Be Well Buzz » immune system

Immune Boosting Secrets

Shawn Stevenson — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:16:58 +0000

One of our most popular posts has been on the dangers vs benefits of the flu shot vaccine. Irregardless of where your feelings lie on the matter you MUST listen to this podcast. Today our resident nutritionist Shawn Stevenson is the voice of reason on the topic. It may help you understand the topic at a deeper level and will definitely give you some fundamental tools to boost your immune system NATURALLY. When you listen to this podcast you will learn:

The REALITY of flu vaccines and their need
How these vaccines impact brain health
How vaccines are created
Symptoms and conditions linked to vaccines
Immune boosting solutions so you won't ever need a vaccine
The berry that has 30x more vitamin C than orange juice
The medicinal herb that increases your protection cells by 300%
The tea you'll want to add to your immune boosting strategy
The #1 thing that will CRASH your immune system
What the latest research shows about the location (yes, location) of our immune system
And MUCH more...

Here's the link to read our original post on: 10 Reasons Why The Flu Shot May Be More Dangerous Than The Flu

What Is Royal Jelly?

BeWellBuzz — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:15:02 +0000

Royal jelly is a substance which is secreted by glands found on the heads of worker bees. This bee's chemical substance serves as a special food for the queen of the bee colony. All bees are born the same. However, the prospected queen will then be served with royal jelly so that she can properly develop into the colony's queen. The queen bee exclusively feeds on royal jelly. Because of this kind of diet, the queen bee is larger and lives longer than any other bee in the colony. It is the equivalent of breast milk that Mother Nature has designed for babies. But there's more about royal jelly because there are a variety of medicinal uses derived from it. Clinical studies reveal that the active ingredient in royal jelly which makes it very nutritious not only for young, developing queen bees but also to human health is called royalactin. Physically, this substance is viscous to creamy in consistency and milky - white in color. Chemically, royal jelly naturally consists of approximately 60 to 70 % water, 10 to 15 % protein, 10 to 20 % sugar and carbohydrates, 3 to 6 % fats and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. Studies show that royal jelly is rich in vitamins A, C, D, E and B. The minerals it contains include calcium, iron, potassium, sulfur and phosphorus. Because of this nutrient-rich property, royal jelly is effective in reducing stress levels. One of the important amino acid is aspartic acid, which is found helpful in the treatment of fatigue and depression. It has also been used as good source of Vitamin B and as an anti-aging ingredient in many beauty products. Royal jelly is very nutritious. In fact, many health product manufacturers have discovered that royal jelly is an excellent source of nutrients. Aside from the macronutrients and micronutrients it contains, royal jelly is also rich in the chemical compound called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical which is required for the transmission of nerve impulses from one cell to another. This neuro-chemical is also important for the prevention of certain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. In addition, royal jelly also contains gamma globulins which are helpful in the improvement of immune system health. What exactly are the health benefits of royal jelly?

Stress reduction - The presence of inositol helps in the regulation of hormones adrenaline as well as endorphins in the body which then helps in reducing stress as well as anxiety.

Stronger immune system - Some properties of royal jelly help boost the immune system. Strong immune system means better resistance against infection caused by invading bacteria and viruses. The immune system also plays an important role in the prevention of cancer.

Healthy and youthful skin - Because of the amino acids that consist one of the critical components of royal jelly, this substance has been harnessed by humans to promote rejuvenation of the skin. This is one reason royal jelly has been regarded as a food to keep your youth. In addition, royal jelly has been used to treat skin problems such as eczema, rashes and other skin irritation caused by excessive dryness.

Maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels - One of the amazing properties of royal jelly is its ability to maintain good levels of high density cholesterol. Unlike the low density cholesterol (LDL) that clogs blood vessels leading to a serious condition called atherosclerosis (an insidious process where accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessels can cause reduction of blood flow to vital organs like the brain, heart and the kidneys), high density cholesterol (HDL) helps prevent it by acting like a mop to remove excess cholesterol deposited in blood vessel walls and deliver it back to the liver for elimination through the gastrointestinal tract.

Maintenance of enzyme levels - Royal jelly is believed to help improve digestion. This is because it has the ability to help the body in the production of enzymes that aid in the breaking down of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. This ensures proper digestion of food substances that will be more efficiently utilized by the body cells.

Other health benefits of royal jelly - Royal jelly is said to help resolve some of the symptoms associated with other health problems like kidney disorders, insomnia and anorexia. It has also been used as an alternative treatment to asthma, asthenia, hepatitis, arthritis and gout.

Recommended raw certified organic Royal Jelly product here Here is a word of caution though: Royal jelly may not be for everyone. People with history of allergy to honey or other related products should avoid taking royal jelly supplements. Sources: "Royal Jelly". The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Royal-Jelly--Encyclopedia-of-Alternative-Medicine Toth, P. (2005). "The Good Cholesterol" American Health Association. http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/111/5/e89.full "Wonderful Health Benefits of Royal Jelly". http://herbscancure.com/blog/health-benefits-of-royal-jelly/

Stress May Alter Gut Bacteria to Hinder Immune System

BeWellBuzz — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:15:36 +0000

(HealthDay News) -- Researchers have found that stress can alter the balance of bacteria that live in the intestine, leading to immune system problems. Stress changes the composition, diversity and number of intestinal bacteria, said the team at Ohio State University. The communities of bacteria become less varied, and there are greater numbers of potentially harmful bacteria. "These changes can have profound implications for physiological function," lead researcher Michael Bailey said in a journal news release. "When we reduced the number of bacteria in the intestines using antibiotics, we found that some of the effects of stress on the immune system were prevented. This suggests that not only does stress change the bacteria levels in the gut, but that these alterations can, in turn, impact our immunity." Previous research has linked intestinal bacteria to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. Future studies need to determine whether changes in intestinal bacteria may explain why these conditions tend to become worse when people are under stress, the authors say. References http://health.msn.com/health-topics/anxiety/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100270920

Reishi Mushrooms

BeWellBuzz — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:21:11 +0000

Getting a lot of attention lately and showing up in everything from coffee to anti aging face cream, the reishi mushroom has some great benefits, but let's set the record straight. The reishi mushroom has been around literally thousands of years - at least 4,000 years in the Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures. It is also known as Ganoderma lucidum - Lingzhi - or Ling Zhi. Used traditionally as an herbal tea, it is now available as a supplement, although for bio-availability and concentration, using hot water to extract mushrooms is preferred. Not all supplements use the hot water extraction. Reishi Mushrooms Benefits The benefits touted are many - some backed by clinical trials - others done with Japanese and other studies done over a period of time. Here is a list of some of them:

Migraine headaches
Blood pressure - can lower blood pressure, so be careful if you are already taking a BP medication
Anti inflammatory
Asthma
Improve kidney function
Regulates immune system
Many cancer related benefits - also used to help chemotherapy patients
Cardiovascular problems
Allergies
Insomnia
Menstrual problems, constipation, hemorrhoids,
Improves energy level - general feeling of well being

As you can see, that's quite a list. Reishi Mushroom Side Effects Some of the sites selling the reishi mushroom coffee claim that there are no side effects. Not true - although for the most part, they are mild and include dry mouth,itchiness, stomach upset, nosebleed, and bloody stools. Occasionally, these side effects may go away once you are used to it. If you are taking blood pressure medication or have low blood pressure, be aware that taking reishi mushroom supplements can lower your BP. Also, it is not recommended that pregnant women take it. Most of the reviews I have read from users state that they although they take it to improve their immune system, they have enjoyed an overall energy boost, mental clarity and a great mood as an extra benefit. Anti Aging Skin Care? Jumping on the reishi mushroom bandwagon, Yves Saint Laurent has come out with a day moisturizer Temps Majeur Creme that has ganoderma lucidum in it. What I found most interesting was in the description of the product they state: "The true hero behind this treatment is the miraculous "mushroom of eternal youth" (Ganoderma Lucidum)---Chinese medicine's most exceptional ingredient, which helps rejuvenate skin from the inside out." Red reishi is supposed to be the most potent kind to use. You can opt to make your own tea by boiling the whole mushrooms.

References

^{^} Red Reishi Mushrooms Whole (antiagingnutritionnews.com)
^{^} More Anti Aging Skin Care Tips (antiagingnutritionnews.com)

Cocoa May Boost Beneficial Bacteria

BeWellBuzz — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:23:27 +0000

Upping your cocoa ^[1] or cacao intake may promote the growth of probiotics, beneficial bacteria shown to stimulate your immune systemand enhance gut health. In a recent study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that certain antioxidants in cocoa may act as prebiotics (non-digestible substances that serve as an energy source for probiotics and help the so-called "friendly bacteria" to thrive).

For the study, 22 healthy subjects drank either an antioxidant-rich or antioxidant-poor cocoa drink every day for four weeks. Study results showed that daily consumption of the antioxidant-rich drink significantly increased the participants' counts of probiotic bacteria. The antioxidant-rich drink also appeared to reduce levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

In past research, cocoa extract has been found to boost defense against heart disease, keep cholesterol, and reverse blood vessel damage in people with diabetes.

References

^{^} cocoa (altmedicine.about.com)

Immune Boosting Foods

BeWellBuzz — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:43:16 +0000

We are always looking for ways to reduce the affects of winter colds and flu but how about doing something to actually prevent getting them in the first place? While external measures work to some extent, the best solution for flu lies within you – your immune system. The immune system is designed to protect you against millions of bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites that would love to invade your body. With a strong immunity you can easily ward off cold, flu and other such infections.

So how do you rev up your immune system? The answer is simple: through your diet. There are a wide variety of immune-boosting foods that can strengthen your immune system and provide a powerful line of defense against those nasty flu viruses.

Top 10 Immune Boosting Foods

Garlic – Garlic is known for its immune boosting properties, and is usually the first line of treatment when it comes to treating cold, influenza or flu. The sulfur-containing compounds found in garlic, contribute to a healthy immune system. These compounds are extremely effective in fighting off viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Garlic is also a strong antioxidant and can protect against free radical damage in the body. Known for its antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, Garlic is truly a miracle food.

Ginger – A hot cup of ginger tea can provide relief from cold and cough within minutes, and also ward off the flu virus. Ginger encourages the body to produce Dermicidin, a substance that helps in fighting off infections. Ginger also works well in treating digestion-related problems. You can add grated ginger to your salads or crush it and add to tea, whichever form you choose ensure that ginger is a part of your daily diet

Goji Berry – The Chinese Goji berry is rich in Vitamin A and is known for its anti-aging properties. The special nutrients contained in this berry can enhance immunity, prevent heart diseases and protect vision. As per certain studies, Goji berry can also boost brain power and prevent against Alzheimer’s disease

Yogurt – Yogurt is packed with healthy bacteria (Probiotics) that act as little soldiers lining the intestinal tract, and help in maintaining a healthy gut flora. . The intestinal bacteria are usually the first line of defense against many bacterial and viral attacks. Probiotics contained in yogurt are known to increase the body’s white blood cell count, thus boosting the immune system

Echinacea Tea – This tea is made from the petals of the Wildflower Purple Coneflower. This flower is native to North America and is known to have immune boosting properties. Echinacea increases the activity of the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production in the body. It also effectively treats the respiratory complications associated with cold and flu. Drinking Echinacea tea can cut down your risk of contracting a cold or viral infection by half

Oranges – ‘an orange a day’ can keep cold and flu away. With a high Vitamin C content and strong antioxidant properties, oranges work wonders in fighting off the cold virus. Vitamin C protects and maintains the skin, which is the body's first line of defense against microbes and viruses of all kinds. It also increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies, and strengthens the immune system. Fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, papaya etc also work in the same way and are good for boosting the immune system.

Elderberries – Elderberries have high amount of Vitamin C, which effectively fight off the flu virus. They are also extremely powerful antioxidants. Elderberries contain ‘cytokines’, a compound that helps the immune system recognize the attacking virus and triggers the body’s natural defense mechanism. You can use this berry for making jams, pies, juices and other tasty delights.

Turmeric – Turmeric is a powerful spice that has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines since ancient times. It is also a common ingredient used in Asian cooking, and is known for its unique fragrance and flavor. Turmeric contains ‘curcumin’, a polyphenol with powerful cold and flu-fighting abilities. Turmeric also works as an anti-inflammatory agent and is a powerful immune booster. Add a pinch of turmeric to warm milk and drink it before going to bed. This is an age-old remedy that works well for treating flu and cold.

Omega 3 – Mostly known for their heart-healthy properties, Omega 3 fatty acids also boost the immune system. They strengthen the cell membranes, making it harder for the bacteria or viruses to attack them. According to recent researches and studies, omega 3 increases the action of phagocytes which are white blood cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful bacteria and viruses.

Oregano – Oregano, the tangy flavoring agent for your pastas and pizzas is essentially a herb with high antioxidant properties. Oregano contains high amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which work as anti-inflammatory agents. Ancient Greeks used the extracted juice of oregano plants to treat viral and fungal infections. Oregano has anti-microbial and immune-booting properties, which protect against cold, influenza, flu and fevers.

A diet rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C can work wonders for your health, by boosting your immune system and providing effective protection against cold, flu and influenza. This season stock up on the colorful fruits, herbs and vegetables and give your immune system a boost.