Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Eating for Stress

When some of us are stressed, we reach for the powdered doughnut or the chocolate bar, and technically that could be stress eating. But that doesn't help you stay out of stress, except for a few moments. And the after effects are horrendous. You know what they say:

"A moment on the lips, an eternity on the hips!"

So that kind of stress eating doesn't help you. On the other hand, you can eat for stress--that is, change your diet so that you eat food for stress relief. Certain foods replenish and renew our bodies when we are stressed. Food for stress relief includes anything that contains:
  • magnesium
  • B vitamins, especially B-12
  • coenzyme Q10
  • chlorophyll

Not sure which foods have these vitamins and minerals? Try these:

Enjoy the taste and enjoy being free of stress!

Tip: Eating for stress works better if you start before you get way stressed out!

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Weak Immune System? Boost It!

Do you have a weak immune system, and catch every cold and flu that gets passed around? Or do you have other signs of a low immune system, such as skin disorders, allergies, or digestive problems?

If so, the good news is that there is a natural solution for boosting your weak immune system. Ready? Here it is ...

... go with your gut!

Your Gut and a Weak Immune System
What does your gut, or your gastrointestinal system have to do with your immune system? A lot! It turns out that your gut is the largest immune organ in your body, according to Len Saputo, M.D.

About 80% of our body's protective immunoglobulins are produced in the gut. That's a big word, but don't worry. Immunoglobulin is a substance the body uses to protect itself. For instance, one type of this substance is immunoglobulin A, or IgA. IgA can be found in mucous membranes throughout the body, including the nose, throat, bladder, breathing passages, and the gut. IgA is also in mother's milk, sweat, tears, and saliva.

IgA protects mucous membranes by killing off foreign invaders, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. And IgA is just one example of a protective substance produced in your gut.

So what should you take away from all of these big words? It's simple: If you want to stay healthy, keep your gut healthy and balanced.

 Prevent a Weak Immune System
One of the simplest and most natural ways to keep your gut balanced and healthy is to take probiotics. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut. When these "good" bacteria are thriving in your gut, they help keep the production of protective substances like IgA high.

However, life tends to kill off the probiotics in our guts. Stress, chlorinated water, environmental toxins, drugs, and a poor diet all decrease the number of probiotics. To ensure that your gut stays healthy and balanced, just add probiotic supplements to your daily regimen. The three forms of probiotics we like best are especially potent, allowing them to pass through stomach acid unharmed and reach your intestines in good shape.

  • Acidophilus: This probiotic supplement supports the health of the small intestine, and also acts as a first defense against colds, flus, and other airborne contagions.
     
  • Bifidus: This probiotic supports the health of the large intestine, and is also useful in cases of diarrhea. Bifidus has also been known to help those with low self-esteem regain their sense of self.
     
  • A full spectrum probiotic: This supplement contains 12 different strains of probiotic and supports the entire gut. It can also help those who suffer from constipation.

Preventing a weak immune system is not difficult. Just take the probiotics of your choice with natural spring water. We recommend taking 2-4 capsules of acidophilus in the morning, 2-4 capsules of bifidus in the evening, and the full spectrum probiotic as needed.  Your gut and your immune system will thank you!

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Also, check out the free health resources or order blue-green algae products at wholesale prices on our website.