Help Immune System

Roughly one in 13 American kids under the age of 18 typically suffers from at least one food allergy - and nearly 40% of these youngsters have experienced a severe allergic reaction after consuming a food, along with having higher rates of asthma, skin and respiratory allergies.

Some allergists believe that much of what is called a ‘food allergy’ may simply be food intolerance or a non-allergic issue.

However, a real food allergy can be serious, even life threatening.

For a child to become allergic to a particular food, it must have either consumed the food at least once before or been exposed to it through breast milk - so that its immune system makes antibodies to ‘antigenic’ proteins in that particular food.

The most common food allergies in children are caused by peanuts, cow’s milk, eggs, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish and wheat. While allergies caused by peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish usually last a lifetime, kids often outgrow their early allergies to wheat, eggs, soy and cow’s milk.

An allergic reaction to a food usually occurs within minutes to an hour after consumption and can include:

• Skin symptoms such as hives, itching, rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, face
• Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Respiratory symptoms including wheezing, congestion, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing due to swelling of the throat
• Cardiovascular symptoms such as a sudden drop in BP, dizziness, lightheadedness

The most severe allergic response - known as anaphylaxis - is a medical emergency. In this condition, throat swelling interferes with normal breathing and swallowing, while the heart rate rises and BP drops suddenly.

To identify a food allergy, an allergist will have to consider the complete list of foods the child has consumed before the reaction - along with the signs, symptoms, severity and length of the reaction.

A skin test can help determine which foods cause a child to react. In this test, a small amount of food extract is applied to the skin of the child’s arm or back. The appearance of a red, itchy bump (or wheal) within 15 minutes suggests an allergy.

Blood tests may also help to identify an allergy, although a positive test can be wrong as much as 90% of the time.

An oral food challenge is the only definitive way to diagnose food allergy. It is usually done in the allergist’s office, and that too only if the risk of anaphylaxis is low.

There is no cure for food allergies. The only treatment is avoiding foods that cause reactions.

Raising a child with food allergies safe can be very challenging and stressful for its parents, who must search food labels for ingredients that can cause reactions; notify family, friends, schools, and restaurants of their child’s allergy; and always be prepared for an emergency.

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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.

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Health Benefits of Liquid Chlorophyll.

A fascinating study of young twins in Malawi in sub-Saharan Africa reveals that intestinal bacteria might be responsible for a form of severe childhood malnutrition called kwashiorkor - associated with swollen bellies, liver damage, skin ulcerations, loss of appetite and wasting.

Experts have long wondered why some children in Malawi are malnourished in this way but not others - even those in the same household and who eat the same foods.

Gut microbes play a huge role in our daily lives, extracting nutrients and calories from our diet, synthesizing vitamins and nutrients and even helping to shape our immune systems.

Carried out by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, this study shows how gut microbes and a poor diet may be combining to cause malnutrition. In fact, gut microbes from malnourished children even caused dramatic weight loss and altered metabolism in mice fed a nutrient-poor diet, which didn’t happen with gut microbes from healthy children.

The typical Malawian diet of corn-based porridge doesn’t have enough vitamins and minerals for proper development. Interestingly, gut microbes from malnourished children don’t seem to mature normally the way they do in healthy children.

The standard treatment for malnutrition is a high-calorie, peanut-based, nutrient-rich therapeutic food. However, therapeutic food only has a transient effect. Once treatment is discontinued, intestinal microbes in malnourished children go back to being immature and dysfunctional.

Malnourished children do gain weight when treated with therapeutic food. But they still remain at high risk for stunted growth, neurological problems and even malnutrition and death after treatment is stopped.

This study followed 317 sets of twins during the first three years of their lives. During this time, half of the twin pairs remained healthy - while in the others, either one or both twins developed malnutrition. This occurred just as often in fraternal twins as identical twins, suggesting that factors other than human genes were involved.

The research team tracked gut microbes just before, during and after treatment with therapeutic food. Four weeks after therapeutic food was discontinued, the genes of gut microbes from malnourished children failed to mature or even regressed, while those from healthy co-twins matured normally.

Next, researchers transplanted gut microbes from either healthy or malnourished co-twins into groups of germ-free mice raised under sterile conditions.

They found that mice transplanted with malnourished children's gut microbes that ate a typical Malawian diet experienced weight loss, while those with the healthy twin's gut microbes and the same nutrient-deficient diet did not. And although the genes of malnourished mice matured when they were fed therapeutic food, they tended to revert to a malnourished state when the nutrient-poor village diet was resumed.

Further, the research team also found that mice with gut microbes transplanted from a malnourished twin carried bacteria associated with human illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Not only that, the combination of a nutrient-deficient diet and malnourished genes completely changed carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and reduced sulfur availability in mice, which may have helped to cause weight loss.

Clearly, additional studies are needed to completely understand the role gut microbes play in severe malnutrition. One solution may be to trigger genetic development in gut microbes from malnourished kids - and supplementing therapeutic food with beneficial gut bacteria may be part of the solution.

Sources:

Gut Microbes and Severe Malnutrition.

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!

A nutritional supplement that contains live bacteria - known as a probiotic - may help burn off some of that stubborn visceral belly fat, according to a new study published in the Journal of Functional Foods.

This study was funded by Micropharma, which makes probiotic supplements.

The results indicate that this probiotic could be an effective weight loss tool. Normally we digest most of the food and absorb most of the calories we consume. Because this probiotic supplement interfered with intestinal fat absorption, fewer calories become available to pack on the belly fat.

However, it’s worth noting that this study only looked at a small number of people who were only slightly overweight to begin with. The slimming effect was also modest.

In other words, people aren't going to be able to just eat probiotics to reduce weight and there’s no reason to believe that probiotics will eliminate the need to maintain proper lifestyle habits, such as a healthy diet and exercise.

The term probiotic means ‘for life’.

Probiotics are beneficial forms of gut bacteria - found mainly in cheese, yogurt, fermented and unfermented milks, and kefir - that form the basis for microbial populations in the small and large intestines of animals, including us humans, conferring health benefits. Other probiotic containing foods include juices, cereal, smoothies and nutrition bars.

According to health experts, probiotics help with proper digestion of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, boost the immune system, relieve depression and even fight sinus infections.

Some evidence is emerging that probiotic bacteria may help burn fat and could play a role in the treatment and prevention of overweight and obesity.

In this study, 28 overweight volunteers were given a daily serving of yogurt. Half of them were given yogurt spiked with either the bacteria L. fermentum or L. amylovorus. After a month and a half, those who ate the L. fermentum probiotic supplements had lost 3 percent of their body fat, while those who ate L. amylovorus had lost 4 percent of their body fat relative to the study's start. Most of that loss was visceral belly fat.

Visceral belly fat - stored deep inside the body behind the abdominal muscles and surrounding the organs - is biologically active and releases hormones and chemicals called adipokines, which in turn cause more fat gain and muscle loss.

Men typically tend to have more visceral belly fat than women, placing them at a much higher risk for insulin resistance, type II diabetes and heart disease.

The liver secretes soapy chemicals called bile salts, which mix with fat in the intestines and help digest it. This particular probiotic supplement destroys bile salts, which is how it interferes with fat absorption - and unlike other weight-loss drugs that prevent intestinal fat absorption, they didn't cause unpleasant digestive side effects.

The researchers didn't follow the subjects for long, so we don’t know if they kept the pounds off.

Also, it’s worth remembering that not all probiotics burn fat. Each probiotic works in a different way, for totally different results. This particular probiotic supplement reduced belly fat, but other probiotics may do other things.

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Probiotic supplement prevents fat absorption.

One by one, the many mysterious secrets of traditional Chinese medicine are slowly being revealed.

Western health experts are already familiar with acupuncture and acupressure. The ancient practice of qi gong is becoming ever more popular among Americans.

Now it’s the turn of Chang Shan, an herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years in China to treat fevers caused by malaria. Its secret action has finally been uncovered, thanks to a high-resolution structural analysis carried out at The Scripps Research Institute.

Described in the journal Nature, the new data shows in atomic detail how halofuginone, a compound derived from Chang Shan, works in cells. Scientists have known for a while now that halofuginone can suppress the immune system- but they didn’t know how.

It turns out halofuginone acts to jam the gears of a molecular machine that carries out protein synthesis - a crucial biological process necessary for life.

For proteins to be made, DNA first needs to be ‘transcribed’ or chemically converted into a similar molecule called RNA. Next, this RNA is ‘translated’ into proteins - which are chemically very different - made up of chains of amino acid molecules strung together in a strict order laid out in the original DNA.

It turns out another set of biological molecules known as transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are critically necessary for translation. Their job is to grab hold of each amino acid and add them like pearls to the growing protein chain…and enzymes known as aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases help attach each amino acid to its respective tRNA.

Interestingly, this new analysis shows for the first time that halofuginone interferes with the specific tRNA synthetase enzyme that attaches the amino acid proline to its appropriate tRNA. According to the research team who carried out this study, nothing like this has been seen before in the field of biochemistry.

Experts believe the reason Chang Shan is so effective in treating malarial fevers is because traces of a halofuginone-like chemical in the herb interfere with protein synthesis in malarial parasites, killing them in an infected person's blood.

These results appear to have finally solved a centuries-old mystery about how Chang Shan actually works - and while halofuginone has been tested in clinical trials for cancer, it now seems halofuginone may be a useful starting point to try and make new drugs for other diseases as well.

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Biochemical mechanism of Chang Shan, an ancient traditional Chinese antimalarial herb, revealed.

If you’re one of those people who always believed that pollution from car exhaust, smoking and dust was bad for your health - what do you know, you’re absolutely right!

New research by scientists at Trinity College Dublin shows for the first time that exposure to nanoparticles may lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. This study also identified new targets for potential drug treatments to combat these diseases.

Carbon particles emitted by car exhaust, smoking and long term inhalation of dust are already known to be major risk factors for chronic lung inflammation. This new research now raises serious concerns about similar risks posed by the products of nanotechnology.

In this study, scientists looked to see whether exposure to nanoparticles can cause people to develop autoimmune diseases.

They applied many nanomaterials - such as ultrafine carbon black, carbon nanotubes and silicon dioxide particles of different sizes - to human cells from the lining of airway passages and other cells typically exposed to inhaled foreign particles.

At the same time, other researchers carried out similar studies in mice exposed to chronic inhalation of air contaminated with single walled carbon nanotubes.

Overall, the results were clear and convincing: all nanoparticles caused an identical response in human cells and in the lungs of mice - they converted the amino acid arginine into a molecule called citrulline.

The point is that human proteins that contain citrulline instead of arginine as building blocks don’t function properly, so they are eliminated by the body’s defense systems. And once it’s been programmed to get rid of citrullinated proteins, the immune system starts attacking its own tissues and organs - leading to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

For the first time, these findings have helped to establish a clear link between nanoparticles and the development of autoimmune diseases. Clearly, there are major health and safety implications when it comes to the manufacture, use and ultimate disposal of nanotechnology products and materials.

Not only that, health experts now believe that preventing citrullination in human proteins might be a promising target for future therapies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

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Nanoparticles play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

There is no shortage of advice when it comes to a heart-healthy diet. The basic advice is eat lots of fruits and vegetables, watch the salt and sugar, lose the trans fats/saturated fats, up your fiber intake, and aim for lean proteins.

Or, to say it even more simply, go Mediterranean. A Mediterranean-type diet gives you the fiber you need, the antioxidants your heart craves, and the healthy fats your entire body uses to function at peak performance.

When it comes to fiber, studies have shown a stunning 29 percent reduction in heart disease for every 10-gram increase in fiber. Plus, high-fiber foods also contain tremendous sources of phytonutrients, including flavonoids, phytoestrogens, lignans and carotenoids. These precious phytonutrients, which comprise a huge part of the Mediterranean diet, make it the best diet for preventing heart disease.

As for antioxidants, a 2011 study published in Stroke found women who ate foods with the most antioxidants had a 17 percent lower risk for total stroke than those women who ate foods with the fewest antioxidants.

Finally, healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. As such, they help regulate blood pressure, the breakdown of fat or cholesterol in your blood, heart rate, blood clotting, and your immune system’s response to injury and infection. Plus, EFAs reduce the production of a dangerous substance known as thromboxane A2, which stimulates abnormal blood clots and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Need an easy and delicious way to incorporate this advice? Make a salad every day that contains spinach, almonds or walnuts, salmon or low-mercury tuna, and a fruit of your choice. Easy and delicious way to get that fiber, EFAs, and antioxidants in one delicious meal!

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.

Boost the Immune System with Infection-Fighting Foods.  Take advantage of the following natural foods when battling a cold or flu:

Try the BRAT Diet.  Immediately following stomach flu, it is best to consume fluids and broths.  On day two, try BRAT.  Commonly used for children with upset stomachs, this natural remedy of bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast really works! 

Eat garlic, which has powerful antibacterial compounds that help the body fight infection.    A close relative with similar antibacterial agents is onion.  Cook with onions and leeks when you or family members have a cold.

Blueberries help to curb diarrhea, and they have aspirin-like properties, which may help to reduce fever and soothe aches and pains.

Try eating cranberries to prevent bacteria from invading the bladder and urinary tract.

Chili peppers help to open sinuses and clear the buildup of mucus in the lungs.  Other helpful foods for reducing nasal congestion and  mucus are mustard and horseradish.

Try a cup of tea as a natural cold and flu remedy.  Catechin, a phytochemical found in black and green teas is said to have antibiotic and anti-diarrheal properties.    

Steer clear of processed foods and sugar when battling illness as junk foods take a toll on the digestive system.

You don’t have to rely on dangerous, addictive sleep medication to visit the Land of Nod. Opt instead for natural therapies that help calm your body and mind while also promoting sleep. Some of the best-researched sleep nutrients include melatonin, GABA, and the herbs chamomile and passionflower.

Melatonin helps to regulate your body’s natural rhythms, including waking and sleeping. It is produced in the body from serotonin and found in bananas, tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, and breast milk. Begin with a small dose (2 mg) at bedtime. For melatonin to be effective, your bedroom should be dark, as light destroys melatonin through the skin.

GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Unlike excitatory neurotransmitters, which speed up your body’s processes and promote energy, inhibitory transmitters such as GABA quiet things down and help to calm the brain during times of over-stimulation. Specifically, GABA helps to stop your brain from sending messages that cause anxiety and thus promotes calm and relaxation.

In this way, GABA is effective for reducing anxiety, improving the immune system response, and improving sleep quality. Aim for 250 mg of GABA taken about 30 minutes before bedtime.

When it comes to sleepy-time herbs, you cannot do much better than chamomile and passionflower. For more than 50 years, chamomile has been proven to help calm nerves and promote sleep. It depresses the central nervous system, reducing anxiety without disrupting normal functioning.

Conversely, passionflower works by maintaining your blood levels of serotonin, which promotes sleep. To make a delicious, calming sleep tea, steep two or three heaping teaspoons of chamomile flowers and one teaspoon of dried passion flower leaves in 1½ cups of boiling water and drink 30 minutes before bed.

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.

Many of us were shocked and disturbed at the news of a young woman in Georgia who contracted a deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection from a cut on the leg. The bacteria was believed to be from river water into which she fell after cutting herself in a zipline accident.

A properly functioning immune system will take care of most exposure to bacteria, and a case like this is very rare. However, it is still wise to know the proper steps for cleaning minor cuts and scrapes as a first line of defense against bacterial infection. The Mayo Clinic offers the following recommendations:

1. Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If they don't, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Hold the pressure continuously for 20 to 30 minutes and if possible elevate the wound. Don't keep checking to see if the bleeding has stopped because this may damage or dislodge the clot that's forming and cause bleeding to resume. If blood spurts or continues flowing after continuous pressure, seek medical assistance.
2. Clean the wound. Rinse out the wound with clear water. Soap can irritate the wound, so try to keep it out of the actual wound. If dirt or debris remains in the wound after washing, use tweezers cleaned with alcohol to remove the particles. If debris still remains, see your doctor. Thorough cleaning reduces the risk of infection and tetanus. To clean the area around the wound, use soap and a washcloth. There's no need to use hydrogen peroxide, iodine or an iodine-containing cleanser.
3. Apply an antibiotic. After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin to help keep the surface moist. The products don't make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage infection and help your body's natural healing process. Certain ingredients in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment.
4. Cover the wound. Bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. After the wound has healed enough to make infection unlikely, exposure to the air will speed wound healing.
5. Change the dressing. Change the dressing at least daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. If you're allergic to the adhesive used in most bandages, switch to adhesive-free dressings or sterile gauze held in place with paper tape, gauze roll or a loosely applied elastic bandage. These supplies generally are available at pharmacies.
6. Get stitches for deep wounds. A wound that is more than 1/4-inch (6 millimeters) deep or is gaping or jagged edged and has fat or muscle protruding usually requires stitches. Adhesive strips or butterfly tape may hold a minor cut together, but if you can't easily close the wound, see your doctor as soon as possible. Proper closure within a few hours reduces the risk of infection.
7. Watch for signs of infection. See your doctor if the wound isn't healing or you notice any redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling.
8. Get a tetanus shot. Doctors recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your wound is deep or dirty and your last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster. Get the booster as soon as possible after the injury.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic: Cuts and Scrapes First Aid
Reuters: Georgia flesh-eating bacteria patient breathing on her own

If you’re taking probiotics to improve your digestive health, current research suggests you’re not just helping your gut—you’re doing your entire body a favor! And if you’re not taking probiotics, you might want to consider starting. Read on to find out why!

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast in a person's digestive tract. These microorganisms are “friendly” (beneficial to the host). Among many benefits, they help degrade toxic and allergenic substances in the intestine and colon. Probiotics occur naturally in certain foods like yogurt and cottage cheese. They are also available as nutritional supplements which can be purchased in health food stores. 

How do probiotics help my whole body?

These tiny organisms can do some pretty amazing things! To name just a few:

They help you absorb nutrients. The friendly bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus helps with the absorption of the B vitamins and vitamin K, along with fatty acids and minerals such as calcium.

They improve immune function. Beneficial bacteria have a critical and powerful effect on your gut’s immune system and your systemic immune system. They also aid in the production of antibodies to pathogens.

A study* published in the journal Pediatrics in 2009 looked at the potential benefits of probiotics in children during cold and flu season. According to the authors, “Daily dietary probiotic supplementation for 6 months was a safe effective way to reduce fever, rhinorrhea, and cough incidence and duration and antibiotic prescription incidence, as well as the number of missed school days attributable to illness, for children 3 to 5 years of age.”

They have a systemic, anti-inflammatory effect. While mechanism behind this benefit is not fully understood, recent studies strongly suggest that the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus works against inflammation. One such study** looked at biological markers for inflammation in patients taking the probiotics and those take a placebo. The researchers concluded “…probiotic bacteria have strain-specific anti-inflammatory effects in healthy adults.”

Another study*** from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, looked at the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in infants with eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. The researchers concluded that infants receiving this probiotic had a significantly reduced risk of eczema symptoms.

Sources:

*http://www.umm.edu/pediatrics/residents/journal-club/probioticscolds.pdf

**http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?orig_db=PubMed&db=pubmed&cmd=Search&term=%22World%20journal%20of%20gastroenterology%20%3A%20WJG%22%5BJour%5D%20AND%202029%5Bpage%5D%20AND%202008%5Bpdat%5D

***http://www.umm.edu/pediatrics/residents/journal-club/Wickens%20Lactobacillus%20rhamnosus%20JACI%202008.pdf

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

“Eat healthy food” is advice we hear at least once a day. It comes from everywhere: TV, magazines, our doctor, well-meaning family and friends. So, we make smart selections at the grocery store and feel very good about choosing an orange for a midday snack rather than, say, a donut.

That’s a great start … but really, how do you know your body is getting the benefit of the healthy foods you eat? Unfortunately, your body doesn’t issue an itemized receipt every time, listing the calories and nutrients that were effectively utilized. In fact, you might be surprised at how little of the valuable nutrients actually reach their goal – that is, being absorbed and put to work doing what they are meant to do: keep you functioning at an optimum level.

Here are five simple ways you can increase the effectiveness of the food you eat:

1. Take a digestive enzyme supplement. Our bodies make their own digestive enzymes that break down food in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine into smaller, absorbable molecules. However, while all fresh food contains enzymes, our modern habits destroy them. We grow fruits and vegetables in depleted soil, gas them to prolong shelf life, and cook them at high heat. All of this reduces their enzyme levels.
2. Take a probiotic to increase friendly flora. Friendly bacteria help produce the enzymes we need to break down food. They also support immune health and help protect the vulnerable cells along the linings of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
3. Chew your food! Mom’s advice was sound. Chewing produces amylase that breaks down carbohydrates and stimulates digestive juices.
4. Slow down. The chemicals needed to for healthy digestion are produced when we are relaxed. A calm, quiet atmosphere signals the digestive system to kick in.
5. Avoid taking antacids. In the stomach, high levels of acid are necessary to break down food (and kill off bad bacteria like H. pylori that can lead to stomach cancer). There are natural ways to reduce the problems of heartburn and acid reflux. Drinking enough water, reducing salt, eating fewer fats, and taking digestive enzymes and probiotics can take care of the problem.

Do you take probiotics or digestive enzymes? Have you experienced benefits from them?