Our Blog has Moved

Hello dear readers,

Thank you so much for stopping by the Living Healthy Community Blog. We hope you are finding information and tips to aid you in your journey to living a healthy life-style.

We just wanted to let you know that we have moved our blog. It is now located at http://www.natureswarehouse.net/blog.asp. Please visit us there where we are striving to continually provide you with new and relevant information, studies and encouragement pertaining to health or living healthy.  We are still keeping this site up until June 31st, 2015 or until we have all the information carried over onto our new blog.

Hope to see you on our new blog!

Nature’s Warehouse Team

Enhance Mood, Fight Stress: 7 Natural Ways to Balance the Body

By: Elizabeth Renter

Hormones regulate everything from your fertility to your organ functions. They are chemical messengers responsible for all sorts of bodily operations. When your hormones are out of whack, you feel it everywhere from your head to your toes. But rather than running to the doctor for prescription solutions, why not try other more natural alternatives to regulate your hormones?

Your hormones are regulated and manufactured in your endocrine glands: the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, adrenal, thymus, pancreas, and reproductive organs. They are powerful little compounds that can cause major changes with just small fluctuations.

Signs of a hormonal imbalance are many, but most often include: fatigue, menstrual irregularities, mood swings, depression and anxiety, changes in sex drive, foggy brain, memory problems, weight gain or loss,  and insomnia.

While hormone-regulating medications may help in some respect, they aren’t always the best solutions. Many medications come with various side effects and could cost a pretty penny.

Naturally Balancing Hormones

Because the natural solutions below have virtually no negative side effects, trying them could provide relief even before a formal diagnosis is sought.

1. Avoid processed “white” foods. Commit to 30 days without processed carbohydrates, alcohol, flour, and sugar and see how you feel. In Dr. Christiane Northrup’s Hormone-Balancing Food Plan she asks patients to eliminate refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, white rice, bread, alcohol, and foods made with white flour, such as muffins, bagels, pasta, pretzels and other snack foods.

2. Add omega-3 fats. The best sources of omega 3 fatty acids are natural food sources. Incorporate fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia into your diet.

3. Get plenty of sleep. Your endocrine system depends on you to get plenty of rest for it to operate optimally. Regulating your sleep patterns each night can provide numerous benefits.

4. Avoid soy products. Soy is a known hormone disruptor and until you know exactly what’s causing your possible imbalance, soy could make things worse. Additionally, soy is almost always genetically modified, which could cause a whole host of other issues, including infertility.

5. Manage stress. Stress causes your body to undergo all sorts of changes—including hormonal. Meditate, get exercise, and sleep at least 7 hours each night to help reduce and manage stress levels. Here are 5 easy ways to stress-proof your diet.

6. Eat healthful fats. Cholesterol and fat are necessary nutrients that help the formation of cells and the production of hormones.

7. Reconsider synthetic hormones like those found in birth control pills. Many women report lasting hormonal problems after taking birth control pills, some of which are never reversed once the pills are stopped. Consider another form of birth control if you’re experiencing such negative side effects.

Hormone health is indicative of whole body health. Get regular exercise, eat health, sleep well, and meditate regularly. While common sense, these simple steps alone are often enough to regulate hormone imbalances.

Used with permission.

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/7-tips-naturally-balanced-hormones/#ixzz3QoKOpMi4
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The Ultimate Valentine

Will You Be My Valentine? In the stores these days, this phrase is etched on hearts found on chocolates, balloons, candies and cards. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation of finding our Valentine.

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for hundreds of years as the special day for lovers. It is the day to celebrate the closest relationship we can have on this earth. We were made for love, and to be loved with a love that says, “I love you as you are, I enjoy your laugh, I want to be with you forever.”

Did you ever think that this love represents an amazing relationship in a perfect world? Can you imagine a world with no cursing, yelling or screaming at each other? It would be Valentine’s Day forever, a relationship not ending in death. It would be a relationship is filled with a harmony and beauty beyond what we can imagine. Deep in each human’s heart is a desire  for a true love with the Ultimate Valentine which lasts forever. We dare you to believe in such love and nothing less.

Constipated Babies

By: Tonya Judd

Over the course of the past few weeks I have received quite a few phone calls concerning constipated babies. Most of these sweet, new little beings have not had a bowel movement within a 7-10 day time period.  Their tummies were hard and when they would try to eliminate, they would cry because of the pain caused from the hardened stools. Their concerned and loving mothers were at a loss as to what to do for such little ones.

In most cases breastfed babies do not have a problem with constipation, but it can happen. On the other hand, formula fed babies do tend to have frequent bouts with constipation. If this is the case, you might try switching formulas or switch to goats’ milk which is much less mucus forming. If you are breastfeeding, your baby should have a bowel movement each time they nurse. If this is not happening, do not be alarmed, but look at your own diet and the foods you may be consuming that may be causing constipation. Regardless of your situation, if your wee one is having constipation issues you can try some of the following remedies to alleviate constipation and bring your baby relief.

1.  Dr. Christopher’s Kid-E-Reg Formula. The Kid-E-Reg Formula is a gentle bowel formula that supports the intestines, acts as a mild laxative, and is safe to use for an extended period of time.  It contains: Slippery Elm Bark, Licorice Root, Fennel Seed, Anise Seed & Fig Syrup in a glycerin base.

2.  Molasses water. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon black strap molasses to 8 ounces of water. This can be given by using an eye dropper or adding to a bottle. Molasses softens hardened stools making elimination easy and painless and is soothing to the intestinal tract.  Molasses is also a great source of iron.

3.  Licorice Tea. Licorice is a mild laxative, and stimulates peristaltic action.

4.  Lemon water. Lemon increases bile and peristalsis which causes a bowel movement.

5.  Diluted prune juice. Softens the stools and is very nutritive.

6.  Gently massaging the abdomen in the area of the colon. This can be done using extra virgin olive oil.

7.  Reflexology. Work the area on the foot that corresponds with the large and small intestines.

8.  Exercising/bicycling your baby’s legs. The colon is a smooth muscle and becomes more efficient with exercise. This simple exercise can help to get the peristaltic action going just like when we as adults exercise.

9.  A warm catnip enema. Lay your baby on a towel in the tub and keep the upper half of their body covered for warmth. Never give all of the solution at once. Remember to go slowly with babies and massage the abdomen as you go.

10. The Lower Bowel Extract. This formula can be used on babies if the Kid-E-Reg is not producing the desired results. The dosage would obviously not be what is listed on the bottle. You could start with 5-10 drops and work up if needed. This formula contains Cascara Sagrada Bark, Barberry Bark, Cayenne Pepper, Ginger Root, Lobelia Herb, Red Raspberry Leaf, Turkey Rhubarb Root, Fennel Seed and Goldenseal Root in a base of pure vegetable glycerin and distilled water.

Tonya Judd is a Master Herbalist graduate of The School of Natural Healing and an Emotional Release practitioner.

© Re-posted with permission from Herbal Legacy. This article can be found at: http://articles.herballegacy.com/constipated-babies/.

History of Licorice

(The second in a series of article we are posting about Licorice.)

By: Michelle Knuteson

Licorice Root is one of those herbs that has been around since ancient times. It was found in great quantities in the tomb of King Tut among his gold, jewelry and art treasures. It was presumed that King Tut wanted to take the root with him on his journey to the next world so that he could make his sweet drink “Mai sus” when he got there. To the Egyptians the sweet tasting Licorice root was a cure-all, much in the same manner that Chinese relate to Ginseng. Remarkably the licorice root was extremely well preserved when it was found by archaeologists, this may be due in part by the unusual preservation qualities the shape of the pyramid has.

Licorice root was used in other areas of the ancient world, the Brahmans of India, the Hindus, Greeks, Romans, Babylonians and Chinese. The ancient Hindus believed it would increase sexual vigor when prepared as a beverage with milk and sugar. The Scythians taught the use of the herb to the Greeks; Theophrastus called it Scythian root, writing in the third century B.C. The Scythians were able to go twelve days without drinking water because they chewed on Licorice root and ate mare’s cheese. He also said it was good for coughs and all pectoral diseases. In about 80 AD, Pliny recommended Licorice root to clear the voice and to alleviate thirst and hunger.

Dioscorides, an herbal physician, gave the plant its botanical name (Greek glukos = sweet, riza = root). Dioscorides traveled with the army of Alexander the Great, he told the troops to carry and chew Licorice root in order to allay their thirst when water was scarce and to give them stamina and endurance during their long marches. He also said that it was good for stomach trouble, throat trouble and liver and kidney disorders. It is not known if they had the same trouble that was reported by Napoleon in France; he habitually chewed Licorice root, which eventually blackened his teeth.

During the Middle Ages, Licorice was often taken to alleviate the bad effects of highly spiced and overcooked food, fat and often-contaminated meats, as refrigeration was impossible and most meats were preserved by salting and by packing with aromatic herbs and spices. During this time Licorice extract was said to be equal to that of “grains of paradise”, it is not know what that is but it sounds of importance to be documented. To back up the value of licorice, it was reported that a tax was placed on licorice imports to aid in repairing the London Bridge during the reign of Edward I in 1305. About the middle of the fifteenth century, Licorice was named among the wares kept by the Italian apothecaries and it is enumerated in the list of drugs of the City of Frankfurt, written about the year 1450. It was not only important medicinally, but was used as a flavoring agent in sweets and tobacco, and as a foaming agent in fire extinguishers and beers, and used in isolated millboard.

Licorice is imported chiefly from Spain and Italy, the warmer more temperate countries, but cultivation has existed on a small scale in England. Dominican friars introduced licorice to England by bringing it to Yorkshire Dales around the 15th century, where it became famous as an ingredient in Pontefract cakes. In Turner’s herbal we learn that the planting and growing of licorice in England began about the first year of Queen Elizabeth, which was in 1558. Culpepper stated, “It is planted in fields and gardens, in divers places of this land and therefore good profit is made.” In the 1800’s Culpepper included information about Licorice in his famous herbal writings. Southern Europeans drank large amounts of Licorice water (tea) because they believed it to be a blood purifier.

It was the English who introduced the herb to the American Indians, which is strange because it was usually the other way around. John Josselyn of Boston in the sixteenth century lists Licorice as one of the “precious herbs” he brought over from England. He would brew a beer for the Indians when they had a bad cold. It was strongly flavored with elecampane, Licorice, aniseed, sassafras and fennel.

Licorice is official in all pharmacopoeias, which only differ as to which variety is recognized, the botanical name, and whether the accepted root be peeled or unpeeled.

If we look at the use of licorice from a western perspective, we see that its use has changed little over 3,000 years. It is considered demulcent (soothing to irritated membranes), expectorant (loosening and helping to expel congestion in the upper respiratory tract), and stimulates mucous secretions of the trachea. Other well-documented activities include significant anti-inflammatory effects, a [protective] effect on the liver against toxic substances and anti-allergic activity.

© Re-posted with permission from Herbal Legacy. This article can be found at: http://www.herballegacy.com/Knuteson_History.html.

Maintain Healthy Skin in the Cold

By: Kathy Lambright

This time of  year many people are facing problems from dry skin, whether it be dry cracked hands, chapped lips, or a flare-up of eczema or psoriasis. The harsh, dry cold during the winter months, especially here in the North Country, really has an effect on this largest organ of our body, our skin.

Today I will be sharing some tips with you on how you can nourish and take care of your body and skin so you can keep it as healthy as possible.

#1 Drink Water

It is very important to drink a lot of water to keep our bodies and skin hydrated . Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. Generally we should be consuming between half an ounce to an ounce of water for each pound you weigh. So for a person weighing 150 pounds, the water intake should be 75-150 ounces of water. Our skin contains a lot of water and acts as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Sometimes dry and wrinkled skin is a result of dehydration and can be improved by simply drinking more water.

#2 The Food You Eat Matters

This time of year we may tend to not to eat as many fresh vegetables since we don’t have it freely growing in the garden, but fresh fruits and vegetables are very important to have as part of our diet during the cold winter months. Most fruits and veggies are loaded with many nutrients that are essential for our bodies to remain healthy. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries are filled with antioxidants. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons are high in Vitamin C. Excellent sources for Vitamin E are fish, nuts, olive oil, avocados and spinach.

Omega-3 fatty acids assist the top layer of skin to remain strong, keeping out external toxins and pollutants. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are wild salmon, eggs, walnuts and sardines.

#3 Body Care Products

Have you ever found that after showering, you find your skin drier than ever even though you’ve used a soap that has boasted to moisturize the skin? Many of the traditional body care products have ingredients in them that are actually very harsh on the skin. Look for brands that do not contain the sodium laurel sulfates . Many people have found relief from itchy, dry, irritated skin by simply staying away from this ingredient. Some brands with excellent ingredient lists are Dr. Woods Soaps, Andalou Naturals, or Derma e.

I know that during this time of year our dry, chapped skin simply comes from just being in the dry cold so much. The Psorzema Cream by Derma e, is a moisturizing cream that I have found to be excellent and actually works when it seems nothing else will. It is also an excellent cream for skin conditions like Psoriasis or Eczema.*

Hope these tips have been helpful. Stay beautiful!

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/face/skin-nutrition?page=1

© 2015 Nature’s Warehouse

*These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  The material provided on this website is for educational purposes only,  not intended to replace the advice of your health provider. Seek advice from a competent medical professional regarding the applicability of any recommendation with regard to your symptoms or condition.

Medicinal Qualities of Licorice

(This is the first in a series of articles we will be posting about licorice.)

By; Michelle Knuteson

Licorice is one of the more widely consumed herbs in the world. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it occurs in more formulas than any other single herb because it is thought to harmonize the action of all other herbs. Licorice is not only used as a great medicinal herb but Licorice extracts also have uses in such things as candies, chewing gums, flavoring tobacco, liqueurs, cough medication, antismoking preparations, and it is even used to increase the foam in beer. This could be one reason Dr Christopher stressed that we should not procrastinate in obtaining adequate supplies of Licorice root. He stated, “we import tons of it from the Middle East every year for commercial medications and the Licorice candy industry. If there was to be a transportation strike it would cripple the nations economy and people would bemoan the fact that the herb could no longer be obtained”.  He stated that if we are in the climate to grow it in our yards that we should.

The more popular medicinal actions of Licorice root are as a demulcent, pectoral, emollient and for disguising the taste of nauseous or bitter medicinals (as a flavoring). Some other uses are as an expectorant, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, hypertensive, anti-ulcer, estrogenic, emmenagogue, antibacterial, anti-fungal, sialogogue, and immune stimulant.

Licorice is very soothing and softens the mucous membranes of the throat, lungs, stomach, intestines, and at the same time cleanses any inflamed mucous membrane that needs immune system support. This is why Licorice is found in so many cough and sore throat medications. It reduces the irritation in the throat and yet has an expectorant action. It is the saponins (detergent-like action) that loosen the phlegm in the respiratory tract, so that the body can expel the mucus.  It is a potent healing agent for tuberculosis, where its effects have been compared to hydrocortisone. For colds and flu, Licorice can be combined with stimulating herbs such as cayenne or ginger to intensify the effect. For sore throat and irritated bronchials, Licorice is more effective when combined with Horehound or Mullein.

Licorice also has a soothing and healing effect on the stomach and digestive tract. It softens, soothes, lubricates and nourishes the entire intestinal tract with a formula as simple as 40% Licorice root and 60% Slippery Elm. The saponin content is effective in soothing various internal pains. Licorice is popularly known for treatment of ulcers of the stomach or duodenem, collective known as peptic ulcer. The glycyrrhetinic acid found in Licorice was the first drug proven to promote healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.  Modern medicines such as antacids, Tagamet and Zantac disrupt the normal digestive process and alter the structure and function of the cells that line the digestive tract and will cause the ulcer to appear again. The cause is not treated. The compounds found in Licorice stimulate the normal defense mechanisms that prevent ulcer formation. These compounds improve both the quality and quantity of the protective substances that line the intestinal tract. It will balance out the production and secretion of hydrochloric acid that is a cause of the formation of a peptic ulcer. The life span of intestinal cells will increase and there will be an improved blood supply to the intestinal lining by using Licorice–it treats the cause.

The 100 Herb List at the School of Natural Healing lists adrenals as the common use for the Licorice. The steroidal (cortisone-like substance) content of Licorice aids in the healing and restoring of the adrenal glands. Glycyrrhizin has a similar chemical structure to corticosteroids released by the adrenals, which helps to stimulate the excretion of cortin hormones by the adrenal cortex. About every five hours, the adrenals need some sort of nourishment in order to continue supplying strength to the body. If the nourishment is not given, the glands go through what is called adrenal exhaustion, or in medical terms hypoglycemia. This exhaustion is also caused by the stresses that life places on us in this fast paced world in which we live. Sugar is often consumed to overcome stress and to get a stimulating lift. This causes more problems and can lead to insulin shock. When a person’s adrenal glands become so exhausted that they do not function anymore, they find themselves in a condition called Addison’s disease.

Licorice, with its cortisone-type substance, will help the body restore itself to the point where it will produce its own cortisone. It will give the body strength and a stimulating lift without bringing on insulin shock. This will also help the pancreas to function well because of better control of insulin released. The medical profession will prescribe corticosteroid hormones as a replacement drug when the body is fatigued; thus causing a dependency to them. If a person tries to get off these drugs they will go through severe withdrawal symptoms. Licorice begins strengthening and healing the body with as little as two capsules of Licorice each day. As noted by Dr. Christopher, “When people who have been under severe stress, overworking the adrenals and becoming extremely nervous and irritable, begin to take Licorice, they think they have suddenly spiritually arrived. It is my opinion that many who suffer in mental institutions could be helped with this wonderful herb”.

The Steroidal content found in Licorice not only helps the adrenal glands but female problems as well. It can trigger higher levels of estrogen in the body, which will aid in the treatment of female infertility, for delayed and irregular menstruation, and in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It can be used to stabilize the menstrual cycle when coming off of “the Pill.” It will help relieve the pain of chronic menstrual cramps as well as premenstrual symptoms such as depression, cravings for sweets, weight gain due to water retention, breast tenderness, etc. Licorice has an alterative action on estrogen metabolism, which means when estrogen levels are too high it will bring them down, and if the levels are too low it will bring them up. This estrogenic action is due to the isoflavone content found in Licorice. Premenstrual syndrome has been attributed to a disruption in the estrogen to progesterone ratio. Licorice helps to bring back the right balance in this ratio, therefore relieving the symptoms that this imbalance causes. If licorice is used, two cups of tea a day, two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation will reduce the symptoms of PMS. After a couple of months the cycle should be improved and no more need to drink the tea.  Even though our bodies require a balance of male and female hormones, men who take Licorice don’t need to be alarmed about “getting too much” hormone-estrogen properties. Our bodies are a fabulous computer and it selects only what it needs from natural sources such as herbs.

As mentioned previously, Licorice was taken during the middle ages to counter-balance the effects of highly spiced and over cooked food, fat and contaminated meats. Licorice is a highly esteemed herb for the same use today. The root is excellent as a stool softener or mild laxative, especially for children. It doesn’t cause the gripping of the intestines that other cathartic herbs are known to do. Licorice also has as anti-inflammatory substance that helps in gastric or bowel irritations and also helps the inflammation caused by hemorrhoids. A looser and softer stool also helps when hemorrhoids are present.

I think the Egyptians may have been on the right track in their thinking that Licorice is a cure-all. A few more uses for Licorice are as a blood cleanser and detoxifier with benefits to the liver.  It increases the flow of saliva and alleviates thirst when the root is chewed on and it also makes an excellent natural teething ring for babies to help bring the teeth through. If the baby is a vigorous chewer there may be some purgative or cathartic action as well!

In addition to quenching thirst, Licorice will quench the appetite and reduce the desire to smoke tobacco and consume alcohol. It will increase sexual desire and help a person stay alert (a No-Doz substitute). Mixed with honey it is great for external wounds and skin irritations. Combining Licorice with peppermint, it is great for a singer or a person losing their voice due to laryngitis.
Additional uses from James Duke, in his book “The Green Pharmacy,” are preventing tooth decay, treating arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, baldness, body odor, bursitis, canker sores, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds and flu, cough, dandruff, depression, emphysema, fungal infections, gingivitis, gout, heartburn, HIV infection, liver problems, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, tendonitis, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections and yeast infections.

I feel the same as this author who wrote on Licorice, “Licorice can be recommended for just about everybody, for male and female alike, young and old, well or sick. It is the grand tonic of the world, in this author’s opinion. For that reason, I recommend it as an important tonic in the maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. The amazing anti-inflammatory actions of licorice root extend to the entire surface area of the body, both outside and inside. Not only the skin, but the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract yield to the soothing and healing action of licorice root. The plant reinforces the body’s ability to withstand attack from virtually any kind of pathogen, and should therefore be considered a tonic for the musculoskeletal system. If one is looking for a broad-spectrum tonic to protect, maintain health, and heal injuries, there is no herb better than licorice root.”

© Re-posted with permission from Herbal Legacy. This article can be found at: http://www.herballegacy.com/Knuteson_Medicinal.html

Migraines

by David Christopher MH

About 15% of the population suffers from migraine headaches, and only a small fraction does anything to prevent them. In order to prevent migraines we need to know what causes them. There are a number of theories as to the cause but no one really knows. One theory looks at widening blood vessels in the meninges (the three layers that cover the brain and spinal cord) which activates pain signals. Another [theory] looks at increased waves of activity in the cortex causing aura [a perceived experience] and activating pain signals, and yet another alludes to dysfunction in the brain stem that trigger migraine symptoms.

The first theory could be classified as another cardiovascular disease. It is typified by weak blood vessels that expand with increased activity. They fill with blood but do not have the strength to contract and push the blood out. This pooling accounts for most migraines. These migraines should be treated with cayenne, one teaspoon in a glass of water and consumed orally. Cayenne increases circulation and removes the stagnant blood from the area and also blocks pain signals. Cayenne can also be used as a preventative, by taking as little as two capsules or one teaspoon in water every day. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) taken on a daily basis is also purported to prevent migraines. Another herb showing promise is Butterbur (Petasites hybridus). However, I am much more familiar with the red pepper. If taking it orally doesn’t stop the headache, then a small pinch snuffed up the nostril (on the same side of the head where the pain is) should stop the migraine within minutes. Eating excessive amounts of Vitamin C rich foods tones the cellular wall and the accompanying flavonoids including the vascular strengthening flavonoid, rutin, greatly improves the vascular integrity.

The second theory could be triggered by a myriad of scenarios, ranging from allergies to emotional stress. My own history of migraine headaches is another one of these myriad of conditions. I suffered from migraines on Sunday mornings. My wife thought I just didn’t want to go to church. I wanted to know the real reason and so I kept a daily diary of activities, foods eaten, music listened to, and a lot of data that didn’t seem relevant to help find the connection. It wasn’t church at all but the weekend warrior scenario. I sat at a desk for five days a week and then hit the sports hard on varying Saturdays which triggered the migraines on the following Sunday mornings. I later discovered that to prevent this I just needed supports for my flat feet. The flat feet caused a misalignment, and the more I played the greater the irritation and the triggering of distress to my brain.

I believe that these theories do trigger migraines and that the migraine triggered by the last theory can be resolved with an upper cervical adjustment from a N.U.C.C.A. chiropractor because dysfunction most likely comes from the upper cervical being out of alignment and causing blockage in the area.

To cure the condition would require a change of lifestyle including the elimination of dairy from the diet, also excluding sugar and white flour products. Taking Dr. Christopher’s Blood Circulation Formula daily would also be of tremendous value. His Nerve Formula is also quite useful, especially for women. Many people notice constipation or diarrhea to occur prior to migraines. This can be ameliorated by taking Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel Formula. By solving the bowel problem the migraines can be avoided. These simple procedures are safe and effective.

Standard medical procedures including NSAIDS, triptans, barbiturates, sedatives, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-seizure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, and SSRIs, are often not effective and are not safe.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist and the director of The School of Natural Healing. He also co-hosts the popular radio show “A Healthier You” and is a popular international teacher and lecturer.

©2012 Re-posted with permission from Herbal Legacy. This article can be found at: http://articles.herballegacy.com/migraines/

Immune Power For Seasonal Defense

By; Marcia Zimmerman, CN

“It’s very clear to see that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, the medicine go down, the medicine go down. Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way” -Mary Poppins singing to her charges.

The Effect of Sugar on Immune Cells

Sugar indeed helps the “medicine” go down, but what effect does it have on white blood cells, the warriors of the immune system? An interesting study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed how much the neutrophils (a kind of white blood cell) drawn from test subjects were unable to engulf and digest (phagocytosis) the bacterium Staphylococcus. At the beginning of the test, each neutrophil was able to ingest and destroy an average of fourteen bacteria. After the folks drank a sugar containing beverage, each person’s phagocytes were able to gobble up on average only one bacterium before dying. Amazingly, the dampening effect lasted for up to 5 hours!1 Obviously, sugar in any form is one of the worst things to take with your “medicine.”  So what should you drink and eat when you have a cold or flu?

Foods to Boost Immune Cells

Chicken soup has been a time tested remedy for relief of upper respiratory tract infections. Scientists at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha decided to see what effect chicken soup has on chemotaxis (movement of neutrophils toward the site of infection). Chemotaxis is a life-saving event in acute injury or infection as neutrophils launch chemical warfare against invading bacteria or viruses. However, an overzealous response may lead to chronic inflammation and free radical damage. The researchers exposed activated neutrophils to chicken soup and found that it modified their aggressiveness and this in turn reduced inflammation. Homemade chicken vegetable soup worked best, but some commercial soups also slowed chemotaxis.2 Other nutrition-minded scientists even suggested that the Nebraska team should have used “free range” chickens in their soup to eliminate the possibility of antibiotic contamination from conventionally raised fowl.3

Now the “Medicine”

How do you prepare for seasonal defense besides skipping sugar and stocking chicken soup? Start with a good multiple vitamin and mineral combination.  A multi contains all the micronutrients necessary for the immune system to function efficiently.4 Several well controlled studies have shown that zinc and selenium, in particular, are essential for healthy immune function.5 Zinc functions as an intracellular signal molecule for immune cells and thus is essential for multiple cellular functions. Zinc supplementation has been successfully used as a therapeutic and preventive agent for many conditions.6 Selenium deficiency can induce changes in the genetic makeup of influenza viruses that induces conversion into a more potent strain.7 Zinc lozenges with elderberry are effective when a cold or virus first strikes.

During an infection, the need for vitamins and minerals increases because of reduced nutrient intake and metabolic alterations that reduce utilization. The need for micronutrient intake increases as one ages because a variety of changes occur in the immune system, and this translates into less effective immune response and increased susceptibility to infections.8 Perhaps this is why older folks seem to be especially at risk for seasonal infections.

The increased consumption of highly refined ingredients that have reduced levels of micronutrients, further affects the normal growth and development of immune cells. In particular, vitamins A, C, D and E plus the fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA) are often deficient.9  Molecularly distilled fish oil in enteric coated soft gel capsule (no fishy burp back) helps reduce inflammation.

There appear to be clear indications, from both animal and human studies, that supplements containing beta-glucans or glucan-containing mushroom preparations can be of help in relieving various immune-related symptoms.  Mushrooms rich in beta-glucans have been highly esteemed for centuries for their healing properties.10

Flu epidemics occur every 2 to 3 years in the United States, most often caused by influenza A viruses, which mutate rapidly. Consequently, antibodies generated to the previous strain have limited protection against a new viral strain.11 This leaves the body is a constant state of “catch-up.” Keeping your immunity up to snuff is the best way to stay healthy. Several botanicals have a remarkable history of effectiveness if you do catch a cold. These are elderberry, olive leaf extract, allicin stabilized garlic, oregano oil, arabinogalactans and rosemary.12 If your doctor puts you on antibiotics for a more severe complication, be sure and add a good probiotic and prebiotic combination.

References:
1 Sanchez, A.; et al; “Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis” Amer J Clin Nutr 973,26:1180-84.
2 Rennard, B.O.; et al.; “Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis in Vitro” Chest 2000;118:1150-57.
3 Durfee, A.; Rennard, S.I.; “Free Range Chicken Soup” Chest 2001;119:1978.
4 Barringer, T.H.; et al.; “Effect of a Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement on Infection and Quality of Life” Ann Int Med 2003;138:365-371.
5 Beck, M.A.; “Antioxidants and Viral Infections: Host Immune Response and Viral Pathogenicity”  J Nutr 2001;20:384S-388S.
6 Prasad, A.S. “Zinc: Role in Immunity, Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammation” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care Aug 25 2009; [epub ahead of print]
7 Nelson, H.K.; et al.; “Host Nutritional Selenium Status as a Driving Force for Influenza Virus Mutations” FASEB J June 8, 2001; 10.1096/fj.01-0115fje.
8 Intergerst, E.S.; et al.; “Contributions of Selected Vitamins and Trace Elements in Immune Function” Ann Nutr Metab 2007;51:301-23.
9 Wichers, H.; “Immunomodulation by Food: Promising Concept for Mitigating Allergic Disease?” Anal Bioanal Chem 2009;395:37-45.
10 Webb, A.L.; Villamor, E.; “Update: Effects of Antioxidant and Non-Nutritive Vitamin Supplementation on Immune Function” Nut Rev 2007;65:181-217.
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© 2014 Reposted with permission from NOW University. This article can be found at: http://www.nowuniversity.com/Library/HealthConcerns/AllergyImmuneSystem/077946.htm

Natures Warehouse’s 2015 Resolutions

Natural products  for you

Along with

Taking time to

Understand your needs. We are

Resolved to be an

Encouragement and a

Support for your family’s health.

 

We offer recipes and

Articles  on natural health to

Reflect on and integrate into your life as well as

Educational materials for children featuring

Healthy living. We are

Open to your input in this

Unique community we share. We offer

Satisfaction guarantee and are

Eager to see the health 2015 brings.

 

All the best of health in every way to you and your family!

By Rebecca Angkasa

© 2014 Natures Warehouse

February 2014

“Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.” – Publilius Syrus