Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Summary on Respiratory Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I hope that this blog series on respiratory health has been both fun and informative! I have tried to review some of the most common respiratory concerns that come up here at Invite health. Additionally I …
Understanding Probiotics
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
If there’s one topic that is sure to confuse people it’s the topic of probiotics. Invite health has a powerful line up of probiotics. But how are they different? How do you know which one is right for you? For this blog I will be reviewing 3 of the most popular Invite Health probiotics. These are the Probiotic Hx, Probiotic Weight and Probiotic Women.
Probiotic Hx is a well-rounded every day probiotic. In my experience taking the Probiotic Hx is like taking a good multivitamin, it’s good for our overall health. But what does that really mean? Well to start probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in our gut. (1) Sometimes due to situations such as illness, certain medications and even stress bad bacteria and even yeast can begin to grow in our digestive system. They can begin to outnumber the good guys and this can result in digestive concerns, allergies, and even contribute to obesity. (2) A good probiotic can also help with diarrhea. (3) One bacteria that is well known for causing diarrhea is C Diff and in studies probiotics have been found to reduce the risk of C Diff by 60%. (4) Studies have also found that probiotics can decrease the risk of travelers’ diarrhea. (5) In addition to helping with diarrhea a good probiotic has been found to help with Ulcerative colitis (6) and even IBS. (7) Probiotics do more than just help our gut. Studies have found that they can help with general health, depression, anxiety and even stress. (8) Probiotics have also been found in studies to help with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. (9) Certain probiotics can even breakdown bile helping with our cholesterol levels. (10) As you can see a good everyday probiotic is great for so many things. But what if you have a specific health concern? Well that is where the Probiotic Weight and Probiotic for Women come into play. They take all the benefits of a regular probiotic and have added nutrients for specific health concerns. They are easy to take in addition to our daily probiotic.
Probiotic Weight contains a particular strain of probiotic that was found to lower weight and BMI after just 12 weeks of use. Additionally both waist and hip circumference were reduced after the 12 weeks of use. (11) Bergamot has been found in studies to help with visceral adipose tissue. (12) It has also been found to reduce liver fat content in those with liver steatosis. (13) Artichoke has been found to help with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and obesity. (14) I do want to point out that the Probiotic Weight is a powerful formula. To avoid stomach distress I recommend taking it with a full meal. While research shows these herbs can be helpful in general people can have different reactions to herbs so it is important to monitor how you feel when you start a new herbal supplement.
Probiotic Women is a combination of garlic, thyme and a probiotic blend. Garlic has been found to be antimicrobial. (15) Thyme has also been found to be antimicrobial. (16) Lastly probiotics have been found to help with a UTI. (17)
But how does one choose? And how does this entire blog relate to immune health? Well when it comes to immune health a good overall probiotic such as Probiotic Hx is always a win. In fact probiotics have been found to help with an upper respiratory infection! (18)That is why for those looking for general immune health and for overall a good daily probiotic I recommend the Probiotic Hx. For those looking for additional help with weight or women’s health they can take Probiotic Hx and then add on the specific probiotic that will help with the specific concern they are experiencing. For more information or help choosing what is right for you please reach out to an Invite nutritionist!
As we approach the end of this topic I hope it has been helpful and somewhat fun! Our next topic will be Pneumonia.
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URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI) ~ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, BUT HAVE NEVER ASKED By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs as they are commonly referred to as, can affect people of all ages for various reasons. However, women seem …
COPD
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In COPD there is damage to the airways and our lungs. This damage can block the airways and make it hard to breath. COPD often entails production of mucus, which triggers a cough. COPD is considered to be a chronic, progressive disease that worsens over time. In the US COPD refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people who have been diagnosed with COPD have a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. (1)
Just a quick rehash on chronic bronchitis. This is a condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is characterized by a chronic cough and mucus production. For more details please see my blog on bronchitis. Emphysema, the other part of the equation of COPD is a condition where the alveoli (part of the lungs) are destroyed due to expose to irritating gasses, cigarette and particulate matter. (2)
People who have CODP develop a chronic, smoker – like cough that is chronic and does not subside even after months or even years. COPD also involves excessive mucus formation that may be transparent, white, pale green or yellow in color. One of the symptoms that most people with COPD find to be the most problematic is shortness of breath. The shortness of breath usually worsens with physical exertion. Another common symptom is a feeling of tightness in the chest, usually when you are inhaling. There may also be wheezing, which can impact speech as well as breathing. As the COPD becomes more advanced it can begin to affect oxygen levels and thus can lead to cyanosis or blue lips and nails. This can also lead to mental confusion. As the heart tries to get oxygen rich blood around the body it will try to compensate for the lower oxygen levels by pumping faster to get more blood to circulate. Thus you will feel a rapid heart rate. In later stages there may be weight loss. (3) Lastly there may be a lack of energy and even swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. (2)
In the US one of the leading causes of COPD is smoking. In the developing world one of the most common causes is actually air pollution. Another causes of COPD is a rare genetic condition called Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency. (1) Risk factors for developing COPD include exposure to things such as tobacco, fumes from burning fuel, and exposure to dust and chemicals. Having asthma is also a risk factor. Lastly having the genetic disorder Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency is also a risk factor. (2)
COPD can have severe complications. Having COPD increases your risk of respiratory tract infections such as colds. COPD also increases your risk of heart disease such as heart attack and even high blood pressure. COPD also increases the risk of lung cancer. Lastly COPD can increase the risk of developing depression. (2)
Just like with bronchitis we want to concentrate on our overall lung and immune system health. How can we do that? Well there a number of things that I will review.
Our next product highlight will be L Lysine!
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