immune system health Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Obesity’s Impacts on Our Immune System & Kidney & Liver Diseases

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:24:00 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What are the effects of weight loss on natural killer cell function, our first line of immune defense against cancer, kidney function, and fatty liver disease? In the ABCs of the health consequences of obesity, I is for Immunity. The SOS trial followed the fates of thousands of bariatric surgery patients for a decade or two, compared to a control group who maintained their weight. Those who surgically lost about 20 percent of their body weight not only lived longer, thanks in part to less diabetes and less cardiovascular disease, but they also got less cancer. This may be because anti-tumor immunity appears to be affected by weight. Natural killer cells are our immune system’s first line of defense against cancer cells and many viral infections, “and their function is severely impaired in individuals with obesity.” When individuals who were obese were randomized to a weight-loss program, researchers found a significant reactivation of the participants’ natural killer cell function within just three months. The program involved an exercise component, though, so it’s hard to tease out the impact of the weight loss itself since physical activity on its own can boost natural killer cell activity. On the other end of the immune spectrum, obesity is suspected to be a causal risk factor for the development of the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. This suggests obesity is associated with the worst of both worlds when it comes to immune function: underactivity when it comes to protecting against cancer and infection, and overactivity when it comes to certain inflammatory autoimmune conditions. J is for Jaundice. Thanks to the obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now the most common liver disorder in the industrialized world. Fat doesn’t just end up in our belly and thighs but inside some of our internal organs. More than 80 percent of individuals with abdominal obesity may have fatty infiltration into their liver, and in those with severe obesity, the prevalence can exceed 90 percent. This can lead to inflammation, scarring, and, ultimately, cirrhosis and liver cancer, as you can see below and a 2:10 in my video The Effects of Obesity on the Immune System and Kidney and Liver Diseases. Currently, this nonalcoholic fatty hepatitis is the leading cause of liver transplants in American women. K is for Kidneys. Obesity is also “one of the strongest risk factors for new-onset chronic kidney disease.” Our kidneys compensate for the metabolic demands of excess weight by red-lining into what’s called “hyperfiltration” to deal with the extra workload. This resulting increased pressure within our kidneys can damage the sensitive structures and increase the risk of kidney failure over the long term. What about L, M, N, O, P through Z? If you want to continue through the alphabet, L could be for diminished lung function, M could be for metabolic syndrome, and so on. There is even an X—for xiphodynia—pain at the tip of the bottom of the breastbone from being bent forward by an expanding abdomen. Given the myriad health conditions associated with excess weight, “annual medical spending attributable to an obese individual” is nearly $2,000 per year and workers who are obese with multiple conditions can cost companies up to $10,000 more in healthcare coverage compared to “their lean counterpart.” Wage Gap This may account for some of the wage gap that employees who are obese may experience, as companies try to pass along these costs of “their higher health insurance premiums,” beyond just brazen discrimination. Between healthcare costs and diminished productivity in terms of lost workdays, the total lifetime costs of obesity for children and teens have been estimated to exceed $150,000. Estimates Some estimates peg the annual “medical care costs of obesity in the United States” at about $150 billion, with another $50 billion per year added by 2030 as our increasingly heavy Baby Boomers continue to age. Others diametrically disagree, based on the morbid fact that individuals who are obese may not live as long. Just as “the high medical costs of smoking-related diseases are more than offset by lower survival of smokers,” the lifetime healthcare costs of individuals who are obese may turn out to be lower because they are expected to die so much sooner. So, the true cost may be more in lives, rather than dollars. How much does being overweight cut your life short? I’ll explore just that question next. If you missed the previous blog posts in my series on the ABCs of obesity, see related posts below. I continue the topic of obesity and weight with these videos: Is the Obesity Paradox Real or a Myth? and Friday Favorites: What’s the Ideal BMI and Waist Size?. For more on the health conditions discussed in this video, see the immune function, kidney disease, and liver health topic pages. Key Takeaways In the SOS trial, individuals who lost 20 percent of their body weight through surgery lived longer and had lower rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, possibly due to improved immune function. Obesity impairs natural killer cells, weakening the body’s defense against cancer and infections, while also increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Obesity is a major cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, now the leading cause of liver transplants in U.S. women. Excess weight places metabolic stress on the kidneys, leading to hyperfiltration and increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure. Obesity-related health conditions contribute to higher medical costs, lost productivity, and a lifetime financial burden, with annual obesity-related medical costs in the United States, for instance, estimated at $150 billion. To read the original article click here.

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It’s a New Year! Are You Ready For the “Daniel” Fast?

AHA Publisher — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:18 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – It’s a New Year. A new opportunity to live. To thrive. And to reset your life. One great way to do it: The Daniel Fast. This year, consider this 21 Day Fast to reset your diet, and reset your faith. What Is the Daniel Fast? The prophet Daniel was a descendant of King David who lived around 600 BC. He was a well-respected prophet who could interpret dreams and visions. In the Book of Daniel, two verses record his dietary experiences and recommendations. They are: “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables [pulses] to eat and water to drink.” Daniel 1:12 “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:12-13 This is the foundation for the Daniel Fast. Essentially it is a vegan diet used for 21 days, that omits processed foods, meats, alcohol, and more. The beginning of a new year is a great time to try The Daniel Fast for yourself. You can also follow Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast, as it is very similar. It goes even further by recommending specific foods that help you detox your body from modern chemicals and toxins. Here are the specifics of The Daniel Fast. What to Eat On the Daniel Fast While this diet is referred to as a “fast,” it’s more of a diet modification for 21 days. And while many foods are omitted, there are plenty to choose from and enjoy. You can eat: Fruits Choose fresh or frozen fruits, organic if possible, during the 21 days of The Daniel Fast. The more vibrantly colored the better for a flood of antioxidants in your body. Try to avoid canned fruit as it often has sugars and preservatives added. Instead, choose fruits such as berries, apples, peaches, grapefruit, cherries, pears, oranges, apples, grapes, pomegranates, and more. Vegetables Vegetables are a cornerstone of The Daniel Fast. You can eat fresh, frozen, or dehydrated vegetables. Canned veggies are okay as long as there is no added salt. Enjoy greens, carrots, avocados, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. Legumes Legumes are a great protein and whole-food carbohydrate source on The Daniel Fast. Try dried or canned (no salt added) varieties of black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and other bean varieties. These can also be eaten in abundance. In addition, soy products without additives are also allowed. Nuts & Seeds Raw and dry-roasted (without salt) nuts and seeds are another good protein and healthy fat option on The Daniel Fast. Try hemp heart seeds, cashews, macadamia nuts, almonds, walnuts, and more. High-Quality Healthy Oils Plant-based oils are allowed on The Daniel Fast. The best options are extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. Whole Grains Whole grains, that are not processed, are also allowed. This means you need to skip the processed breads, pasta, and cereals, and opt for homemade and unrefined whole grains such as amaranth, barley, brown rice, quinoa, millet, oats, and wheat. In fact, breads made with yeast are omitted, but those without yeast such as unprocessed flatbreads are allowed. Herbs & Spices Don’t forget to season with fresh or dried herbs and spices! These foods support whole-body health with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. What’s more, they add great flavor. Small amounts of salt are also allowed but should be minimal. Beverages Water is the only beverage allowed during The Daniel Fast! It can be distilled, filtered, sparkling, spring, or mineral water. Supplements You can still take any no-sugar-added nutritional supplements on The Daniel Fast. Supplements such as collagen and vitamin D are important, especially during the winter months. What to Omit on the Daniel Fast Many foods are healthy and nourishing, but not allowed on The Daniel Fast. Why? It’s simply a food-restricted fast for 21 days that omits specific foods. Here are the foods to omit. Meat & Eggs While eggs and some meats can be part of a healthy diet, they are omitted on The Daniel Fast. All animal-proteins are omitted. In fact, meat is specifically avoided in the Book of Daniel. Rather than eggs and meats, this moderately low-protein diet uses legumes, seeds, and some whole-grains for protein. Dairy Like eggs and meats, dairy is an animal-sources protein that is omitted on The Daniel Fast. You can use nut-based non-dairy milk as desired. Processed Foods Any food that is processed with artificial flavorings, chemicals, food additives, and preservatives is off-limits in The Daniel Fast. This means you’ll have to be extra-choosey at the grocery store. If food only contains ingredients that are real-foods (such as olive oil), this is okay. But colorings, chemicals, and additives – skip these! In addition, fried foods, many frozen products, and even vegan processed foods are often omitted because they contain additives and chemicals. To stay on track, try this strategy. First, choose single-ingredient foods. This means broccoli, sweet potatoes, apples, almonds, etc. Next, try making more foods at home. For example, making oatmeal with steel-cut oats at home is much less processed than buying packets. If you need to buy food, look at the ingredients. Are they all “real foods?” For example, if you recognize every ingredient as a food, spice, healthy oil, etc., this food is okay. If it contains hydrogenated (chemical) fats, colorings, preservatives like MSG, etc., it’s off-limits. Sweeteners The Daniel Fast restricts sweeteners, including sugar and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and honey. Fruit is the main sweetener used on the diet. If you need to sweeten your foods, try dates and other fruits. Chewing Gum & Mints Like other processed foods, chewing gum, candy mints, sugar alcohols, and more are omitted on The Daniel Fast. Animal-Based Solid Fats Like proteins, animal-based fats are off-limits. This means butter, ghee, margarine, lard, and other shortenings are omitted. Instead, use healthy oils for fats. Beverages Since water is the only beverage allowed, all others must be avoided for the 21-Day Daniel Fast. This means no coffee, tea, soda, etc. during the Fast. Of note, 100% fruit juices and smoothies can be consumed if they are considered a meal, and not a beverage (100% fruit juice may be used in minimal amounts as a sweetener in the meals). Consider adding lemon, cucumbers, or fruits to your water to add variety. Is the Amount of Food Restricted? The amount and timing of foods is not restricted on The Daniel Fast. However, since part of fasting is the practice of discipline, it’s still best to not overindulge in any allowed food. The Science and Benefits of the Daniel Fast The Daniel Fast has become so popular, studies are now touting its benefits. One study of participants found that the 21 day fast was very well tolerated, with almost a 99% compliance rate. The researchers found that the diet supported cardiovascular and metabolic health including healthy cholesterol, blood pressure, and more (1). The Faith of a Daniel Fast Of course, for many people, a fast is a spiritual practice rather than a science-backed diet. Fasting from foods or activities allows us time and energy to devote to God rather than earthly endeavors. It’s a “break” from our normal routines and foods meant to encourage us to renew and refocus on God. Throughout the Bible, believers have fasted from food and spent time in prayer rather than eating. This is a different type of fast, but one that can be used to focus on God and the strengthening of our bodies, all the same. 3 Recipes to Start Your Daniel Fast Journey If you’re wondering what in the world you’ll eat, consider these 3 Detox Recipes to start. They fit well into The Daniel Fast and are flavorful, detoxifying, and nourishing. 3 DELICIOUS DETOX RECIPES Bottom Line The Daniel Fast is a great way to start the New Year with a focus on the health of your body and your relationship with God. Get prepared and start The Daniel Fast this New Year! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Exposing HOW Chronic Stress Destroys the Immune System

AHA Publisher — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 07:00:07 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – The vast majority of American adults say they feel anxiety or stress – every day. As one of the most stressed nations on earth, it’s time to start taking a serious look at the connection between (chronic) stress and the immune system. An overview of studies surrounding stress and the immune system shows a link between stress and how the immune system functions that goes back decades. When you’re feeling stressed out, depressed, or lonely, you shouldn’t be surprised if you end up getting physically sick. Turns out, your state of mind and how you respond to stressful situations does dramatically influence the development of disease or wellbeing. Chronic Mental Stress Is a Big Threat to Your Future Health, According to Many Studies Back in the 1980s, an immunologist and psychologist found it intriguing to see studies linking stress to infection. They went on to do their own study on medical students, discovering that the stress of three-day exams decreased the students’ immunity. Since then, hundreds of studies have been done on the links between stress and health. Those studies have revealed unique patterns. When people experienced stress for a significant duration of time, their immunity went downhill, leading to the conclusion that too much stress can wreak havoc on the immune system. Researchers also discovered that individuals who are already sick or older are at a greater risk to stress-related immune dysfunction. In aging adults, even mild depression may suppress their immune system. Some experts even believe that stress may be responsible for up to 90% of all diseases and illnesses, including the big ones like heart disease and cancer. How does stress affect your immune system? It triggers chemical reactions in the body, releasing the stress hormone cortisol, which can decrease white blood cells. Keep in mind, white blood cells are designed to help us with infections. Chronic stress also increases the risk of inflammation – which increases the rate of tissue damage and infection risk. The effects of stress tend to be cumulative, which means that every-day stress may eventually lead to serious health problems. Unfortunately, the only “solution” that Western medicine offers is a toxic drug, that only adds to stress – especially in the liver! Don’t Wait: Take Healthy Steps NOW to Reduce Stress in Your Life The key to combating the effects of stress on the immune system is to become more aware of daily stressors and find ways to eliminate them. Several steps you can take to reduce stress include: Get Social: Having a strong social support system can lower stress and is linked to better overall health and immune function. We can’t stress this enough. (Pun intended!) Be physically active: Exercise puts physical stress on the body but has big mental stress-relieving benefits. In fact, regular exercise helps to lower levels of cortisol; improves the quality of your sleep, and boosts self-confidence. All of this is great for your immune system. Experience relaxation: Relaxation techniques like guided imagery or meditation can strengthen the link between your body and mind. Using them regularly will keep the negative effects of stress at bay and help you to make better decisions in your life. Keep a journal: Writing down what you’re stressed out about can help you to work out anxiety and stress. In many cases, simply expressing your concerns on paper can provide that release to help you to “let it go.” As an added bonus: you may even gain additional insights to help you sort out what’s troubling you. Express more gratitude: Generally speaking, when you have a more positive attitude, things tend to work out better. But, beyond just thinking more positively, be sure to tell others in your life how much you appreciate them. Correct nutritional deficiencies: Never overlook the mental health benefits of a good (organic) diet. Simply put, consuming too many toxins will eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies and poor emotional health. Be sure to eat high quality (non-toxic) fats, plenty of vegetables (especially dark leafy greens) and, if necessary, look into the benefits of vitamin D, vitamin C, lemon balm, ashwagandha, holy basil, curcumin, St. John’s wort and valerian to help reduce the feeling of stress in your life. Editor’s note: If stress is making you feel depressed, read this NaturalHealth365 article for some helpful tips. Sources for this article include: PsychologyToday.com, APA.org, Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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