Healthy Q & A: Vitamin C

Q: I’ve always taken extra vitamin C in the winter months, but wanted to see if it was really necessary. Do you think supplements really make a difference?

A:  Vitamin C is an absolutely fantastic supplement to be taking; since it is involved in so many processes in the body- it’s also great for the immune system. Vitamin C is abundant in fresh produce, citrus fruits in particular, and is crucial for making sure the body runs right and is an integral part of the body being able to heal itself.  A vitamin C supplement is not a substitute for a healthy diet, but can be especially helpful to fill in gaps in a diet, for people who many not eat as well as they would like. There are also groups of people who are more likely to be deficient in vitamin C than others, like smokers (that includes second hand smoke), people with digestive disorders or malabsorption issues, and people who eat a limited variety of foods.

Not all vitamin C supplements are created equal, however. With vitamin C, and all supplements really, it’s all about absorption- some forms really are better than others and produce greater effects in the body. Most vitamin C supplements are in the form of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is not at all bad, though there is a newer extract of vitamin C called Ester-C that has been shown in research to be more effective, lasting longer in the body and performing more activities in the body than the standard ascorbic acid form.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, which means that it does not hang around in the body like fat soluble vitamins (A, D, and E for example) do; because of this, vitamin C needs to be ingested on a daily basis. Even with being taken every day, the amount of time that vitamin C is active in the body is significantly differs between the commonly taken ascorbic acid vitamin C and Ester-C. Research has found ascorbic acid to be in the body a maximum of eight hours after ingestion, whereas the Ester-C form was active in the body a full 24 hours after consumption. That’s a huge difference in the antioxidant power between the two vitamins.

Ester-C has also been shown in new research to significantly boost immune cell function. In the placebo controlled crossover study, 1000mg of Ester-C increased vitamin C levels for a full 25 hours in white blood cells known as leukocytes, which protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. Vitamin C, particularly the Ester-C form, helps the manufacture more of these immune boosting white blood cells, which work tirelessly to keep you healthy.

All of our Solgar Ester-C supplements are on sale for 25% off for the month of October. Another benefit of Ester-C is that it is gentle on the body and does not cause stomach irritation as the more common ascorbic acid form can in some individuals. Everyone would benefit from additional vitamin C, especially as we enter cold and flu season, and there is not a better form available than Ester-C.

Supplement Spotlight: Garlic

We’re usually always excited to read about supplements that are new or “hot” at the moment, but I wanted to write instead this month about a supplement that has been around for ages, but none the less, has many benefits that deserve to be reexamined- garlic.

Most of us eat garlic occasionally, and are vaguely aware of its health benefits, but I wanted to write about its many benefits when used as part of a daily supplement regimen.

Garlic for cardiovascular health

One of garlic’s most interesting benefits is for helping to prevent atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of fats and cholesterol (plaque) on the artery walls, which then restricts blood flow. These arterial plaques can then burst, causing blood clots.

Atherosclerosis often happens with age, but it’s definitely something to be avoided! Garlic can prevent these problems by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, but also by inhibiting platelet stickiness.

Garlic supplementation has been found to reduce the size of plaque deposits in animal studies by fifty percent. One double blind human study found that a dosage of 900mg per day of garlic extract “significantly slowed the development of atherosclerosis when measured by an ultrasound”. Another human garlic study measured the flexibility of the aorta (the body’s main artery) in two hundred participants and reported that those who took garlic supplements had more flexibility in their arteries, which indicated a lower rate of atherosclerosis.

Garlic for preventing heart attacks

Garlic also can help to prevent heart attacks. In research, participants who had already suffered a heart attack that used garlic supplements had a reduced risk of a second heart attack, and a fifty percent lower death rate. Garlic works to prevent heart attacks by stimulating a process in the body in which blood clots are dissolved. Because of this action, garlic supplements should not be taken by people using prescription blood thinners without speaking to their doctor.

Garlic and high blood pressure

Benefits for high blood pressure have also been found after taking aged garlic extract supplements. Studies have shown that taking garlic supplements twice a day were able to lower their systolic blood pressure by twelve points.

Garlic for boosting the immune system

Garlic is great for the immune system and works in part by helping to activate the body’s macrophages- a specific type of white blood cell that literally ingests and destroys harmful microorganisms. There have been numerous studies on garlic’s benefit to the immune system, and ability to significantly increase the numbers of germ eating macrophages in the bloodstream.

Garlic for cancer prevention

Garlic can also aid in cancer prevention since it has compounds which stop tumor formation as well as inhibiting the spread of tumors. Garlic has been shown to reduce the occurrence of a variety of cancers, including colon, prostate, and stomach cancer.

Even with all these benefits, however, no one wants to reek of garlic.  Eating too much raw garlic can cause stomach upset and may keep people from wanting to stand too close to you. Thankfully, there are odorless garlic supplements available that can impart the benefits of garlic without your neighbors knowing about it. My favorite garlic supplements are the aged garlic supplements by Kyolic. Aging garlic removes its odor while retaining its health benefits; in fact, aged garlic has been shown to be significantly higher in active beneficial compounds than raw garlic. I take Kyolic garlic on a regular basis, and can absolutely attest to it being odor free.

Supplement Spotlight: Manuka Honey for Skin, Digestive Issues, and More

This month’s supplement spotlight is on manuka honey, a very potent type of medicinal honey. Manuka honey has been gaining popularity, even among mainstream physicians, due to its antibacterial and healing properties.

Manuka honey is the only 100% natural food shown to have antibacterial effects, due to a compound known as methylglyoxal that forms naturally in manuka honey. Other honeys can occasionally have levels of that antibacterial compound, but only in small amounts. According to scientific research, the amount of antibacterial methylglyoxal must be at a minimum of 100mg/kg to reliably inhibit harmful bacteria. Manuka honey can have as much as eight times that amount.

Because of its strong antibacterial and healing qualities, manuka honey is fantastic for topical use- for wounds and burns, as well as an assortment of skin issues- from acne to eczema and more. To use in a skin care regimen, one can apply manuka honey to the affected areas for twenty minutes before washing with gentle soap and water. Manuka honey has even been shown to be beneficial in fighting staph infections.

Manuka honey can also be used internally for a wide variety of ailments. It can help to balance bacteria in the gastrointestinal system, reduce plaque in the mouth as well as soothing oral sores and ulcers. Manuka honey is also good for the immune system and is fantastic for sore throats.

Another interesting use of manuka honey is for gastritis and GERD. A few teaspoons a day can be very healing to the digestive tract. I have several customers who have used it for digestive issues at the store with impressive results. It even has been shown to help with healing stomach ulcers by killing H. pylori bacteria. 

Manuka honey is unique from other types of honey in that it is only made in New Zealand, from the manuka plant that flowers for only two to four weeks each year. Two thousand honeybees make 10 million trips to make just one jar. The nice thing about manuka honey is that it is only beneficial, there are no negative side effects or interactions with medications when using it. 

It’s important to note it’s important to look for quality brands of manuka honey. There are numerous places and websites selling “fake manuka honey”. Manuka honey is only sourced from New Zealand and should be rated with a “UMF Factor”, a rating on the potency of the healing properties of the honey- the higher the UMF number, the more potent the honey is.

A Natural, Herbal Version of Tamiflu for Flu Recovery?

Q: It seems everyone is getting sick around me, so I was wondering if there was anything that was really effective against the flu virus.

A: We wrote last month about a number of natural immune boosters which are very effective for preventative immunity (you can read the article here). There is a combination of supplements however that have been shown in recent research to be as effective as the prescription antiviral Tamiflu against the flu virus.

The study gave 473 patients who exhibited flu symptoms elderberry extract and echinacea or Tamiflu within the first 48 hours of the beginning of the illness. The recovery rates from the combination of elderberry and echinacea were the same as Tamiflu  (the elderberry and echinacea group actually had slightly better recovery rates when compared to the prescription Tamiflu), but without side effects- the researchers reported that patients taking oseltamivir (Tamiflu) were more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting than the supplement group.

I would definitely recommend keeping elderberry extract and echinacea in the house this winter. For elderberry extract we recommend Sambucus elderberry syrup by Nature’s Answer since it is the exact formulation used in several other trials against the flu virus, with impressive results. Elderberry syrup can be taken preventatively against viruses or taken in higher doses if you do actually get sick.

For echinacea, we recommend the standardized echinacea extract by Nature's Way. It's a great, high potency extract.

Elderberry can be taken preventatively against illness, but it’s best to save the echinacea until you feel the beginnings of sickness, since research has shown that that is when it is most effective. If you've been sick for a while, supplementing with elderberry alone is the best course of action, due to its potent antiviral compounds. 

Here are a few other articles from our site which you may find helpful:
 

A Pass Favorite: Irwin Naturals ImmunoShield

Zinc Lozenges: Clinically Proven to Boost the Immune System

Health Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy this Winter

Our Favorite Immune Boosting Supplements

Olive Leaf Extract for Blood Pressure and Immune Health

I wanted to write about olive leaf, since it’s a little known supplement that deserves a bit more recognition.  Olive leaf’s two main benefits are for blood pressure and immune function, though it also has benefits for lowering cholesterol, cancer prevention, and reducing cognitive decline.

Blood Pressure

The beneficial extract in olive leaf is oleuropein.  Oleuropein works extremely well for lowering blood pressure.  One recent study measured olive leaf supplementation against the blood pressure drug Captopril and found that olive leaf extract worked just as well as the prescription.  After eight weeks both groups had significantly lowered blood pressure and there was no significant difference between the two groups.  The study used 500mg of olive leaf extract twice daily for lowering blood pressure.  Since olive leaf extract is so effective at lowering blood pressure, if you are on blood pressure medication you may want to speak to your physician before starting the supplement.

Olive leaf also has been shown to prevent the formation of arterial plaque in the body, which helps to prevent heart attack and stroke.  It also works to prevent platelet clumping, which reduces the chance of blood clots forming.

Immune Benefits

Olive leaf has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, which is very helpful during cold and flu season.  In in-vivo studies, nearly every virus was inactivated when exposed to the active ingredients in olive leaf extract. It was also shown to be beneficial against harmful bacteria and yeasts.  Additionally, olive leaf extract helps to contain viral infections by stopping viral replication inside the cell, which helps to prevent viruses from gaining a foothold and becoming a full-fledged illness.

Olive leaf is also a wonderful antioxidant, which in turn helps with boosting the immune system.

Preventative Immune Health for Cold and Flu Season

Q: I was horribly sick last winter, several times, and I want to avoid that happening as much as I possibly can!  What preventative supplements would you recommend to give me a better chance of staying healthy this year?

A: Now is a great time to start thinking about winter wellness, since it’s much easier to stay healthy than to overcome an illness that has firmly taken hold of you. There are a number of supplements which I think everyone would benefit from taking this cold and flu season, that help the immune system and entire body to be in balance and work right.

The first thing I’d recommend is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a tiny pill and inexpensive- there’s no reason everyone shouldn’t be taking it. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight, but both the sun and our time outdoors are sorely lacking in winter, which can lead to most Americans being deficient in the vitamin. Vitamin D is best known for its benefit of strengthening bones, but it is also fantastic for boosting the immune system when taken in sufficient amounts- so much so that scientists have speculated that a large part of why people get sick so much more often in the winter months as opposed to during the summer is directly related to lower vitamin D levels during the winter months.

When looking for a vitamin D supplement, be sure to choose the D3 form of the vitamin, since it is the best absorbing form. Noted natural physician Dr. Weil recommends that adults take 2,000IUs of vitamin D daily, so that is the recommendation we use as well. If you have been shown to be deficient in vitamin D on a blood panel, you may need even higher amounts to restore your body to sufficient levels of vitamin D. 

New research is coming out every month on the many varied benefits of increased vitamin D supplementation, so I would very much recommend boosting your vitamin D supplements this winter.

The second preventative supplement I’d recommend are probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that reside in the colon and intestines and help with digestion and balancing the bad bacteria and microbes that enter the body. When the balance of good bacteria in the body is upset, it can lead to a number of undesirable effects.  One example is how diarrhea and yeast infections are so common after taking antibiotics; that is because antibiotics kill the good bacteria that we need along with the bad.  Thankfully, many doctors are becoming aware of the necessity of the good bacteria in our bodies and will actually recommend probiotics as a necessary supplement to take during or after taking antibiotics.

I love probiotics because they are safe for everyone to take from children to adults, and have no negative effects, only positive. They are fantastic for boosting the body’s immune defenses, which has been confirmed by numerous research studies. Probiotics are especially beneficial for reducing the risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, particularly in children. 

One recent study found that school children who took a probiotic along with vitamin C had 33% fewer upper respiratory infections and missed 30% fewer days of school than children who took a placebo. Another study reported that children who took probiotics had a 24% reduced chance of getting gastrointestinal infections like “stomach flu” when compared with children who did not receive probiotic supplements. Though those two studies were with children, the benefits are applicable for people of all ages. 

One we particularly recommend are Jarrow-Dophilus EPS Probiotics, which are room temperature stable. I love them because their probiotics are made up of specific strains which have been shown to be most effective by clinical research. Jarrow-Dophilus uses strain identifiers for their probiotics, since there can be different strains of the same probiotic species that have extremely different effectiveness. 

It’s something that can be likened to dogs in a way. All dogs are technically one scientific species, but we all know there are huge differences between dog breeds. If you want a dog that is going to be fast, you’d get a greyhound, not a pug. It’s the same thing with probiotics. Specific strains of probiotics do specific things, so if your probiotic is not listing the particular strain of good bacteria that it’s using, you don’t know if you’re getting the most effective formula. 

Stop by the store and we’d love to help you find the products that are right for you to keep you healthy this cold and flu season!

Here are a few other articles from our site which you may find helpful:
 

A Pass Favorite: Irwin Naturals ImmunoShield

Zinc Lozenges: Clinically Proven to Boost the Immune System

Health Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy this Winter

Our Favorite Immune Boosting Supplements

The Benefits of Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

Q: Do you sell food grade hydrogen peroxide?  What is it good for?  Is it really any different from the little brown bottles for sale at the pharmacy?

A: We do sell 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. Food grade hydrogen peroxide has innumerable uses though it is important to dilute it first. It can be used as a completely non-toxic household cleanser, as a fruit and vegetable wash, throat spray, mouthwash, facial toner, and even internally to detoxify the body. 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide is very strong and MUST be diluted before use. 

Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria and viruses by destroying their cell walls, then that hydrogen peroxide breaks down into simple oxygen and water, with no chemical residues left behind. 

I love to spray it on my countertops, cutting board, garbage can, and anywhere else that seems germy. Hydrogen peroxide is odorless and after it does its antibacterial work, leaves nothing behind but oxygen and water, so it’s completely safe to use around children and pets.

Conventional hydrogen peroxide sold at grocery stores and pharmacies contain stabilizers, metals, and additives to make it last longer on the shelf. Our food grade hydrogen peroxide is 100% pure and should be refrigerated since it does not have added preservatives. 

When used as a household cleanser (diluted to a 3% solution), hydrogen makes a wonderful germicide. It does need some time to work however, about 6 minutes according to the CDC. I find the best way to use is to give countertops or other surfaces a quick spray and then let it sit. 

Food grade hydrogen peroxide is great for cleaning, but it also has benefits for internal use. When hydrogen peroxide is taken internally, it can increase oxygen levels in the body. 

Pathogens in the human body are primarily anaerobic, meaning that they cannot survive in oxygen rich environments. Many naturopaths recommend food grade hydrogen peroxide as a therapy for a number of ailments, including its benefit as a possible cancer therapy.

In the case of hydrogen peroxide, more is not necessarily better, and it is crucial to use the correct dilution. We have a wonderful, free hydrogen peroxide booklet at the store which gives the daily dilutions best used for an internal detox regimen. Just stop in and ask and we’d be happy to give you one. 

Hydrogen peroxide is wonderful for all so many things, I’d definitely recommend getting some! Again, proper dilution is extremely important. To make a 3% solution, which is suitable for topical, oral, or household use, combine 1 ounce of 35% hydrogen peroxide with 11 ounces of purified or distilled water. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to combine 2 tablespoons of 35% hydrogen peroxide in a glass measuring cup. Adding water to the 1 ½ measuring line will make the 12 ounces from the recipe above.

Hydrogen peroxide should be used in a dark colored bottle since it degrades in sunlight. We have a wide selection of amber glass bottles that are perfect for using for hydrogen peroxide dilutions, from throat spray size bottles to 8 and 16 oz. glass amber spray bottles for making your own cleaning products. I made a hydrogen peroxide throat spray that I have on my bathroom counter using a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in one of our 2 oz. amber glass spray bottles mixed with several drops of peppermint oil. It gives you a burst of fresh breath and also helps to kill any bacteria lingering in the back of the throat. 

NOTE: 35% Hydrogen Peroxide is highly concentrated and extremely strong. Keep out of the reach of children. If it is spilled on the skin, wash immediately in cold water. Do not allow it to touch the eyes, if this happens, wash and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Store 35% H202 in the refrigerator or freezer. It will add to the longevity and will not freeze.

To make 3% H202, mix one ounce of 35% food grade to 11 ounces of distilled water (preferably) or filtered water.

Personal Uses for H202

Athlete’s Foot: Soak feet 10-20 minutes each night in 3% H202 until condition is in remission.

Bath: Add one cup of 35% hydrogen peroxide to a full bathtub for a detoxifying bath. Note: try not to use this after 6-7pm as the increased absorbed oxygen may give you extra energy.

Douche: Add five to six tablespoons 3% H202 to one quart of distilled of filtered water.

Enema: Mix up to six tablespoons (maximum) 3% H202 to one quart of distilled water.

Foot relaxer: Add one cup of 3% H202 to one gallon of hot water and soak one half hour.

Shower: Spray after showering, with 3% H202 to restore the natural acid mantle of the skin. (Soap used in the shower removes the protective acid mantle of the skin.)

Facial: For rejuvenation and freshening after washing, saturate a cotton wad with 3% H202 and gently rub on face and neck.

Mouthwash: On arising rinse mouth with water then gargle and wash mouth with 3% H202, swishing for one half to one minute. (Note: a dash of chlorophyll adds flavor and effectiveness.) Helps prevent colds.

Nasal Spray: One tablespoon of 3% H202 added to one cup of pure water. Spray into nasal passages to relieve congestion.

Toothpaste: Make a paste of baking soda and H202 and store in tightly sealed container or dip brush in 3% H202 and brush teeth.

Denture Soak: Use 3% in denture container and soak 30 to 60 minutes or overnight.

Deodorant: (Body) Saturate cotton wad with 3% H202 and rub on under arms.

Additional Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

Pets: Add one ounce 3% to one quart drinking water.

Vaporizer: One ounce of 35% H202 per gallon of water in a vaporizer improves nighttime breathing and helps clear sinus and bronchial congestion.

Vegetable Soak: (in place of Clorox.) Add ¼ cup of 3% H202 to a gallon of cold water. Soak light leafy vegetables 15-20 minutes. Soak thick skinned fruits and vegetables for 30 minutes (apples, cucumbers, tomatoes & etc.) If time is a problem, you can spray the vegetables with straight 3% let stand a couple of minutes, rinse and dry.

Leftover Tossed Salad: Put 1 Tbsp. 3% in ½ cup of water and spray the top of the salad with the solution before covering and refrigerating.

Marinade: In glass, stainless steel or ceramic casserole dish (never aluminum), place meat, poultry or fish and cover with 3% H202. Cover loosely and store in refrigerator one half to one hour. Rinse well then cook.

Kitchen Cleaner, Freshener, Disinfectant: Keep a spray bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen, use it to wipe off counter tops and appliances. It disinfects and gives the kitchen a fresh smell. Works great inside the refrigerator and on surfaces.

Dishwasher: Add two to three ounces of 3% H202 to regular wash for dishes. Add the same for washing dishes in sink.

Laundry: Instead of bleach, add six ounces of 3% of H202 to small load of laundry: eight ounces to large load.

Mold: Spray or wash well with 3% H202, floors, walls and furniture as allowed. Wipe dry with cloth if to damp. If problem is real bad in a room, use humidifier with ½ cup of 35% to 2 gallon of water. (Note: Molds and mildews are a major cause of allergies, colds, bronchial and flu sensitivities: general malaise, breathing problems and low energy.)

Insect Spray: In one gallon water stir 8 ounces (one cup) refined white sugar and 5 to 8 ounces of 3% H202.

House & Garden plants (for growth): To one quart add one ounce 3% H202 or 16 drops of 35% H202. Mist and or water plants frequently.

Hot Tubs: Start up with using 8 ounces (one cup) 35% per 500 gallons of water. Should be maintained with 2-4 ounces of 35% weekly, depending on use and direct sunshine on water. Use in place of chlorine.

Accidents can occur with hydrogen peroxide concentrate when safety precautions are not taken and directions are not followed. For this reason, we want to stress some safety and storage tips. Read them carefully and review the way you handle the concentrate to determine whether changes must be made with your handling procedure.

1. Keep hydrogen peroxide concentrate out of the reach of children.

2. Never transfer the concentrate into unlabeled or improperly labeled containers.

3. If hydrogen peroxide concentrate is accidentally spilled on the skin, flush the area immediately with running water.

4. If undiluted 35% hydrogen peroxide concentrate is accidentally ingested, drink large amounts of water to dilute. Stay upright and contact your doctor. It could be toxic or fatal if swallowed at full strentgh.

5. For spillage of hydrogen peroxide concentrate, dispose of according to Federal, State and local regulations.

Flush the spill area with water. Do not return the spilled material to the original container. Prevent undiluted hydrogen peroxide from entering into the sewage system. Report spills in compliance with Federal, State or local regulations.

Large quantities, such as drums, should be stored in a cool, dry area. When concentrations of hydrogen peroxide come in contact with organic materials, this may form explosive mixtures (spontaneous combustion).

Small quantities of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide should be stored in the freezer over-wrapped with black plastic and labeled as to contents. Thirty-five percent food grade hydrogen peroxide will not freeze unless the temperature is 33 degrees below zero.

Low concentrations, such as 3% or 6% would freeze, so freezer storage is not recommended. Store properly labeled containers in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

See the link below to download a booklet from our Hydrogen Peroxide distributor about Hydrogen Peroxide Uses and dilutions:

Hydrogen Peroxide Booklet

This article makes no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure diseases with any advice or products. Any health related information in this article is for educational purposes only. The ultimate responsibility for your choices and their effect on your health are yours and before applying any therapy or use of herbs, supplements, etc., you should consult your health care provider.

Healthy Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy This Winter

Q:  My son is in kindergarten and has been sick again and again this winter. Is there anything I can give him that’s safe for children but might help him to stay healthy?  He’s missed a bunch of school already and it’s been pretty awful.

A: Schools can be an absolute breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Kids are exposed to so many germs at school, and since they are often touching their mouths and noses, it’s no wonder they get sick so frequently.

There are a number of supplements which are great for adults for boosting the immune system, though it can be more difficult for children, particularly since I’d err on the side of caution with giving many supplements to children. There are several supplements however, which are safe for children to take and can make a big difference in their immune systems.

The first thing I’d recommend is vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the immune system (and for building strong bones). The body manufactures vitamin D from skin exposure to sunlight, something which doesn’t happen much in the winter. Vitamin D has been researched extensively for its benefits to the immune system. One study found that children who supplemented with excess vitamin D had half as many colds as those who remained deficient in the vitamin. Another study found that it reduced the incidence of the flu when compared with children who did not supplement with the vitamin.

Probiotics are another supplement which are wonderful for the immune system.  Probiotics are the good bacteria found in the intestines.  They are most commonly known for their benefits to digestion, but they can also be very beneficial to the immune system.  One recent study found that school children who took a probiotic along with vitamin C had 33% fewer upper respiratory infections and missed 30% fewer days of school than children who took a placebo. 

The last supplement I’d recommend is elderberry syrup. Elderberry has been researched with impressive results for its antiviral properties, particularly for the flu virus. It can be taken as a preventative measure or for intensive use if a child does get sick. In clinical trial of elderberry syrup, it found that elderberry cured 90% of flu infections after 72 hours.  In the same trial, the patients receiving a placebo needed six days for recovery.

All three of the above mentioned supplements are completely safe for children to use, and are available in chewables, or in the case of elderberry syrup, a great tasting liquid.

One other thing I’d mention are essential oils.  In the past I was rather skeptical about the supposed benefits of essential oils beyond them being nice smelling.  In my research however, I’ve found numerous clinical studies reporting on the legitimate benefits of essential oils.  

There are quite a few essential oils which have very potent antibacterial properties. I would not recommend ingesting essential oils, but rather to use a diffuser to disperse them into the air. Cinnamon, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and tea tree are just a few that have been shown in scientific research to reduce airborne bacteria when diffused into the air. Eucalyptus oil is also great during cold season since it helps to open the sinuses and breathing passages.

We sell essential oils, essential oil diffusers, and all the supplements listed above at Pass Health Foods. Stop by and we’ll help to find the product that’s right for you.

Supplement Spotlight: Immune Supplements

We have officially moved into colder weather, and the warm days of fall are behind us.  With the cold weather comes illness- it seems everyone is sick lately.  One of the best things is to wash hands frequently, and try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

The only other way to increase the odds that you will stay healthy is to boost the immune system.  Luckily, there are a number of very effective immune boosters which can go a long way to help your body to win the fight against bacteria and viruses.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is great for the immune system and a host of other body processes, most notably bone health (here’s a link to a list of some of the latest research).  Studies have shown that higher levels of vitamin D can actually have a positive effect on genes which modulate immune response, and help the body to fight off illness more effectively.  In the past, most people would only take 400IUs per day of vitamin D, but new research is recommending 2000IUs (or even more who have low blood levels) per day for maximum health.  Vitamin D should be taken with food for best absorption.  The body can manufacture vitamin D from the sun, but since most people are indoors in the cold weather, they aren’t able to make the amounts needed for optimal health.

Probiotics

I love probiotics.  They’re best known for their benefits to digestion, but they can also be very helpful for the immune system.  Something many people don’t realize is that it’s estimated that 60-70% of our body’s immune system is in the gut, as a vast network of lymph tissue that works to prime the body against harmful bacteria.  Probiotics are particularly nice since they can be taken by people who may be unable to take herbal immune boosters, like pregnant women and children.

Mushrooms

Mushroom extracts are very popular for immune support in Asia and have been used for many years; they are only just beginning to become well known in the US.  The two I would most recommend are AHCC and beta glucan.  AHCC helps to enhance the activity of our body’s NK cells, the “natural killer” cells, which are the first to launch an attack on foreign bacteria and viruses.  NK cells also can help to destroy tumors and virus infected cells, because of which it is a popular anti-cancer therapy.  Beta glucan, another mushroom extract (though it can also be made from yeast extracts), works similarly to AHCC, activating NK cells and stimulating the immune system.   It is also taken by many cancer patients since it may inhibit and reduce proliferation. 

When I start to feel sick, mushroom extracts like AHCC and beta glucan are the first things I take, and I really do think they make a difference.

Elderberry Syrup

Black elderberry syrup, also known as Sambucus, is a fantastic supplement to have in your arsenal in the colder months.  Compounds in elderberry have been shown to help fight colds and flu- I actually wouldn’t say that there is a better supplement to fight the flu virus.  Research has suggested that it works to “short circuit” the flu virus, and clinical studies have been very impressive with its results.  In two different recent studies, participants who took elderberry syrup recovered from the flu virus significantly faster than placebo groups, one study showing that participants were symptom free after only two days.  Also, elderberry syrup is delicious so it’s an easy supplement to take (it’s also great for kids).

There are many of other very effective immune boosting supplements, oregano oil, olive leaf, astragalus, and more.  We also especially love the immune formula by Irwin Naturals called Immuno Shield.  It is one of the most complete immune complexes available, combining a list of very well researched ingredients to help you to stay healthy.  Almost all of us at the store take it preventatively during cold and flu season. 

These are a few of our favorite things.. Florajen 4 Kids

This month’s “Pass Favorite” is Florajen 4 Kids, Liz’s favorite.  She says she chose it because of how dramatically it had changed her children’s immune systems.  Both of her kids, Henry, age , and Lily, age , were always getting sick.  Her son would be on antibiotics a few times a year, and her daughter was having bouts of headaches and stomachaches a couple of times each week.  She says, “Once they starting taking it every day, I noticed how much less they were getting sick.  Lily rarely has stomachaches anymore, and only the occasional headache, and Henry has not been on antibiotics since.”

 Probiotics are wonderful for people of all ages, and help with digestion, allergies, and the immune system.  It’s a simple thing to take which is safe for everyone to take, including children and pregnant women, who often have limited choices for immunity supplements.   Florajen 4 Kids comes in capsules which can either be swallowed or sprinkled on top of cold foods.