Vaccine Efficacy, Part 1 of 2: Can a Healthy Diet Improve It?
The influence of dietary fiber, prebiotics, beta-glucan, and fucoidan Vaccines are one of the greatest successes of modern medicine, helping to protect entire populations against a wide range of infectious diseases.[1] A vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens, either viruses or bacteria. To do this, certain molecules (antigens)…
Adaptogens for Cold, Flu, and “Pandemic Season”
Herbs that kick stress and boost immunity Cold and flu season has been upstaged by a global pandemic. As we respond to the risk of COVID-19, many of us are also grappling with the social and financial strains accompanying lockdown and uncertainty. This has stress levels high, and stress tragically undermines immune function, thereby…
Vitamin D in the News
COVID-19 and Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem that affects more than one billion children and adults worldwide.[1],[2] Vitamin D is essential not only for healthy bones, but also for the body’s defense against infections.[3],[4],[5],[6] Numerous studies have shown that insufficient vitamin D intakes are associated with an enhanced…
Response to CBS News Report: Do Probiotics Actually Do Anything?
They got a lot right, but we have a few (cited) details to add to the conversation By Mike Grochocki, RD, LDN On June 28th, 2020 the CBS News show 60 MINUTES aired a segment on probiotics, which have become wildly popular in both professional and retail nutritional supplement markets. The main question CBS…
Study Identifies Widespread Inadequacies of Immune Health Nutrients
Key nutrient shortfalls may increase the risk of infections Ideally, a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, and a balanced selection of proteins can meet all of one’s daily requirements for essential vitamins and minerals, as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs), amino acids,…
Melatonin, Immune Function, and Inflammation
The many levels on which melatonin regulates inflammation and immune function Although we primarily think of melatonin as a regulator of the circadian rhythm and our most primitive protective antioxidant,[1],[2] the role it plays in the body is far more encompassing than this. In addition to regulating the sleep cycle, melatonin impacts reproductive function,[3]…
Vitamin E and Immunity, Part 2 of 2
The role that tocotrienols play in inflammation, immunity, and lung health In addition to the tocopherol members of the vitamin E family, of which α-tocopherol dominates research, α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocotrienols also exist. Numerous studies suggest that tocotrienols have superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, they account for less than 5% of vitamin…
Vitamin E and Immunity, Part 1 of 2
The aging immune system and vitamin E Many are familiar with the antioxidant principles of the vitamin E family, and their importance for the protection of cellular membranes and prevention of cholesterol oxidation.[1],[2] Vitamin E also is important for a healthy functioning immune system, and deficiency can play a role in declining immune function,…
Botanicals for Asthma and Lung Health
Herbal tools to help you beat asthma and lung infections As we’ve learned all too well recently, we can’t take lung health for granted. Severe respiratory infections are on the rise, in addition to the chronic burdens of asthma, allergies, and air pollution.[1],[2] On top of that, many of us are experiencing smoke and…
Stress and Psychological Resilience
How the ability to “bounce back” affects our overall well-being Whether you have consciously thought of it or not, in the last months you have inevitably demonstrated some aspects of emotional and psychological resilience out of sheer necessity. In February of 2020, nary a handful of us anticipated the blows which March of 2020…
Keeping Your Immune System On Guard
Six supplements that support healthy immune system function Let’s face it: we are surrounded by a veritable sea of viruses, bacteria, and other infectious agents. What keeps these nasties at bay, in addition to physical barriers such as the skin and mucus secretions, is the immune system. If pathogens happen to gain entry, the…
The Multivitamin Debate
What does science say about multivitamin and mineral supplementation? Dietary supplement use is common in the United States, with more than half of the population using such products.[1],[2],[3],[4] Similarly, a majority of health professionals, including physicians and dieticians, use dietary supplements themselves and recommend them to patients.[5],[6],[7] Among supplement users, multivitamin and mineral supplements…
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