4-Eat Healthy Fats “80% of your immune system is found in your gut,” says Yufang Lin, MD, of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, “so when it’s healthy, we tend to be able to fight off infections faster and better. When it’s not, our immune system is weaker and more susceptible to fighting off infection.” Healthy fats are those with anti-inflammatory … [Read more...]
How to Improve Your Immune System (part 3)
3-Eat Whole Plant Foods Today’s processed diet is a major cause of inflammation in the body. Our ancestors ate more raw fruits and vegetables and doctors have proven this is a healthier diet for your immune system (as well as other systems in your body). Whole plant foods are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that strengthen your immune system. Registered dietician Julia … [Read more...]
How to Improve Your Immune System (part 2)
2-Stay Active Prolonged intense exercise has been shown to lower your immune response – however, moderate exercise actually boosts that response. Studies show that even one session of moderate exercise can increase vaccine effectiveness in those with compromised immune systems. “Working out is a powerful way to boost your immune system,” says Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, Jenkins/Pokempner … [Read more...]
How to Improve Your Immune System (part 1 of 5)
(Part 1) Your immune system is an amazing machine. It’s responsible for keeping your body safe from outside invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins. There are two main parts of your immune system: the part you were born with (innate or non-specific system) and the part you develop from exposure to the environment (adaptive acquired, or specific system). Your immune … [Read more...]
How sleep affects your health (final part of the series)
In this post we'll be talking about hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is probably the most controversial ingredient we've discussed, which isn’t saying much as none of the others have any controversy around them. The reason: Hydroxytryptophan reliably increases serotonin levels. Serotonin is generally touted as the happy hormone and also has numerous other effects on the body including … [Read more...]
The affect of sleep on your health (part 3)
In part three, we’re discussing l-theanine, another “sleep set up” herb much like ashwagandha. l-theanine Also known as: the Anti-Jitter Herb, the Great Relaxant, the Anti-Wired Herb, Caffeine’s Best Friend and the Focus herb Main effects: takes the edge off stimulants, reduces jitter, steadies “nerves”, relaxant without sedation, increases focus, alpha wave brain … [Read more...]
How sleep affects your health (part 2)
This is our second post regarding the recommended herbs and supplements for greatly improving the quality of your sleep. It's critically important the quality of these herbs and supplements be the purest and without fillers or contaminates. It's doubtful you'll find anything worthwhile at the grocery or drug store. You also need to do some serious homework locating the true high quality forms … [Read more...]
How sleep affects your health
More and more studies are confirming that getting proper sleep (amount and quality) is critical for weight control, your immune system, and overall health. It is important to note that it's more about the quality of sleep than the quantity. Being awakened by the next-door neighbors dog, making trips to the restroom, laying in bed worrying about a project you're working on is NOT good sleep. Our … [Read more...]