by admin | Jan 12, 2022 | Health Awareness
Taking care of your immune system may be the most important thing you can do to stay healthy and feel younger. Add these eight superfoods to your diet to help you meet your wellness goals naturally.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a prebiotic that contains allicin, a bioactive shown to increase disease-fighting cells and immune system T cells. One study also found that taking aged garlic extract supplements could help reduce cold and flu symptoms.
2. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are packed with an important soluble fiber known as beta-glucan. Beta-glucan stimulates the immune system and defends against many types of fungal and bacterial infections, parasites, and viruses.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt provides the healthy probiotic bacteria your gut needs to stay healthy. Some research suggests probiotics may even help reduce the length and severity of common cold symptoms.
4. Salmon
You already know the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are good for your heart, but you may not have realized salmon is also a good source of vitamin D. Vitamin D may help lower your chances of developing an upper respiratory infection.
5. Kiwi
It’s strange, it’s fuzzy, it’s green, and it’s also packed with vitamin C. Kiwi is one of the few non-citrus foods that can deliver big doses of vitamin C, which is vital for maintaining the production of white blood cells and fighting off disease pathogens.
6. Tea
If you need a reason to curl up with a book and a steaming cup of tea, keeping your immune system strong is the perfect excuse. Drink five to six cups of black, green, or herbal tea to boost immune activity. You get bonus antimicrobial points by adding honey to your mug.
7. Beans and Lentils
Eat more beans and lentils if you want to live longer. In the “blue zones” (areas of the world where people live longest), legumes are a staple. Beans and lentils are high in zinc, a mineral that boosts white blood cell production as well as providing microbial protection.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in flavonoids which contain several immune-boosting properties. The flavonoids specific to blueberries may decrease the incidence and severity of infections in the upper respiratory tract as well as help fight aging naturally.
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by admin | Dec 29, 2021 | Health Awareness
Stress is a powerful response to challenging factors in our lives. Too much stress can damage your body over time. Additionally, stress is unpleasant and puts a damper on your mood. Read on to find out the seven stress-relief supplements you need in your life – and one you should steer clear of.
1. Valerian Root
Valerian root supplements can be very effective at fighting anxiety and stress. Some people who struggle with insomnia swear by valerian supplements to help them get restful sleep. Overall, valerian root is great for relaxation and unwinding.
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is supported by the FDA as a safe agent that fights anxiety and poor sleep quality. These supplements have improved stress responses and bouts of insomnia in research participants. This is a great supplement for decompressing at the end of your night.
3. Melatonin
Your body naturally produces melatonin when you are in darkness. This hormone helps your body shift into a restful sleep. Melatonin supplements help people with sleep troubles drift off to sleep and are completely natural.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium has shown mild anti-anxiety benefits. For those struggling with elevated daily stress levels, taking magnesium may help eliminate those feelings, but more research is needed to confirm magnesium’s efficacy as a stress-reducing supplement.
5. Ashwagandha
Known as the ancient anti-anxiety plant, ashwagandha helps reduce stress and promote restful sleep. This plant-based treatment has been used for centuries to help regulate stress levels in the body. If you struggle with moderate to severe anxiety, ashwagandha may help.
6. L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid, which are the structures that make up the proteins in your body. Studies have shown that L-theanine can improve stress levels, mental clarity, and cognitive performance. This compound is found naturally in green tea.
7. Rhodiola
Rhodiola plants grow in very cold climates. Their roots and concentrated extracts have shown promising potential for treating stress, anger, irritability, and confusion and improving overall mood. This root is an important factor in preventing stress-related illness.
One to Avoid: Kava
Kava plants have been a cause for concern regarding consumers’ safety, as taking Kava supplements can potentially cause liver damage. Some people who favor natural remedies for stress have touted Kava as an anti-anxiety supplement. However, there is no evidence that Kava reduces stress, anxiety, or depression.
by admin | Dec 22, 2021 | Health Awareness
Daily life can be incredibly hectic for some. Between work-related responsibilities, personal goals, and social commitments, it can be easy to forget something important. This is because your attention span and short-term memory may be overstretched.
How can you remedy this common problem? Various neuroscience research suggests that you can increase your short-term memory by implementing one of three simple strategies, which we have outlined below.
Speak Out Loud
When you really need to remember something, try speaking out loud. Repeat the information that you need to retain a few times. If you are in a public place and don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself, simply mouth the words silently to yourself. Both options can help the information stand out from all the other stimuli you are encountering to remember key details.
Focus on the Event for 40 Seconds
Another great way to boost your short-term memory is to actively focus on an event or piece of information for 40 seconds. You should rehearse or replay the interaction in your mind.
Visualize the exchange right down to each key detail that you need to remember. This will help you remember the core aspects of the event and may even allow you to convert the information to your long-term memory.
Use the Power of Prediction
In addition to the strategies outlined above, you can also increase your chances of remembering something by leveraging the power of prediction. In a 2011 study included in the Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, researchers found a strong correlation between asking yourself if you will remember something and your ability to recall the information.
This tactic is beneficial for remembering to perform a pre-planned action, such as calling a family member on their birthday.
Overcoming More Serious Memory Issues
Are you concerned that a serious neurodegenerative condition is causing your forgetfulness? Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with an ailment such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, or suffered a stroke?
If so, then you may benefit from regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy. This alternative option has the potential to slow the progression of cognitive conditions and may even improve short-term memory.
by admin | Dec 15, 2021 | Health Awareness
You may have heard about chia seeds being a “superfood,” but dismissed the idea as one more food fad that will soon disappear. Chia seeds have been an important source of nutrition for indigenous populations for hundreds of years.
Today, chia is considered to be a valuable ancient grain that is enjoying a comeback due to its high levels of nutrition.
What’s in a Chia Seed?
It’s hard to believe that something so small could be packed with so much nutrition, but it’s true. While you may still need high-quality supplements to provide all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs daily, eating a serving of chia seeds will help you meet your goals of a healthier diet.
One tablespoon of chia seeds provides the following:
- 69 calories
- 2 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
- 6 grams of carbs
- 5 grams of fiber
- 2 milligrams phosphorous (about 11% of recommended daily value for an adult or DV)
- 7 milligrams calcium (8% DV)
- 8 mg potassium (1%DV)
- 5 IU vitamin A (1% DV)
- 2 mg vitamin C (1% DV)
- 1 mg vitamin E (1% DV)
In addition to being nutrient-rich, chia seeds are a good source of important omega-3 fatty acids and important antioxidants. If that’s not enough, the fiber contained in chia seeds supports gut health, and a healthy gut leads to an improved immune system.
Some studies suggest that including chia seeds in a diet may offer benefits for those who are managing high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and depression.
How to Eat Chia Seeds
Including chia seeds as part of your well-balanced diet is easy. They don’t have to be soaked or ground like some other ancient grains. Add them to baked goods, or smoothies or eat a crunchy spoonful raw right out of the bag. If your diet has been low in fiber, make sure to drink plenty of water and consume no more than the recommended 2 tablespoons of chia a day to prevent digestive upsets. Always consult with your primary care provider when adding new supplements to your diet regimen.
by Stemedix | Dec 6, 2021 | Health Awareness, Multiple Sclerosis
MS, or multiple sclerosis, is a chronic condition characterized by the immune system attacking the body’s myelin. Myelin is the substance that coats the body’s nerves, so patients with MS often face issues with their nervous system’s ability to communicate. Patients may experience pain, movement issues, or trouble thinking clearly. There are plenty of medical treatment options available, but these options can be costly, inconvenient, or cause troubling side effects. Patients who are wondering what natural treatments are available for Multiple Sclerosis, may have difficulty finding viable information. With this in mind, here are two adaptable natural treatment methods that may show some positive results when incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan for MS.
Diet
The evidence to support dietary changes is shaky at best. There is no evidence to show that one specific or specialized diet can treat MS symptoms. With that being said, however, there is plenty of scientific data showing that in theory, MS patients adhering to a generally healthy diet may face fewer symptoms.
MS patients can potentially experience some relief by adding these kinds of foods to their diets:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as some nuts and seeds
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
Patients are advised to cut down on or eliminate high-fat dairy, salt, and saturated fats wherever they can.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are distinct from herbal supplements, as dietary supplements are meant to replace or bolster naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals needed for regular body function.
Though dietary supplements should not be seen as a cure or treatment for MS, certain vitamin deficits can increase the severity of MS symptoms and flare-ups.
Here are a few dietary supplements that may help to mitigate MS symptoms:
While calcium is not directly related to MS symptoms, it can reduce the risks of osteoporosis, which some MS patients are at a high risk of developing.
Are Natural Treatments Enough?
MS is a complex condition that may require more conventional treatment intervention if the condition is progressing or to help manage symptoms. The options presented here are the easiest and most accessible for MS patients to undertake on their own.
Many patients are also discovering an alternative option through stem cell therapy to additionally help manage the condition. Stem cells have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties to help damaged tissues and boost the body’s natural healing mechanism.
If you or your loved ones are interested in adopting natural treatments into your MS treatment plan, it is helpful to research and consult if these are viable options to consider. If you are interested in learning more about what natural treatments are available for Multiple Sclerosis, contact a care coordinator today!
by admin | Dec 1, 2021 | Health Awareness
There are certain foods you need to eat to have a healthy and balanced body: milk for strong bones, protein for muscles, and fruits and veggies for overall health. But did you know there are certain foods you can eat specifically to help your bladder health?
Here are a few urologist-recommended food and drink options that can help to improve your bladder health.
Water
Water has always been (and will always be) the best drink you can give your body. Water helps to stimulate urination, which flushes bacteria out of the body and prevents infection.
Make sure you’re getting at least the daily recommended amount of water in your diet.
Fruits and Vegetables with High Water Content
If you have trouble getting through the recommended amount of water, adding certain fruits and vegetables to your plate can help. These foods tend to have higher water content than other kinds of food, so increasing the amount of fruits and veggies in your diet will help you introduce more water to your body.
It’s important to note that some acids from the fruit can end up irritating your bladder, so make sure to choose fruits and vegetables that aren’t too acidic!
Fiber-Rich Foods
Fiber is known to be a valuable dietary addition for gut health, which makes it ideal for bladder health, as well. Potatoes, whole grains, and legumes are a few foods that are high in fiber.
Cranberries and Cranberry Juice
If you’ve ever had a UTI or other kind of bladder infection, you’ve likely been told to drink a glass of cranberry juice. Cranberries contain an antioxidant called proanthocyanidins, which cut down on bacteria’s ability to hang around the urinary tract.
It’s important to remember a doctor’s visit is the best way to find relief for bladder problems. With that being said, changing your diet can help improve your overall bladder health.
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