Getting Your Immune System Ready for Winter, Part 1 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 427
As the cold weather of fall and winter approach, it’s important to know what factors can impact your immune health. Learn more from Jerry Hickey, Ph.
Tag: immunity
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.
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.
Microbiome Basics – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 350
You’ve probably heard of the microbiome and good bacteria before, but do you know what role they play in your body? Learn about how your microbiome impacts digestion, immunity, skin health and so much more from Amanda Williams, MPH.
10 Factors That Affect the Immune System, Part 2 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 345
Have you been taking care of your immune system? There are important nutrients that the body needs to properly defend itself from invading cells. Learn about the factors that can help or harm the immune system.
10 Factors That Affect the Immune System, Part 1 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 344
immune system
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph.
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Our immune system has many jobs. Right at the peak of all of those jobs is protecting you from the outside world. The immune system is designed so it can find and kill foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. When it’s working well, your immune system is strong enough to prevent you from getting sick when you’re exposed to germs. But there are many factors that impact your body’s immunity.†
The relationship between the microbiome and immunity
About 70% of your immune cells come in contact with your digestive tract, so the shape of your microbiome can impact the way your body defends itself. The microbiome refers to all of the organisms that live with us and use us as their home. Most of this is bacteria, but there is also yeast and viruses. These visitors outnumber us manyfold.†
The organisms in our microbiome certainly impact our health. For instance, when there’s an imbalance in bacteria on the scalp, you experience dandruff. You have to take care of the multitude of organisms that live in your intestines because they are the easiest to shape. This, in turn, will impact the bacteria on your skin, in your lungs, in your bloodstream and elsewhere.†
There are good strains of bacteria as well as bad strains. When there is an excess of bad strains, this can cause inflammation or infections. On the other hand, studies have found that good strains of probiotic bacteria can help promote good immune system function to help fight off viruses and colds, even in very elderly people. These good bacteria help contain the bad ones and calm the immune system, helping to fend off allergies, bacteria, viruses and other harmful cells. You can promote the health of your microbiome by following a good, nutrient-rich diet like the Mediterranean diet, eating some fermented foods and taking a probiotic supplement.†
THE BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS FOR ALLERGIES – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 124. Listen Now>>
How sleep impacts the immune system
Your sleep cycle is very important. You have an internal clock called the circadian rhythm. It is controlled by the hypothalamus, which is found in the back of the brain. Your sleep cycle can be thrown off if you go to bed at all different times, drinking alcohol and exercising too late at night.†
Sleep is important because it gives your immune system a chance to recharge. Then, in the morning, when you’re waking up, your immune system needs to be more active because you are often in public and around more people and possible contaminants. When your sleep cycle is inappropriate, the immune system gets muddled and it may become active at the wrong time, making it easier to catch bacteria or viruses.†
SLEEP IS SLEEP, RIGHT? WRONG! – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 342. Listen Now>>
Nutrients from food for immunity
There are nutrients found in food that can help promote our body’s ability to defend itself. Curry, for instance, has turmeric, which is rich in alkylamines. Alkylamines look like the outside of the virus, so this helps to wake up and activate the immune system. Green tea is also beneficial because it contains polyphenols called catechins. These catechins are also alkylamines. Green tea can also help to weaken viruses and mobilize certain immune cells. Mushrooms are also beneficial as they contain ergothioneine, which is arguably the most powerful natural antioxidant known to science. They also have Vitamin D and beta 1,3 glucan that help adjust the immune system.†
In this episode, Jerry Hickey, Ph. explains multiple factors that impact the body’s ability to defend itself from invading bacteria, viruses and more. He details the importance of taking care of your digestive tract, getting good quality sleep and eating the right foods. Tune in tomorrow for part 2 of this podcast!†
Key Topics:
- The function of the immune system in the body
- What is the microbiome?
- The difference between good and bad bacteria
- What happens during REM sleep?
- How viruses and immune cells work
- Why cortisol is important for immunity
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.
