7 Ways to Help Your Immune System Now

They say you never truly appreciate the value of a well-functioning machine until it breaks down. So it goes for your immune system. Its complex network of cells, tissues, and organs protect your body on a daily basis from bacteria, microbes, viruses, and toxins. But if compromised, as when under attack by pathogens or lacking supporting nutrients, the system can become overwhelmed and fail to accomplish the tasks to keep you healthy.

During the winter months, your body’s immune system is presented with greater challenges—it’s the annual time when new, unrecognized pathogens quickly spread from person to person. The standard advice from your doctor is to wash your hands regularly, receive your annual vaccines, and avoid unnecessary contact with those who may carry pathogens. These steps are all effective.

Unfortunately, however, a balanced diet and nutritional support is often overlooked for best immune support. While no nutritional product or supplement can ever prevent you from having allergies, catching a cold or flu, or treat those illnesses or symptoms once you get them, like any of the other bodily organs or systems, a continuous supply of specific nutrients is critical for your immune system to function optimally.

A balanced diet should provide you with all the sustenance your body needs. But studies continue to show that most diets lack vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and vitamin C, which play a special role in our bodies’ immune systems. Special ingredients within food and in supplements also can help your body in its fight against foreign invaders while protecting against their harm. The following seven nutrients and bioactives support your immune system through a variety of ways:

1. Zinc, in particular, is a mineral that plays an important role in the function and development of immune cells, specifically, T-cells. Studies have shown that humans and animals deficient in zinc have increased oxidative stress and a compromised immune system (1-7). Even a minor deficiency of zinc has been shown to result in a compromised immune system (1-7). Zinc in the form of gluconate has also been shown to maintain reserves to guard against a compromised immune system.
2. Vitamin D affects nearly all your body’s cells, including those in the immune system. During the winter months, however, levels tend to drop in most people (depending on latitude) because they no longer create it from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Vitamin D receptors are expressed on immune cells (B cells and T cells) and growing evidence is finding that the hormone-like vitamin plays a key role in balancing immune response (8).
3. Vitamin C is closely tied to the immune system. Along with guinea pigs and other non-human primates, humans are not able to produce vitamin C. Instead, we rely on the foods we consume such as kiwi, bell peppers, and citrus fruits. Scientists are speaking up about the suboptimal recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, saying that it should be increased to 200 milligrams per day to ensure tissue and cell saturation and promote better overall long-term health (9). This is more than double the current recommendation of 75 milligrams per day for women and 90 milligrams per day for men. Researchers argue that the current RDA levels are based on the prevention of vitamin C deficiency or the disease, scurvy. However, the present recommended level may not be adequate for people to reap the powerful antioxidant benefits of vitamin C that can support the body’s immune system.
4. Bovine colostrum is the first form of milk produced by a cow after giving birth. It immediately provides the calf with a host of immune-protecting substances. Research shows that colostrum supplementation in humans may have a similar impact and strengthen immune system defenses (10-12). A good colostrum supplement should have a range of immune-protecting substances within it including immunoglobulins, proline-rich polypeptides, and lactoferrin.
5. Echinacea is a flowering plant from the daisy family. The plant’s roots and leaves have been used for centuries by Native Americans for their medicinal qualities. Randomized controlled studies support Echinacea’s beneficial effect on the immune system (13-15).
6. Reishi Mushroom (pronounced Ray-She) is commonly consumed in Japan as either a tea or powder and reputed to increase youthful vigor and vitality. Multiple studies have also shown that Reishi mushroom supports the function of the immune system and benefits overall health. What’s more, multiple studies suggest the immunomodulatory effects of reishi mushroom and overall health benefits (15-19).
7. A good melatonin supplement can help guard against lack of sleep and poor sleep, helping to keep your immune system functioning nicely. Getting adequate sleep is probably the most important habit to support the immune system. Without proper sleep, the immune system is one of the first things to suffer. In fact, in a study done by Surrey Sleep Research Centre in the UK, researchers evaluated the consequences of one week of insufficient sleep on 26 men in which they found that the men had altered activity of some 700 genes. A number of the genes affected by sleep deprivation included several genes involved in immune system response.

Proactive Measures with Isagenix

When it comes to the immune system, it’s much more effective to be proactive rather than reactive, meaning you should be supporting the immune system every day rather than stepping up care once you are already sick. A healthy diet, along with daily supplementation with Ageless Essentials Daily Pack—containing zinc, and vitamins C and D—can keep your immune system properly nourished daily.Isamune Plus—containing zinc gluconate, colostrum, echinacea, and reishi mushroom—is a convenient spray that can be used daily to bolster defenses. In addition, Isagenix Sleep Support spray provides convenience in a quality melatonin supplement to make getting enough sleep easier nightly. Feel confident that you are protected with the best immune system support with Isagenix this winter.

References

1. Hemila H. The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal. 2011 (5):51-58.
2. Prasad AS et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2007 Mar; 85(3):837-44.
3. Prasad. Zinc: Mechanisms of Host Defense. J Nutr 2007, May; 137(5):1345-9.
4. Mossad SB et al. Ann Intern Med 1996;125:81-8.
5. Godfrey  et al. J Int Med Res 1992;20:234-6.
6. Weismann K et al. Dan Med Bull 1990;37:279-81.
7. Eby GA et al. Antimicrob Agents and Chemother 1984;25:20-24.
8. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the Immune System. J Investig Med. 2011 August; 59(6): 881–886. doi:  10.231/JIM.0b013e31821b8755
9. Frei B, Birlouez-Aragon I, Lykkesfeldt J. Authors’ Perspective: What is the Optimum Intake ofVitamin C in Humans? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2012;52:815-29. doi:10.1080/10408398.2011.649149
10. Cesarone  MR et al.. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis 2007; 13(2): 130-136.
11. Shing CM et al. Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on immune variables in highly trained cyclists. J Appl Physiol 2007; 102: 1113-1122.
12. Crooks  CV et al. The effect of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on Salivary IgA in Distance Runners. Inter  J Sport Nutr and Exercise Metabolism 2006; 16: 47-64.
13. Noguchi et al. Randomized clinical trial of an ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Asian J Androl.  2008;10(5):777-785.
14. Noguchi et al.. Asian J Androl.  Jul 2008;10(4):651-658.
15. Wachtel-Galor et al. Ganoderma lucidum (“Lingzhi”), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. 2004;91(2):263-269.
16. Gao  et al. Immunol Invest. 2003;32(3):201-215.
17. McGuffin  eds. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
18. Hobbs C. Medicinal Mushrooms. 3rd ed. Loveland (OR): Interweave Press; 1996.
19. Tao and Feng. Experimental and clinical studies on inhibitory effect of Ganoderma lucidum on platelet aggregation. J Tongji Med Univ 1990;10:240-3.
20. Möller-Levet CS, Archer1 SN, Bucca G, Laing EE, Slak A, Kabiljo R, Lo JCY, Santhi N, von Schantz M, Smith CP, Dijk D. Effects of insufficient sleep on circadian rhythmicity and expression amplitude of the human blood transcriptome. PNAS 2013 Feb 25 doi:10.1073/pnas.1217154110.

www.santevous.com

The importance of Glutathion, the master antioxidant

Glutathione, or GSH, is often called the “master antioxidant”. Able to actually replenish other antioxidants as they become polluted with free radicals, it is the most important antioxidant for immune system protection. It’s normally produced in the body from within our liver. But due to our toxic environment, lifestyles, and diets, that production capacity can be overwhelmed as we endure more and more oxidative stress inherent in today’s world, leading to chronic or terminal disease and dementia. We have all become glutathione deficient and gluthathione is the master detoxifier. That's where the Isagenix cleansing system comes into play. 

Some foods like cruciferous veggies are rich in glutathione, but not enough can be absorbed to overcome immunity and energy issues from glutathione deficiencies. Sulfur rich foods such as garlic and onions are even better, but still probably not good enough if you’re GSH deficient.

Intracellular recycling GSH is formed from precursor amino acids: glycine, glutamate, and cysteine or cystine. Cysteine is the most critical because it is mostly missing from our diets and often gets destroyed in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract if it is alone and not part of a compound. That’s where N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) comes in. It is a compound that enables the cysteine to sneak through the gut intact. It’s the cysteine that promotes glutathione production. This plus the amino acid building blocks help create glutathione in our bodies. The Isagenix shakes have this hands down.

A metabolite of vitamin D3, calcitriol appears to also help promote GSH production. So keep your vitamin D3 levels up. Alternatively, milk thistle, the herb that strengthens and detoxifies the liver, has recently been discovered to enhance glutathione production.

All these processes have been considered and come into play for the Isagenix whey protein shakes.

Two great superfood sources for high GSH production are unadulterated, undenatured whey and colostrum. Isagenix unadulterated undenature whey has sources that are grass fed, organic and not hormone or antibiotic injected. The grade 7 whey that Isagenix uses, which is not available in the US, is converted to powders from milk solids. This whey is imported from New Zealand.

Disregard denatured or pasteurized whey that is sold as a protein source for bodybuilders and athletes with claims of being unadulterated. Those whey products won’t do much for GSH production.

For developing the highest GSH levels within your cells, whey or colostrum from pure raw milk is necessary.

For more info: http://www.santevous.com

You are what you eat

Tree Nuts Reduce Heart Disease & Diabetes Risks

Now known to be a good source of unsaturated (“good”) fat, and high in protein, tree nuts – which include pistachios, cashews, almonds, pecans and walnuts – may help people to manage their weight.  Joan Sabate, from Loma Linda University (California, USA), and colleagues analyzed the dietary habits of 803 adults enrolled in the Adventist Health Study-2.  The data revealed that those subjects who ate about 16 grams (half an ounce) per day – were only slightly over their normal weight, on average, compared to those who ate few or no nuts and were seriously overweight or obese.  As well, those who ate the most nuts had an average body mass index (BMI) of 27, as compared to those who ate the fewest (less than 5 grams daily) at an average BMI of 29-30.  Identifying that one-third of the study subjects had metabolic syndrome, which raises the risks of heart disease and diabetes risk, the team found that every one-ounce serving of tree nuts consumed per week, reduced that risk by 7%.  The study authors submit that: “Tree nuts appear to have strong inverse association with obesity, and favorable though weaker association with [Metabolic Syndrome] independent of demographic, lifestyle and dietary factors.”

Happy cows video

http://youtu.be/kUZ1YLhIAg8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kUZ1YLhIAg8


Happy Cows video: Actual cows that were released just before being slautered.

Do you know the difference between denatured and undenatured protein?

Unfortunately,nearly every single whey protein supplement out there is denatured.

Fortunately, the whey protein shakes I take is not one of them. I'll explain in a second. When talking about whey protein and how its processed or treated, not all processes and whey proteins are created equally. 

Whey is the byproduct of cheese making. Most companies use salts, enzymes, acid or heat to separate out the curds from the whey and casein. You can see this if you have ever tried to make cheese at home. These four processes absolutely change whey and casein. This type is called "denatured" meaning the proteins are altered through chemical or physical means so that some of its original properties are lost or diminished at best.

 There is another way in which the curds and whey (reminds me of Little Miss Muffet) and the casein can be separated. It's a patented exclusive process called cold, ion exchange micro--filtration. This process does not use the above mentioned 4 processes. This is a different process and how the whey protein shakes (created from "undenatured" whey protein concentrate, milk protein contrated and low--heat, non--fat dry milk) that I take every morning as I rush out the door is created. 

This process is incredibly expensive but protects the whey in its natural God--given state, protecting all the dipeptided and tripeptides, yielding an amazing amino acid profile (build blocks of your cells) also. These undenatured proteins are then cold air dried in a huge spray--drying drum, using no heat and then the proteins are carefully sealed in crates.

Our whey comes from New Zealand organic, free--range cows that are grass fed (free from herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics, steroids, hormones, etc). The cows are milked and rested according to season. These are happy cows.This whey is exclusive to Isagenix. It is whey better!

www.santevous.com

www.fatbgone.org

Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

To beat a cold

What is your favorite superfood combo?

Natural alternatives for sinus infections

Love blueberries?

I store organic blueberries in my freezer all summer as well as other  berries and have them available all winter for my shakes.

Written By: 

Margie King, Health Coach

The more easily blood flows through your arteries and veins, the less your heart has to work.  Now researchers from England and Germany have proven that less than a cup of wild blueberries can have an almost immediate and long lasting effect on how well your vascular system is circulating blood.
Researchers from the University of Reading and the University of Dusseldorf conducted two randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover studies in 21 healthy men between 18 and 40 years old.[1]  They wanted to determine the impact of various amounts of wild blueberries on cardiovascular function.
In the first study, some of the men drank varying amounts of blueberry polyphenols, ranging from the equivalent of 240 grams (3/4 cup) to 560 grams (1¼ cups) of wild blueberries.  Others were given a drink with the same macro and micronutrients but no blueberry polyphenols.
The researchers then measured changes in the men's "flow-mediated dilation."  FMD is the gold-standard technique to measure endothelial function.  The endothelium is the lining of the blood vessels.  FMD is considered a good predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.
The researchers measured changes in FMD at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours after the men drank the blueberry polyphenols.  They found improvements in FMD at 1, 2 and 6 hours after consumption.  The beneficial effects correlated with levels of blueberry polyphenol metabolites in the blood plasma. In other words, as the blueberry polyphenols were broken down by enzymes into various metabolites, endothelium function in the men improved.  The benefits lasted at least 6 hours.  
A second study was conducted to investigate the dose of blueberry polyphenols needed to see beneficial effects.  The researchers tested the equivalent of 100 grams to 560 grams of wild blueberries at 0 and 1 hour post-consumption.  Their results showed that FMD improved in a dose-dependent manner up to the equivalent of about 240 grams of wild blueberries.  Then the effects plateaued.
In other words, the men didn't get any additional benefit in endothelial function by eating any more than the equivalent of ¾ of a cup of wild blueberries. 
Earlier researched on the cardiovascular benefits of berries found that women who ate three or more servings of blueberries per week slashed their risk of heart attack by as much as 32%.  And wildblueberries may help improve blood pressure by modulating arterial contractions.
In the obese, blueberries have been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Other studies show blueberries may help prevent cancer.    
Visit GreenMedInfo's database for more health benefits of blueberries.
The current study used wild blueberries.  They are smaller than the cultivated versions most often found in your supermarket, with about twice the number of berries per pound.  They also have less water and a higher skin-to-pulp ratio.  That means the wild versions have more intense flavor and double the antioxidant content.
In North America, the harvest season for wild blueberries is July and August in Maine and Canada.  But you can find fresh frozen berries in supermarkets all year round. 

How much pesticide does the average American consume in a day?

Thursday, January 09, 2014 by: S. D. Wells Tags: pesticide consumption, standard American diet, poison

1,039 18 (NaturalNews) There is a cumulative effect from eating bug and weed killer daily. No human being on the planet can deny that, if you swallow a little bit of poison every day, your body will break down and "die." So how much weed killer (RoundUp herbicide) and bug killer (Bt corn) makes you a "dying pest"? If I name 7 out of 10 food choices you make regularly that contain some form of pest control substances, will you remain in denial, or face up to the facts? Scrub your diet across these top ten "most popular" toxic food and drink products: 1. Corn: Corn sugar and corn syrup invade nearly all conventional sweets. Over 90% of the corn in America is genetically modified ("mutated" in a lab to kill pests). Don't eat corn that has "built in" pesticides or you'll be "building" cancer cells in your blood! 2. Soy: More than 80% of the soy in America is genetically modified. You'll find it in most conventional sauces. Are you eating RoundUp Ready GM soybeans? RoundUp is an endocrine-disrupting, cancer-causing toxin at parts per trillion levels. (http://www.naturalnews.com) 3. Canola oil: in most salad dressings, pre-baked goods and junk food, like chips and canned goods. (http://www.naturalnews.com) 4. Cottonseed oil: genetically modified to strangulate your mitochondria! You'll find cottonseed oil in lots of baked goods. 5. Burgers, chicken sandwiches and fries: Face it - fast food, most restaurants and sporting events sell meat that comes from animals that lived in confined feeding operations and were fed GMOs (pest killer food)! Then it's cooked in genetically modified oil at high temperatures. 6. OTC (over-the-counter) medications: Cough syrups, cold "remedies" and other liquid pain medications contain genetically modified corn syrups, not to mention artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, aspartame and sucralose. 7. Conventional fruits and vegetables: Especially watch out for the "dirty dozen," which are loaded with pesticide inside and out. You can't wash off GMO! (http://www.ewg.org) 8. Tap water: Fluoride and heavy metals destroy human cells, creating chaos that fuels cancer, bone loss, memory loss, you name it! Tap water contains pesticide and RoundUp from soil runoff, irrigation and flooding. Ever heard of acid rain? (http://topdocumentaryfilms.com) 9. Cheap candy, gum and chocolate are all made from pesticide corn sugar (syrup). Step right up, kids, and read all about it! 10. Artificial sweeteners: Although fake sugars do not contain pesticide (that we know of), did you know that aspartame is genetically modified? (So is MSG - monosodium glutamate.) Could it be that artificial sweeteners are "engineered" to mess with your central nervous system in order to fuel the lucrative "psych med" industry - the big racket of antidepressant, anti-anxiety, painkilling pills? Aspartame is the excrement of E. coli, didn't you know? So then, maybe it is a pest-killer after all. (http://www.sciencedaily.com) Never live in denial It's time to face the facts: Herbicide, fungicide and algaecide are all forms of pesticides, because they kill pests. Don't let them confuse you with scientific terms and new names for the same old poison that leads to cancer and a host of other disorders, ailments, diseases and malfunctions of the central nervous system. That's why bees can't find their colonies. That's why rats get huge tumors and die early. This is the war on cancer. Fight and win it, or you can simply ignore it and lose. Ignorance is not bliss. Organic is the path to health and wellness. Many people live in denial or just plain laziness. They don't want to learn the truth, because it seems overwhelming, but what is really overwhelming is chemotherapy, radiation and unnecessary surgery. These "processes" of cancer removal and treatment are short-term if you just keep consuming carcinogenic food - toxic food that warps your cells and leads to MORE cancer. It makes sense to filter toxins from your daily intake. It's not that difficult. Check out the free smart phone app called "Fooducate." It enables you to scan the barcodes of food products right there in the grocery aisle and determine instantly if foods are GMO, contain questionable ingredients, or are just plain "rotten" for your health. Rate the food that you eat and don't eat garbage. (http://fooducate.com) Remember, garbage in - garbage out! Don't eat cancer and it won't eat you! (http://programs.webseed.com) This has been a public service announcement from the health enthusiasts who care about human health and sustainable living. Live long and prosper! Sources for this article include: http://www.ewg.org http://programs.webseed.com http://www.breathing.com http://www.naturalnews.com http://www.naturalnews.com http://www.sciencedaily.com http://topdocumentaryfilms.com http://fooducate.com http://www.naturalnews.com http://science.naturalnews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/043444_pesticide_consumption_standard_American_diet_poison.html#ixzz2pwY1u1DK

Canola Oil vs Olive Oil – Which One Is Healthier?

Canola Oil vs Olive Oil – Does Canola Oil Cause Cancer and Which One Is Healthier to Cook With?

The following book excerpt from The One-Minute Cure – The Secret to Healing Virtually All Diseases by Madison Cavanaugh is reprinted by permission:

“In 1986, canola oil was touted as being a healthy oil because it is lower in saturated fat (6%) than any other oil. In contrast, peanut oil contains 18%, and palm oil, 79%.”

“Because canola oil also contains cholesterol-balancing monounsaturated fat comparable to olive oil, the Canola Council of Canada attempted to link many of the benefits of olive-oil-rich Mediterranean-type diets to diets high in canola oil — even if canola oil has never been used in Mediterranean cuisine.”

“The propaganda worked, and sales of canola oil have been on the upswing ever since.”

“However, not too many people know that frying with canola oil releases toxic, carcinogenic fumes. In recent epidemiological studies, it was shown that high lung cancer rates in Chinese women were linked to wok cooking with canola (also called rapeseed) oil.”

“Consumption of canola oil has been shown to cause fibrotic lesions of the heart, CNS degenerative disorders, prostate cancer, anemia, lung cancer, constipation, irritation of the mucous membranes and many toxic effects, according to many nutritionists and biochemists.”

Find Out Why In The Battle of Canola Oil vs Olive Oil Which Oil Wins

A superior alternative to canola oil — and indeed the healthiest oil for cooking — is, and has always been, olive oil. Like canola oil, it’s rich in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce “unhealthy” LDL cholesterol and boost “healthy” HDL cholesterol — without the toxic effects of canola.

Olive oil also has a high smoke point (that is, the temperature at which a cooking fat or oil begins to degrade both the flavor and nutritional value of food), which makes it ideal for frying.

New research shows that virgin (and extra-virgin) olive oils — which refers to oils that are produced purely by mechanically pressing the oil from olives (i.e., no chemical processing) — are even more beneficial because they contain antioxidants called polyphenols.

Polyphenols, which are found in olives, as well as red wine and green tea, mop up free radicals before they can oxidize LDL. Once LDL oxidizes, it becomes extremely damaging to arteries.

Read more: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/canola-oil-vs-olive-oil-for-cooking#ixzz2psLPAJbo