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Healthy Immune System

March 6, 2008 By Jackie Fields 2 Comments

Healthy Immune System

Modern conventional medicine battles disease directly by means of drugs, surgery, radiation, and other therapies, but true health can be attained only by maintaining a healthy, properly functioning immune system. The immune system fights off disease-causing microorganisms and that engineers the healing process. Even the aging process may be more closely related to the functioning of the immune system than to the passage of time.

The task of the immune system is to identify those things that are naturally in the body and those that are foreign or otherwise harmful material, and then to neutralize or destroy the foreign material. The immune system is a system of complex interactions involving many different organs, structures, and substances, among them white blood cells, bone marrow, the lymphatic vessels and organs, specialized cells found in various body tissues, and specialized substances, called serum factors, that are present in the blood. Ideally, all of these components work together to protect the body against infection and disease.

In cell mediated immunity, white blood cells called T-cells, identify and then destroy cancerous cells, viruses, and microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. When a B-cell is presented with a particular antigen, it engineers an antibody to match it and stores a blue print of the invader so that it can initiate the production of antibodies in case of subsequent exposure, even if a long period of time elapses in between. These cells are your body’s first line of defense.

There are two primary types of immune system disorders. Immunodeficiency diseases result from weakened immune function. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s own immune system cells attack healthy cells, as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

The immune system can work as it should only if it is cared for properly. This means getting all the right nutrients and providing the right environment, plus avoiding those things that depress immunity. Many elements in our environment compromise our immune systems’ defensive abilities. The chemicals in household cleaners, the overuse of antibiotics, pesticides, and additives in foods and exposure to environmental pollutants all place a strain on the immune system.

Choices in your everyday life are the biggest factors that influence your immune defenses. Not smoking, increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet, eating regular meals, maintaining a healthy weight, get enough sleep and relaxation time, exercise, eat a high fiber, low fat diet and use nutritional supplements that support immune function.

Supportive Nutrients

Vitamin A is a powerful immune booster. White blood cells can not survive with out vitamin A. Recommended daily doses are 1,000mcg for men and 800mcg for non-pregnant women. Note: Pregnant women should take a carotene complex in combination with a wide range of other antioxidants to provide the benefits of vitamin A, without the risk.

Vitamin D. Beyond Vitamin D’s positive affects on bone health, it offers a tremendous variety of additional benefits. Its helpful affects contribute to preserving muscle strength and improving cardiovascular health, as well as protecting us from autoimmune diseases and cancer. There are receptors for this hormone all over the body including the brain, heart, breasts, prostate, and immune cells. This helps explain why Vitamin D has such widespread affects. It has been shown to have support the immune system and have anti viral properties.I like to keep patients serum levels from 60-100 ng/ml . Sometimes this requires doses of 1000 – 5000 IU a day

Zinc helps to fight and prevent free radicals. Zinc also increases the absorption of vitamin A. Recommended daily dose is 15mg daily for men and 12mg daily for women. Ensure all minerals are albion chelated minerals.

Vitamins C and E helps the body resist oxidative stress and fights free radicals. Recommended daily dose ranges from 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C and 400-800iu of vitamin E. Ensure this is mixed tocopherols.

Coenzyme Q10 is found in all parts of the body. This substance plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body. It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation, and has vital anti-aging effects. Research has shown that CoQ10 has the ability to counter histamine, and therefore is also beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory disease. It is also beneficial in fighting obesity, candidiasis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 along with B6 appear to increase lymphocytes, which are important components of the immune system. Recommended daily dose suggests starting at 10mg daily and building up gradually as needed.

Iron is essential for the white blood cells that kill bacteria. The daily recommended dietary allowance is 10mg for men and 15 mg for premenopausal women. Supplemental iron may not be appropriate for postmenopausal women.

Folic Acid, a B vitamin, largely impacts the immune system. Prevents cardiovascular disease and cervical dysplasia. Along with zinc, selenium, iron, copper, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and D, defend against infectious agents. The issue with folic acid is many people might have a genetic defect in their ability to methylate or activate their folic acid. It is critical to check the MTHFR gene to understand if one needs the methylated form of folic acid.

Selenium protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals that can damage the body. Selenium plays a vital role in regulating the effects of thyroid hormone on fat metabolism. The daily recommended dietary allowance is 50mcg to 200 mcg.

Echinacea fights inflammation and bacterial and viral infection. Stimulates certain white blood cells. Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Recommended not to take long term on a consecutive basis. Take echinacea two weeks on two weeks off.

Elderberry combats free radicals and inflammation. Relieves coughs and congestion. Builds the blood, cleanses the system, eases constipation. Enhances immune system function. Increases perspiration, lowers fever, soothes the respiratory tract, and stimulates circulation. Effective against flu viruses. Consider True Botanica Elderberry-Thyme syrup from the medicinal store.

Milk Thistle protects the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage and stimulates production of new liver cells. Also protects the kidneys. Good for gallbladder and adrenal disorders, psoriasis, weakened immune system, IBS, and all liver disorders. Have shown anticancer effects against prostate cancer and breast cancer. The medicinal store carries a milk thistle product from designs for health that is supportive to the liver.

Garlic detoxifies the body and protects against infection by enhancing immune function. Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Lowers blood lipid levels. Helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Aids in treatment of arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, circulatory problems, colds and flu, digestive problems, heart disorders, insomnia, liver disease, sinusitis, ulcers, and yeast infections. Taking garlic in a supplement is great but you can also eat raw garlic. Take a clove of garlic and cut it into quarters. Swallow the quarters like a pill. It is a great and very potent way of getting the anti-oxidant properties. If you do this frequently, the smell of garlic will not be a problem.

Astragalus a.k.a. Huang qi acts as a tonic to protect the immune system. Aids adrenal gland function and digestion. Increases metabolism, produces spontaneous sweating, promotes healing, and provides energy to combat fatigue and prolonged stress. Increases stamina. Good for colds, flu, immune deficiency related problems, including AIDS, cancer and tumors. Caution: should not be taken if fever is present. Consider ImmuCare 1 from Natura Health Products or Viracid from OrthoMolecular Products.

Some healthy solutions from our store include:

Alka C:

Del Immune:

ImmuCare 1: Immucare I is a concentrated immune system tonic designed to build, nourish and invigorate the blood while supporting healthy function of the immune, digestive and endocrine systems.

ImmuCare 2: Immucare II is designed to support key systems in the body responsible for maintaining a healthy immune system, including the liver, digestive tract, endocrine glands and spleen.

ImmunotiX: ImmunotiX 250™ delivers 250 mg of whole glucan particle per capsule. *Supports Healthy Immune Function* *Supports the Body’s Defenses Against Seasonal Immune Challenges*

Prolive: a highly effective, natural food supplement obtained from selected extracts of the olive tree formulated with antioxidants (vit A, C, E and selenium) Increase your water intake while using this product.

Viral Immune Spray: a homeopathic remedy to fight viral attacks on your immune system.

Bacterial Immune Spray: a homeopathic remedy to fight bacterial attacks on your immune system.

Winter Tonic/Winter Balance: a homeopathic remedy during the flu season to prevent and fight off infection.

WholeMune: By supporting higher levels of immune function, WholeMune helps build the critical foundation of immune strength to last throughout the season.

Viracid: Viracid provides a powerful combination of key nutrients and botanical extracts that provide immediate support for immune challenges.

Take an inventory of the factors that may be compromising your immune system and take steps to correct them. Two of the most common immune suppressors include stress and incorrect diet. Your immune system can’t do it without you. Adopt a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, positive attitude, and see your doctor on advice on which supplement and herbal extract is right for you.

Healthy Aging

March 6, 2008 By Jackie Fields Leave a Comment

Healthy Aging

Today, we are living longer. By the year 2020, twenty percent of the U.S. population will be aged 65 years or older. If the healthcare demands of this group match those of their parents, it will place an extraordinary burden on finding medical services.

The genes you inherited and your environment determine health after age 40. Diseases that are most common among the older segments of the population (e.g., coronary artery disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, and liver disease) in part result from the interaction of unique genetic susceptibilities with lifestyle, environmental, and nutritional factors.

Unhealthy aging shows signs of loss of strength, reduced flexibility, decreased cardiovascular endurance, increased body fat, reduced resting energy expenditure, lower kidney clearance, reduced cell-mediated immunity, increased hearing threshold, reduced vibratory sensation, and
free radicals are present throughout the body. As we age, free radicals cause cell damage and eventually cell death. One of the keys to slowing down the aging process is to protect your cells.

Choices you make with your diet can have profound effects on aging. Fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes are key choices to make in the anti-aging battle. For example spinach, strawberries and blueberries have been proven to help protect against cell damage. Other foods noted for fighting disease and promoting longevity include garlic, soybeans, yams, bananas, cruciferous vegetables, kiwi, onions, bell peppers, carrots, papaya, cantaloupe, green leafy vegetables, yogurt, and tomatoes.

Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, reduces osteoporosis, protects against falls and injuries by strengthening muscles, helps control weight, protects against muscular and skeletal problems. In addition, regular exercise can help relieve depression, stress, disrupted sleep and helps to promote mental sharpness.

Nutrients and supplemental vitamins can influence and neutralize the effects of free radical damage.

Antioxidants like Vitamin A (a powerful immune booster and believed to lower the risk of lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and prostate)
Vitamin C fights free radicals and lowers the risk of cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition
Vitamin E helps the body resist oxidative stress and fights free radicals also lowers the risk of lung cancer and is proven to help slow the aging process.
Alpha-lipoic acid decreased an additional marker of oxidative damage, protein carbonyls.
More fatal cases of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, and rectum occur in regions with low selenium levels in the soil and water.
Calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, boron, and vitamins C, D, and K protect against osteoporosis.
A great product in our store, NeuroTone is a powerful, broad spectrum nutritional support for healthy mental function. Contains amino acids along with Ginkgo biloba which supports the flow of blood and oxygen through the capillaries to the brain. Phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidylserine assist in the communication between neurons. While DHA fatty acids helps maintain normal brain functions. Provides antioxidant protection to the brain and nerve cells. Promotes healthy mental performance and memory functions. The complementary action of these and other key nutrients enhances overall brain and nervous system functions involved in maintaining mental alertness, clarity and memory retention. Some herbs to make you look and feel younger…
Ginkgo biloba improves brain function and symptoms of depression. It also promotes healthy circulation.
Echinacea fights inflammation and bacterial and viral infections. Stimulates certain white blood cells and is good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Echinacea should not be taken for consecutive long periods of time. Recommended dose is two weeks on two weeks off.
Rhodiola Rosea, A Siberian plant that helps to moderate the effects of physical and emotional stress. Studies have shown that it may help to moderate fatigue under stressful conditions and to support short-term memory and concentration. Promotes the activities of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine which plays a part in this herb’s ability to enhance cognitive functioning, memory and attention. May also help to promote energy metabolism and endurance. A great book about this herb is “The Rhodiola Revolution” by Richard P. Brown M.D. and Patricia Gerparg, M.D..
St. John’s Wort helps with depression and sleep disorders.
Saw palmetto has been proven to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (i.e., enlarged prostate) We carry Prostate Phytonutrition, which is designed to support prostate and urogenital health. Contains essential nutrients and botanical extracts that support normal prostate size, urinary function and hormone balance. Lipase enzyme has been added to improve assimilation of the nutrients. Contains Vitamin E, zinc, lycopenes, saw palmetto, stinging nettles root extract, pygeum bark extract and lipase.
Garlic detoxifies the body and protects against infection by enhancing immune function. Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Lowers blood lipid levels. Helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Aids in treatment of arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, circulatory problems, colds and flu, digestive problems, heart disorders, insomnia, liver disease, sinusitis, ulcers, and yeast infections. Taking garlic in a supplement is great but also a clove of raw garlic, cut into quarters and swallowed like a pill is a good potent way of getting your daily garlic.
Taking care of your skin from the inside as well as the outside can reduce the signs of aging. Dr. Fields has created an all natural, affordable solution to aging skin. She calls it Dr. Fields’ Sacred Skin.

This system contains no preservative or chemicals. Your skin is your biggest organ and it can absorb chemicals even better than your stomach can. So when you are putting these toxins on your skin it is even harder on your body because it bypasses your liver and so you can’t detoxify these chemicals. This anti-aging system enhances the tone, texture, hydration, color and overall youthful appearance of your skin…Naturally.

All of these products we do carry in our store. Please ask if you have any questions or if you are looking for something specific. We do carry multi-vitamin/ multi-herbal/ multi-nutrient products and include many of the recommended nutrients.

Our physicians also do further testing looking at hormone levels such as DHEA, and other age related hormones. We do not recommend taking anti-aging hormones without testing and close monitoring.

For questions, to find out more about our products, or to place an order or contact us by phone, fax or e-mail.

Digestive Health

March 6, 2008 By Jackie Fields Leave a Comment

Digestive Health

Healthy digestion is more than avoiding heartburn, gas, constipation, and other discomforts. If we don’t thoroughly digest our food, nutrients won’t reach the cells in our body. The body needs a steady supply of nutrients to grow, replace worn out tissue and to generate energy. Food choices and supplements are not enough. Without proper digestion, we still may not be getting optimum nutrition from our food. We can naturally support healthy digestion through proper eating habits, exercise, supplements, and herbal extracts.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a tube twenty-five to thirty-two feet long that begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. It involves the teeth, mouth, gums, pharynx (throat), esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small and large intestines, and rectum. The liver, pancreas, and gall bladder all play and important role.

Causes of Digestive Disorders

There are many causes of GI disorders, including dietary and nutritional factors, food allergies, viral and bacterial infections, parasites, and stress. Breakdowns in the digestive tract are linked with cavities, gum disease, heartburn, hiatal hernia, gastritis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, flatulence, constipation, and cancer of the colon. Digestive proteins that are incompletely broken down may impair the immune response and lead to allergies by producing a state of low tolerance.

The typical western diet of high fat, high carbohydrate, highly processed foods with many additives and preservatives is the root cause of many digestive disorders. Lack of fiber in your diet makes the digestive system sluggish, and leads to improper elimination and constipation. This, in turn leads to a build up of toxins in the body and may lead to “leaky gut syndrome” in which food particles cross the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream, inducing an autoimmune reaction.

Food allergies may be a factor in GI disorders. Common culprits are milk, dairy products, and wheat. Gluten intolerance can result in celiac disease. Food allergies may arise as a result of malabsorption syndrome, which occurs whenever there is injury to the surface layer of the GI tract.

Stress also affects the digestive system, causing excess acid production and poor digestive function. Insufficient exercise leads to a decrease in enzyme secretion and HCl needed for digestion. This will lead to malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies and constipation.

When things go wrong

Eating too quickly or eating when upset or exhausted usually causes heartburn. Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, fatty foods, orange juice, spicy food, sugar, and tomato juice are specific foods that may trigger heartburn. Swallowing air while eating also leads to heartburn. The air warms to body temperature, expands, and is belched with enough force to propel stomach acid into the esophagus. Once in the esophagus, the acid irritates membrane tissues.

Antacids and alkalizers do help, but they may be more damaging than beneficial. These products neutralize stomach acids, thereby blocking effective digestion. Enzymes, herbal extracts and dietary supplements can be used instead of antacids.

Excessive gas that begins to cause discomfort could indicate a more serious problem and should be checked out by your doctor. Persistent unexplained bloating for more than three days could signal appendicitis, gallstones, stomach ulcer, irritable bowl syndrome or a malabsorption disorder.

Specific nutrients can help to relieve bloating and gas. When there is no physical cause, pantothenic acid alleviates intestinal gas by supporting efficient digestion and proper bowel movements. Fermented foods, such as yogurt and buttermilk, promote the digestion of dietary fiber and increase the level of “friendly” bacteria in the colon. Lemon juice and cider vinegar are also known to help. Exercise also stimulates bowel movements and breaks down large gas bubbles. Activated charcoal is often used to treat excessive flatulence. The charcoal apparently binds up the gas in the gut.

Constipation is failure to move the bowels after three days or more, and the difficult passage of hard dry feces. Overuse of laxatives, as well as a low fiber diet, the use of certain medications, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even depression can trigger constipation. Less common causes are hypothyroidism, high blood calcium levels and Parkinson’s disease. A balanced diet and regular exercise are recommended for the relief of constipation. Increasing fiber and fluid intake also helps. Fiber improves stool bulk and speeds up intestinal transit time. The national cancer institute recommends 25-35 grams of fiber a day. Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts are rich in fiber.

Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are protein molecules that are essential for digesting food. They are secreted along the GI tract and break down foods, enabling nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream for use in various bodily functions.

Enzymes are present in raw, unprocessed foods. They are extremely heat sensitive and, therefore, easily destroyed by cooking. If we are short on enzymes, our digestive organs must do double duty to produce more enzymes. Eventually, these systems begin to wear out.

Symptoms of an enzyme-deficient diet include fatigue, constipation, gas, headaches, colon troubles, and high cholesterol. The body uses energy to digest the foods we eat; that’s why we’re often tired after eating a big meal. Raw foods contain the enzymes required to divide the food molecules into the building blocks of metabolism: Amino acids (from protein), glucose (from carbs), and essential fatty acids (from unsaturated vegetable fats).

Supplemental enzymes may also help the body digest foods more efficiently. Enzyme formulas are a natural combination of living plants and animals, and help ensure biochemical balance and healthy digestion.

Transformation Powdered DigestZyme aids in complete food digestion. Contains a wide range of pH sensitive enzymes. Helpful with indigestion, impaired gallbladder function, malabsorption and food allergies. For sensitive systems and helpful in children.

Transformation Digest is the capsule form of the Powdered Digest. Recommend dose is 1-2 capsules with meals.

Thorne Bio-Gest is an effective broad-spectrum digestive enzyme combination, containing HCl, pepsin, pancreatin and ox bile. This product does not contain lactose

Allergy ButyrEn is the formulation of calcium and magnesium salts of butyric acid, designed for delayed release in the lower GI tract. This short chain fatty acid is produced by some probiotic bacteria, and appears to support mucosal integrity.

Thorne Dipan-9 is a pure, undiluted pancreatin. It is the highest potency and purity available. This product does not contain lactose.

Tyler Panplex 2-Phase contains pancreatic enzymes with hydrochloric acid (HCl).

Supplements

Specific nutrients nourish the digestive process. Our physicians provide through evaluation with functional medicine testing. This allows them to determine pH, gut flora health, enzyme and metabolic activity. Some healthy solutions from our store:

Vitamins C, E, and the B complex support the liver and promote detoxification.
Super Gram III is a supplement we carry that provides these vitamins and is a great antioxidant.
Tri-B-100 is a complete B complex. Which contains great doses of each B vitamin.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that live in the digestive system. When these friendly bacteria will help fortify the body’s internal environment.

Prescript-Assist with FloraStat contains 30 soil based organisms. Enables the gut to better cope with antibiotic/drug intervention, or to help normalize conditions where it has been previously compromised.

Sedona Labs iFlora contains 16 different strains of good probiotic cultures with 30 billion viable cells per gram. Including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis.

Inflammation support

Metagenics UltraInflamX is a nutritionally diverse medical food designed to provide targeted nutritional support for patients with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Conclusion

Proper digestion is a requirement for optimum health. Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are quite common and can lead to improper digestion, malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. Which may contribute to the development of many other diseases. Your doctor can help you to find the right support you need.

An optimum diet and supplementation are only as good as the digestive process. Natural measures such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, supplemental enzymes and specific nutrients and herbs promote healthy digestion. Healthy digestion means that you’re getting optimum nourishment and optimum nourishment is your health

For questions or to place and order for products please contact us.

Healthy Immune System

Healthy Aging

Digestive Health

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