raw honey to green tea right before drinking. Preparing matcha tea is a different process. For matcha, you’ll add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to a bowl or cup and 2 ounces of almost boiled water. Then you whisk the powder for one minute until it becomes thick and frothy. Lastly, add 4 more ounces of water before drinking. 2. Chamomile Tea One of the most well-known anti-inflammatory teas is chamomile, which has been used for nearly 5,000 years for its ability to promote tranquility and longevity. Chamomile tea has actually been called an “herbal aspirin” because of its pain-lowering properties. The anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile allow the herb to reduce pain, swelling, redness and underlying issues of inflammation. Research evaluating the benefits of chamomile show that not only can the herb reduce inflammation when consumed in tea form, but it works to improve inflammatory issues when used topically too. Chamomile is often used to treat inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, and for various bacterial infections of the skin, mouth and respiratory tract. It may also help to soothe gastrointestinal complains and even inflammation of the eye. Just note, people with ragweed allergies sometimes report aggravated symptoms when drinking chamomile tea, so it may not be a suitable choice for people allergic to ragweed. How to prepare: Chamomile tea is the most popular way to consume the herb, and it’s widely available in ready-to-serve tea bags. You can also find chamomile powder and extracts, which are known to be the most potent forms of the herb’s antioxidants. If you are drinking chamomile tea to reduce inflammation, consume 1–4 cups per day. This strong anti-inflammatory herb can be used to make homemade beauty and body care recipes, too, such as this Homemade Bubble Bath with lavender and chamomile. 3. Ginger Tea Drinking ginger tea is a comforting, flavorful way to alleviate inflammation, ease an upset stomach and even control cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Gingerol, the most valuable compound in ginger, has been analyzed for its anti-inflammatory effects. Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests that this constituent in ginger modulates biochemical pathways that are activated in chronic inflammation. And a 2017 study published in PharmaNutrition indicates that ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are not limited to its phenolics, but are also due to the combined effects of the root’s metabolites, pungent gingerols and aromatic essential oils. How to prepare: Ginger tea is available in ready-to-serve tea bags that you can find in most grocery stores. You can also make your own ginger tea by following this easy anti-inflammatory herbal tea recipe: Peel and cut a 2-inch knob of ginger into thin slices Add slices to a pot of water and boil for 10–30 minutes (depending on your desired potency) Strain and discard ginger When ready to drink, add fresh lemon or organic honey for sweetness 4. Peppermint Tea Peppermint has proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-microbial properties. It’s often used to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and support respiratory health by reducing congestion and opening the airways. It’s known as one of the best teas for inflammation of the stomach. How to prepare: You can easily find peppermint tea in bag form at your local grocery store. There are also loose leaf tea options on the market. If you have peppermint oil at home, you can make an anti-inflammatory tea by adding two drops to green, white or black tea. This is an excellent remedy for upset stomach, respiratory issues and fatigue. 5. Turmeric Tea Turmeric tea is made by steeping turmeric root or powder. This is an easy way to add anti-inflammatory turmeric to your diet. The most active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has shown in vitro studies to reduce markers of inflammation. Research suggests that turmeric tea also helps to boost immune function by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress. The antioxidants in turmeric help to optimize your overall health. How to prepare: Turmeric tea is available in ready-to-serve tea bags. It can also be made from turmeric that is dried, ground or in powdered forms. To make your own, add 1–2 tablespoons of turmeric to 4 cups of water and let it simmer for 10 minutes. You can also try this Turmeric Tea Recipe that’s made with coconut milk, ghee and honey. 6. Yerba Mate Yerba mate is a plant that belongs to the holly family and its leaves and young twigs are shredded and aged to make loose-leaf tea. Yerba mate contains polyphenols and saponins that help to boost the immune system and support the body’s ability to protect itself from disease. Yerba mate is also nutrient-dense, containing multiple vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty aids, tannins, amino acids and chlorophyll. Research shows that yerba mate has a high antioxidant capacity and protects DNA from oxidation. How to prepare: Yerba mate is available in loose-leaf, ready-to-brew tea bags. You can also find it as a bottled cold beverage. When making a loose leaf tea, bring water or milk to a simmer, not a boil, add about one teaspoon per cup and let it steep for 3–5 minutes. For flavor, you can add lemon, mint or your favorite natural sweetener. Risks and Side Effects It’s possible that you’re allergic to one of these anti-inflammatory herbs, so discontinue drinking the tea if you experience food allergy symptoms, like itching, swelling or hives. Drinking too much of these top anti-inflammatory teas may, in some cases, cause heart burn, diarrhea or upset stomach. If this occurs, cut back on the amount of tea you are consuming. When drinking anti-inflammatory teas for medicinal or therapeutic purposes, stick to 1–2 cups a day, unless advised differently by your healthcare professional. This will minimize the risk of adverse side effects. Final Thoughts The top anti-inflammatory teas are made with herbs and roots that help to reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress that lead to disease. The best natural anti-inflammatory teas are available in ready-to-serve tea bags that can be found in most grocery stores and they can be prepared at home by steeping the herb or root for several minutes. Drinking about two cups (or more if well-tolerated) of anti-inflammatory tea will help to promote immune function and overall health. To read the original article click here.

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Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 08:00:35 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Did you know there’s one system in your body that’s responsible for the health of all other systems? Sure, if your nervous system or cardiovascular system fails, the whole body fails. However, there’s one system that functions to maintain the health of all other crucial organs. This one system is the digestive system. Your digestive health is paramount to your entire body’s health, and specifically your brain’s health. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 60-70 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive issues each year (1). Some are severe. Some are more minor. All impede everyday life to some extent and affect every other system in the body. It’s for this reason that Dr. Colbert has created an amazing system to help you care for your digestive health: Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. This complete kit includes the best probiotics available, a two-fiber supplement powder for complete digestive health, and Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone book. With the Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll learn how digestive health affects your entire body and what you can do to keep yours in top-notch shape! Digestive Health, Brain Health and Beyond Amazingly, your digestive health has direct implications for your brain health. In fact, it’s now known that: Gut inflammation promotes brain inflammation and declining function An unhealthy digestive tract promotes illness in other parts of the body Healing your gut can reduce brain fog, increase alertness, support youthful memory, and energize the body and brain Immune function is dependent on a healthy digestive tract Healthy digestion is first responsible for nourishing your body, from your hair to your toes. What’s more, there is an incredible gut-brain connection that impacts your brain health directly. In fact, your digestive tract is home to 75% of your immune system. The health of your brain depends on strong immunity and a healthy gut-brain connection! Are you convinced? Ready to take care of your digestive health above all else? Here are 5 steps you can take today to optimize digestive health and therefore, whole-body health with Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System. 5 Steps to Optimal Health 1. Take Care of the Good Bacteria Forty trillion. This is the number of bacteria in your body. Most are in your intestines. And, most are there to help you. It’s time to start helping them. How? It’s simple, really. The first thing to do is to replenish and fortify your healthy bacteria with probiotic supplements and foods. Within Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you’ll receive Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend. Beyond Biotics is a probiotic supplement that contains live, viable probiotic bacteria in pill form. It is specifically beneficial to modern-day humans since we have many food-supply, environmental, and chemical compounds that harm our digestive tracts and bacteria. Both anecdotal reports and studies show that probiotics help acute digestion symptoms. They can also produce beneficial effects on the bacteria in the gut (2). What’s more, they can affect other health issues within the body as they improve digestion comfort, nutrient absorption and microbiota (3, 4, 5). In addition, Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book emphasizes healthy foods you can consume to fortify your digestive tract’s healthy bacteria. These include Divine Health® Fermented Greens Supremefoods, plain yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, tempeh, and more. Don’t leave your healthy bacteria to fend for themselves. Fortify them with probiotics each day. 2. Fortify Your Digestive Tract with Fiber Next, you can fortify your digestive tract with fiber. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Fiber Zone is included in the Healthy Gut Zone System. Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Fiber Zone is a delicious fiber powder specially formulated using 2 of the most powerful, important fibers available. First, it contains psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is made of both soluble (70%) and insoluble fibers (30%). This means twice the benefits. It acts as a prebiotic, feeding and fortifying healthy gut bacteria. Its insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, providing bulk and softness to stools. This encourages digestive health, reduced inflammation, and a healthy gut-brain connection (6). Next, Fiber Zone contains inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber. Like psyllium, it feeds the healthy bacteria and cells in our digestive tracts, making them stronger and healthier (7). Together, these fibers work to reduce hunger cravings, support healthy digestion, encourage optimal weight, support bone health and optimize the gut-brain connection (8). In addition, following Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Book, eat healthy high fiber and prebiotic foods. These include berries, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, greens, onions, garlic, leaks, cacao, flaxseeds, hemp heart seeds, nuts, and more. 3. Nourish With Collagen Collagen is another great food for your digestive health! In fact, collagen supports healthy digestion, joint health, vibrant skin, healthy weight, and more! In particular, those who suffer from leaky gut syndrome can find relief by adding collagen to their diets. With this digestive issue, toxins, allergens and large particles are able to pass from your gut into your bloodstreams, causing negative reactions. Collagen can help fortify connective tissue in the protective lining of the digestive tract. It heals it and helps it seal out the offending particles. Further, it supports better digestive health in those who suffer from inflammatory digestive issues, acid reflux, and more (9). Keto Zone® Collagen Powder is a great source of collagen. It is enzymatically hydrolyzed, or predigested, for effortless digestion and full absorption into the body. It is derived from chicken and marine peptides, and contains Types I, II, and III collagen. This combination of collagen supports the formation of elastin in the body, which is critical in fighting against wrinkles and sagging skin. 4. Avoid Harmful Substances Did you know some substances you consume actually harm digestive health? Some foods, drinks, and environmental contaminants harm or destroy digestive cells, healthy bacteria, and more. These include: Sugar: Sugar can harm the digestive tract in a few ways. First, it promotes the growth of harmful Candida albicans which can lead to leaky gut and other digestive issues (10). Next, high-sugar diets increase gut permeability, degrades healthy gut barriers, increases spleen weight, and increases inflammatory immune response in animal studies (11). Man-Made Artificial Sweeteners: Chemical artificial sweeteners have been widely used in “diet foods.” Unfortunately, they can have negative effects on gut bacteria. Animal and human studies have shown that aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and other artificial sweeteners can impair gut bacteria (12) allowing other microbes to take over (13). If you use sugar substitutes, make sure they are natural ones like sugar alcohols: xylitol is safe and does not seem to affect gut bacteria (13). Antibiotics: In recent years, there has been a push to drastically reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. Most doctors have been urged to only prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, and with much less frequency than in previous decades. The overuse of antibiotics has been shown to 1) hurt the gut by wiping out healthy bacteria, and 2) lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the World Health Organization is also working to reduce the antibiotics that humans consume. It is recommending that routine antibiotic use in animals is stopped and reserved only when the animal is sick (14). Alcohol: Unfortunately, alcohol, especially in large quantities, can negatively affect the bacteria colonies in the gut. In fact, many people who abuse alcohol have impaired nutrient absorption, poor digestion, and discomfort. When used in moderation, bacteria colonies can remain healthy. But, overuse of alcohol can destroy them (15). Nicotine: Nicotine is harmful to digestive health. It has been associated with excess reflux, peptic ulcers, and a decrease in colon strength. What’s more, smokers experience higher Helicobacter pylori infections (16). While you use the tools in Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System, you will learn to also avoid these compounds that harm your digestive system. 5. Be Active, Hydrate, and Reduce Stress Your lifestyle choices make a difference in the health of your digestive system. First, exercise can improve digestion. Movement and gravity helps food naturally move through your intestines. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle actually harms the digestive system. When we sit all day, our digestive tract is kinked. This makes natural, healthy digestion more difficult. Make sure to get up frequently and include physical activity each day to support healthy digestion. Next, healthy digestion depends on the presence of fluids. Water helps break down food, lubricates the digestive tract, reduces constipation, and keeps your cells healthy. Make sure to drink water throughout each day. Lastly, chronic stress can have a negative effect on digestion. In fact, chronic stress can decrease the blood flow to the intestines, slow nutrient absorption, and even change how the bacteria in your gut function. One way to reduce stress? In addition to daily de-stress strategies, make sure you stay hydrated! Dehydration is linked to elevated cortisol levels. Bottom Line You can improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to help the millions of Americans that suffer from digestive issues. Try Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone System now and enjoy better digestion! To read the original article click here.

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12 Easy Daily Healthy Immune Habits

AHA Publisher — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 08:00:52 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Each day you wake up to new experiences, challenges and opportunities. You likely think about the tasks ahead at the beginning of the day. Within that time, do you think about ways you can support your immune system? Or, healthy immune function habits that promote whole body health? If not, we have a cheat sheet for you. Here are 12 Daily Healthy Immune Habits that are easy to implement starting today. Moreover, here’s how simple habits affect immune function both positively and negatively. How Can Habits Support Immune Function? There are a few different ways lifestyle habits can affect immune function. First, they can reduce inflammatory actions and oxidative stress in the body. Next, they can activate immune cells directly. Third, they can indirectly affect your immunity. For example, high blood sugars are associated with increased infection risk (1), while controlled ones are not. Lastly, and on the other side, they can negatively impact immune function by diminishing the health of immune cells or degrading the body’s overall health. Your daily habits matter. Throughout each day, you can choose to support your immune function. Make your habit choices wisely. 12 Daily Healthy Immune Function Habits 1. GRATITUDE WHEN YOU WAKE How can you prioritize your health and immune function right when you wake up? You can be purposeful to start the day with gratitude. Whatever lies ahead in your day, you can be grateful for something or someone to start. How does this support immune health? Gratitude is one of our daily immune support habits because it can reduce stress and cortisol. Cortisol increases inflammation in the body. What’s more, gratitude can improve sleep while reducing stress. A study of 400 individuals found that writing gratitudes during the day and/or before sleep improves both the quality and duration of sleep (1). Another study found that gratitude was linked to a 10% improvement in sleep and a 19% decrease in sadness levels in patients with health issues and insomnia (2). For an extra boost, combine your time of gratitude with meditation. Focus on the moment, the day, and those things for which you are grateful. Be present in these thoughts, not thinking ahead or behind. Incredibly, this sort of mindful meditation can stimulate the immune system. Its benefits include improvements in specific markers of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, and biological aging (3). 2. ICE-COLD SHOWER FOR BETTER IMMUNE FUNCTION Not everyone enjoys an ice-cold shower or burst of cold water in the morning. But for those who can stand it, it will support immune health! How? First, cold showers are linked to an improved immune system. A recent study from the Netherlands found that cold showers significantly reduced sick days in workers. In fact, 30 seconds or more of cold showering per day reduced sick days by 29% in the study. Additionally, more than half the participants decided to continue the cold-shower practice after the study since they were convinced by the results (4). Why would cold water improve immunity? It’s thought that cold-water-stress induces the production of catecholamines, which may play a critical role in supporting the immune system. 3. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS Specific vitamins, minerals and compounds support your immune function. While you can certainly eat foods that do so as well, supplements can bolster immunity with larger amounts of isolated nutrients. Specific immune-supporting nutrients include vitamin C, B-vitamins, elderberry, zinc, and vitamin D3 (5, 6). If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all of these compounds, try this supplement. Dr. Colbert’s Immune Support contains each one in amounts designed to support your immune system best. 4. GET OUTSIDE INTO THE SUNSHINE EARLY There are many benefits to getting outside. And, the earlier you do it, the better. Sunshine and time outdoors both support immune health, for free! They: Increase vitamin D production: Optimal vitamin D levels are associated with fewer seasonal illnesses. What’s more, optimal vitamin D levels support health throughout the body, from bones to skin to organs Improve melatonin levels, especially if you’re out in the early hours after waking. Why does this matter for immune function? Optimal melatonin improves sleep, and sleep is directly beneficial to the immune system Improve mood, which decreases cortisol to support healthy immune function Get outside whenever you can, and aim for early hours if possible. 5. DAILY HYDRATION FOR HEALTH AND REDUCED CORTISOL Did you know that fluid restriction and dehydration may increase cortisol in your body? This becomes especially true if you are participating in an outdoor activity (7). To reduce cortisol and therefore inflammation, hydrate your body regularly. As a bonus, you’ll promote overall cell health and skin. One recent study has shown that increasing water consumption by 2 liters per day improved skin condition and physiology, even in those who already consumed high amounts of water. The researchers concluded that this increase and improvement in skin health would likely have the most positive effect on those with lower daily water consumption (8). If you want to take the immune and health benefits even further, drink green tea for part of your daily hydration. 6. MEALS WITH IMMUNE SUPPORTING FOODS Throughout the day, choose foods that are anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants. Vibrant fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, nuts, spices, and protein often fit the bill. Specific foods include: Fish and seafood Healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, avocados, MCT oil powder, and more Vibrant vegetables and small amounts of fruits Cacao, spices, and herbs such as ginger, garlic, basil, and more Potent greens and herbs like spirulina, wheatgrass, milk thistle, and more Great foods can be delicious and promote healthy immune function! 7. MOVE YOUR BODY Exercise provides a powerful 3-punch combination of immune function, health, and healthy aging. It: Modulates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body by supporting neuroprotective action, increasing circulating of anti-inflammatory markers, and improving antioxidant defenses (9). Promotes overall body composition and healthy weights. Unhealthy weights are associated with a decline in immune function. Decreases blood glucose. High blood sugars are linked to worsened infections (1). 8. LAUGH AND ENJOY HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS What do healthy relationships and laughter have to do with immune function and overall health? Incredibly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development has shown that good social relationships promote physical and mental health, provide a buffer against loneliness, increase longevity, and foster happiness. The Harvard Nurses’ Health Study found similar results. This means less anxiety and cortisol, and better health outcomes. Next, laughter further reduces cortisol, increases dopamine, and increases endorphins. These chemicals decrease discomfort, cortisol (10), and depressed moods (11) while elevating cellular health. 9. STARTING MID-EVENING, EMPLOY INTERMITTENT FASTING Around 7 pm in the evening, consider starting a daily intermittent fast to support your health and immune function. Amazingly, there are many documented benefits to intermittent fasting including: Immune function support (12) Improve cholesterol markers* Reduced triglyceride levels* Improved aging* Healthy weight changes without negative cellular adaptations* Reduced blood sugar abnormalities* In fact, many studies have shown that intermittent fasting supports healthy aging, brain health, heart health, and blood sugars (13). To add intermittent fasting to support immune health, aim to fast 15-16 out of the 24 hours per day. Simply finish eating dinner at 7 pm each night, and fast with only non-carbohydrate liquids (like coffee) until 10 am or so. 10. SLEEP: 7 OR MORE HOURS PER NIGHT Good quality sleep has many health and aging benefits. These include: Reduced daily cortisol* Healthy immune function* Better melatonin levels* Less depressed moods* Less inflammatory reactions* Healthy body weight* Healthy heart function* It’s a cycle. Good sleep begets good sleep, and lack of sleep increases cortisol for up to 24 hours which negatively affects sleep again (14). Lack of sleep has also been shown to reduce mental performance and alertness while increasing inflammation and cortisol (15). 11. DE-STRESS BEFORE BED Amazingly, stress and high cortisol levels can negatively affect immune function and response (22). You can fight back with an amazing all-natural stress-reducing oil. Hemp oil, specifically nano-particle oils like those in Dr. Colbert’s Nano-Science Hemp Oil, promotes health across the body’s systems while combatting stress. In fact, it’s nature’s best stress relief. It is a broad-spectrum hemp oil that is organically grown, vegan, and GMO-free. In terms of health, it have been shown to: Support healthy, stable moods (16) Promote stress relief and normalized cortisol levels Support comfortable, healthy joints (17) Encourage healthy sleep habits (18) Promote healthy skin with fewer irregularities and blemishes (19) Support healthy brain and nervous system functions (20) Encourage healthy cardiovascular functions and normalized inflammatory actions (21) 12. FAST FROM FROM DETRIMENTAL FOODS AND DETOX THE BODY REGULARLY Here’s another healthy habit with a big punch! Get rid and detox from the foods that have a negative effect on health and immune function. It’s time to reduce sweets, sugars, and refined carbohydrates, omit processed food fats like soybean oil, and help your body detox from the build-up of toxins and chemicals. How? The easiest and most effective way is to follow the Keto Zone Diet. In fact, Dr. Colbert’s Gut Zone Bookprovides a complete road map to reducing these foods, achieving a healthy weight, and supporting healthy immune function. Bottom Line Ready to support immune health every day? You can do it! These easy healthy immune function habits can be implemented together, or one at a time. Focus each day on your immune system and promote health throughout your body! To read the original article click here.

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Countering Stress-Induced Immune Suppression with Diet

AHA Publisher — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:00:48 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – How might we improve immune function in children and adults under physical or psychological stress? “Natural immunomodulators”—compounds that might regulate our immune systems naturally—”are getting more and more popular. The popularity, however, often brings over-optimistic claims and mediocre effects.” Such mythical beasts have been sought after for centuries. The current market is full of all sorts of supplements “promising the golden fleece”—inexpensive and without side effects, yet actively boosting our immune systems. “Many are simply repeating claims with hardly any substantial scientific background” to support them. On the other hand, there’s beta-glucan, which has undergone more than 10,000 scientific studies and clinical trials. Wait, what? If you remember, beta-glucan is the fiber in nutritional yeast I talked about previously in my video Preserving Immune Function in Athletes with Nutritional Yeast, and it is able to decrease episodes of common illnesses in young children. What about in adults? But, first, why can’t researchers just come up with a vaccine against the common cold virus? Because there is no single common cold virus. Hundreds of different viruses are implicated in causing cold-like symptoms, which is why there is so much interest in finding a general, nonspecific immune booster that works across the board, as I discuss in my video Flashback Friday: Best Food to Counter Stress-Induced Immune Suppression. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of our moist membranes, such as our eyes, nose, and mouth. As you can see at 1:27 in my video, beta-glucan supplementation can increase IgA levels in the saliva within four days at a daily dose of 400mg, but not at 100mg. So, the effective amount is found in about two daily teaspoons of nutritional yeast, but a half teaspoon is ineffective. A single teaspoon’s worth didn’t do much until research participants exercised. As you can see at 1:48 in my video, two hours after a 50–minute bout of strenuous cycling in a hot, humid environment, those who had been on the yeast beta-glucan did get that IgA boost. However, beta-glucans failed to boost the antimicrobial activity of white blood cells of subjects who had been taking about a tablespoon’s worth a day, as you can see at 2:06 in my video. What we care about, though, are clinical outcomes. Do those consuming beta-glucans suffer significantly fewer infections? How about a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled nutritional study to see if yeast beta-glucan can improve our immune defense system? Sounds good! One hundred people were followed for 26 weeks. Fifty subjects got about a tablespoon of nutritional yeast’s worth of beta-glucan a day, and the other half got a placebo. Participants counted how many episodes of the common cold they got, and there was no significant difference. If you look only at the first half of the study duration, during cold season, there did appear to be fewer infections in the beta-glucan group, but going back and looking at your data after the fact is what’s called a post-hoc analysis, which is frowned upon by the scientific community because it increases the likelihood that your findings are due to chance. However, those who did end up getting sick while on the beta-glucan did genuinely appear to suffer milder symptoms, as you can see at 3:09 in my video. A similar, larger study had similar findings. The severity of the colds may have lessened, but, in the main analysis, there was no significant difference in the number of times people got colds in the first place. Indeed, “no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups in the number of SRI [symptomatic respiratory infection] episodes” were seen in other studies, and there was no significant effect on upper respiratory tract infection outcomes either. So, overall, the results were pretty disappointing. But, wait a second. What about my previous video that I mentioned at the start of this article? The one about preserving immune function in athletes with nutritional yeast. In that video, I had discussed how researchers had found a significant drop in cold symptoms at two weeks and at four weeks after a marathon at doses of one teaspoon of yeast’s worth of beta-glucan a day and also at two teaspoons’ worth. Okay, the subjects had just run a marathon, though…but, wait. Remember the study where the effect only seemed to emerge after strenuous exercise? That’s where beta-glucan seems to shine: counteracting the toll that extreme physical exertion can have on our immune function. In an athlete, that may just mean some lost training or practice days, but for soldiers or firefighters, for example, maintaining one’s health—even in the context of heavy physical stress—could be critical. Yes, but that’s counteracting the effects of physical stress. What about mental stress? Stressful life events can impair our moist membrane defenses, such that “psychological stress [has] been shown to increase susceptibility to the common cold and increased upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) episodes.” So we’re talking stressed-out people getting more colds and worse colds than people under less stress. Can beta-glucan help in any way? Indeed, in a study of healthy women under “moderate levels of psychological stress,” those taking about a teaspoon of nutritional yeast’s worth of beta-glucans every day for 12 weeks were 60 percent less likely to report experiencing symptoms like a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, or cough. “This strongly suggests that…yeast beta-glucan is able to counteract the negative effects of stress on the immune system,” and, as you can see at 5:24 in my video, the subjects on beta-glucan experienced 41 percent greater vigor, which is a measure that encompasses “physical energy, mental acuity, and emotional well-being.” So, they just felt better, too. When we put all the studies together, yeast beta-glucans do appear to have “an immune strengthening effect,” at least in children and those under physical or mental stress. KEY TAKEAWAYS Beta-glucan, the fiber in nutritional yeast, is able to decrease episodes of common illnesses in young children. The antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) is important for our moist membranes, including our eyes, nose, and mouth. About two daily teaspoons of nutritional yeast can increase IgA levels in saliva within four days. Yeast beta-glucan intake may improve our immune defense system, able to reduce the severity of colds. Two and four weeks after subjects ran a marathon, researchers found significant drops in cold symptoms at doses of one and two teaspoons of yeast’s worth of beta-glucan a day. Beta-glucan seems to excel at counteracting extreme physical exertion and psychological stress. Overall, yeast beta-glucans appear to have “an immune strengthening effect” in children and those under physical or mental stress. To read the original article click here.

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UCSF Researchers Discover How the Immune System May Play a Role in Miscarriage

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:00:24 +0000

University of California – San Francisco via News-Medical – Researchers at UC San Francisco are zeroing in on how the immune system may play a role in miscarriage, which affects about a quarter of pregnancies. Working in mice, the researchers have found that a recently discovered subset of cells in the immune system may prevent the mother’s immune system from attacking the placenta and fetus. If the research is confirmed in further animal studies, and the cells play a similar role in people, they could point the way toward new therapies for pregnancies that are threatened by defects in immune tolerance. The researchers showed that pregnant mice who did not have this subset of cells, known as extrathymic Aire-expressing cells, were twice as likely to miscarry, and in many of these pregnancies fetal growth was severely restricted. “When you’re pregnant, the immune system is seeing the placenta for the first time in decades – not since the mother made a placenta when she herself was a fetus,” said Eva Gillis-Buck, MD, a UCSF surgery resident and first author of the paper in Science Immunology. “Our research suggests that this subset of immune cells is carrying out a sort of ‘secondary education’ – sometimes many years after the better-known population of the educator cells have carried out the primary education in the thymus – teaching T cells not to attack the fetus, the placenta and other tissues involved in pregnancy.” The immune system has to be educated not to attack one’s own tissues and organs to prevent autoimmune disease. But pregnancy presents a unique challenge, since the fetus expresses proteins found in the placenta as well as proteins whose genetics are distinct from the mother. “It was a conceptual leap to link Aire-expressing cells, which are critical for preventing autoimmune disease, to pregnancy. This work hints at a mechanism for the known association between autoimmune disease and pregnancy complications.” (Tippi Mackenzie, MD, professor of surgery and co-director of the UCSF Center for Maternal Fetal Precision Medicine and senior author of the paper) Like the better-known educator cells in the thymus, the rare subset – originally discovered by James Gardner, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of surgery, investigator in the UCSF Diabetes Center, and a senior author of the study – is known for their ability to express a unique protein called the Autoimmune Regulator, or Aire. Aire has been extensively studied in the thymus, where it helps define the curriculum of this “high school” for the immune system. But the Aire-expressing cells under study reside outside the thymus in the lymph nodes and spleen, so they are called extrathymic Aire-expressing cells, or eTACs. Their role in the immune system is not fully known, although the UCSF scientists suspect they provide a mechanism for “continuing education.” The pregnancy finding is the first evidence that eTACs play a role in the maintenance of normal immune tolerance. In the thymus, Aire-expressing cells begin interacting with other immune cells very early in life to teach them what not to attack. The thymus begins to shrink and is nearly gone by adulthood, by which time most immune cells have been educated. But as the thymus shrinks, the population of eTACs in lymph nodes and the spleen expands. The study suggests a healthy pregnancy may depend on having these cells around. To tease apart the normal role of this outlier population of Aire-expressing cells, the researchers used genetically engineered mice from the Gardner lab to delete eTACs selectively during pregnancy. “Understanding how the immune system normally gets educated to distinguish ‘self’ from ‘non-self’ is a very fundamental problem in biology,” Gardner said. “Once we know the basic wiring of this self-education system, we hope to do all kinds of powerful things – like modify the curriculum to improve pregnancy outcomes, prevent autoimmunity, or promote tolerance of transplanted organs.” To read the original article click here.

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5 Ways a Healthy Weight Support Immune Function. Achieve Yours

AHA Publisher — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 07:00:18 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you’re overweight, you can make a significant difference in your immune function, starting today! By working towards a healthy weight, you can improve the health of your body systems that spur immune health. While this is easier said than done, even prudent changes in weight can make a huge difference. In fact, a healthy weight supports immune function by supporting heart function, hormones, digestion, and more. Notably, there is a direct and measurable improvement in immune function outcomes and the incidence of sickness during and after healthy weight changes. It will take work and dedication to improve your weight. We are here to help and have a plan that will guide you towards a healthy weight and lifestyle. Are you ready to support your immune function with a healthier weight? Unhealthy Weight and Incidence of Sickness During the past few decades, experts have come to understand that being at an unhealthy weight, directly and indirectly, increases the risk of seasonal sickness and poor immune function. In fact, they believe that being overweight can cause a chronic state of inflammation that harms immune function. This can result in a blunted immune response to harmful invaders and microbes, poor recovery, and even a decreased response with medications (1). As the number of overweight individuals continues to increase in the population, health experts are bracing for more and more community sickness. But, there’s good news. Even just a small change in weight or a loss of about 5-10% can make a big difference in immune function. And, the more an individual moves towards a healthy weight, the better the results become. Here are 5 ways a healthy weight supports immune function. 5 Ways a Healthy Weight Supports Immune Function 1. HEALTHIER GUT BACTERIA AND REDUCED INFLAMMATION Did you know that gut microbiota (bacteria) is altered in an overweight or obese individual compared to one at a healthy weight? It’s true. It’s in an unhealthy state. This unhealthy state has big implications for immune function and overall health. Human gut bacteria plays many roles, and an immune function is highly dependent on it. What’s not so clear is whether being obese causes healthy bacteria to change and become unhealthy, or whether the altered gut bacteria contribute to obesity. Experts believe the answer is a bit of both. There are several mechanisms linking the gut microbiota with obesity, altered insulin reactions, inflammation, metabolic issues, failing liver function, and more. The unhealthy gut bacteria may actually contribute to an altered hormone state that perpetuates fat gain (2). More fat gain further deteriorates healthy gut bacteria. This unhealthy cycle continues and reaps havoc on immune function. So, how does a healthy weight affect the gut and immune system? As an individual works towards and achieves a healthy weight, there are significant changes in gut microbial composition. These changes continue to spur advances toward a healthy weight. This is true for both diet-induced weight changes and bariatric surgery (3). Adding healthy bacteria to the diet during the effort can further support digestion and immune function. 2. NORMALIZED BLOOD SUGARS WITH A HEALTHY WEIGHT Did you know the presence of high blood sugars increases the incidence of sickness and infection? Thankfully, a healthy weight can normalize blood sugars. In fact, when blood sugars are high, sickness can induce a stress reaction which may lead to the secretion of hyperglycemic hormones, abnormal glucose variability, and health complications. What’s more, infections increase blood sugar levels which perpetuates the problem. The opposite is true when an individual works towards a healthy weight. In one study, researchers reported that improvements in weight were strongly associated with improvements in blood sugars, blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and HDL cholesterol. They stated that a modest weight loss of just 5-10% was enough to improve health (4). 3. HEALTHY WEIGHT MEANS A HEALTHIER HEART Another organ vital to overall health and immune function is the heart. Unfortunately, obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses. Why? Being overweight stresses the heart, and this can lead to increased inflammation, elevated blood pressure, and changes in heart structure. What’s more, pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by adipose tissue can induce cardiac dysfunction (5). On the other hand, most illnesses can hurt the heart, and harmful microbes can promote the development of cardiovascular disorders and injury. An unhealthy or weak heart diminishes immune strength (6). Achieving a healthy weight supports immune function and heart health! 4. A HEALTHY WEIGHT PROMOTES A HEALTHIER LIVER The liver is extremely important to immune function and the detoxification of the human body. Unfortunately, an unhealthy weight can impair liver function. If you’re worried about your weight, liver, and immune system, there’s good news. A recent study found that a 5% decrease in BMI (body mass index) in overweight participants resulted in a decrease in liver fat and liver volume. They saw improvements in liver health with this weight decrease (7). As you achieve a healthy weight, you can support liver and immune function! 5. HEALTHY LUNGS Many people don’t think of the lungs when they think of immune health. However, they are vital. Healthy alveoli (tissues at the ends of bronchi in the lungs) are responsible for gaseous exchange in and out of the lungs and blood supply. They also work as an emergency exit for toxins. When your lungs are healthy, they support immune function by helping rid the body of toxic substances, microbes, and byproducts. However, being overweight can impair lung function. It causes substantial changes to the mechanics of the lungs and chest wall. This can result in asthma-like symptoms and inflammation in the lungs. Positive changes in BMI can help! In fact, several studies have found that improved weights result in increases in lung volumes and overall lung health (8). In addition to a healthy weight, it’s vitally important for lung health to abstain from smoking. How to Work Towards a Healthy Weight Starting Today If you are interested in supporting your immune system and overall health by achieving a healthy weight, we have plans for you! In fact, you can start with Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast. It’s free and will help you improve the health of every system mentioned here. Then, you can make real lifestyle changes and achieve a healthy weight with Keto Zone. Start by joining our FREE Keto Zone 21-Day-Challenge. Next, keep going with the Keto Zone Starter Kitincluding Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone Diet Book and his latest book, Healthy Gut Zone, as approximately 75 percent of your total immune cells are found in your gut. Bottom Line You can support your immune system, but it takes working towards a healthy weight. Work towards your goals, and let us help with proven programs for health, immunity, and lifestyle change! You can start for free today! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Diet or Exercise? New Research Shows Which One Leads to Weight Loss

AHA Publisher — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:00:51 +0000

Lorie Johnson via CBN News – People who want to lose weight need to cut calories, not increase their exercise expenditure. Although exercise is necessary for overall health, research shows increasing our movement can’t make us thin. These findings come from years of research on cultures that endure strenuous physical activity each day who don’t have a lot of food. A prime example would be the Hazda people living in southeast Africa. Duke University researcher Dr. Herman Pontzer and his team first examined the Hazdas’ daily energy output ten years ago. “Of course they’re so physically active,” Dr. Pontzer told CBN News, “Men are walking ten miles a day, women are walking six or eight miles a day. We were sure they’d be burning so many more calories than people in the US and Europe and industrialized populations.” They were wrong. Knocked Their Socks Off The researchers witnessed and documented extreme levels of exercise among the hunter-gatherer people group. However, using highly advanced and accurate measurement techniques, they discovered the Hazdas didn’t burn more calories than their couch-potato counterparts half a world away. “Instead what we found,” Dr. Pontzer said, “It knocked our socks off, was that actually, Hadza men and women, who are incredibly physically active, burn the same number of calories as we are here in the US.” That number? “On average, men burn about 3,000 calories a day, women burn about 2,500 a day just by virtue of being a little bit smaller,” he said. In his book, Burn: New Research Blows the Lid Off How We Really Burn Calories, Lose Weight, and Stay Healthy, Dr. Pontzer lays out a number of similar studies on calorie expenditure in different cultures around the world over the last decade that all reached the same startling conclusion: people who exercise more don’t burn markedly more calories than people who hardly exercise at all. “What we find is that people who are really physically active are burning the same number of calories as people who are less active, in fact, even more sedentary,” Dr. Pontzer said. How Can This Be? To help explain this metabolic mystery, scientists discovered that regardless of how much we exercise, the human body’s daily calorie expenditure primarily consists of burning most of its energy in ways that keep our bodies operating. “Your immune function, your reproductive function, just staying alive day-to-day,” Dr. Pontzer said, adding that things like thinking, breathing, and digestion burn a lot of calories. Dr. Pontzer says he and his fellow scientists learned that when people exercise a great deal, the body’s metabolism shifts in a way that doesn’t allow a person to burn more calories. “Your body makes adjustments in those activities and how much it’s spending on those activities to make room for physical activity,” he said. Although excess exercise prevents people from losing weight, which many overweight westerners may view as a drawback, since these cultures have an abundance of food, it also prevents people from starving to death in cultures that don’t have a lot of high-calorie foods. Watch What You Eat In light of this discovery, how does a person drop those unwanted pounds? Pontzer says the answer is easy to understand but difficult to implement. “So if you want to manage your weight, you want to focus on diet,” he said. Scientists tell us we should look to the old adage, “calories in versus calories out.” In other words, our weight is determined by the difference between how many calories we consume versus how many calories we burn. Dr. Pontzer says since we now understand the number of calories we burn is relatively fixed, in order to manage our weight, we need to focus on the variable that is flexible: the number of calories we consume. Surprisingly, however, he discourages people from trying to count them because people tend to make mistakes. “It’s actually really hard to pay attention to the calories you eat every day,” he explained, ” You forget. Or you sort-of misestimate how much you eat. It happens to everyone.” Instead, he recommends daily weighing and adjusting food intake based on what the scale reads. If the number on the scale is higher than you’d like, cut back on what you’re consuming. Dr. Pontzer says the best place to start is by avoiding processed items such as sugary drinks and prepared packaged foods. “They’re literally engineered for you to over-consume,” he said. Dr. Pontzer says people who are trying to lose weight should replace processed foods with whole foods. These are items that are close to their original state[s], such as fresh produce, meat, fish, and dairy. Many of these items can be found on the exterior of the grocery store. They are foods that are generally lower in calories than processed foods while at the same time make you feel fuller than processed foods. Pontzer stresses that even though exercise is not necessary to lose weight we still need to exercise. Physical activity helps fight disease in many ways such as lowering inflammation, improving brain function, and strengthening the cardiovascular system. To read the original article click here. For more articles from CBN News click here.

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