Category: Health

  • Learn with all your senses

    Learn with all your senses

    Learn with all your senses

    How multimodal enrichment works

    How do we learn best? New scientific evidence suggests that learning that incorporates the use of multiple senses and movement—known as multimodal enrichment—may be the way of the future when it comes to teaching and learning for all ages.

    Coming back to our senses

    Multimodal enrichment (a.k.a. multisensory learning) transforms the traditional classroom into a more natural setting, using all of the sights, sounds, odors, tastes, and proprioceptive information that comes with it. It may engage some—or all—of our senses at once.

    There are five different sensory “modes” known to kick learning into hyperdrive: linguistic, visual, audio, gestural, and spatial.

    Utilizing one or all of these modes can help enhance learning in multiple skill areas, including letter and vocabulary acquisition, reading, mathematics, music, and spatial navigation.

    Sense-based learning in the classroom—and beyond

    Educational therapist Dr. Bibi Pirayesh knows first-hand that using your senses is essential to learning for kids with learning disabilities.

    “You experience life through all of your senses,” says Pirayesh. “From a young age, it’s important that kids are engaging their senses and their entire bodies in their learning.”

    Adults can benefit, too

    Director, speaker, and clinical psychologist Dr. Brianna Gaynor says they begin with the understanding that everyone learns differently.

    They help employees identify and then apply the learning style that works best for them. Then, they enable employees to learn in a way suited to them, which means they provide manuals with visuals and meetings for auditory learners, but they also understand that those who learn by doing may have to be shown how to complete a task.

    Multimodal enrichment in practice

    There are myriad ways to apply the magic of multimodal learning. Here are some examples.

    • Physical movement can be integrated into learning in multiple ways. For instance, Pirayesh has learners move before sessions to engage the brain: she may have students draw or walk the infinity sign or move across the midline of their bodies by, for example, bringing up their left knee and touching it with their right hand and vice versa.
    • Think-pair-share is an active learning strategy first introduced by Professor Frank Lyman in 1981. Students are given time to think or jot their thoughts down. Then, they’re paired with one other student or a small group to discuss what they just thought about. Lastly, some students are selected to share what they discussed in their pairs or groups.
    • Case-based learning refers to the use of real-life examples when introducing or going through a concept in class. The instructor’s role is to facilitate a discussion where the students analyze and problem-solve as a group.

    Supplements to consider

    These supplements may help support learning, according to scientific research. Remember to chat with your health care practitioner before trying a new supplement.

    • L-theanine
    • Green tea/matcha
    • Omega-3
    • Curcumin

    By Carimé Lane

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Play every day

    Play every day

    Play every day

    How to make physical activity a lifelong habit

    Are you worried that your kid is a couch potato? Is that concern warranted, or is it simply a product of generational differences? We explore healthy activity levels and talk with an expert about how to help turn your mini-me into a mini-mover!

    It’s all fun and games

    Not all physical activity needs to be competitive to be beneficial. Based on years of research, recommendations agree that two- to five-year-olds should be moderately active throughout the day, while six- to 17-year-olds need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity to meet their daily physical development needs.

    Building increased movement with imagination

    Jesse Schneider is a kinesiologist and owner of a noncompetitive sports program for kids from 16 months to 12 years of age. “The most practical way [to help your child build increased movement],” says Schneider, “is to engage kids’ natural imaginations and turn daily tasks into fun games. Kids love being a part of games and stories, and if you can get them to buy into your story, the rest is easy.

    “For example,” Schneider suggests, “instead of just putting dirty clothes in the washer, say you’ve just been told that LeBron James and the Looney Tunes Squad need to defeat the Hamper of Destruction by feeding him stinky socks (get them to run up and slam dunk, or practice their basketball shooting form). Once you turn exercise into something fun, they’ll want to do it again and again.”

    Motivating the undecided and disinterested

    Schneider says, “Exposing your child to as many different activities as you can, like gymnastics, skating, swimming, skiing, Sportball, or bike riding, [can] significantly expand their motor skills and physical literacy.” He adds that when your child starts to take more interest in certain ones, you can focus more on those activities.

    Being an active role model

    According to Schneider, research has shown that parents who model a physically active lifestyle significantly influence their child to do the same.

    “If you can model what an active lifestyle is, your child will be more likely to adopt that [example],” Schneider says. “It doesn’t have to be anything crazy: simply try to do some form of activity a few times a week. Make it a priority for yourself and your family.”

    Pro tip to get moving as a family

    “The only secret is to just have fun—on purpose,” says Schneider. “Look for things in your life that can be made more fun. Whether it’s your job, grocery shopping, or driving, don’t be afraid to be silly with your kids; this makes mundane tasks something to look forward to.”

    “You only have young kids for a very small fraction of your life,” says Schneider. “Take any moment you have with them as a chance to bring joy to each other’s day, and I promise they will remember it for the rest of their lives.”

    By Brendan Rolfe, CPHR, BA, DipA

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Flower power

    Flower power

    Flower power

    Cook with edible flowers

    Look to edible flowers to add beauty, flavor, and elegance to healthy seasonal dishes. These recipes will help you create not only pretty plates but delectable meals, perfectly suited for summer eating.

    Whether you find them in your own garden or at the farmers’ market, make sure you’re using edible flowers that are grown specifically for eating. Avoid ornamental flower nurseries and seek out a reputable edible flower grower; ask them how they treat flowers to make sure they’re not sprayed or treated with chemicals of any kind. While “found” flowers can be both beautiful and tempting, leave them for looking at, unless you’re sure of their origins.

    Mixed Greens with Pea, Asparagus, Sorrel, Radish, and Bachelor’s Buttons

    Pretty on the plate, this salad of delicate greens contains bright, juicy, tart sorrel; crisp radish; and delicate bachelor’s buttons. If you can’t find bachelor’s buttons, you can use nasturtium or violas.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Bachelor's button vinegar
    • 8-10 bachelor's button flower heads
    • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Bachelor's Button Vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
    • 20 young asparagus spears
    • 5 oz mixed seasonal baby greens
    • 10-15 sorrel leaves (optional)
    • 1 cup sliced radish
    • 1 cup snap peas
    • 15-20 bachelor's buttons or other edible flowers such as violas for garnish

    Method
     

    1. For Bachelor’s Button Vinegar, in Mason jar, combine bachelor’s buttons and vinegar. Close lid and store in a cool, dark place for 24 hours.
    2. For dressing, in small Mason jar, combine 1 Tbsp of Bachelor’s Button Vinegar with olive oil and honey. Shake well and set aside.
    3. In large pot of boiling water, blanch asparagus spears for 2 minutes and remove to large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and dry thoroughly. Cut each spear into 2 inch pieces.
    4. In large bowl, combine greens, sorrel (if using), radish, snap peas, and dressing. Arrange on large platter with asparagus, strewing bachelor’s button flowers overtop.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 121 calories; 4 g protein; 7 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 12 g total carbohydrates (5 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 25 mg sodium

    Tomato, Watermelon, and Marigold Gazpacho

    When the heat of summer has you ready to wilt, this refreshing summer gazpacho with watermelon, tomatoes, and almond is guaranteed to cool you down. Avoid the bases or “heels” of marigold flowers, as they can be quite bitter.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 marigold or calendula flowers
    • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 15 oz very ripe tomatoes (about 2-3 large)
    • 2 inch piece of dry baguette crust removed
    • ½ small red onion
    • ¼ cup almond flour
    • 2 teaspoon sherry vinegar
    • ½ cup cold water
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 13 oz watermelon (about 3 cups) diced
    • Marigold blossoms for garnish

    Method
     

    1. Pull petals from marigold flowers; snip off and discard white ends. Place petals in small saucepan with 1/4 cup olive oil. Warm gently on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow oil to cool completely.
    2. Once cool, blend oil in food processor on low speed to chop marigold leaves. Into Mason jar, pour marigold oil, close lid, and set aside in a cool, dark place overnight.
    3. In medium-sized bowl, combine tomatoes, baguette, onion, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp marigold oil, almond flour, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4. Into blender container, pour contents of bowl and puree. Add watermelon and blend on highest speed until smooth. Pour into individual serving glasses; garnish with a few drops of remaining marigold oil and a few marigold blossoms.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 176 calories; 2 g protein; 15 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 12 g total carbohydrates (6 g sugars, 2 g fiber); 233 mg sodium

    Saffron Quinoa with Almonds and Currants

    There’s one flower you may already have in your pantry. The thin red threads we know as saffron are the stigmas pulled from the center of the saffron crocus. Saffron brings bright color and subtle earthy and slightly grassy floral flavors to dishes and is frequently used in rice dishes of all kinds.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ⅓ cup blanched, slivered almonds
    • ⅓ cup just boiled water + additional 1 cup water
    • ½ teaspoon saffron threads
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¾ cup chopped shallot
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
    • ½ cup grated carrot
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅓ cup white quinoa rinsed and drained
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup currants
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest

    Method
     

    1. In dry saucepan, lightly toast slivered almonds until golden brown, stirring frequently. Pour onto plate to cool and set aside.
    2. In kettle, heat water to 170°F, using green tea setting. In small bowl, pour 1/3 cup over saffron threads to make a saffron tea. If your kettle doesn’t have a temperature setting, allow a just-boiled kettle to stand for 5 minutes to cool the water slightly. Allow saffron to infuse for 10 minutes while you prepare remaining ingredients.
    3. In medium saucepan, add olive oil and gently saute shallots and garlic on medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add carrot, cloves, and cinnamon, and stir to combine. Add rinsed and drained quinoa to pot and stir for a few minutes to incorporate. Add salt, 1 cup water, and saffron tea; turn up heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until holes appear in the surface of quinoa. Add almonds and currants in a single layer over quinoa; cover and cook for a further 5 minutes, or until white endosperm of quinoa emerges. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for a further 5 minutes.
    4. When ready to serve, add orange zest, fluff with fork, stir gently to combine all ingredients, and serve on large, flat platter.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 83 calories; 2 g protein; 5 g total fat (1 g sat. fat); 8 g total carbohydrates (1 g sugars, 1 g fiber); 205 mg sodium

    By Helena McMurdo

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Give yourself a financial health checkup

    Give yourself a financial health checkup

    How to improve your financial fitness

    If your bank balance isn’t trending in the right direction, or if you just want to bump it up a notch, you’re probably due for a financial health checkup. Here’s your road map to a healthier financial future.

    More than just money

    Getting a handle on your financial well-being does a lot more than boost your bottom line: it inevitably spills over into your physical and mental well-being. A reduction in stress related to financial issues leads to better sleep, increased energy, improved relationships, and stronger mental and emotional health.

    Where to start

    Steve Bridge, an Advice-Only certified financial planner, says one way to take the pulse of your financial health is to track your net worth monthly for a year, then moving toward quarterly and then semi-annual tracking. Your net worth is your assets (everything you own) minus your liabilities (everything you owe).

    “If your net worth is trending upward, you’re on the right track,” says Bridge. And if it’s not, you should find out why. This often comes down to simply making more or spending less, says Bridge. It also helps to craft a forward-looking budget.

    “Expense tracking is great, but it looks backward,” says Bridge. To make a forward-looking budget, you’ll want to open multiple free savings accounts for specific purposes, including travel, clothes/gifts, house expenditures, and so on. Put money in each of these categories monthly. Spend whatever is in the designated category’s account, but no more than that, says Bridge. That way, you’re never going into debt to buy anything.

    Inquire about your investments

    Check your investments once or twice a year. They should be the same or better than the relevant benchmark, says Bridge. If your investments are trailing those relevant benchmarks, ask your investment advisor why.

    According to Bridge, it’s also important to ask about the fees you’re paying on your investments, as they can have a major impact on long-term wealth. Everyone pays fees, says Bridge. However, these fees are often hidden. You should be paying less than 1 percent in investment fees.

    Don’t hesitate to ask your investment advisor questions. “No one cares more about your money than you do,” says Bridge. “If anyone makes you feel dumb when asking your questions, take your money elsewhere.”

    Managing your mental health in the meantime

    What should you do when there’s no quick fix to your financial stress? Amanda Kruger, a licensed professional counselor specializing in financial trauma and working through money stress, offers these suggestions.

    1. Make a plan and follow through with it. For instance, make a debt repayment plan or a plan for how to prioritize your money.
    2. Keep in mind that money is a renewable resource. There’s always money out there, and you’re fully capable of making more of it.
    3. Remember your self-worth is not equivalent to your net worth.

    By Carimé Lane

  • Men’s health roadmap

    Men’s health roadmap

    Men’s health roadmap

    Navigate lifelong wellness

    Being happier and healthier for longer requires a proactive approach to men’s health and well-being. Although there is no “fountain of youth,” there are steps that can be taken for men to navigate the life course in the most positive trajectory possible.

    An ounce of prevention

    Preventive medicine is becoming an increasingly important feature of the health care system. In contrast to traditional approaches in which severe symptoms present and the disorder is treated, if one can take steps to mitigate the risk of a disorder presenting in the first place (or to catch it early), everybody wins.

    At an individual level, the person avoids becoming ill and avoids personal and professional costs associated with that illness. At a population level, the health care system avoids unnecessary burden and the general well-being of the population may be increased.

    Even if one takes every preventive measure possible, there will likely be instances in which one may become ill. Being in tune with your body and recognizing when things have changed is an important way to be able to catch and treat things early.

    If something doesn’t feel right or something has changed, particularly if it’s having a negative impact on your ability to do your job or is affecting personal relationships, reach out to a physical or mental health professional.

    A pound of implementation

    Recommendations for living a long and healthy life are straightforward, but the implementation of those principles is less so. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, taking exercise, avoiding smoking, and drinking in moderation are things that most of us will have heard are good for one’s health.

    Fewer of us have an easy time integrating this advice into our lives. Many people get bogged down in having the “perfect diet” or the “perfect exercise regimen.” It’s unclear what exactly these “perfect” protocols are.

    What is clear is that doing something is better than doing nothing and that often the best diet and exercise program is the one to which you’ll actually adhere. As well, incrementally improving over time is an excellent way to continue to reap the benefits of diet and exercise.

    By taking a proactive approach to health at any age, men can stack the odds in their favor that they’ll enjoy a long and fulfilling life.

    Check up frequently and often

    As men grow older, their risk of developing a number of age-related disorders increases, so it’s critically important to ensure that any changes in your health are being monitored and that issues are being addressed as they arise. If you feel unwell, see a medical professional. If you haven’t had a regular checkup for a while, make it a priority to schedule one.

    By Theodore D. Cosco, PhD (Cantab) CPsychol

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • How to work out in the heat

    How to work out in the heat

    How to work out in the heat

    Hot tips for when temperatures soar

    Summer heat can take a toll on your health and wellness. Stay safe and fit, no matter what the thermometer says, with these hot tips.

    Heatstroke dangers

    “Never ignore heat exposure symptoms,” says Joseph Sudimack, MS, CSCS. “There’s an increased risk of having something mild, such as muscular cramps, or [something more severe like a] life-threatening event [like] heatstroke.

    “Heat-related muscular cramps are characterized by the muscle contracting involuntarily, with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance being the likely culprit,” Sudimack explains. “If your core temperature exceeds 40 C (104 F), you’re at risk of heatstroke.

    Heatstroke symptoms

    • confusion
    • irritability
    • profuse sweating
    • increased heart rate
    • fatigue
    • nausea
    • vomiting

    6 tips to heat-proof your summer workout

    “It’s easy to over-tax your body when temperatures are high,” warns personal trainer Jack Craig. Thankfully, you can build your summer body without succumbing to summer heat.

    1. Start slow

    “Heat acclimation doesn’t happen all at once,” says Sudimack. He recommends slowly increasing the amount of time spent outdoors to help your body adapt to the heat. It can take 10 to 14 days to acclimate.

    2. Dress for the occasion

    “Most guys will take off their shirts to stay cool,” says Craig. “This puts you at risk for dangerous sun exposure.” To combat this, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and consider covering up.

    “It seems counterintuitive, but a thin, long-sleeved sun shirt can keep you cooler by providing evaporative cooling, and by keeping the sun off your skin,” Craig suggests.

    3. Shift your schedule

    The sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. “Focus on exercising early in the morning or after the sun has set,” advised Sudimack. If those aren’t options, he suggests heading indoors to a gym.

    4. Increase your fluid intake

    “The most obvious tip is hydration,” says certified personal trainer Mark Bohannon. “Weigh yourself before and after exercise to know how much water weight you’ve lost, and then aim to drink a little more than you’ve lost.”

    5. Take extra breaks

    “Stop if you feel faint, have cramps, or if something doesn’t feel right,” warns Bohannon. “It’s not worth pushing through those barriers when it’s so hot. Save the high-intensity exercises for cooler days, and be sensible!”

    6. Cool down

    “Extend the cool-down period,” suggests physical therapist Lalitha McSorley. “A cool-down period allows your heart rate to return to its normal state. Stretching and light cardio can help you cool down.”

    Stay hydrated in the heat

    “Be proactive,” suggests Sudimack. “If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drink water before, during, and after exercise.”

    “If your urine is darker than light yellow, you’re dehydrated,” warns Sudimack.

    Consider adding electrolytes if you sweat a lot or find yourself cramping.

    By Joshua Duvauchelle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Reach out – don’t “man up”

    Reach out – don’t “man up”

    Reach out – don’t “man up”

    Why stress is different for men

    Men are no less immune than women from the effects of stress. But it’s the manifestations of that stress and how men deal with them that often differs dramatically. Here are some effective ways for men to manage that stress.

    What are the consequences of chronic stress?

    A certain amount of short-term stress can be a good thing: it boosts alertness and primes the brain for enhanced performance. Chronic stress, on the other hand, can lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and anxiety, among other conditions. In men, high stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

    What are the expectations for men versus women?

    Society places different, if outdated, expectations on men and women as to how they should deal with stressful situations. Men commonly feel that not revealing emotion is a show of strength. “A lot of times guys will revert to this or think it’s taboo,” says professor and research chair John Oliffe. Traditional expectations of “manning up” can affect men’s abilities to deal with stress in meaningful ways.

    Often, the way things unfold can be summed up by what Oliffe refers to as the “three I’s.”

    1. Injury (a major life transition such as a breakup or job loss), with men feeling as though they should be able to push through it until it goes away
    2. Interiority, with men looking internally to deal with a major stressor rather than reaching out to others, possibly turning to substance use to blunt their emotions
    3. Isolation—social isolation, Oliffe notes, is the biggest predictor of male suicide: “If you’ve got an injury and look internally—you’re not dealing with it and you’re isolating to conceal the injury—there’s a great amount of shame in not being able to solve problems or even in just having problems.”

    What can men do to effectively deal with stress?

    Exercise

    Physical activity boosts the body’s production of endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters; it improves mood, focus, productivity, and sleep.

    Reach out

    Reaching out to a partner, friends, or other trusted people in your life is another way to manage stress. “Think about it as mutual help: a lot of times if you have a conversation with another guy, they’ll have things that affirm you in your experience. There’s a reciprocity there. We do better with people around us, especially good people.”

    Consider professional help

    Accessing professional help can go a long way in handling stress, and more men are accessing such services, Oliffe says. Speaking with someone who’s outside of their personal situation can help men debrief with a view to seeing things from another point of view, ultimately giving them back some control.

    Supplements for stress

    Remember, always check with your health care practitioner before trying a new supplement to make sure it’s right for you.

    • B-complex vitamins
    • L-theanine
    • Lemon balm
    • Magnesium
    • Ashwagandha

    By Joanne Peters

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Your menopause journey

    Your menopause journey

    Your menopause journey

    Tips to help you navigate

    Somewhere in our fourth decade of life, our bodies start acting up—hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and irregular periods. Ditto for depression and mood swings, joint pain, bloating, memory issues, low libido, hair changes, and weight gain, particularly in the midsection.

    It’s a rollercoaster, and it starts with perimenopause around the age of 40 (or earlier) and it can last between six to eight years.

    Menopause is the one-day milestone women reach once they have gone without a period for a year (tracking makes sense!). After that, it’s all post-menopause. Many symptoms subside, but the risk of some chronic diseases can go up.

    Behind the scenes

    Estrogen and progesterone work together to orchestrate the menstrual cycle, and they start fluctuating during perimenopause. So does testosterone, which can cause depression and lower libido, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and insulin resistance during post-menopause.

    Estrogen keeps almost everything running smoothly in a woman’s body: menstrual cycles, glucose balance, brain and heart health, temperature control, immunity, bone and muscle health, pelvic floor health, and skin and hair, too. Low estrogen means hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and incontinence, among others. Too much of it leads to breast tenderness, bloating, and heavy periods.

    How our bodies change

    After 30, we lose approximately 3 to 5 percent of our muscle mass each decade, which is due to aging (so is fat tissue accumulation), but menopause can add to it due to dwindling estrogen levels.

    We also lose bone tissue (20 percent of bone loss happens during menopause), more so after 50.

    Both menopause and the aging process have impacts on metabolism. Postmenopausal women often have higher blood glucose and insulin levels, which can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease.

    Not exactly hot news, but it’s not all gloom and doom either. Science has answers!

    Eat better for a better journey

    • Consider following the Mediterranean diet
    • Get enough protein
    • Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi
    • Consume calcium-rich foods
    • Don’t forget vitamin D

    Lifestyle matters, too

    The menopausal journey overlaps high stress times for many women: parenting, work demands, caring for aging parents, and/or dramatic life changes.

    Slash stress levels with yoga and meditation and prioritize sleep with good habits: early dinners, choosing books over screens, reducing alcohol, swapping out beverages for soothing herbal teas, and staying social.

    Two to three sessions of resistance exercise weekly may help prevent muscle loss and bone loss, improve body composition, and boost cognition.

    Supplements to consider

    Remember, always check with your health care practitioner to ensure a supplement is right for you.

    flaxseedssource of fiber, omega-3s, and lignans (help eliminate excess estrogen)
    probiotics and prebioticsmay help with gut imbalances, including bloating and gas
    omega-3 fatty acidsanti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, increase insulin sensitivity
    vitamin B12red blood cell and DNA production, cardio- and neuroprotective

    By Daniela Ginta, MSc, NNCP

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Support your immune system

    Support your immune system

    Support your immune system

    Sift through the hype and learn the truth

    Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, collective awareness of our immune system has increased. Once an invisible ally, our immunity is now the topic of Tiktok videos, news articles, and endless product recommendations. Sifting through the hype represents a monumental task.

    To boost or not to boost?

    Pandemic-driven Google searches focused on strengthening the immune response, but that may not be the best course for everyone. Indiscriminate immune boosting could be harmful in people with autoimmune disease, creating more damage than support to the body, overall.

    Research literacy 101

    If you’re going to use online resources, avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation can be overwhelming. Dr. Ellen Conte, ND, has a passion for teaching her patients to make informed decisions. “Be wary of statements that sound too good to be true,” she cautions. She guides people toward evidence-based resources like PubMed.gov as well as university and hospital websites.

    Supplements

    Understanding the specific immune influences of individual supplements can help you put reliable research into action. Always ask your health care practitioner if a supplement is right for you—especially if you are immune suppressed or have an autoimmune condition.

    Probiotics

    Beneficial strains of bacteria coat our bodies inside and out, creating a living shield to protect us from infection. Probiotic bacteria, both supplemental and naturally occurring, interact directly with our immune system, influencing its function.

    Elderberry

    Elderberry is an important traditional medicine, long used by the indigenous peoples of North America. Elderberry may boost the immune response by interacting with our dendritic cells—helper cells that spur other cells into action against invaders.

    Garlic

    In addition to banishing certain pointy-toothed figures of folklore, garlic is equally offensive to fungal and bacterial pathogens. Taking aged garlic extract may reduce the intensity and duration of colds while gently enhancing immune function.

    Turmeric

    Similar to probiotics, turmeric can dampen the inflammation that accompanies an immune response.

    Foods

    Include the following nutrients in your diet for ongoing immune benefits.

    Fats

    Avoid low-fat diets unless you have been otherwise instructed. Fat-containing foods help us to absorb key immune nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin D.

    Omega-3 fatty acids

    Polyunsaturated fats found in fish, chia seeds, flax, and omega-3 eggs can reduce inflammation and allow for balanced immune function.

    Mushrooms and seaweed

    These foods contain beta-glucans, soluble fibers that feed our gut flora and gently promote immune activity.

    Protein

    Amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, and tryptophan form the building blocks of cytokines and other immune factors.

    Vitamin C

    This well-known immune support cannot be made in the human body. Eat your fruits and veggies to stock up on this nutrient.

    Other nutrients

    Zinc, from pumpkin seeds; selenium from Brazil nuts; and B vitamins from grains, root veggies, and chickpeas support a wide range of immune functions.

    By Dr. Gillian Flower, ND

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • A quick guide to botanicals

    A quick guide to botanicals

    A quick guide to botanicals

    What they are and what to be aware of

    Botanicals are any part of a plant that can be used medicinally and are attractive due to their tendency to be safe, have minimal side effects, function holistically, and even act preventively.

    Nearly 26,000 plants have been documented globally to have therapeutic uses—a vast store of potential medicine! Our growing desire to treat health more holistically, combined with our ability to assess the evidence critically, bodes well for a future where botanicals are integral to our well-being.

    What’s new?

    Science continues to investigate medicinal plant uses, sometimes confirming anecdotal evidence, sometimes setting the record straight.

    Adaptogens—botanicals that help the body adjust to stress and maintain balance—are of particular interest since our burden of stress has been mounting. Holistic nutritionist and health coach Sheena Huculak has seen the public increasingly seeking this class of remedy: “One that stands out the most for me is ashwagandha and other adaptogens like rhodiola, holy basil, and mushrooms.”

    Proof meets promotion

    But the popularity of plant remedies sometimes has the science scrambling to keep pace with marketing. For example, if consumers perceive acai as having health benefits, a chocolate-coated version of it becomes an easy sell even though the research is lacking and the product may be more sugar than anything else.

    In good measure

    Once you’ve gone beyond the marketing and landed on a botanical that has the weight of science behind it, its efficacy is still going to depend a great deal on the dose and consistency with which you take it.

    Sprinklings of widely tolerated botanicals may be a fine thing, but for medicinal effect you will need a medicinal dose. So go ahead and enjoy the health properties of a turmeric latte, but don’t expect it to cure your arthritis.

    Playing it safe

    How much of a botanical you take and for how long also become questions of safety; just as too little can be ineffectual, too much can be risky.

    Huculak cautions, “It is important to know there can be negative interactions between some natural health products and medications.” Botanicals can pose a risk in scenarios such as pregnancy or surgery, too, so it’s well worth running it past a health care professional and heeding the product label.

    Quality control

    Plant material is extremely complex and chemically diverse, making the task of identifying and standardizing particular botanical constituents very challenging. In the case of a blended supplement, interactions between the ingredients also need to be considered.

    Upping the standard

    Seeing this gap in the potential quality and safety of their offerings, many botanical supplement companies choose to have their products tested and certified by an independent lab and display that certification on their labels. But the natural health industry recognizes this is still an imperfect system, and there are initiatives underway to integrate better quality and safety controls into the market as a whole.

    By Jackie Skrypnek

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine