The immune system is your body's natural defense network - when it is weakened or compromised, you are more susceptible to disease and infection. You can encourage your natural healing response by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, managing your stress levels, and with the prudent use of supplements, including:
1. A daily antioxidant. A quality antioxidant supplement can fill nutritional gaps (even in a healthy diet) and help support overall immune function.
2. Astragalus. This root of a plant in the pea family has antiviral and immune-enhancing properties and a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to ward off colds and flu.
3. Echinacea. The dried root and leaves of the purple coneflower can help stimulate immune activity and boost resistance against bacteria and virus.
4. Immune-enhancing mushrooms. Maitake, reishi, agaricus, and enoki all provide immune-strengthening benefits. Combination products are often more effective than individual species.
5. Arctic root or rhodiola. Also known as "golden root" or "roseroot," this is traditionally used in Eastern Europe as a general tonic and can help reduce the harmful effects of stress on the immune system.
As we grow older, both men and women experience normal wear and tear on the joints. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can help keep joint inflammation in check, as can these dietary supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds help provide the building blocks for substances naturally found in healthy cartilage and appear to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints.
SAM-e. This naturally occurring molecule (S-adenosylmethioine) delivers sulfur to the cartilage, which helps build and maintain strong joints.
Evening primrose oil. A source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which may help maintain healthy joints by modifying inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory herbs. Ginger, holy basil, green tea, rosemary, turmeric, scutellaria and hu zhang all have naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds that act as COX-2 inhibitors. (Zyflamend from New Chapter, which contains these herbs, is highly recommended.)
Omega-3 fatty acids. Use varieties that are molecularly distilled from the oil of fish or krill and contain both EPA and DHA, essential fatty acids which have been shown in studies to help maintain bone health and joint flexibility.fighting depression
Continue reading...
1. A daily antioxidant. A quality antioxidant supplement can fill nutritional gaps (even in a healthy diet) and help support overall immune function.
2. Astragalus. This root of a plant in the pea family has antiviral and immune-enhancing properties and a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to ward off colds and flu.
3. Echinacea. The dried root and leaves of the purple coneflower can help stimulate immune activity and boost resistance against bacteria and virus.
4. Immune-enhancing mushrooms. Maitake, reishi, agaricus, and enoki all provide immune-strengthening benefits. Combination products are often more effective than individual species.
5. Arctic root or rhodiola. Also known as "golden root" or "roseroot," this is traditionally used in Eastern Europe as a general tonic and can help reduce the harmful effects of stress on the immune system.
As we grow older, both men and women experience normal wear and tear on the joints. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can help keep joint inflammation in check, as can these dietary supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds help provide the building blocks for substances naturally found in healthy cartilage and appear to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints.
SAM-e. This naturally occurring molecule (S-adenosylmethioine) delivers sulfur to the cartilage, which helps build and maintain strong joints.
Evening primrose oil. A source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which may help maintain healthy joints by modifying inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory herbs. Ginger, holy basil, green tea, rosemary, turmeric, scutellaria and hu zhang all have naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds that act as COX-2 inhibitors. (Zyflamend from New Chapter, which contains these herbs, is highly recommended.)
Omega-3 fatty acids. Use varieties that are molecularly distilled from the oil of fish or krill and contain both EPA and DHA, essential fatty acids which have been shown in studies to help maintain bone health and joint flexibility.fighting depression
