Boosting Your Immune System

Outbreaks of deadly diseases often occur during winter, when people tend to stay indoors more often and their vitamin D levels are low. A new UCLA study - particularly relevant to tuberculosis (TB) - reveals how bacteria manipulate such social and environmental factors to make us ill.

According to UCLA researchers, some bacteria pretend to be viruses when infecting us, hijacking our immune response and hiding out inside our cells. With nearly 9 million people falling ill globally with TB each year, understanding how these bacteria fool our immune system may lead to better, more targeted therapies.

Our immune system protects us against bacterial infections by releasing a protein called interferon-gamma, which uses vitamin D to destroy invading bacteria.

When bacteria pretend to be viruses, they trigger the immune system to launch an attack with a different protein called interferon-beta - which is meant to fight viruses, not bacteria. Not only is interferon-beta ineffective against bacteria, it actually makes things worse by blocking the action of interferon-gamma.

If a real virus infects the body, triggering interferon-beta, it diverts the immune system from attacking the bacterial invader. This may be the reason why viral flu usually leads to a more serious bacterial infection like pneumonia.

UCLA researchers first compared how much virus-fighting interferon-beta protein and the bacteria-fighting interferon-gamma protein is expressed in skin lesions from leprosy patients. They found that interferon-gamma was expressed more in patients with milder leprosy, while interferon-beta was significantly higher in patients with the more serious, progressive form of leprosy.

Even more interestingly, genes triggered by interferon-beta were more frequent in the skin lesions of serious leprosy patients as well as in the blood of patients with severe TB, which are two very different diseases.

Previous work by the UCLA team had shown that the bacteria-fighting interferon-gamma defense pathway depends on vitamin D, a natural hormone that plays an essential role in the fight against infections.

This new study shows that virus-fighting interferon-beta suppresses aspects of the interferon-gamma-triggered vitamin D pathway, preventing the immune system from killing bacteria.

In other words, a shift in the balance of these two interferon proteins may also shift the balance from mild to more serious disease - while therapeutic interventions that block or enhance specific interferon responses may alter the balance against protection from bacterial diseases.

Finally, relative changes in interferon protein levels may explain why some people are more resistant, while others are susceptible to TB or have a more serious progression.

Are you looking for the best vitamin supplement that can boost your immune system naturally?

Sources:

How Deadly Bacteria Trick the Immune System.

There are also several nutritional supplements that have powerful antihistamine properties, including vitamin E, quercetin, bromelain, and colostrum. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and natural antihistamine that has been shown to strengthen your immune system and its response to attack. Vitamin E is also a natural blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking an anticoagulant, such as warfarin, check with your doctor before using vitamin E.

Quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, which makes a favorite natural treatment among allergists. It is believed to work by controlling the release of histamine and stabilizing cell membranes, making them less reactive to allergens.

A natural anti-inflammatory in its own right, bromelain also helps your body absorb quercetin. This pineapple derivative reduces inflammation in your respiratory system while also decreasing the amount and thickness of mucus in your respiratory tract.

Lastly, colostrum—the pre-milk all women produce immediately after the birth of a baby—is rich in immune-building and immune-enhancing properties. Colostrum contains several immunoglobulins, antibodies that help boost your immune system, as well as

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in some bacteria, algae and plants. It’s an extremely important biomolecule that is critically necessary for plants to absorb energy from sunlight.

Consumption of liquid chlorophyll has many health benefits, mainly because its molecular structure is absolutely identical to hemoglobin except for the center atom. In hemoglobin this is iron, whereas in chlorophyll it is magnesium.

Liquid chlorophyll helps to do the job of hemoglobin by replenishing red blood cells, boosting energy and improving wellbeing. It also cleanses the body, fighting infection, healing wounds and promoting the health of the circulatory, digestive, immune and detoxification systems.

Five health benefits of liquid chlorophyll consumption include -

CANCER PROTECTION

Chlorophyll protects against carcinogens by blocking the metabolism of harmful chemicals known as pro-carcinogens that damage DNA in the liver and other organs.

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY

Liquid chlorophyll is packed with antioxidants, which are absorbed better since it’s in a liquid state. Antioxidants are important in neutralizing free radicals that damage cells. Liquid chlorophyll also contains high levels of vitamins A, C and E, and has been shown to reduce inflammation.

RED BLOOD CELL FORMATION

Liquid chlorophyll increases red blood cell formation, improving circulation and utilization of oxygen in the body. It also helps to purify blood and regulates blood pressure.

IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER

Chlorophyll is a great immune boosting phytonutrient that fights against infection by killing germs.

BYE-BYE BAD BREATH

Liquid chlorophyll is a deodorizer that eliminates odors in the mouth and throat. Regular consumption helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract, removing the underlying reason for bad breath.

Green drinks are an excellent, dense source of alkalizing, chlorophyll rich greens that are easily assimilated by the body.

Also, green food in general, such as salads, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, Asian greens, green capsicum, asparagus, peas, beans, kale etc. contain chlorophyll - so eat up and empower your health today.

Learn more about the Institute for Vibrant Livings Green Drink: All Day Energy Greens. Includes ALL of the vitamins needed for the human body.

Sources:

Health Benefits of Liquid Chlorophyll.

Energy drinks are very popular nowadays, especially with teens and athletes - perhaps you’re a fan as well.

A recent study looked at the benefits and risks that come with regular energy drink consumption. In 2003, 16% of teens reported consuming them regularly - however, consumption had risen sharply to 35% by 2008. In fact, one study found that 50% of students drank at least 1-4 of these drinks in a typical month.

A sharp increase in energy drink-related emergency room visits led to demands that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) look into the effects of energy drinks on health.

Currently, the amount of caffeine added to energy drinks is not regulated by the FDA, so labeled amounts are often inaccurate. Also, the claims made by manufacturers on the ability of such drinks to maintain energy levels have not been verified.

The study authors examined the most common ingredients - caffeine, guarana, taurine, ginseng, sugars and B vitamins - and assessed their effects on health.

Levels of caffeine, the main ingredient, vary widely between brands. Energy drinks may contain higher levels of caffeine than indicated on the label.

A typical cup of coffee contains 80-120 milligrams of caffeine, while tea has 50 mg and a 12-ounce cola roughly 65 mg. On the other hand, a 16-ounce Red Bull contains 154 mg while a 24-ounce Wired X505 contains 505 mg. While there is no prescribed safety limit for caffeine, excessive consumption has been linked to high BP, premature birth and even possibly sudden death.

Guarana is a South American plant that contains a caffeine-like compound called guaranine. One gram of guarana is equal to 40 mg of caffeine. In spite of this, guarana is usually not included in the total caffeine tally. And since the FDA has not tested guarana for human consumption, its risks and benefits are almost completely unknown.

Sugar in the form of sucrose, glucose, or high fructose corn syrup ranges from 21 grams to 34 grams in every 8 ounces of a typical energy drink. Teens who consume 2 or 3 drinks daily could be taking in 120-180 mg of sugar - or 4-6 times the maximum recommended daily intake - placing them at risk for obesity and dental problems.

Taurine is a common amino acid that supports brain development and regulates mineral and water levels. The amount of taurine consumed from energy drinks is higher than from a normal diet - as yet there is no evidence that this is unhealthy. In fact, many energy drinks that claim to be healthy contain excess, unregulated amounts of vitamins or minerals you can normally get from your diet.

The problem is, you never really know how much of these ingredients you are consuming, because the quantities are masked behind the term 'proprietary blend' or 'energy blend.'

Ginseng is believed to boost athletic performance, strengthen the immune system and improve mood. According to the study authors, there is not much proof of this - and there isn't enough ginseng in energy drinks anyway.

B vitamins and other additives in energy drinks can improve mood and even fight heart disease and cancer, but again their amounts in energy drinks aren’t enough to have any meaningful effects.

Adolescent consumers have no idea what these ingredients do. They assume that because they can buy it off the shelf, it must be safe for them. In reality, very little is known about the risks and benefits of various additives in energy drinks and how they affect health when consumed over the long term. Not much is known either about how energy drinks and alcohol interact as well as how they affect medications and antidepressants.

Therefore, study authors have urged physicians to be aware of energy drink consumption and suggest educating both teens and their parents on the potential negative health consequences of consuming energy drinks regularly.

Are you looking for a natural energy drink - check out the best natural energy boosting supplement here?

Sources:

What’s in Your Energy Drink?

Are one of the millions of Americans that struggles daily with lack of energy or chronic fatigue, then you are likely very familiar with those constant feelings of being tired and drained. But rather than turn to coffee, so-called energy drinks, or harsh stimulants for a quick pick-me-up, you might instead try supplementing with All Day Energy Greens! Not only boosts your energy, but enhances mental clarity, focus, and immune system!

Harvard School of Public Health explains: “It’s hard to argue with the health benefits...

“...of a diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Lower blood pressure; reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and probably some cancers; lower risk of eye and digestive problems; and a mellowing effect on blood sugar that can help keep appetite in check.”

The problem is that only a fraction of Americans get the veggies and fruits they need every day. The CDC recently reported that less than 1 in 10 people consume enough vegetables every day!

ALL DAY ENERGY GREENS delivers a whopping 38 fruits, veggies, herbs, enzymes, and even probiotics in a single spoonful.

Just sprinkle it in your favorite juice or water and enjoy! It takes 60-seconds... and you get a whole
 day’s worth of your fruits and veggies. That’s SO smart... and SO convenient.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FIVE FRUITS AND VEGGIES TODAY? Probably not! ALL DAY ENERGY GREENS helps guarantee you never miss another day!

Winter and colds just seem to go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, every mammal naturally produces the amazing, immune-boosting miracle that is colostrum.

All mammals produce this immune- and growth-enhancing pre-milk fluid in the last few months of pregnancy and just after birth. Colostrum has been shown to help fight off common illnesses like colds, flu, allergies, and bronchitis.

It contains numerous immunoglobulins, which help boost your immune system and provide protection against invading bacteria and viruses. It’s also a good source of the probiotic acidophilus, which helps prevent gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhea.

The most common form of supplemental colostrum is bovine colostrum. While it is very similar to human colostrum at the molecular level, it actually contains even more immune-enhancing properties. You can purchase bovine colostrum as a capsule, tablet, liquid, powder, and nasal spray. Just be sure that the colostrum you choose comes from free-range cows that have been raised organically, and have not received any hormones or antibiotics.

Did you know pomegranate juice has many beneficial effects for your health?

For instance, a recent study by University of California Riverside researchers has shown that pomegranate juice can prevent the migration of breast cancer cells in laboratory cell culture conditions.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and morbidity among women in the western world, accounting for 22.9% of all cancers in women worldwide. Occasionally, breast cancer cells can metastasize to other organs including bone, liver, lung and brain. Metastatic breast cancer has a very poor prognosis - typically, a patient’s chances of surviving for 10 years is only 5% without treatment and 10% with optimal treatment.

Pomegranate juice and three of its specific components have previously been shown to block prostate cancer metastasis. Knowing this, the researchers at University of California Riverside tested their actions on two breast cancer cell lines.

Intriguingly, they found that not only did pomegranate juice prevent growth of breast tumor cells - the juice and its components luteolin, ellagic acid and punicic acid also slowed down the rate at which they migrated to other areas by acting at the genetic level.

The study also showed that pomegranate juice and its components decreased levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals - thereby potentially decreasing inflammation and its impact on cancer progression.

This discovery suggests that pomegranate juice and its components are potentially effective and nontoxic alternative therapies that can be used with conventional treatments to prevent both breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Along with its actions against many types of cancers, consumption of pomegranate juice also provides many other health benefits, including:

• Preventing harmful free radical damage because its chockfull of antioxidants, including the immune-boosting vitamin C. Pomegranates rate high on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), a measure of how well destructive free radicals are absorbed and neutralized.
• Protecting against kidney and liver damage, including against harmful toxins.
• Reducing allergies by slowing down biochemical processes linked to allergy formation.
• Boosting heart health by improving the body’s ability to synthesize cholesterol and destroying free radicals in the vascular system.
• Acting against both main types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Maybe it’s time you considered upping your consumption of pomegranate juice?

Sources:

Every mammal naturally produces the amazing, immune-boosting miracle that is colostrum. This immune- and growth-enhancing pre-milk fluid is produced by all mammals in the last few months of pregnancy and just after birth.

Colostrum has been shown to help fight off common illnesses like colds, flu, allergies, and bronchitis. It contains numerous immunoglobulins, which help boost your immune system and provide protection against invading bacteria and viruses. It’s also a good source of the probiotic acidophilus, which helps prevent gastrointestinal infections, including diarrhea. Plus, colostrum has been shown to protect against viral diseases such as HIV and herpes.

But colostrum also contains other important compounds, such as proline-rich polypeptide, a substance that helps important in restrain an overactive immune system. This is important for people with autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common form of supplemental colostrum is bovine colostrum. While it is very similar to human colostrum at the molecular level, it actually contains even more immune-enhancing properties.

You can purchase bovine colostrum as a capsule, tablet, liquid, powder, and nasal spray. Most experts agree that capsules and liquids are best. Also, be sure that the colostrum you choose comes from free-range cows that have been raised organically, and have not received any hormones or antibiotics.

The most commonly recommended dosage is 1,000–2,000 mg twice a day for prevention, and 2,000–3,000 mg twice a day if you feel a cold or flu coming on. Be sure to take it with an eight-ounce glass of water on an empty stomach. And take it early in the day (at breakfast and lunch), as colostrum can boost energy levels and cause insomnia if it is taken too late in the evening. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a thyroid or immune system disorder, or have cancer, be sure to consult with your physician before using colostrum.

As flu season approaches, it’s a good time to assess your overall health regimen and adopt protective measures. The cold winter months are a time when we spend more hours indoors, surrounded by friends, family, schoolmates and co-workers with their myriad germs. Our exposure to sunshine often is diminished, which effectively depletes our body’s natural Vitamin D defenses.

Aside from frequent hand washing – recommended by health experts everywhere – there are steps you can take to support your body’s immune system in its constant battle against viruses and bacteria. Here are some suggestions:

Clean your stuff – Doctors and other health professionals know how important this is in preventing the spread of germs. Use an alcohol-based cleaning agent to clean surfaces you and your family frequently touch: doorknobs, countertops, faucet handles, kitchen appliances, cell phones, the TV remote. At work, make it a daily ritual to clean your computer keyboard, phone, and desktop.

Eat more onion and garlic – Both are rich in antioxidants and selenium, members of the Allium family known for its health-promoting effects. Garlic contains antibacterial and antiviral properties, so add it to your recipes in abundance. Supplements are a good idea, too.

Keep your head clear – Healthy mucus membranes and mucus flow help your body flush toxins. When your sinuses and throat feel dry, they’re more likely to attract and harbor nasty microscopic invaders. Avoid treating a stuffed nose with nasal sprays, which tend to dry delicate tissues (you can use a saline spray or flush with a neti pot containing a saline solution). Make good old-fashioned chicken soup a mainstay of your winter menu. Researchers are discovering what grandma suspected all along – the ingredients in chicken soup (stock, carrot, onion, and celery) might actually have a medicinal effect on the body’s immune system.

Get plenty of exercise – Just because it’s cold outside, that’s no excuse for cutting out your workout sessions. Exercise boosts the immune system by clearing out the lymph system. It also boosts mood which is a protective factor in the prevention of illness.

Cut down on sugar – Just a few grams can diminish your white blood cells’ ability to resist infections for several hours. If you must sweeten your food and beverages, choose stevia.

Sleep better – Keep your body’s melatonin levels in balance with regular, good quality sleep. The immune system works best when the body is well rested.

Keep stress levels in check – Another way to wreak havoc with your immune system is to walk around with high levels of stress and anxiety. Practice a few minutes of deep breathing several times a day. Laugh more. Play with your pet. Start and end your day with a brief meditation – there are many good books and CDs that will help you.

Helpful supplements – Probiotics attack pathogenic bacteria and support your body’s white cells in their reaction to invaders. Vitamin D3 will help balance appropriate levels to support immune system function. Echinacea and zinc help protect against colds. And Vitamin C is an essential year-round immune system booster.

What is your favorite tip for keeping winter colds and flu at bay?

Sources:
WebMD
Natural Society

Whether you call it lime, asparagus, Kelly, jade, forest, or emerald—green is green. And whether you talking about algae, spirulina, chlorella, or cilantro—green foods are a definite go!

Green foods are packed with so many nutrients, it’s no wonder they are called the super foods of the nutrition world. They are exceptionally rich sources of chlorophyll and vital minerals, and have been found to alleviate depression and fatigue, support your immune system, eliminate toxins, promote a healthy gut and bowel, inhibit Candida, aid in weight loss, and even banish bad breath.

But in this field of verdant health, two green foods stand out—spirulina and chlorella.

Spirulina is a true powerhouse. This algae is made up of 55–70 percent pure protein, 95 percent of which is digestible, making it ideal for people with gastrointestinal disorders. Spirulina is packed with more than 30 different vitamins and minerals and 18 amino acids, providing three times more vitamin E than raw wheat germ, 35 times more beta-carotene than carrots, and is higher in the rare essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) than evening primrose oil. 

Like spirulina, chlorella is a fresh-water algae, containing more chlorophyll than any known plant on the planet. It is also high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates, and packed with vitamin, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, as well as the nucleic acids DNA and RNA.

Research shows that spirulina can help to boost your immune system and even ease allergic reactions, while chlorella provide gentle support constipation woes, as well as helping to promote natural detoxification.

The best and easiest way for you to reap all of the benefits is to make green foods a part of your morning routine. Simply add 1–2 tablespoons of a powdered green foods, containing both spirulina and chlorella, to 8 ounces of either juice or water every day.

The largest seed known to man, the coconut has been used and praised by Malaysian and Polynesian cultures for centuries. Not only does it contain a multitude of amino acids, but it is also chock full of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, as vitamin C, and riboflavin (vitamin B2). 

But coconut’s most prized nutrient is lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that converts in your body to monolaurin. Monolaurin is a compound found in breast milk that strengthens a baby’s immune system. Not only does it boost brain and bone health, but it helps strengthen the immune system.

In fact, coconut has been heralded as an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. It has even been shown to reduce fever and excess heat (hyperthermia) in animal studies.

And that’s just the coconut meat and oil. But if you’ve ever been to the islands and had a fresh coconut, you know that there’s a light, refreshing water found inside the hairy shell. But what you may not know is that this coconut water is identical to your blood plasma.

According to Mortin Salin, Chief of the U.N.’s Food & Agricultural Organization, coconut water is a natural isotonic beverage with the same level of electrolytic balance as blood. It is so comparable that during the Pacific War of 1941-1945, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water taken directly from the seed to give emergency plasma transfusions to wounded soldiers.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of ways you can get these health amazing coconut health benefits. Many companies are now packaging coconut water and marketing it as an electrolyte replacement. Just look for plain versus flavored varieties to avoid unwanted sugar.

Coconut oil is a great option for cooking, due to its high smoking point (350°F for unrefined and 450°F for refined). For us non-chefs, this means you can sauté and bake with coconut oil and not worry about it turning into a trans-fat.  Plus, coconut oil is great to use topically to soften your hands. 

Finally, you can use shredded coconut as a healthy snack or great and tasty alternative to bread crumbs on your favorite chicken or fish dish.

A newly published meta-analysis of sleep studies found a link between inadequate sleep and obesity.

The research, published in a special issue of The American Journal of Human Biology, explores how lack of sleep can impact appetite regulation, impair glucose metabolism and increase blood pressure.

The analysis reinforces the new thinking among experts that poor sleep habits have negative health consequences that range far beyond the occasional grumpy morning-after. In fact, improving the quality of your sleep may be the simplest way to boost your immune system, among other benefits.

When you experience that occasional sleeplessness, it’s very important to nip it in the bud before one night becomes two, then seven, and eventually – a chronic condition requiring medical intervention.

There are some simple things you can do to establish what the experts call “good sleep hygiene.” The National Sleep Foundation recommends these fundamentals for sleeping smart:

1. Establish a regular bed and wake time.
2. Avoid nicotine altogether, and avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
3. Exercise regularly, but complete the workout at least three hours before bedtime.
4. Establish a consistent, relaxing “wind-down” bedtime routine.
5. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable.
6. Discuss the appropriate way to take any sleep aid with your health-care professional.

Once you’ve established the basics, any of the following nighttime rituals may help:

• Soft, relaxing music or relaxation CD
• Non-stimulating reading material (in other words – a boring book!)
• Aromatherapy eye pillow – this works to block light as well as soothe tired eyes
• Warm aromatherapy bath with relaxing essential oil such as lavender.

Additionally, there are some herbal remedies for sleep which are time-tested and safe. These can be taken in the form of teas available at your natural health retailer … or even grown in your backyard! Valerian, lemon balm, lavender, chamomile are some examples.

Finally, you may wish to try a natural, non-prescription sleep aid. Look for these ingredients in your all natural supplement: Melatonin, GABA, L-Glycine, and 5-Hydroxytryptophan.

Sources:
Science Daily, April 17, 2012
National Sleep Foundation

Today’s hectic lifestyles leave little time for making healthy food choices and pollutants in the air and water are perpetually pouring toxins into the environment that have to be processed by our bodies. Years of poor nutrition and environmental toxicity eventually take a toll and we can easily wind up with a compromised immune system that zaps our energy and leaves us vulnerable to a host of serious health maladies. 

What many people don’t realize is that a proper PH balance in the body can restore youthful energy and boost our body’s ability to stay healthy and strong.  The correct PH balance is achieved when we have the proper ratio of alkaline and acidic foods in our diets.  Alkaline foods include asparagus, artichokes, lettuce, peas, spinach, green beans and broccoli. Acidic foods include meats, dairy products, white bread, white pasta, chocolate, coffee and carbonated drinks. Nutritional experts recommend that at least 75 percent of our diets should consist of alkaline foods. Unfortunately most of us are not getting enough alkaline foods in our diet to stay healthy and energized. 

In recent years, green superfoods have emerged as a viable way to keep our bodies in balance. Green superfoods are nutrient rich and are derived from green plants, algae and cereal grasses.  These foods are rich in chlorophyll and they feature potent concentrations of digestible vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other beneficial substances.

There are several green superfood supplements on the market that make it easy to get a daily dose of these life-boosting nutrients.  One of the best is “All Day Energy Greens”. This easy-to-use powdered supplement dissolves quickly and easily into your favorite beverage and one glass contains a whole day’s worth of the nutrients your body needs to stay alkalized and balanced.  This supplement costs just pennies a day and could literally save you thousands of dollars in the medical bills that mount up when diseases invade the body due to a weakened immune system. 

More than 100,000 people have used this remarkable supplement and those who share their experiences report increased energy levels, decreased joint and muscle pain, improved regularity, radiant skin, superior mental clarity and reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

If you are one of the millions of people who are settling for a lackluster life caused by improper balance you should talk to your holistic health practitioner about adding “All Day Energy Greens” to your daily regimen. Join the thousands of people who have traded fatigue and illness for vim and vigor and feel the positive difference it makes in your life.

How do you increase your energy throughout the day?

Today’s hectic lifestyles leave little time for making healthy food choices and pollutants in the air and water are perpetually pouring toxins into the environment that have to be processed by our bodies. Years of poor nutrition and environmental toxicity eventually take a toll and we can easily wind up with a compromised immune system that zaps our energy and leaves us vulnerable to a host of serious health maladies. 

What many people don’t realize is that a proper PH balance in the body can restore youthful energy and boost our body’s ability to stay healthy and strong.  The correct PH balance is achieved when we have the proper ratio of alkaline and acidic foods in our diets.  Alkaline foods include asparagus, artichokes, lettuce, peas, spinach, green beans and broccoli. Acidic foods include meats, dairy products, white bread, white pasta, chocolate, coffee and carbonated drinks. Nutritional experts recommend that at least 75 percent of our diets should consist of alkaline foods. Unfortunately most of us are not getting enough alkaline foods in our diet to stay healthy and energized. 

In recent years, green superfoods have emerged as a viable way to keep our bodies in balance. Green superfoods are nutrient rich and are derived from green plants, algae and cereal grasses.  These foods are rich in chlorophyll and they feature potent concentrations of digestible vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and other beneficial substances.

There are several green superfood supplements on the market that make it easy to get a daily dose of these life-boosting nutrients.  One of the best is “All Day Energy Greens”. This easy-to-use powdered supplement dissolves quickly and easily into your favorite beverage and one glass contains a whole day’s worth of the nutrients your body needs to stay alkalized and balanced.  This supplement costs just pennies a day and could literally save you thousands of dollars in the medical bills that mount up when diseases invade the body due to a weakened immune system. 

More than 100,000 people have used this remarkable supplement and those who share their experiences report increased energy levels, decreased joint and muscle pain, improved regularity, radiant skin, superior mental clarity and reductions in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

If you are one of the millions of people who are settling for a lackluster life caused by improper balance you should talk to your holistic health practitioner about adding “All Day Energy Greens” to your daily regimen. Join the thousands of people who have traded fatigue and illness for vim and vigor and feel the positive difference it makes in your life.

You’ve probably heard what recent studies have concluded about Vitamin D boosts you immune system naturally, and how it can be an invaluable ally during flu season. And you’ve no doubt heard the more recent news that Vitamin D might protect against the ravages of type II diabetes. But here’s another amazing benefit this vitamin might offer: strengthen your eyesight as you age.

Dr. Glen Jeffrey and other researchers at the University College of London Institute of Ophthalmology in the UK conducted a study* in which they treated middle-aged mice with Vitamin D for six weeks. For the treated group, one-year-old female mice were injected with safflower oil containing 0.9 micrograms of Vitamin D every three days.  One mouse year is roughly 50 human years.

After six weeks, tests measuring the electrical responses of retinal cells showed significant improvement in the vision of the treated mice. So, what is the mechanism behind these very promising results? According to Dr. Jeffrey, it has to do with the reduction in amyloid deposits and inflammation in the blood vessels—a finding that could have even broader implications beyond those gleaned from this study.

“Finding that amyloid deposits were reduced in the blood vessels of mice that had been given Vitamin D supplements suggests that Vitamin D could be useful in helping to prevent a range of age-related health problems, from deteriorating vision to heart disease, " says Dr. Jeffery.

Ask your health care professional about the best way to incorporate this important nutrient into your supplement regimen.

*http://www.neurobiologyofaging.org/article/S0197-4580(11)00519-7/abstract

If you’ve ever enjoyed Thai or Indian food, you have (probably unknowingly) consumed one of the most powerful natural cancer-fighting substances known to science. This miracle ingredient? Turmeric.

Turmeric is a spice made from grinding the roots of the Curcuma longa plant which grows wild in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the key ingredients for many Indian, Persian and Thai dishes. Ancient Indian medicine (Ayurveda) has long recommended its use in food for its medicinal value.

Commonly used as medicine in many Eastern countries, turmeric has been found to suppress cancer growth, reduce brain tumors, support overall immune system health, and even alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. While the benefits of turmeric are just coming to light within the Western mainstream and alternative media, it has been known for quite some time that this inexpensive spice holds powerful health benefits.

Curcumin (not to be confused with cumin, the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family) is a natural phenol and derivative of turmeric, and may be responsible for many of these effects -- particularly the anti-cancer benefits.

In the July edition of the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, scientists noted that curcumin dramatically decreased the size of brain tumors by 81 percent in 9 out of 11 studies without apparent side effects.

Additional studies have found that turmeric and curcumin inhibit the spread of cancer by actually blocking a key enzyme responsible for its growth. Given chewable curcumin supplements containing 1,000 milligrams of curcumin each, 21 study participants with head and neck cancer experienced a halt in cancer spread after intake. Conducted by the UCLA, the results were examined by an independent lab in Maryland which confirmed that curcumin supplements ultimately stopped the spread of malignant cancer cells.

Curcumin gives turmeric its unique yellow color, and each 100 grams of turmeric contains 3 to 5 grams of the compound. In medieval Europe, turmeric was known as Indian saffron, since it was widely used as an alternative to the far more expensive saffron spice.

Some culinary facts and tips about turmeric:

• It is one of the principle ingredients of curry powder.
• It can be used as a substitute for saffron.
• It is used to flavor and color butter, cheese, margarine, pickles, mustard, liquor, fruit drinks, cakes, table jellies, fruit dishes and other foodstuffs.
• Use it to add Eastern mystery to new favorites as well as in traditional curries, rice and chicken dishes, and condiments.
• It is a classic addition to chutneys, pickles, and relishes.
• Blend it with melted butter and drizzle it over cooked vegetables, pasta, or potatoes.
• It adds a warm, mild aroma and distinctive yellow colour to foods.

Some health experts believe that turmeric will soon reach the popularity level of vitamin D, which is only now becoming universally recognized for its wide-ranging health benefits.

Turmeric and curcumin are both extremely inexpensive methods of boosting health, and are readily available worldwide. They can be purchased in the form of spices or as health supplements.

Have you cooked with Turmeric? What is your favorite recipe that uses Turmeric?

Prolonged stress and anxiety can spell trouble for the human body and mind. Not only does it send inflammation levels soaring, it interferes with necessary sleep and pushes the immune system to its protective limits.

Spiritual teacher and author Eckart Tolle has an explanation for this. When we over-identify with the outer body as opposed to the timeless “inner body,” our mental and physical health suffers.

There is the outer body – the dense physical structure which is subject to old age, disease and death – which is not ultimately YOU, Tolle says. “The body that you can see and touch is only a thin illusory veil. Underneath it lies the invisible inner body which exists beyond limitations.”

Increase your inner-body awareness, and the outer body will respond with improved health and strength.

Tolle recommends a simple but powerful self-healing meditation that you can do whenever you feel the need to boost your immune system. He says it is particularly effective if used when you feel the first symptoms of an illness, but it is helpful at any time.

When you are unoccupied for a few minutes, and especially the last thing before falling asleep and first thing in the morning before getting up, “flood” your body with consciousness. Close your eyes. Lie flat on your back. Choose different parts of your body to focus your attention on briefly at first: hands, feet, arms, legs, abdomen, chest, head, and so on.

Then let your attention run through the body like a wave a few times, from feet to head and back again. This need only take a minute or so. After that, feel the inner body in its totality, as a single field of energy. Hold that feeling for a few minutes.

Be intensely present at this moment, in every cell of your body. Don’t worry if your mind occasionally succeeds in drawing your attention out of the body and you lose yourself in some thought – just gently return your attention to the inner body. Breathe deeply and relax. Think: I am here, in the Now.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, travel requires careful planning. That’s why we develop extensive to-do lists that include filling up the gas tank, making airline reservations, obtaining maps and packing suitcases. Unfortunately most of us make travel plans that provide little or no focus on the most important thing of all - our health. 

While maintaining a strong immune system is critical for vibrant health every day of our lives, it becomes increasingly important when we are on the move. Travel can compromise the immune system because it upsets the internal body clock that regulates sleep, hunger and digestion. (This can be particularly troubling when you cross time zones.) Many travelers fall into poor eating habits and consume more caffeine and alcohol than their bodies can tolerate. 

To further complicate matters, travel also means increased exposure to germs and viruses that thrive when people are hoarded together in cars, airplanes, busses or trains. Poor air circulation contributes to the spread of illnesses and doorknobs, counters, banisters and other surfaces are likely to be contaminated by germs.   

With a little planning you can supercharge your immune system so that you can enjoy your travels and protect your health. One of the best ways to prepare your immune system for travel is to take nutritional supplements before and during your trip. Supplements containing green tea and resveratrol are particularly important. Green tea contains an agent called catechin polyphenol that is considered “jet fuel” for the immune system. Green Tea Elixir, which is available through the Institute for Vibrant Living, is the most concentrated extract of green tea ever formulated. Just add two droppers of this supplement into your favorite hot or cold beverage and you will receive the protective power of 20 cups of green tea. 

Resveratrol is another potent immune system booster that can help keep you healthy before and during your travels. This powerful antioxidant, which is present in red wine, fruit and the skin of grapes, is associated with a lower risk of developing cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Because it would be difficult to obtain optimal amounts of resveratrol from food and wine, many people use resveratrol supplements. 

Many people also add probiotics to their daily regime before and during travel to prevent gastric distress. Probiotics, which are available from natural health stores, populate the intestinal tract with “friendly” bacteria that limits the growth of “bad” bacteria such as salmonella, clostridia and E coli. 

The next time you make travel plans, make sure you take your healthy habits with you. Supercharge your immune system so that you can enjoy every second of your trip.  

What do you do to stay healthy while traveling?

A complex network of cells, glands, tissues and organs - this immune system support works to shield the body from disease. One quarter to one half of all body cells are committed to strengthen the immune system with important organs being the thymus and the spleen.

Certain white blood cells are important to boost your immune system and some herbs and spices work to stimulate these cells and occasionally boost the amount of white blood cells present in an infected body. Many of these herbs and spices have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Native American medicine.

Astragalus – This is a perennial plant native to China, Korea and Mongolia which is harvested for its root and dried for medicinal purposes. Astragalus is labeled an adaptogen which is a medicine thought to help shield the body from physical, mental or emotional stress.

Many studies have found that astragalus can boost specific and non-specific immunity. It has been linked to increased white blood cells, and it works with prescribed drugs to enhance effectiveness of treatment for cancer and diabetes. As it contains powerful antioxidants, astragalus may also be helpful in the prevention of colds and upper respiratory infections.

Garlic – This plant contains several antioxidants that fortify the immune system and some think of it as the “herbal antibiotic.”   Garlic has been used to combat intestinal parasites, as an external antiseptic and it is said to strengthen the immune system.   It is also said to be an effective agent against H. pylori, a bacteria that has been linked to ulcers and stomach cancer.  To maximize the medicinal properties of garlic in meal preparation, peel and chop the cloves, and let sit for 15 minutes before cooking.

Ginger – This is a warming herb that helps the body sweat out a fever.   Ginger also soothes an upset stomach and is said to boost immunity. A cup of hot water, honey, lemon and steeped, fresh ginger root is a recommended folk remedy for the onset of a cold.

Goldenseal - This is a bitter root that contains a powerful compound called berberine which has been found to destroy many types of bacteria in test tubes. It can also destroy germs responsible for candida (yeast) infections, and it combats various parasites in the body. Berberine may also stimulate white blood cells, which leads to a stronger immune system.

Herbs and spices are generally a safe way to strengthen the immune system. You should always discuss any type of alternative medicine with your health care provider, however to check for contraindications. Medicinal herbs and spices come in many forms - capsules, powders, teas and tinctures – which can commonly be found at your local whole foods store or through natural supplement websites.

Sources: 

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-immune-foods

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2000/mar/03chen.html

http://www.mscd.edu/student/resources/health/healthymoves/Herbs%20to%20Support%20the%20Immune%20System%201~27~09.pdf

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/goldenseal-000252.htm

The magic of lychee fruit lies in the myriad health benefits it provides. The fruit contains a rich concentration of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants from plant foods that can improve heart health, strengthen the immune system, boost energy levels and help protect the body from the ravages of toxins in the environment. Polyphenols were recently termed “lifespan essentials” because of the critical role they play in slowing down the aging process. Recent research confirmed that polyphenols decrease the oxidation of “bad cholesterol,” thus providing significant protection from cardiovascular disease.      

Although the lychee fruit can be difficult to find in some areas of the country you can reap the benefits by using supplements such as the amazing “Lychee Gold” formula which is available from the Institute for Vibrant Living. This scientifically formulated liquid contains four superfood antioxidant extracts including lychee, camu camu extract, black currant extract and pomegranate juice. These four powerful ingredients work together to create a recipe for wellness that you can’t afford to miss. Lychee Gold comes in an easy-to-use liquid form. You simply add a few drops into the drink of your choice. Used daily, this potent supplement can provide the nutritional support you need to enjoy an active, vibrant life at any age.

What to learn more about lychee supplements and how to add this powerful antioxidant to your daily regimen? Click here.