Tag: immune health

The Immune System made easy!, Part 1, Invite Health Blog

The Immune System made easy!, Part 1, Invite Health Blog

Written by: Dr.Claire Arcidiacono, ND For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]† Chronic infections are a topic I find particularly important because they are related to so many different chronic and acute health concerns. When we speak of chronic infections it is important to understand 

Antiaging Benefits of Taurine, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 655

Antiaging Benefits of Taurine, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 655

Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. ANTIAGING BENEFITS OF TAURINE, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 655 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care 

Being Supplement Savvy in the Summer, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 649

Being Supplement Savvy in the Summer, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 649


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Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode.

BEING SUPPLEMENT SAVVY IN THE SUMMER, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 649

Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH.

InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals are excited to offer you the most important health and wellness information you need to make informed choices about your health. You can learn more about the products discussed in each of these episodes and all that Invite Health has to offer at, www.invitehealth.com/podcast. First time customers can use promo code podcast at checkout for an additional 15% off your first purchase. Let’s get started. † [00:00:34]

Amanda Williams MD, MPH: [00:00:40] With summer being right around the corner, now is the time that you want to be supplement savvy. And today I want to talk about some different nutrients that can really help to kind of push you into the summer heat and in a healthy way. I am Dr. Amanda Williams, scientific director at Invite Health. And when it comes to the summer, people oftentimes really look forward to this time of the year. The weather’s warmer, maybe you have pool parties to go to, going to the beach and you want to do this in a way that you can get the most out of your summer activities. We always have to zero in on paying attention to our hydration. Clearly, in the summer months, the human body is much more prone to having the effects of dehydration. This has been well-studied, and we can clearly see that summer heat can put us at risk. Dehydration, this can drive up our blood pressure, certainly create significant electrolyte imbalances. So, if you get to the point where you feel thirsty, you know that you’ve waited way too long. So, water, water, water, this is our key. We know that insufficient drinking of water is a problem that many Americans have year-round. But in the summer in particular, because oftentimes if you’re not profusely sweating, you don’t recognize that you actually have a good amount of fluid loss. And this can create problems when it comes to your electrolyte balance, which can then create problems for muscle cramps and blood pressure going up and even having problems with controlling and regulating your blood sugar. So, for those who fall into those categories of already dealing with high blood pressure or dealing with type two diabetes or metabolic syndrome, you do really want to pay attention to your fluid intake during the summer months. We have wonderful formulations that you can turn to including the Alkalizer powder, which is a great combo of magnesium, potassium and beta alanine. Beta alanine is a very powerful amino acid that helps our body recover from the effects of stress. And we look at the Journal of Nutrients In 2020, they looked at the impact of beta alanine supplementation on physical performance. We can see how beta alanine has been shown to help with muscle strength and muscle recovery. We know that many things happen when we fall victim to dehydration and excess lactic acid building up. † [00:03:17]

[00:03:18] Beta alanine really can have a positive impact on us. In this particular study, they did a meta-analysis to analyze the effects of beta alanine supplementation on overall physical performance, and we can see how the influence of this powerful nutrient is working to help our physical functionality when it comes to that muscle recovery and muscle repair. So having beta alanine as part of the Alkalizer powder, really makes for a super summer drink that you can turn to. It is a lovely natural lemon flavor, and this has it’s kind of effervescent, so it’s great for the summertime. You can add this in with some ice and have yourself a nice hydrating glass of magnesium, potassium and beta alanine. Helps to create a nice alkalinity within the body, helps. with the regulation of your pH, and of course, it’s helping our body normalize our electrolyte balance. So that’s one thing that we can turn to. † [00:04:23]

[00:04:23] Another thing that we should always pay attention to, is during the warmer summer months, we know that there is a direct association between the impact of folate levels. So, folate is a B vitamin folate levels starting to plummet. And that is something that we definitely don’t want to have happen, because folate is needed for so many different functions in the body, including looking at the ability for the body to detoxify. So, we need folate for detoxification, we need folate for energy. We need folate for our neurotransmitters. And we know that there is, this association between seasonal folate levels and UV radiation. So, the sun itself can actually degrade folate in the human body. And we see this with vitamin D, for example. We know that vitamin D levels can go up during the summer because of the UV, and that’s our sunshine vitamin. But we see the opposite happening with folate. And so, this is why we should always make sure that during the summer months, we add in Methyl B, so Methyl B is that bioactive folate, so it’s methyl folate. Taking this formulation throughout your summer will be incredibly helpful to make sure that your body is protected from photo degradation of your folic acid. We don’t want that to happen. So, we want to avoid those seasonal variations and maintain healthy folate levels. † [00:05:55]

ICYMI:YEAR ROUND IMMUNE SUPPORT, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 647>>LISTEN NOW!

[00:05:55] Now, we also know something about photo aging, and that is that the sun can really raise havoc when it comes to the health of our skin, and we can accelerate the aging process, have more fine lines and wrinkles. Many times, people describe them as age spots. And we don’t want this to happen either. So how can we topically address this issue? Well, we have our wonderful, enhanced vitamin C toning serum, which contains a 20% vitamin C serum along with Coenzyme Q10, to help energize your little skin cells, Vitamin E for the hydration, and the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E has wonderful natural oils in it, such as Argan Oil. And we know that the skin itself goes through so many different environmental stressors from the sun itself to different air pollutants. So, by having a serum that we can apply, that can help to improve the appearance, not only of the fine lines and wrinkles, but really zero in on those areas of sun damaged skin. This is a wonderful addition to your supplement routine. Now, this is a topical serum, so we’re not taking this orally. But it would be incredibly helpful to also take vitamin C tablets, or capsules along with collagen throughout the summer as well. So always want to zero in on how we can support our skin’s health from the topical approach, but also internally. So having vitamin C and Collagen, taking those as a supplement every day. And then topically applying that vitamin C toning serum, very, very beneficial. So that is some of the things that we can be doing. † [00:07:40] 

[00:07:40] Now, we can also look and say, should I be drinking sports drinks throughout the summer? No, we shouldn’t. When we have powerful fruit and vegetable extracts that are packed with wonderful vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants that we can sip on throughout those warm months, so we can look at something like the Reds Hx, for example. Which is a wonderful blend of close to 40 fruit and vegetable extracts along with a probiotic blend in that. Remember, you don’t want to let your immune system guard down during the summer either because viruses exist year-round. So, you don’t want to succumb to a summertime virus, so having the Reds Hx on board not only helps with a lovely glow for your skin and the hydration for your skin. but it also helps to support the immune system with that probiotic that’s added into that formulation. Now, this is a powerhouse of an antioxidant formula. Having those different fruit and vegetable extracts that really help the body. All of those carotenoids that give the eyes additional support, your respiratory system, additional support, your brain additional support. And of course, we are working on that hydration aspect once again, because one scoop of that Reds, added into eight or ten ounces of water allows the body to maintain that nice, healthy fluid balance. Now, there are many other things that we can turn to throughout the summer to allow us to get the most out of those warm months. And this is when you want to speak with one of our nutritionists and tell them what your health concerns are and what you are trying to get out of your summer, and they can guide you to the best formulations to suit your needs. † [00:09:23]

DIY NATURAL SKIN CARE RECIPES>>READ NOW!

[00:09:23] But that’s all that I have for you for today. So, if you’re going to the pool, you’re going to the beach, make sure that you have your alkalizer powder, your Reds Hx, it’s your vitamin C serum and your Methyl B and be sure to tune in to future episodes of the  InViteⓇ Health Podcast. Remember, you can find all of our episodes for free wherever. You listen to podcasts or by visiting, invitehealth.com/podcast. Do make sure that you subscribe, and you leave us a review. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and we will see you next time for another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. † [00:09:23]

 

Year Round Immune Support, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 647

Year Round Immune Support, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 647

Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. YEAR-ROUND IMMUNE SUPPORT, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 647 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals 

Springtime Health Tips, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 637

Springtime Health Tips, Invite Health Podcast, Episode 637

Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. SPRINGTIME HEALTH TIPS, INVITEⓇ HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 637 Hosted by Amanda Williams, MD, MPH *Intro Music*  InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals 

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)- Invite Blog

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)- Invite Blog

Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]

Last time we talked about RA, (Rheumatoid Arthritis), which is an autoimmune disease that includes joint pain as well as joint damage. In this same theme we have Lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus is a well-known autoimmune disease which involves the body’s very own immune system attacking and damaging healthy cells. Lupus can mimic many different diseases and it is often called the great imitator. Due to this fact it is often misdiagnosed, and thus appropriate treatment is often delayed. † (1)

Lupus very commonly presents with a fever, malaise, fatigue, and both muscle and joint pain. It is interesting to note that while Lupus is much more likely to develop in women it can and does occur in men. The symptoms of lupus are slightly different between the two genders. Typically, women will have a low white blood cell count, increased risk of RA, Raynaud’s syndrome and even a higher rate of psychiatric symptoms. In contrast men tend to experience more seizures, kidney disease, serositis, skin disorders and neuropathy. † (2)

Skin disorders are very common in lupus. In fact, up to 70% of people diagnosed with lupus have symptoms of the disease in their skin. The Malar rash otherwise known as the butterfly rash is a well-known symptom of lupus and occurs in 30-60% of people diagnosed with Lupus. (3) See attached picture. † (4)

Anemia is very common in lupus and develops in approximately 50% of children who have been diagnosed with lupus. In addition to anemia, it is common to develop low platelet count, low white blood cell count, and different clotting type disorders. As a fascinating aside one of the autoantibodies that are present in lupus is called anti-cardiolipin antibody and it is interesting because it can present a false positive result on a syphilis test. † (5)

Lupus can also present with symptoms that are caused by damage to the internal organs. There can be inflammation in the heart caused by the lupus which can present as pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, and even atherosclerosis occurs more frequently in those with lupus. (6) Similarly, inflammation in the lungs can present with signs of pleurisy, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension/hemorrhage, and pulmonary embolism. (7) In addition to affecting the heart and lungs it is well documented that lupus can cause inflammation in the kidneys.  The inflammation associated with lupus causes symptoms of lupus nephritis in the kidneys. In fact, in lupus immunofluorescence testing shows a very particular granular appearance known as Glomerulonephritis or wine loop nephritis. † (8)

Lupus can also cause neurological symptoms such as signs of neuropsychiatric syndromes. Other neurological symptoms include headaches, seizures, polyneuropathy, cognitive disorders, anxiety, and depression and even in some people psychosis. Other complications include Guillain-Barre syndrome, meningitis, demyelinating syndrome and what are called movement disorders. While lupus has numerous effects on the neurological system, in this article, I have only reviewed the most common. (9) Lupus can also affect the eyes and vision as well. Lupus has been found to affect vision and eye health in up to 1/3 of people that have been diagnosed with lupus. (10)  Due to the fact that lupus is an autoimmune disorder there are also effects on fertility.  While most people with lupus can and do have healthy children there is an increased risk of miscarriage and the death of the child in utero † (11)

ICYMI:RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, INVITE HEALTH BLOG>>READ NOW!

Now you may be saying Dr. Claire this is fascinating but why bring up lupus in a series on joint health. That’s because joint pain is a big part of what lupus is. Now since this is a joint health conversation and not just an arthritis series it is important to talk about lupus since as I said it does affect our joints. More than 90% of those diagnosed with lupus will have joint pain of some degree. While lupus does not usually cause the severe destruction and distortion of the joints seen in RA, there is still joint pain that can vary in its intensity from person to person. It is important to point out that pain is very individualized. Normally a doctor will use a scale from 1 to 10 for patients to rate their pain.  What one person would term a 1/10 pain another might feel is an 8/10 on the pain scale. Being more or less sensitive to pain is nothing to be ashamed of. Since we are all different, we all experience pain in a different way. Interestingly there have been studies that suggest a possible link between lupus and RA. At this time more research is needed into this possible correlation. † (12)

Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder and thus in order to give this topic all the attention it deserves I have decided to split this topic into two parts. The next blog will cover the risk factors for developing lupus, specific tests that can help determine if you have lupus and both conventional as well as complementary approaches to controlling symptoms of lupus. †

REFERENCES

  1. “Handout on Health: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus”. Www.niams.nih.gov. February 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  2. 004). “Gender differences in systemic lupus erythematosus”. Gender Medicine1(1): 12–17. Doi: 1016/S1550-8579(04)80006-8. PMID 16115579.
  3. Harris JP, Weisman MH, eds. (2007). Head and neck manifestations of systemic disease. New York: Informa Healthcare. p. 6. ISBN 9781420017564.
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789
  5. Giannouli S, Voulgarelis M, Ziakas PD, Tzioufas AG (February 2006). “Anaemia in systemic lupus erythematosus: from pathophysiology to clinical assessment”. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 65(2): 144–148. doi:1136/ard.2005.041673. PMC 1798007. PMID 16079164.
  6. Hahn BH (December 2003). “Systemic lupus erythematosus and accelerated atherosclerosis”. The New England Journal of Medicine. 349 (25): 2379–2380. doi:1056/NEJMp038168. PMID 14681501.
  7. Henderson LA, Loring SH, Gill RR, Liao KP, Ishizawar R, Kim S, et al. (March 2013). “Shrinking lung syndrome as a manifestation of pleuritis: a new model based on pulmonary physiological studies”. The Journal of Rheumatology. 40 (3): 273–281.
  8. “General Pathology Images for Immunopathology”. Archived from the original on 2007-05-10. Retrieved 2007-07-24.
  9. Kasama T, Maeoka A, Oguro N (2016). “Clinical Features of Neuropsychiatric Syndromes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Other Connective Tissue Diseases”. Clinical Medicine Insights. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 9: CMAMD.S37477. doi:4137/CMAMD.S37477. PMC 4718090. PMID 26819561.
  10. Dammacco R (May 2018). “Systemic lupus erythematosus and ocular involvement: an overview”. Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 18 (2): 135–149. doi:1007/s10238-017-0479-9. PMID 29243035. S2CID 13757311.
  11. Smyth A, Oliveira GH, Lahr BD, Bailey KR, Norby SM, Garovic VD (November 2010). “A systematic review and meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis”. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 5 (11): 2060–2068. doi:2215/CJN.00240110. PMC 3001786. PMID 20688887.
  12. Joint and Muscle Pain Archived 2007-11-09 at the Wayback Machine Lupus Foundation of America