Tag: nutrition

Long COVID and Brain Health – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 374

Long COVID and Brain Health – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 374

Many people who were sick with COVID-19 are still suffering from issues with cognition in a phenomenon known as long COVID. Learn about how you can help support your memory and mood in the face of these issues from Jerry Hickey, Ph.

Energy Boost From Ribose – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 373

Energy Boost From Ribose – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 373

The body relies on cellular energy to function properly, but there are many factors that may prevent this. The good news is that there are powerful nutrients such as ribose that can help promote energy production within the body.

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.

Not All Collagen Types Are the Same – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 370

Not All Collagen Types Are the Same – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 370

Collagen supplements have been increasing in popularity, but did you know there are different types? Learn about the different varieties of this nutrient and why they are important for the health of your skin, hair, immune system and more.

Protecting Your Brain From Mild Cognitive Impairment, Part 2 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 369

Protecting Your Brain From Mild Cognitive Impairment, Part 2 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 369

Many people face mild cognitive impairment that can impact their memory, ability to learn and more. The good news is that there are nutrients that can help.

Protecting Your Brain From Mild Cognitive Impairment, Part 1 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 368

Protecting Your Brain From Mild Cognitive Impairment, Part 1 – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 368

mild cognitive impairment

InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph.

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As we get older, we tend to get forgetful. Many people are concerned that this might signal the onset of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. But the truth of the matter is that it’s often not dementia.†

Memory problems can be due to a myriad of causes. It could be a part of aging itself brought on by a slow down of the brain. It could also be due to other medical conditions in the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver. It could be some kind of psychological problem, like anxiety or depression, and could even be a result of certain medications. But being forgetful is a normal part of aging.†

The differences between normal aging of the brain and Alzheimer’s disease are distinct. For instance, an older person may make a bad judgment decision once in a while, but a person with Alzheimer’s has terrible judgment all the time. If this forgetfulness escalates to the point where someone may struggle to carry on a conversation, this is called mild cognitive impairment.† 

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN NORMAL BRAIN AGING AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 313. Listen Now>>

What is mild cognitive impairment?

Approximately 15 to 25% of people over the age of 60 have mild cognitive impairment. This leads to memory problems, as well as problems with understanding complex situations. The people can still live at home and find their way around, but they often drift into dementia. They have more serious memory problems and they are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias than people who do not have mild cognitive impairment.†  

Mild cognitive impairment does not always lead to dementia. It depends on its cause. For instance, if the mild cognitive impairment is due to a health condition or a drug, it may not even be permanent. Studies have shown that mild cognitive impairment can also be caused by circulatory problems in the brain and traumatic brain injuries.† 

Promoting healthy memory and protecting your brain

There is evidence linking exercise with improved memory in people with mild cognitive impairment. You really should be exercising five to seven days a week. When you exercise, it’s often social and in varying locations. This is stimulating for the brain. Exercise also helps to improve blood flow to the brain, helping to provide the brain with oxygen and nutrients. This also seems to trigger the release of molecules in the brain that help repair brain cells.†

A diet low in saturated fats but rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is also beneficial for the health of the brain. Beans, nuts and seeds also contain nutrients that are supportive for the brain. Nutrients such as lutein, green tea and fish oils have been shown to protect and promote brain health as well.†  

THE STRONG CONNECTION LUTEIN HAS ON MEMORY AND VISION – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 4. Listen Now>>

In this episode, Jerry Hickey, Ph. explains what mild cognitive impairment is and how it relates to memory loss. He begins discussing supplements and nutrients that can help promote the health of the brain. He will continue this discussion in Part 2 of this episode, coming later this week. Stay tuned!

Key Topics:

  • The difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia
  • Common signs of mild cognitive impairment 
  • Research on how to promote memory and cognition

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.