Tag: immune system

High Blood Pressure Drugs Deplete Nutrients Needed By Your Immune System – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 426

High Blood Pressure Drugs Deplete Nutrients Needed By Your Immune System – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 426

Millions of people have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure, but these drugs can create nutrient deficiencies that negatively impact your immune system.

Key Nutrients for Going Back to School or Work – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 411

Key Nutrients for Going Back to School or Work – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 411

It’s back to school season, which means it’s time to turn to make sure your children are getting the nutrients they need to keep their immune systems active.

What to Know About Whey Protein – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 410

What to Know About Whey Protein – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 410

whey protein

InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH

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When people hear the words whey protein, they usually automatically correlate that with working out. We certainly know that that amino acid blend is very beneficial for maintaining skeletal muscles. But we also have to recognize that whey protein in particular does so many things for our overall health. Today, I want to focus on going beyond whey protein’s benefits for exercise.†

The benefits of whey protein

I want to discuss all of the powerful amino acids offered in our whey protein isolate powders. We have chocolate and vanilla whey protein. Using these powders in a smoothie is usually a good way of getting added nutrients because you can also add in fruits and vegetables to add an antioxidant punch. Plus you’re getting the fiber coming from the fruits and vegetables. You can find recipes from our nutritionists here.†

COCOA IS A SUPERIOR HEART HEALTH SUPERFOOD – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 2. Listen Now>>

Whey protein isolate contains branched-chain amino acids, which includes leucine, isoleucine and valine. Whey protein isolate is different from other forms of this protein because it’s had the fat and lactose removed. That’s very important, especially for people who have certain gastrointestinal sensitivities. By using the isolate form, you are just getting the amino acid blend, which is really very powerful. You’re getting tryptophan and tyrosine. Each one of these individual amino acids helps to regulate and control multiple different functions in the body.† 

The role of amino acids in aging

I really want to focus in on the way in which whey protein isolate can be beneficial when it comes to the aging process and cognition. One of the things we know this protein blend can do is that it helps to optimize immune function. It gives us these really important amino acids that help to support the gut microbiome.†

We can also look at how this nutrient can impact cognitive function. In a study done in Australia, researchers found that patients who had early-onset dementia or mild cognitive impairment also had low Vitamin B12 status. Then, they gave them whey protein isolate and they found that this actually helped to improve their B12 and folate levels. We know that both of those B-vitamins are integral to maintaining cognitive function as we get older.†

ACTIVE FOLATE FOR BRAIN AND HEART HEALTH – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 397. Listen Now>>

We can look at each individual amino acid and the role that they play. For example, arginine helps to release nitric oxide. This impacts vasodilation and the more vasodilation we have, the more blood flow we have and the better oxygenation up to the brain. We can look at tryptophan, which helps to support proper neurotransmitter release. Researchers have also learned that certain amino acids can also function as antioxidants. Antioxidants help to fend off oxidative stress that can do damage to the mitochondria, which can lower our cognitive function.†   

In this episode, Amanda Williams, MPH delves into the important role that whey protein can play outside of exercise and muscle function. She explains how it is made up of vital amino acids that are needed for mood, cognition, metabolism and more and also details how they relate to other essential nutrients in the body.†

Key Topics:

  • Smoothie ideas from Amanda
  • The role of amino acids in the body
  • What is sarcopenia?
  • Studies on whey protein

Thank you for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at InViteⓇ Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast.

Health Tips for HPV – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 384

Health Tips for HPV – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 384

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, but many people don’t know what HPV is. Learn about this dangerous virus and what you can do to help protect your body from Amanda Williams, MPH.

Summer and Autoimmune Disease Flare-Ups – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 378

Summer and Autoimmune Disease Flare-Ups – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 378

Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis? These issues can get worse during the heat of summer. The good news is that there are nutrients and habits that can help.

The Impact of Alcohol on the Immune System – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 371

The Impact of Alcohol on the Immune System – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 371

immune system

InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH

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Being aware of the negative impact that alcohol has on our bodies is certainly important for us to recognize. It is important for us to know the difference between the potential benefits of moderate intake of certain alcohols such as red wine and the negative impacts that overindulging in alcohol can have on the entire body. Today, I want to talk in detail about the impact that alcohol has when it comes to the immune system.† 

THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL ON YOUR HEART – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 280. Listen Now>>

What happens when we consume alcohol?

Let’s talk about alcohol in general. When we consume alcohol, it passes into the small intestine and it’s absorbed rapidly into the blood. That absorbed alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde within the liver.† 

In and of itself, acetaldehyde is a neurotoxin and is a known carcinogen. This is why heavy, excess drinking has been linked to certain types of cancers, such as hepatocellular cancer and pancreatic cancer. We know the long-term impact that high consumption of alcohol can actually have.†    

The relationship between alcohol and the immune system

Now, let’s look at how alcohol itself is impacting the immune system response. We can first start out by looking at the microbiome and the disruption that occurs within our microbial environment. Alcohol is absorbed through the small intestine and we know that our intestinal health is highly responsible for our immune system health.†  

Alcohol can actually suppress multiple mechanisms of the immune system response, which may lead to an increase in common infections like the common cold. We can also leave ourselves open to more severe viral infections or bacterial infections.†  

Many studies have been conducted on the impacts of alcohol on the body, especially inflammation and immune health. Research has shown that certain nutrients found in specific alcohols, such as the polyphenol resveratrol that is derived from red wine, can be beneficial to the body when consumed in moderation. However, on the other hand, studies have also indicated that long-term high level alcohol consumption led to more severe health issues such as diabetes and cancer due to the presence of acetaldehyde.† 

A SUPERIOR ANTIOXIDANT: RESVERATROL – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 45. Listen Now>>

We need to recognize the important role that antioxidants play in helping to fend off this damage in the body. Antioxidant consumption in this country is very low. The average American is lacking important, endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione. Acetaldehyde also decreases our levels of B-vitamins, including folic acid, as well as zinc. This is significant because zinc and folic acid both play a very crucial role in our immune system responses.†

In this episode, Amanda Williams, MPH discusses the effects that alcohol has on the body, especially in terms of immune system function. She explains why it is important to drink in moderation, as well as how to make sure you are getting the nutrients that alcohol consumption may deplete within the body.†

Key Topics:

  • What is acetaldehyde?
  • Is red wine helpful or harmful for the body?
  • Research on alcohol consumption, immune system health and chronic disease states

Thank you for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at InViteⓇ Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast.