Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Pneumonia Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In our first blog on pneumonia, we covered the basics of pneumonia. In this blog we will be reviewing risk factors for pneumonia, details about the vaccine and what you can do to help boost your immunity. Let …
Energy in the Body
written by: Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP)
Energy is essential for all body functions. Involuntary processes like breathing and circulation, and voluntary actions like movement and thinking all rely on energy. Most people think of energy in terms of how you feel each day; why you feel sluggish, whether you need a boost or how refreshed you feel after a good night’s sleep.
The human body derives energy from the food we eat. Macronutrients from the food is converted into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the universal energy currency that powers all cellular activities. Cellular energy is how well your cells produce and use energy (ATP) to power the systems that keep you functioning. The body continuously regenerates ATP to ensure it has a constant supply of energy.
Macronutrients are nutrients your body needs in substantial amounts, to function optimally. They provide the body with energy and the components needed to maintain its structure and functions. The body obtains energy from three primary macronutrients:
If we eat more than what is needed for cellular energy, the remainder is stored as body fat. If a person needs more energy than they consume, like when exercising, the body will draw from its fat stores. In this way exercise can be helpful in losing fat.
Having too little energy regularly can interfere with your ability to be present, living your life. This in turn can interfere with your daily routine. This constant lack of energy can be due to many factors like stress, lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet, an overworked immune system and more. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee, a sugary snack or an energy drink, reach for high-quality sustainable energy support: reach for research-backed, energy-boosting supplements:
Energy production is not just about eating enough; it involves a balanced diet with an adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, regular physical activity and proper supplementation. This will help support energy levels and metabolic functions in the body.
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Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP)
RSV-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Cold and flu season may be a common topic of conversation however there is another virus that is a hot topic at this time of year. That is RSV. What even is RSV? Why is it important to …
Stress Management Noreen Kodula, Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP) Stress is the body’s natural response to changes or challenges (stressors) it experiences. It can result in many different physical, emotional and behavioral responses. We all experience stress at some point but the way we respond …
Cold and Flu Season is Here
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
If you have noticed that it seems like everyone around you, you are coughing or sneezing it’s not just your imagination! Cold and flu season has arrived. What can you do to boost your immunity? Well, there’s plenty of nutrients that can help boost your immune system. It’s a lot to cover so let’s get into it, shall we?
How do you know if you have a cold or the flu? Well, the best way to tell the difference is by doing a review of your symptoms. Please see the chart below for a side-by-side comparison of cold symptoms and flu symptoms. (4)
In addition to the symptoms that you may experience there is also a difference in how quickly your symptoms appear. In general, the flu becomes symptomatic very fast. A cold typically has a slower onset of symptoms. So, what does this mean in practicality? With the flu you may feel fine on Monday but by Tuesday night you feel absolutely miserable! In contrast a cold will typically take longer for you to begin to show symptoms. (1)
The severity of the symptoms experienced is also usually different between a cold and the flu. In general, the flu will have more severe symptoms than a cold. Some people describe the flu as a “cold on steroids”. (1)
What exactly are the risk factors for developing a cold or the flu? While cold weather won’t give you a cold or the flu in my clinical experience it can affect your body’s ability to fight the viruses that do cause these illness. Other risk factors for developing a cold include age, for example infants, young kids and elderly folks are at a higher risk of a cold. Those with a compromised immune system as well as those that smoke are also at a higher risk of catching a cold. Of course, exposure is key since you can’t get a cold if you aren’t exposed to the virus! (2) In contrast what are the risk factors for the flu? Just like with a cold age also increases your risk. Having a compromised immune system also increases your risk. Certain chronic illnesses such as asthma or even diabetes can increase flu risk. Just like with a cold being exposed is important since you can’t get the flu if you don’t come in contact with the virus! Lastly, being obese, on aspirin therapy or being of certain ethnicities can all increase the risk of complications of the flu. (3)
So just what can you do to ward off a cold or the flu?
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