immunity Archives - Amazing Health Advances

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.

The post 12 Easy Daily Healthy Immune Habits appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

New Study Reveals Antibodies from Fighting COVID-19 Infection Can Last More Than One Year

AHA Publisher — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 07:00:55 +0000

Steve Warren via CBN News – A new peer-reviewed study has confirmed what several researchers and even some health professionals have been saying all along: Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus retain the antibodies to continue to fight it – often for many months following their initial infection. Just The News reports the European Journal of Immunology accepted a study on Sept. 24 from scientists at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, who studied 1,292 subjects eight months after infection for the presence of antibodies. The researchers found that 96% of their test subjects were still carrying antibodies and 66% still had the nucleoprotein IgG antibody. The Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody helps your immune system remember how to fight infections like the COVID-19 virus. But the Finnish scientists’ research went even further. They randomly selected 367 subjects from the original study group who were not vaccinated for a year following their infection. The scientists found that 89% of subjects still had neutralizing antibodies, and 36% with the IgG antibody, according to Just The News. Those subjects who had a severe COVID-19 infection had higher antibody levels, anywhere from two to seven times as many antibodies as those with mild infections at least 13 months after contracting the disease, the study noted. Even though the antibodies provided long-lasting protection against the COVID virus, their ability to fight the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants diminished over a period of several months. However, the neutralizing antibodies “were only slightly reduced” in the Alpha variant and “considerably declined” in the Beta variant. But “over 80% of the subjects who had recovered from severe” COVID-19 infection still had neutralizing antibodies against the Delta variant a year after being infected, the study pointed out. Natural immunity to the COVID-19 virus has been touted by some health professionals throughout the pandemic. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. told CBN News in September that in addition to taking the vaccine, another way to achieve immunity is through natural means. “I think we need to recognize that people who have immunity that’s acquired through infection, that immunity is durable, and it appears it is quite robust,” he said. “I think the question from a clinical standpoint is how long it’s going to last.” As CBN News reported in August, a George Mason University (GMU) law professor who sued the school over its COVID-19 vaccine mandate was ultimately granted a medical exemption by the school. Todd Zywicki, the law professor at the Fairfax, Virginia, school said he had COVID-19 and defeated it, therefore his natural immunity, he argued, should prevent him from having to get the vaccination. According to University Business, Zywicki claimed the vaccine mandate enforced by the school was excessive since he already had natural immunity through antibodies he acquired after he successfully recovered from the virus. His attorneys revealed Zywicki took six tests to prove those antibodies were still active in his immune system. Dr. Marty Makary, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, told CBN Newsin late June that medical experts got it wrong when they dismissed natural immunity to the virus. “It’s one of the biggest failures of our medical establishment to dismiss natural immunity,” he told CBN News, pointing to two new studies that show its efficacy. “It works. It’s durable. You may not need the vaccine and it’s probably long-lasting. It’s probably life-long.” In a U.S. News & World Report op-ed published later in August, Makary said an Israeli study showed natural immunity is 6.7 times greater than for vaccinated people. To read the original article click here.

The post New Study Reveals Antibodies from Fighting COVID-19 Infection Can Last More Than One Year appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Quercetin: 8 Proven Benefits of This Antioxidant (#1 Is Incredible)

AHA Publisher — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:00:41 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Have you ever wondered what makes a “superfood” super? Or what top superfoods like red wine, green tea, kale and blueberries all have in common? The answer is quercetin, a natural compound tied to what all of us seek: better longevity, heart health, endurance, immunity, and more. Quercetin is considered to be the most widely distributed and extensively studied flavonoid, according to a 2018 review. It’s been shown in dozens of studies to have anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In fact, there isn’t much this powerful antioxidant compound can’t do, especially when combined with the health benefits of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme. All this explains why many experts recommend consuming food sources that contain quercetin regularly. So what are those foods, and how much should you consume? Let’s explore. What Is Quercetin? Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that’s found in plant foods, including leafy greens, tomatoes, berries and broccoli. It’s technically considered a “plant pigment,” which is exactly why it’s found in deeply colored, nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables. Considered one of the most abundant antioxidants in the human diet, quercetin plays an important part in fighting free radical damage, the effects of aging and inflammation, according to many studies. While you can get plenty of it from eating a healthy diet, some people also take this compound in concentrated supplement form for even stronger anti-inflammatory effects. What is quercetin used for? According to the Department of Pathology and Diagnostics at the University of Verona in Italy, quercetin glycosides and other flavonoids, (like kaempferol and myricetin) are “anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents.” They have potential to be expressed positively in different cell types in both animals and humans. Flavonoid polyphenols are most beneficial for down-regulating or suppressing inflammatory pathways and functions. Quercetin is considered the most diffused and known nature-derived flavonol there is, showing strong effects on immunity and inflammation caused by leukocytes and other intracellular signals. How It Works Research shows that anti-inflammatory foods containing quercetin can help manage a number of inflammatory health problems, including heart disease and blood vessel problems, allergies, infections, chronic fatigue, and symptoms related to autoimmune disorders like arthritis. How exactly do flavonoids benefit us? It all comes down to high-antioxidant foods‘ ability to be “scavenge free radicals.” As a major bioflavonoid in our diets, quercetin (a type of “polyphenolic antioxidant”) helps slow the aging progress because it lessens the effects of oxidative stress on the body. Oxidative stress takes place in all of us but is increased by things like a poor diet, high levels of stress, a lack of sleep and exposure to chemical toxins. Quercetin plays a role in regulating the immune system’s response to outside stressors through cell signaling pathways called kinases and phosphatases, two types of enzyme and membrane proteins needed for proper cellular function. Benefits 1. Lowers Inflammation Flavonoids, (aka bioflavonoids or bioflavonoide) including quercetin, are important anti-inflammatories because they act as antioxidants, which mean they literally fight the natural process of “oxidation” that takes place over time as we age. Quercetin can help stop damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which negatively impact how cells work — including damaging cell membranes, changing the way DNA works, increasing cell mutations and causing healthy cells to die. It can also reduce expression of inflammatory genes such as interleukin. Research now shows us that inflammation is the root of most diseases, including heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline, some mental disorders and autoimmune disorders. At this time, practitioners and patients report using quercetin to effectively fight conditions related to inflammation, including: “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) high cholesterol heart disease and circulation problems insulin resistance and diabetes eye-related disorders, including cataracts allergies, asthma and hay fever stomach ulcers cognitive impairment gout viral infections inflammation of the prostate, bladder and ovaries chronic fatigue syndrome cancer chronic infections of the prostate skin disorders, including dermatitis and hives 2. Fights Allergies Is quercetin an antihistamine? Some consider it to be a natural antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, possibly making it effective for lowering the effects of seasonal and food allergies, plus asthma and skin reactions. However, most research to date has been conducted on animals and not humans. Histamines are chemicals that are released when the immune system detects an allergy or sensitivity, and they are what account for uncomfortable symptoms we face whenever the body has an allergic reaction. Quercetin can help stabilize the release of histamines from certain immune cells, which results in decreased symptoms like coughs, watery eyes, runny noses, hives, swollen lips or tongue, and indigestion. It’s long been used in ancient Chinese herbal formulas created to block allergies to certain foods (such as peanuts). Studies conducted on mice suggest that it may be equivalent at fighting allergies as some prescription medications, all with little to no side effects. 3. Supports Heart Health Because of its ability to lower inflammation and oxidative stress, quercetin seems to be beneficial for people with heart and blood vessel-related disorders, according to a number of studies. For example, eating lots of deeply colored fruits and veggies that contain flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and even death, in older adults, among reduced risk for vascular diseases. It’s also been connected to reduced risk for type 2 diabetes and obesity, which have many of the same risk factors as heart disease. Studies done in animal and some human populations show that various types of flavonoids (quercetin, resveratrol and catechins, for example) can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a dangerous condition caused by plaque building up within the arteries. Cut-off blood flow in the arteries is one of the primary risk factors for experiencing a heart attack or stroke, which is why cardiac arrest is less likely among people who eat a nutrient-packed diet. Antioxidants also seem to protect the body from experiencing increases in LDL “bad” cholesterol and can help regulate blood pressure levels. Certain studies show that quercetin prevents damage to LDL cholesterol particles, and it seems that people who eat the most flavonoid-rich foods typically have healthier and lower cholesterol levels, plus fewer incidences of hypertension and high blood pressure. In fact, if you’ve ever heard that red wine is good for your heart, that’s because it’s a natural source of quercetin. It’s one of the main active ingredients in red wine extract, which is associated with healthier heart function. 4. Helps Fight Pain Taking quercetin supplements may help lower pain associated with autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, as well as infections, including those of the prostate and respiratory tract. That’s because studies suggest quercetin reduces inflammatory pain. For example, there’s some evidence from several small studies that people experiencing bladder pains from infections (causing an urgent need to urinate, swelling and burning) have fewer symptoms when taking quercetin supplements. Flavonoids are also linked to reduced symptoms of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There’s evidence that when patients with RA switch from eating a “typical Western diet” to one higher in antioxidant-rich foods (like uncooked berries, fruits, vegetables, nuts, roots, seeds and sprouts), they experience less pain and reoccurring symptoms. 5. Might Help Improve Energy and Endurance Quercetin is added to some athletic supplements because it’s believed to help increase athletic performance and endurance, likely because of its positive effects on blood flow. Researchers from the School of Applied Physiology at the Georgia Institute of Technology found that, on average, “quercetin provides a statistically significant benefit in human endurance exercise capacity (VO2 max) and endurance exercise performance).” While improvements were at times small, it makes sense that antioxidants could boost physical performance since they help increase the health of blood vessels, which carry oxygen and nutrients to muscle and joint tissue. Other studies also show that it helps increase immune function and prevents susceptibility to illnesses that can occur when someone trains intensely and experiences exhaustion. One study found evidence that taking 500 milligrams of quercetin twice daily helped protect cyclers from developing exercise-induced respiratory infections following periods of heavy exercise. Because it can boost your energy level, does quercetin affect sleep? For example, is there a link between quercetin and insomnia? One study found evidence that it may alter the sleep-wake cycle partly through activation of GABA receptors. However, insomnia is generally not believed to be a common side effect of taking it in dietary supplement form. 6. Might Help Fight Cancer A Boston University School of Medicine study published in the Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents shows a link between a nutrient-dense diet rich in quercetin plus other antioxidants and a lowered risk of cancer. Quercetin seems to have potential chemo-preventive activity and might have a unique antiproliferative effect on cancerous cells, making it an effective addition to any natural cancer treatment approach. Research shows that this may result from the modulation of either EGFR or estrogen-receptor pathways. Recent studies have found quercetin can help stop the processes involved in cell proliferation and mutation, the growth of tumors, and symptoms related to typical cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. At this time, the majority of studies done on quercetin’s effects on cellular functioning have involved animals, so more research is still needed to reveal specific effects on human cancer cells. This is especially true when taken in high doses above the amount someone would get from a healthy diet. 7. Helps Protect Skin Health Capable of blocking “mast cells,” which are immune cells critical in triggering allergic reactions, inflammatory disease and autoimmune disease, researchshows that quercetin helps protect skin from the effects of disorders like dermatitis and photosensitivity. Flavonoids like quercetin block the release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8 and TNF, which helps stop symptoms related to skin inflammation, even in people who don’t find relief from other conventional treatments or prescriptions. Studies have found that this compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help fight allergic and inflammatory diseases, as well as some prescriptions, when taken in oral supplement form. For example, some people take quercetin for eczema since it can inhibit the secretion of histamine and pro-inflammatory markers. 8. Protects Liver Health Recent research has shown that this antioxidant has protective effects when administered to rats with ethanol-induced acute liver injury. Researchers concluded that “quercetin, by multiple mechanisms interplay, demonstrates hepatoprotective effect on liver-injury induced by alcohol, by increasing ethanol metabolizing enzyme activities, increasing antioxidant system activities against oxidative stress, lowering the expressions of pro-inflammation cytokines.” A 2017 study found evidence indicating that quercetin attenuates liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice through inhibiting macrophages infiltration. Researchers believe it “holds promise as potential therapeutic agent for human fibrotic liver disease”, a condition triggered by liver injury and inflammation. 9. Protects Against Neurological Disorders There’s mounting evidence showing that quercetin offers neuroprotective benefits, due to its ability to defend the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to potentially less risk for cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A 2018 study concluded that “findings suggest a possible new protective role for dietary flavonoids on alzheimer’s disease (AD).” The study found that administration of quercetin in early-middle stages of AD pathology ameliorates cognitive dysfunction and boosts protection mainly related to increased Aβ clearance and reduced astrogliosis, which is related to destruction of neurons. Related: Berberine: The Plant Alkaloid that Helps Treat Diabetes & Digestive Problems Food Sources What foods have the most quercetin? All types of tasty red, green and purple-pigmented plants come packed with quercetin — for example, red wine, blueberries, apples, red onion and even green tea are some of the best sources. Quercetin is actually believed to be the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet. But the amount found in plant foods can vary a lot depending on where they’re grown, how fresh they are, how they’re prepared and so on. Some of the top sources of quercetin to add to your diet include: Apples Peppers Red wine Dark cherries and berries (blueberries, bilberries, blackberries and others) Tomatoes Cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, cabbage and sprouts Leafy green veggies, including spinach, kale Citrus fruits Cocoa Cranberries Whole grains, including buckwheat Raw...

The post Quercetin: 8 Proven Benefits of This Antioxidant (#1 Is Incredible) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

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.

The post How Does Sleep Affect Your Immunity? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Some Medical Experts Say Vitamin D Deficiency Can Increase Dangers from COVID-19

AHA Publisher — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:00:11 +0000

Andrea Morris via CBN News – Vitamin D is known for its essential role in human health but now medical experts are studying the ways it can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Multiple studies have been conducted to examine the vitamin D level in COVID-19 patients and the impact it has on disease severity. Vitamin D level is markedly low in severe COVID-19 patients One study in the journal Nature states, “The fatality rate was high in vitamin D deficient (21% vs 3.1%). Vitamin D level is markedly low in severe COVID-19 patients. Inflammatory response is high in vitamin D deficient COVID-19 patients. This all translates into increased mortality in vitamin D deficient COVID-19 patients.” Researchers in Roma, Texas administered vitamin D tests to city employees and discovered that 95 percent of adults working there had extremely low levels of vitamin D, KRGV-News reports. “Because they are dangerously low, they place everyone around them at higher risk of catching COVID-19 from them,” said Roma family Dr. Raymond Mussett. “This is something we can correct for literally pennies a day with a supplement you can buy at the grocery store or on the internet.” “We recommend 30,000 units per day of vitamin D3 for 14 days” “Everyone 15-years-old and above and all children who are one hundred pounds or greater – we recommend 30,000 units per day of vitamin D3 for 14 days,” Dr. Mussett added. Be sure to consult your own physician before taking high dosages of any supplement. According to KRGV, the lowest vitamin D levels are typically found in Hispanics, African-Americans, and people with underlying medical conditions. Last September, a Boston University doctor said an ample amount of vitamin D can reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus by 54 percent. The Boston Herald reported that Dr. Michael Holick, professor of medicine, physiology, and biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine, and his colleagues studied blood samples from more than 190,000 Americans in all 50 states. The findings revealed that those with low levels of vitamin D had a 54 percent higher risk of testing positive for COVID versus those with sufficient levels of vitamin D in their blood. “People have been looking for the magic drug or waiting for the vaccine and not looking for something this simple,” explained Dr. Holick. “The higher your vitamin D status, lower was your risk.” And Holick reiterated that vitamin D-deficiency can be corrected with sunshine and supplemental pills. Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are closely linked to low vitamin D levels “It’s considered to be, by many, the nutrient of the decade,” Holick added. “Vitamin D definitely improves your overall immunity to fight infections.” Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are closely linked to low vitamin D levels, said Dr. Hans Konrad Biesalski, a professor at the University of Hohenheim who has assessed vitamin D and COVID-19. “It looks like patients with a poor vitamin D status may have more severe COVID-19,” he told Healthline. Dr. Holick organized an additional study where he found that COVID-19 patients with suitable vitamin D levels had a 51.5 percent lower risk of dying from the disease, along with a substantially reduced risk for complications. “COVID-19 patients with suitable vitamin D levels had a 51.5 percent lower risk of dying from the disease” “Very low vitamin D status has lots of negative consequences and this could be the case for COVID-19, but that’s not the same as saying that routine vitamin D supplementation will prevent severe infection,” Holick told Healthline. To read the original article click here.

The post Some Medical Experts Say Vitamin D Deficiency Can Increase Dangers from COVID-19 appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Mild COVID-19 Disease May Trigger Long-Term Immunity

AHA Publisher — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 08:00:49 +0000

Sally Robertson, B.Sc. via News-Medical Net – Researchers in the United States have conducted a study showing that individuals who have recovered from mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) developed sustained protective immune memory against the causative agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The team’s longitudinal analysis of recovered patients who had been mildly symptomatic found that these individuals had developed multifaceted SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory that was maintained for the duration of the study. As recently reported in the journal Cell, the participants developed SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin g (IgG) antibodies, neutralizing plasma, memory B cells, and memory T cells that persisted for at least three months. The team – from the University of Washington and Benaroya Research Institute in Seattle – also found that populations of virus-specific memory T and B cells expanded and exhibited protective antiviral functions. “Therefore, mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral immunity,” said Marion Pepper (University of Washington School of Medicine) and colleagues. Establishing whether mild disease can induce persistent immune memory is vital Since the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were identified in Wuhan, China, late last year (2019), the unprecedented spread of the COVID-19-pandemic has now led to 59.59 million cases of infection and caused more than 1.4 million deaths. The vast majority of infected individuals experience mildly symptomatic disease and do not require hospitalization. However, whether this mild disease can induce persistent immune memory that could protect against future reinfection and therefore reduce transmission is not yet known. “While a vaccine is needed to safely reach herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2, understanding if natural infection induces viral-specific immunological memory that could influence transmission and disease severity is critical to controlling this pandemic,” writes the team. The role the adaptive immune system plays in immune memory The adaptive immune system primarily mediates immunologic memory. Following viral infection, B cells and T cells bind to viral proteins, which triggers their expansion, differentiation, and secretion of effector molecules to combat the infection. Once the virus is cleared, most of these virus-specific effector cells die, but about 10% persists as memory cells that can produce a continuous supply of effector molecules. Strategically located dormant memory cells are also quickly reactivated in response to repeat infection and induce the same effector processes as those that occurred during the primary immune response. Following reinfection, pathogen-specific memory B cells (MBCs) differentiate into plasmablasts that secrete protective IgG antibodies. Reactivated memory T cells also proliferate, which can help to activate MBCs. In addition, the reactivated T cells secrete cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) to stimulate the innate immune system and deliver cytolytic molecules that destroy infected cells. “These quantitatively and qualitatively enhanced virus-specific memory populations coordinate to quickly clear the virus, thereby preventing disease and reducing the chance of transmission,” said Pepper and colleagues. “It is therefore critical to assess the full cadre of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune memory responses to determine if mild infection induces a multilayered defense that lasts.” What did the researchers do? The team performed an analysis of SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses at one month and three months following symptom onset among individuals who had recovered from mild COVID-19. The majority of participants developed SARS-CoV-2 -specific IgG antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and memory B and T cells that persisted for at least three months. Three months following symptom onset, recovered individuals had formed an expanded arsenal of virus-specific memory cells that exhibited hallmarks of antiviral immunity. This included an increased population of pathogen-specific memory B cells (MBCs) that were capable of expressing neutralizing antibodies against the virus. “These data suggest that upon re-exposure to SARS-CoV-2, these individuals will have MBCs that can rapidly generate neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and help control the infection,” say the researchers. Memory T cells also secreted cytokines and this cell population expanded upon antigen re-encounter. The number of CXCR5-expressing circulating T follicular helper cells (which can influence B cell activation) increased, as did the number of CXCR3-expressing CD4+ T memory cells and IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells. What are the implications of the study? “Together, these data demonstrate that all of the recovered individuals in our cohort formed a multifaceted defense, which suggests attenuated virus vaccines are likely to be similarly successful in eliciting a functional immune memory response,” write Pepper and colleagues. The team says that while further studies are needed to determine how long memory to SARS-CoV-2 infection lasts, the findings suggest that mild COVID-19 induces persistent, multifaceted immune memory. “These functional antiviral memory lymphocytes are poised for a coordinated response to SARS-CoV-2 re-exposure that could contribute to immunity and help to curtail the pandemic,” concludes the team. Journal reference: Pepper M, et al. Functional SARS-CoV-2-specific immune memory persists after mild COVID-19. Cell, 2020. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.029, https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)31565-8 To read the original article click here.

The post Mild COVID-19 Disease May Trigger Long-Term Immunity appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

COVID-19 Survivors May Have Protective Antibodies for 4 Months

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 07:00:52 +0000

Angela Betsaida B. Laguipo, BSN via News-Medical Net – A new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) aimed to determine how long severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunity in COVID-19 survivors lasts. The researchers found that people who survive severe COVID-19 disease have long-lasting immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. The study, published in the journal Science Immunology, highlights the body’s immune response against COVID-19. Also, it offers hope that people who are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus will develop lasting protection against reinfection. The Study In the study, the researchers focused on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the virus “spike” protein, which binds to cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, leading to infection. The immune system generates proteins called antibodies when it senses that pathogens like the SARS-CoV-2 invade the body. Though the body produces an immune response, it is unclear how long these antibody responses last. To arrive at the study findings, the research team collected blood samples from 343 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, most of whom had severe cases. These blood samples were obtained up to four months after the symptoms appeared. The researchers isolated the blood plasma and applied to laboratory plates coated with the RBD of the spike protein. They analyzed how different types of antibodies in the plasma attached to RBD. The study results were compared with blood samples collected from 1,548 people before the pandemic. The study findings showed that the immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels remained elevated in COVID-19 patients for four months and were tied to the presence of protective neutralizing antibodies, which exhibited a little reduction in activity over time. Hence, people are very likely to be protected for four months, which shows that key antibody responses to COVID-19 are present, the researchers concluded. IgG Level Measurements More Accurate Also, they found that measuring the IgG levels was more accurate in detecting people who had symptoms for at least 14 days. “These data suggest that RBD-targeted antibodies are excellent markers of previous and recent infection, that differential isotype measurements can help distinguish between recent and older infections, and those IgG responses persist over the first few months after infection and are highly correlated with neutralizing antibodies,” the researchers wrote in the paper. They added that since the standard test for SARS-CoV-2, the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal swab, loses sensitivity over time, supplementing it with an antibody test in patients who developed symptoms for at least eight days can aid in identifying some positive cases that may be missed. The team also added that people who were infected with the coronavirus had immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) responses that lasted for short periods decreasing to low levels in about two and a half months after infection. If patients tested positive for these antibodies, they might have been infected with COVID-19 in the past two months. Being aware of the duration of the body’s immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 by testing IgA and IgM levels will help provide more precise data about the spread of the infection. “There are a lot of infections in the community that we do not pick up through PCR testing during acute infection, and this is especially true in areas where access to testing is limited,” Jason Harris, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at MGH, explained. “Knowing how long antibody responses last is essential before we can use antibody testing to track the spread of COVID-19 and identify ‘hot spots’ of the disease,” he added. Of the more than 37.39 million cases of COVID-19 globally, more than 25.99 million have already recovered. Currently, numerous vaccines are being trialed to see if they are effective and safe to use by the general public. Having a better understanding of the body’s antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 will also help scientists develop a vaccine that could offer protection against the raging virus. Sources: Harvard Medical School. (2020). https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/10/covid-survivors-may-have-four-months-of-protection/ COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) – https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 To read the original article click here.

The post COVID-19 Survivors May Have Protective Antibodies for 4 Months appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Tokyo Citizens May Have Developed COVID-19 Herd Immunity, Say Researchers

AHA Publisher — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:17 +0000

Sally Robertson, B.Sc. via News-Medical Net – Researchers in Japan and the United States have conducted a study showing that herd immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have developed among the citizens of Tokyo during the summer. SARS-CoV-2 is the viral agent responsible for the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that is continuing to sweep the globe, posing significant threats to human health. Yasutaka Hayashida (Medical Corporation Koshikai, Tokyo) and colleagues from Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical School, Boston, say their study suggests that seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 rose to almost 50% at around the same time cases of COVID-19 waned in the city. “With the rise in SPR [seropositivity rate] nearing 50% within our cohort, matching the time when COVID-19 cases waned, the possibility of herd immunity should be considered, particularly in the highly-dense urban scenario like Tokyo,” writes the team. A pre-print version of the paper is available in the server medRxiv*, while the article undergoes peer review. The seropositivity rate and 7 days moving average of daily confirmed new cases of COVID19 from 5/26 to 9/1 Death Rate in Japan Fell, Despite No Lockdown Compared with the United States and European countries, COVID-19-related mortality has been low in Japan, and the death rate has fallen despite the absence of a lockdown. The reasons for the low fatality rate are not yet known. They may be related to a low SARS-CoV-2 prevalence across the general population or decreased rates of fatality among infected cases. Distinguishing the underlying factors requires SARS-CoV-2 prevalence data, particularly data that represent the asymptomatic general population. “Serological tests monitored across the course of the second wave can provide insights into the population-level prevalence and dynamic patterns of COVID-19 infection,” writes the team. What Did the Current Study Involve? To estimate seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 throughout the summer, the team enrolled 1,877 healthy, asymptomatic employees of large company from 11 disparate locations across Tokyo. Across the company, serology tests for SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies were performed weekly between May 26th and August 25th, 2020. This time window incorporated the well-documented “second wave” of COVID-19 that occurred in Japan. To estimate seroconversion and seroreversion among the general population in Tokyo over time, the tests were offered to each participant twice, separated by around a month. The seropositivity rate was calculated by pooling data from each two-week window across the cohort. Changes in immunological status against SARS-CoV-2 were determined by comparing results between two test results obtained from the same participant. Six hundred fifteen individuals, aged a mean of 40.8 years, underwent one test, and 350 of those (aged a mean of 42.5 years) underwent two tests. Seropositivity Dramatically Increased Over the Summer The seropositivity rate increased from 5.8% at the beginning of the study to an unexpectedly high 46.8 % by the end of the summer. “A high seropositivity rate in Tokyo may not be fully unexpected given its remarkably high population density, tight spacing, the widespread use of public transportation, and no implementation of a lockdown,” say Hayashida and colleagues. Of the 350 individuals who underwent both tests, 54 (21.4 %) of 252 who were initially seronegative were seropositive by the time they completed the second test. Of the remaining 98 individuals who were seropositive on initial testing, 12 (12.2%) became seronegative. “Seroreversion was not infrequent, seen in 12% of participants over the one-month span between tests,” says the team. “This suggests that serological testing may significantly underestimate past COVID-19 infections, particularly when applied to an asymptomatic population.” The Findings Can Be Generalized to the Broader Metropolitan Area The researchers say that although the study cohort was not selected from a broader, random population sample in Tokyo, the findings can still be generalized to the greater metropolitan area for a number of reasons, including the multiple disparate locations participants were from and the limited physical contact they had with each other. Furthermore, the exclusion of symptomatic individuals could potentially have led to an underestimation of the overall seropositivity rate. The Possibility of Herd Immunity Should Be Considered “COVID-19 infection may have spread widely across the general population of Tokyo despite the very low fatality rate,” say Hayashida and team. Although Japan took the atypical step of not implementing a mandatory lockdown, the second wave peaked and subsided nevertheless, they add. “Given the temporal correlation between the rise in seropositivity and the decrease in reported COVID-19 cases that occurred without a shut-down, herd immunity may be implicated,” suggest the researchers. “Future studies may consider evaluating whether lifestyle/habits, viral strain, the widespread use of masks, or host factors such as immunological memory are responsible for the observed low fatality,” they conclude. *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.

The post Tokyo Citizens May Have Developed COVID-19 Herd Immunity, Say Researchers appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How to Use Heat, Light & Sweat to Improve Your Mental Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 07:00:24 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – If you have been following me for a while, you will know how much I love my infrared sauna from Sunlighten! It is an integral part of my mental and physical health regimen, my favorite place to do brain research and detox my mind, and something I cannot live without. In this week’s blog and podcast, Connie, the founder of Sunlighten Saunas, joins me to discuss why infrared heat is so good for us and why it makes us feel so good, the difference between infrared and conventional saunas, the best way to use an infrared sauna, common mistakes we make when using infrared saunas, infrared saunas and children, the incredible science behind Sunlighten’s saunas, and so much more. What is an infrared sauna? The light spectrum in an infrared sauna comes from the sun. It heats the body directly, whereas a conventional sauna only heats the air around the body. Although any kind of heat in a sauna can be good for us, infrared heat directly impacts our health, working naturally with our body to supercharge our cells without tiring us out or draining us. This allows for maximum detoxification and purification; in fact, an infrared sauna is seven times more effective than a conventional sauna at getting rid of toxins in the brain and body! There are many benefits to an infrared sauna, including: 1. Detoxification. An infrared sauna can help detox the brain and body, right down to the level of our cells. This helps us get rid of impurities like heavy metals, which can impact our mental and physical health. In an infrared sauna, your body is sweating in a relaxed state, and can excrete more toxins and heal and repair itself. This is because infrared heat can reach the toxins that are surrounded by a protective layer of fat deep in the body, pulling out those substances you don’t normally get rid of by sweating in a conventional sauna or by going to the bathroom. Even if you avoid smoking, eat well, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, use natural products and sleep well every night, you will be exposed to toxins that your body will store in a protective layer of fat. We all have bad stuff in our bodies, which is why it is essential that we take the time to detox our brains and bodies if we want to live a truly healthy lifestyle, and infrared saunas can help with this. 2. Heart health and circulation. As the heat in an infrared sauna heats your core up, your body has to work harder to cool you down, which improves your circulation and boosts your heart health. Better circulation, in turn, can clear your mind and help you process information faster, lower blood pressure, give your skin a gorgeous glow, help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, give you more energy, boost your metabolism, aid recovery and more. Instead of getting out of the sauna and feeling worn out, you will feel more energized, healthier and ready to take on any challenge! 3. Immunity. During a global pandemic, we should all be doing what we can to boost our immune systems, and an infrared sauna can help us do this. The energy from infrared saunas is absorbed on a cellular level, which positively affects the heat-shock proteins that strengthen the immune system. This not only boosts the immune system, but also helps free up the body to deal with any other health issues we may have. 4. Pain relief, recovery and aging. Better blood circulation from infrared light means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aiding in muscle recovery and joint pain, which can be a big help after an intense workout, a physical accident or with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Near infrared waves in particular have a shorter frequency range and penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin, impacting the body at the cellular level, encouraging tissue growth and collagen production, helping with the negative effects of ageing and speeding up muscle recovery. 5. Mental health. Not only do saunas help us relax, which is certainly important for our mental health, but research on infrared saunas has also shown that it can have positive effects on our mood, helping with depression, anxiety and other types of mental distress. Just one infrared sauna treatment can potentially reduce depressive symptoms by up to 50%, with the benefits continuing for up to 6 weeks, while regular sessions in an infrared sauna can reduce cortisol levels, helping with toxic stress and burnout, and increase our clarity of mind and focus. I personally love using my Switch app to detox my thoughts while I am detoxing my brain and body in my sauna—this is a perfect mental self-care cleanse, like a spa day for the mind! It is a great tool for helping you learn how to manage your mind, deal with the roots of your mental chaos, and overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact your mental health through the mental process of reconceptualization (it is now on sale at 50% off for a 3-month subscription), and can easily be a part of any infrared sauna session since it only takes 7-15 minutes a day! I also love to use my Sunlighten sauna to have “thinker moments”, where I just switch off and let my mind wander and daydream. These moments give the brain a rest and allow it to reboot and heal, which increases clarity of thought and organizes the networks of the brain, rather than just letting toxic mindsets build up in the brain and cause all sorts of mental health issues. (For more information on thinker moments and how to make them a part of your daily routine, see my book, Think, Learn, Succeed) 6. Safe for children. Even children can use infrared saunas! However, they should only be allowed to use the sauna at a lower temperature, for no more than 15 minutes (depending on their age) and accompanied with an adult, as they have a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands, and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When it comes to using an infrared sauna, consistency and frequency are key. Even though it has all these great health benefits, it is important to remember that an infrared sauna is not a magic bullet or cure-all. It strengthens the brain and body over time, harnessing your natural power and helping you feel stronger and healthier than you did before. When using an infrared sauna, you also need to listen to your body and focus on your unique needs. Many experts recommend around forty minutes a day if you are an adult, depending on your health history and what program and type of sauna you are using. When you choose to use a sauna is up to you and what you are looking for. I personally avoid using my infrared sauna too late at night because it keeps me awake, unless I need to stay awake to work on a new book or research deadline! It is, however, important to note that not all infrared saunas are created equal. There are three different parts of the infrared light spectrum, and each of which have different effects on the body and our health. Many infrared saunas don’t use all three types of infrared light, or don’t use them in an effective way or in the right frequency with the right materials and deliverability. This is why I love Sunlighten Saunas. They focus on the science behind their unique technology, always searching out the safest and most effective way to help provide optimum infrared light frequency and results, as well as creating non-toxic and sustainable products using high-quality materials that are safe and long-lasting. After using my infrared sauna regularly for several years, I can truly say I am impressed with the results. I am in my fifties and feel younger, healthier and happier than ever. It really is my “secret” weapon when it comes to my mental and physical health! To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Leaf click here.

The post How to Use Heat, Light & Sweat to Improve Your Mental Health appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.