Flu Shot Alternatives

You don’t need a flu shot to protect yourself this year. Use natural immune boosters to stay strong and healthy through the fall and winter.

Despite the fact that the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention advocates a seasonal flu shot for everyone, the reality is that not all people feel comfortable with this recommendation. I and many other health experts do not endorse widespread seasonal flu vaccines, including the H1N1 vaccine. Your immune system, when working properly, has a remarkable capacity to fight off the flu and colds. Even if an infection does gain a foothold, it’s usually just a matter of time before the immune system mounts an effective counterattack.

Recipe for a Strong Immune System

Whether you get a flu shot or not, it is important to bolster immunity during the fall and winter months. This increases your resistance to colds and flu, and protects you against cancer and other diseases. Try these steps to boost your immune system:

• A healthy lifestyle is essential for immunity. Be sure to eat a healthy diet, get exercise, avoid toxins, maintain your appropriate body weight, and get enough sleep.
• Stress lowers immunity. Practice relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, visualization, or meditation.
• Avoid refined sugars and saturated fats, but make sure you get plenty of quality protein and essential fatty acids.
• Take a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement. Vitamins B complex, C and E, zinc, and selenium are especially important.
• Boost your vitamin D levels (see below).
• Take a clinically proven immune-enhancing product

HOT PRODUCT FOR FLU DEFENSE Recent research on the proprietary ingredient Wellmune WGP (beta-glucan from baker’s yeast) has been shown in a double-blind study to prevent colds and flu. Subjects were treated with either 500 mg of Wellmune WGP or a placebo for 90 days. The Wellmune WGP group reported: No missed work or school due to colds, compared with 1.4 days missed in the placebo group. No incidences of fever, compared with 3.5 incidences in the placebo group. An increase in physical energy and emotional well-being, as measured by a clinically validated hea questionnaire. Wellmune WGP is available in certain foods, beverages, and supplements, including supplements from Alacer Corp. and Jarrow Formulas.

 Why Vitamin D is Critical for Flu Prevention

Research shows that vitamin D targets more than 2,000 genes (about 10 percent of the human genome). It is now known that low levels of vitamin D are a major factor in the development of at least 17 varieties of cancer, as well as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, and many more common health conditions. As it relates to flu prevention, here is what is known:

• Individuals who have vitamin D blood levels lower than 38 ng/ml had twice as many upper respiratory tract infections as those with higher levels.
• Children who took 1,200 IU of vitamin D daily reduced their risk of developing the flu by 58 percent.
• Women taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D (to protect bones) had an average of 30 percent fewer cold and flu episodes compared to women taking 200 IU of vitamin D.

Because it is estimated that one out of every two Americans is likely to have blood levels below 20 ng/ml, supplementing with vitamin D may prove to be more effective than getting a flu shot. For optimal vitamin D status, take 2,000—5,000 IU daily.

Thinking Echinacea?

While echinacea has been shown to exert significant effects on immune function in more than 300 clinical studies, not all of the research has been positive. Mixed results most likely stem from insufficient quantity of the herb’s active compounds. There is tremendous variation in these levels—even within the same product from batch to batch. Echinacea must be grown properly, harvested at the exact time, and extracted properly for maximal levels of all active compounds. Clinical studies with Echinamide (a patented echinacea product standardized for effective levels of key compounds) have proved useful in preventing, as well as shortening, the severity and duration of colds and flu.

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This article was written by Dr. Michael Murray, one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine.

For the past thirty-five years, Dr. Murray has been compiling a massive database of original scientific studies from medical literature. He has personally collected over 65,000 articles from the scientific literature, which provide strong evidence on the effectiveness of diet, vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural measures in the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease.

It is from this constantly expanding database that Dr. Murray provides the answers on health and healing on DoctorMurray.com. Visit his website here!

How To Boost Energy Naturally

The “up” side of caffeine

Vibrant natural energy is truly a wonderful feeling that too few people experience on a consistent basis. The number of Americans suffering from fatigue is staggering. Fatigue is by far the most common medical complaint in medical practice, yet it remains one that is dealt with inadequately.

Fatigue can be caused by factors including depression, diabetes, poor sleep quality, hypothyroidism, and certain medications. Nutritional factors are important as well, including nutrient deficiencies and blood sugar instability or hypoglycemia. Simple iron deficiency (anemia) alone is a major cause of fatigue, particularly in women.

3 essential supplements

The best approach to boosting energy levels naturally is to address any underlying factors as effectively as possible. Beyond that, there are three supplements that are essential in any health promotion plan: a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral, a high-quality “greens” drink, and a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement. Once this strong nutritional foundation has been established, many people with low energy levels can benefit from dietary supplements containing caffeine-based natural energy formulas.

Is caffeine safe?

There is no question that caffeine is a stimulant that can increase physical and mental energy levels. Caffeinated beverages like green tea, yerba maté, guarana, cola nut, and cocoa are used by cultures around the world. In its natural form, the caffeine is provided along with plant compounds that tend to lessen some of caffeine’s negative effects, such as anxiety and nervousness. For example, in addition to caffeine, green tea contains L-theanine, a natural compound that counteracts some of the effects of caffeine on the brain that can lead to nervousness and interference with sleep.

The effects of a moderate dosage of caffeine (e.g., 10—125 mg) is influenced by consumption pattern; if you regularly ingest caffeine, you develop a tolerance to it. If you don’t, or are a “slow metabolizer” of caffeine, the effects are more pronounced.

Controlled studies of the effects of caffeine on performance have a long history, dating to the late nineteenth century. Early studies showed caffeine intake improved performance in many repetitive tasks. For example, in typists, caffeine consumption increased both speed and accuracy.

Caffeine has been shown to improve attention and reaction time. However, it does not appear to improve performance in complex mental processes.

Caffeine + GABA

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is one of the brain’s most important compounds. PharmaGABA is a special natural form of GABA that has yielded interesting results in clinical studies. In particular, PharmaGABA has shown impressive results in combating stress, including showing an ability to lower cortisol levels and other markers of acute stress during exposure to stressful situations.

When a caffeine source is combined with PharmaGABA, there is a synergistic effect in improving mental function. And as a benefit, the PharmaGABA reduces the stress-producing effects of caffeine.

In a study conducted at University of Shizuoka in Japan, PharmaGABA was shown to do just that, promoting feelings of calmness despite a boost in energy levels from caffeine. Subjects consumed either a cup of regular coffee or the same cup of coffee plus 28 mg of PharmaGABA. Stress markers were significantly lower in the group getting the PharmaGABA.

Is caffeine for everyone?

There are a few situations in which consuming any significant amount of caffeine (e.g., daily intakes in excess of 30—50 mg) is not suggested. This includes people very sensitive to caffeine or those with insomnia, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, fibrocystic breast disease, or high blood pressure. It is particularly important to avoid caffeine if you suffer from poor sleep quality. If you suffer from any of these conditions and want to boost your energy, try herbs that enhance energy levels by supporting adrenal function, such as ashwagandha (e.g., Sensoril), rhodiola, or Siberian ginseng. Often extracts of these plants are combined in “adrenal health” formulas.

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This article was written by Dr. Michael Murray, one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine.

For the past thirty-five years, Dr. Murray has been compiling a massive database of original scientific studies from medical literature. He has personally collected over 65,000 articles from the scientific literature, which provide strong evidence on the effectiveness of diet, vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural measures in the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease.

It is from this constantly expanding database that Dr. Murray provides the answers on health and healing on DoctorMurray.com. Visit his website here!

Neocell, Super Collagen + C, Type 1 & 3

Collagen Type 1&3 Benefits:

Provides specific amino acids necessary to replenishing the body’s collagen supply helps minimize fine lines & wrinkles, and improves elasticity in the skin builds and supports bone matrix, corrects weak, broken, split and damaged nail beds, thickens fine hair, adds body and slows down hair loss, repairs connective tissues for improved elasticity; improves circulation; promotes glycine builds lean muscle to help burn fat while you sleep.

Collagen: The Body's Anti-Aging Protein

Collagen supplementation is one of the most fundamental things a person can do to prevent premature aging and promote youthful vitality. Understanding collagen begins with knowing that it is truly the glue that holds the body together; it is the building block for all our body's major systems.

Although abundant in our youth, the body's natural collagen production typically slows at a rate of 1.5% per year after the age of 25. As this collagen production slows, the collagen fibers in the body become brittle and begin to break down resulting in many of the tell-tale signs of aging, such as loose, flaccid skin, wrinkles, ligament and tendon injuries and osteoarthritis. Super Collagen+C™ utilizes Collagen Types 1&3, which is 90% of the body’s total collagen supply and the main collagen constituents in the skin, hair, nails, ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles.

The Science of Collagen

Super Collagen™ 1&3 is composed of nineteen amino acids and is a rich source of glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline.

Once taken orally, it can produce peptides that stimulate fibroblast cells to produce and reorganize new collagen fibers which, upon bundling, can build the mechanical strength of the connective tissues and strengthen the extracellular matrix.

Super Collagen's™ Advanced Bioavailability

Super Collagen+C™ uses an advanced enzymatic hydrolyzation process to break the large collagen molecules into low molecular-weight peptides that are both bioavailable and bioactive in the body. Super Collagen+C™ contains hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, two amino acids specific to Collagen. These are not regularly found in amino acid supplements and are especially important to collagen production. Collagen+C™ genetically parallels the amino acid structure of the body's collagen and it's been shown that persons taking hydrolyzed Collagen Type 1&3 will experience 90% absorption into the blood stream where cellular changes occur. *

Available in 3 different, bioavailable delivery systems: powder, tablets and liquid. Super Collagen+C™ tablets and Super Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid are formulated with Vitamin C, which is absolutely essential to collagen formation. Super Collagen™ powder is water-soluble, neutral tasting, and mixes easily with water or juice containing Vitamin C, or other Vitamin C supplements are highly recommended.

The Diference Between Collagen Type 1&3 and Collagen Type 2:

Scientific studies show that more than 90% of the collagen found in the body is Collagen Type 1&3. The protein composition consists of nineteen amino acids responsible for the growth and maintenance of the body with unusually high percentages of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are all found in the skin and muscle. 
For maximum benefits Collagen Type 1&3 and Type 2 should not be combined at the same time. Each type has different amino acid profiles and is produced by different cells in the body - Types 1&3 by fibroblasts and osteoblasts, Type 2 by chondrocytes. Research has shown that combining Type 1 and Type 2 collagens may reduce the stimulatory effects at the cellular level. 
While combining the types is not dangerous, for a supplement to be as bioactive and effective as possible we recommend taking the different types of collagen separately throughout the day, giving each type the opportunity to stimulate the correct cells without interference by the incorrect type of collagen. Type 1&3 in the morning and Type 2 at night is a good option.

You can get yours Super Collagen™ 1&3 products online www.iherb.com and get 5$ OFF discount + 5% Money Back (as loyalty credit)!

Remedies for sinus congestion, bronchitis, asthma, and COPD

Remedies for sinus congestion, bronchitis, asthma, and COPD

Virtually all of us take the ability to get a good breath of air for granted. For people suffering from chronic sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease, and other diseases of the respiratory tract, however, an effortless breath of air is greatly appreciated.

These conditions are often more problematic during the winter months. Sure, we are exposed to more viruses at this time, but one of the key reasons sinus and airway congestion occurs more frequently during winter months is dry, warm indoor air. This dries out the airway membranes. As a result, mucus isn’t cleared as effectively, which can increase your risk of sinus, bronchial, or lung congestion and/or infection.

Fortunately, there are safe and effective natural products that can improve the moisture content of the airway passages as well as the mucus secretions, and as a result, lead to easier breathing. Three of the most useful are N-acetylcysteine, ivy extract, and bromelain. These ingredients can be used individually or combined for even greater effectiveness.

N-acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid, cysteine. NAC has an extensive history of use in the treatment of acute and chronic lung conditions, including emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. It directly splits the sulfur linkages of mucoproteins, thereby reducing viscosity of bronchial and lung secretions. As a result, it improves bronchial and lung function, reduces cough, and improves oxygen saturation in the blood.

NAC is helpful in all lung and respiratory tract disorders, especially chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In detailed analysis of 39 trials, it has been concluded that oral NAC reduces the risk of exacerbations (severe worsening) and improves symptoms in patients with chronic bronchitis compared with a placebo.

In addition to its effects as a mucolytic, NAC can increase the manufacture of glutathione—a major antioxidant for the entire respiratory tract and lungs. The typical dosage for NAC is 200 mg three times daily.

Ivy extract

Ivy leaf has a long history of use in asthma and COPD. Recent clinical research has validated its ability to reduce bronchial spasm and improve respiratory secretions. Several double-blind studies have shown that ivy extract improves lung function and reduces asthma attacks. For example, in one double-blind study, 25 children ages 10 to 15 years with asthma demonstrated improvements in lung capacity after 10 days of treatment with ivy extract. Improvements were shown to be clinically relevant and statistically significant three hours after administration of ivy extract by day 10 of treatment. The typical dosage is 100 mg once or twice daily.

Bromelain

Bromelain refers to a group of sulfur-containing enzymes that digest protein (proteolytic enzymes or proteases) obtained from the pineapple plant (Ananas comusus). Bromelain has been shown to exert several effects of benefit in clearing the airways, suppressing coughs, and reducing the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions. Bromelain is also helpful in acute sinusitis. The typical dosage for bromelain for respiratory indications is 250 to 750 mg three times per day between meals.

Additional Therapies That Can Help

For sinus congestion, try nasal irrigation with salt water using a Neti pot—a ceramic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin’s magic lamp. Used properly, the salt water will flow through the nasal cavity and relieve symptoms of congestion. Daily use is recommended during acute episodes, every other day for chronic conditions.

Nasal sprays featuring natural ingredients, such as xylitol or homeopathic remedies, can also be helpful at keeping membranes moist.

For bronchial and lung congestion, as well as for deeper sinus infections, try postural drainage. It is a simple, old-time therapy that works wonders. Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to the chest for up to 20 minutes. Then perform postural drainage by lying face down with the top half of the body off of a bed, using the forearms as support. Maintain the position for five to 15 minutes, while you cough and expectorate into a basin or newspaper on the floor. Do this twice daily whenever there is significant airway congestion.

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This article was written by Dr. Michael Murray, one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine.

For the past thirty-five years, Dr. Murray has been compiling a massive database of original scientific studies from medical literature. He has personally collected over 65,000 articles from the scientific literature, which provide strong evidence on the effectiveness of diet, vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural measures in the maintenance of health and the treatment of disease.

It is from this constantly expanding database that Dr. Murray provides the answers on health and healing on DoctorMurray.com. Visit his website here!