AMP UP IMMUNITY

Proven Boosters for Good Health

by Ronica O’Hara

As we head into the holidays, a gift that many of us wish for is a strong immune system to protect us not only from serious illness, but also from wintry coughs and sniffles. Robust immunity rests on three pillars, research shows: getting at least seven hours of sleep a night to allow immune functions to reboot; daily exercise to stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off harmful bacteria and viruses; and plant-based foods to supply the antioxidants and phytochemicals needed to reduce inflammation and keep cells humming happily.

In addition, we can enhance immunity by adding specific adaptogens and mushroom powders into our daily routine. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. As powders, they can be easily added into drinks or foods, and they can also be taken as tinctures or pills.

Modulating Immunity with Adaptogens

that keep the body in balance by helping it adapt to stress. They interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a complex system of glands, hormones and receptors that helps manage homeostasis, stress responses and energy metabolism. “Adaptogens are a great way to boost immunity, especially if you are constantly sick and run down due to feeling stressed,” says Heather Hanks, a Plymouth, Michigan, nutritionist with USA Rx. Adaptogens typically take two or three weeks to become effective; follow package directions for proper dosage. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), an herb called locoweed in the U.S., boosts immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity and enhancing the function of macrophages, the “immune sentinels” that reside in tissues. A recent review suggests that long-term use of astragalus might help prevent colds, and taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. It has also been shown to improve recovery after illness, disease or prolonged stress and to help post-chemotherapy patients regain health.

Polish researchers found that rowing team athletes given 500 milligrams of astragalus root extract each day for six weeks had immune systems that recovered faster after strenuous exercise.

Panax Ginseng, a perennial plant from East Asia, keeps the immune system in balance by regulating its components, including macrophages, dendritic cells and both T and B cells. It improves resistance to illness and microbial attacks, helps counter stress, controls inflammation, improves cognitive functions and has been found effective in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, insulin resistance and hypertension.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as holy basil, “enhances the immune response, protects the body against bacterial and viral infection and promotes clear and comfortable breathing,” says Ameya Duprey, a certified Ayurvedic practitioner in Nevada City, California. Studies show that it also helps prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

The Marvel of Medicinal Mushrooms

Used medicinally since at least 3,000 BCE, certain mushrooms have been found to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, liver-protective and anticancer properties. They are usually not cooked, but rather taken as a powder that can be added to foods like smoothies, cereals and stir-fries.

Reishi mushrooms increase the activity of killer cells and lower inflammation in white cells, warding off infections. “They are used by cancer patients, as they support a healthy immune system, have antioxidant properties and may prevent or treat infections,” says Linda Strause, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of human nutrition at University of California San Diego, whose husband with brain cancer was encouraged to take the mushrooms as a supplement.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensi) is harvested from the larvae of caterpillars in the high Himalayas. In a randomized, eight-week Korean study of 79 adults, supplementing with 1.7 grams of cordyceps extract daily led to a significant 38 percent increase in the activity of natural killer cells that protect against infection. It has been used traditionally to treat fatigue, sexual dysfunction, asthma, kidney problems, high blood pressure and weak hearts.

Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) contains a compound called polysaccharide-K that stimulates the immune system. It also acts as a prebiotic, which promotes the health of the gut microbiome, a key player in immunity. A Harvard Medical School study of 22 healthy people found that taking 3,600 milligrams of polysaccharopeptide extracted from turkey tail mushrooms each day led to beneficial changes in gut bacteria and suppressed the growth of problematic E. coli and shigella bacteria.

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

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239-272-8155 Stem Cells Critical to Healthy Aging

by Beth Greer

Superhero stem cells of unlimited potential wait in the body to be activated and help it heal. Although stem cells, which the body uses to repair and renew damaged cells, are in the body from its earliest embryonic stage and produced throughout our entire lifetime, their activation and production slows as we age. By 35, the body has lost more than half of its stem cell activity, and by 60, nearly all stem cell activity is lost. Additional loss occurs due to illness, as well, as with exposure to all electronics. Building blocks for organs, tissues, blood and the immune system, stem cells generate and regenerate all the cells and structures inside the body, acting as an internal repair system. When the body activates stem cells, they divide and regenerate to do everything from healing a skin wound to regenerating an entire organ. According to a World Journal of Experimental Medicine “Effect of Aging on Stem Cells” study in PubMed, “Stem cells have remarkable self-renewal ability and are capable of differentiating into multiple, diverse cells. There is increasing evidence that the aging process can have adverse effects on stem cells. As stem cells age, their renewal ability deteriorates and their ability to differentiate into the various cell types is altered. Understanding the role of the aging process in deterioration of stem cell function is crucial, not only in understanding the pathophysiology of aging-associated disorders, but also in future development of novel, effective, stem cell-based therapies to treat aging-associated diseases.” Additionally, Dr. Natesh Parashurama, one of the nation’s top stem cell researchers and lead author of more than 30 studies on stem cells, advises, “Nearly all chronic disease could be addressed by stem cells. The potential is infinite.” To have the same healing power that stems cells afford in youth, stimulating their production and activating them is now possible with a small patch worn on the skin that contains the patented and clinically proven nanotechnology of photo-biomodulation. This wavelength of light signals the body to up the production of a specific peptide called copper peptide (GHK-Cu). Resetting 4,000 genes to a younger state, this peptide stimulates the repair of collagen in all tissues, in addition to activating and resetting an individual’s stem cells to a younger, healthier state. It is this peptide GHK-Cu that increases expression of p63, a regulatory mechanism for the proliferation of stem cells in the body. In GHK Copper Peptides: for Skin and Hair Beauty, Loren Pickart, Ph.D., author and renowned biochemist, as well as the discoverer of the original copper-peptide GHK-Cu advises, “This is a rejuvenating technology of the future. What’s more, it is a very affordable and safe approach.”

Beth Greer is the author of Super Natural Home and a cellular health consultant. She’s a distributor at LifeWave, a research and development company working in the field of cutting-edge regenerative health technologies. For more information and a free consultation, call 415-497-1844. For a free e-book about the new technology, visit TrueVitalityProject.com. See ad, page 43.

Tips for Negotiating the Holiday Blues

by Linda Sechrist

Holiday blues, the feelings of sadness that settle in and last throughout the season, become a signifi cant mental issue for many individuals, particularly in November and December. A time of high emotions, big demands and great expectations, even individuals that enjoy being busy and attending holiday festivities can suff er mental fatigue and slight depression from the emotional letdown as the holidays ebb in January. From the perspective of Jennifer Hoi, owner of Peaceful Summit Counseling, this year may present an exaggerated set of circumstances to navigate due to the havoc and uncertainty still playing out around COVID-19. “Generally, people fi nd uncertainty very unsettling, so I’m off ering some of the suggestions that I give my clients,” says Hoy. n “Acknowledge feelings. Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people. I think we’re getting beyond the stigma of reaching out for help.” n “Recognize the feelings of stress and fatigue in the body when they begin to stir.” n “Beware of unrealistic expectations. Rather than be over extended, step back, take a deep breath and create realistic expectations with attainable goals. Unattainable goals set the stage for disappointment and depression.” n “Appreciate all the good things around us, beautiful sunsets, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful weather and many of the good things about Southwest Florida.” n “Try to live in the present. Don’t compare this holiday with the holidays of the good old days. Many times we idealize the past and forget about the negative parts. Stop pretending things were better than what they were.” n “Learn to say no. Don’t get so caught up in shopping, decorating and entertaining that exhaustion sets in and fun is squeezed out.” Hoy advises, “If you are a transplant like me, who has been in Southwest Florida for 30 years, you don’t have family here, so the friends we’ve made become our family. Enjoy them and make some great memories.”

Peaceful Summit Counseling is located at 1048 Goodlette Rd. N., Ste. 201. For more information or to make an appointment, call 239-450-8090. See ad, page 31.

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