immune health – Balanced Health

Posted on December 11, 2020December 15, 2020 by Cindy Papp — Leave a comment

Health Benefits of Thyme

Commonly found in the kitchen of many chefs, thyme is an herb and member of the mint family, although it doesn’t share the flavor of mint. It is also a common garden herb or can be found fresh or dried at your local market. And thanks to its many therapeutic effects, it is also distilled into an essential oil that many use for issues such as skin problems.

Timely Thyme Benefits

Immune Boost – Thyme is packed with vitamin C, which is well known to support immune function. It is also is a rich source of vitamin A as well as copper, manganese and iron, providing more nutrients for all body systems, including the immune.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant – Thyme has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties thanks to the thymol and carvacrol, which are the health promoting oils that give thyme is scent. This herb is also a rich source of antioxidants that help the body defend against oxidative stress due to free radicals.

Intestinal Health – Thyme has been used in traditional remedies for centuries to support intestinal health. Some believe this may be due to the effect of thymol, which may help neutralize certain bacteria.

Respiratory Health – The essential oil of thyme and thyme tea are used by many health enthusiasts as a natural remedy. One 2013 study from the European Respiratory Journal found that thymol had a positive impact on receptors of the mouth and throat.

Skin Health – When applied topically, it seems that thymol inhibited the effect of bacteria that may aggravate skin issues. A study showed that thymol was potent enough to be a candidate for management of severe skin issues. This may have implications on the ability of thyme to support skin health in many areas.

Anxiety Reduction – Many holistic and alternative practitioners advocate thyme essential oil to help reduce anxiety. This practice has withstood the test of time as it has been used for thousands of years and is still recommended today.

More Health Benefits

Hippocrates, also known as the father of medicine, promoted thyme for respiratory related issues in his time, around 300 BC. In the 1340’s, thyme was worn around the neck as protection from the Black Death. Today, thanks to the nutrients, phytochemicals and oils this plant contains, thyme is still used by many for home remedies for things like:

Ear discomfort
Stimulate appetite
Healthy inflammation response

Advocates and health practitioners each recommend different ways to incorporate this healing herb into a health routine. Internal use is considered very powerful as it may promote digestive health and as we have seen, research backs up topical use, as well. Thyme oils and supplements are recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as GRAS or generally recommended as safe, so enjoy getting enough thyme for your health.

Cindy Papp

Author

Body Cleanse and Detoxification Specialist with over 22 years experience; BSc in Holistic Nutrition, C.C.T. Colon Hydrotherapist, Cert. Holistic Health Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Energy Work, Reiki, Author, Holistic Health Researcher

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/

Posted on December 10, 2020December 7, 2020 by Cindy Papp — Leave a comment

Ginger Root Extract

Ginger has long been a home remedy for digestive issues like nausea, gas, and irritable bowels. It is even used by some pregnant women to ease morning sickness and for relief of nausea due to certain medical treatments. It’s no wonder that health promoters have jumped on the opportunity to condense it into an easily digestible form of ginger root extract.

Ginger root extract is the extract of the ginger plant rhizome, which is the horizontal stem from which ginger roots grow. It is considered to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, among other benefits. Ginger contains a host of polyphenols that are thought to be beneficial to health, which has led to numerous clinical trials to study the effects.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Nausea – The main reason many people resort to ginger as a natural remedy is to relieve nausea. In fact, a systematic review of clinical applications found that 43 clinical trials showed high quality evidence that ginger may be effective for improvement of nausea, among other things.

Another review found enough evidence that ginger should be a viable adjuvant treatment for nausea and vomiting. It is believed that bioactive compounds found in the ginger plant may boost a healthy inflammation response and improve gastrointestinal mobility, which may be behind this effect.

Interestingly, ginger is also implicated in helping those with chronic indigestion, or ongoing discomfort in the upper area of the stomach. Delayed emptying is thought to be partly responsible for this, and the effect that ginger has on gastrointestinal mobility may play a role in helping to alleviate the problem.

Fight Infections – Ginger contains a phytochemical known as gingerol, which is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Gingerol, found in concentrated form in ginger extract, has been found to prevent the growth of certain bacteria. (1)

Another study found the anti-viral effects of ginger were shown to help cells counter viral infection. (2) This may be why ginger is added to the Traditional Chinese Medicine called Ge-Gen-Tang, long used as a remedy for upper respiratory health concerns.

Antioxidant Protection – Ginger root contains very high levels of plant antioxidants and seems to decrease age-related oxidative stress markers. In at least one study, ginger seemed to protect from kidney damage due to reperfusion injury.

Conclusion

Along with these clinically supported benefits, other indications of ginger include protection from blood sugar issues. Studies and reviews are encouraging and continue to show promise. Since it is an herb with a long history of use in folk remedies, it seems to be a safe addition to any daily regimen to support health.

References:

1 Gull I, Saeed M, Shaukat H, Aslam SM, Samra ZQ, Athar AM. Inhibitory effect of Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale extracts on clinically important drug resistant pathogenic bacteria. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2012;11:8. Published 2012 Apr 27. doi:10.1186/1476-0711-11-8

2 Chang JS, Wang KC, Yeh CF, Shieh DE, Chiang LC. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) has anti-viral activity against human respiratory syncytial virus in human respiratory tract cell lines. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Jan 9;145(1):146-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.10.043. Epub 2012 Nov 1. PMID: 23123794.

Cindy Papp

Author

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/

Posted on December 9, 2020December 7, 2020 by Cindy Papp — Leave a comment

Citrus Bioflavonoids and Hesperidin

Hesperidin is a plant chemical that is part of a group of citrus bioflavonoids. These compounds are mainly derived from citrus fruits, along with other plants, and are believed to support the activity of antioxidants while acting as an antioxidant itself.

Citrus bioflavonoids are plant compounds that often are the source of color for some fruits. Bioflavonoids are a group of antioxidants that are used in herbal remedies and pharmaceuticals for their health benefits. Some well-known citrus bioflavonoids are dosmetin, tangeretin, naringin and hesperidin, and while each has unique properties, they share common benefits such as:

Antioxidants – Citrus bioflavonoids work with vitamin C to help protect cells from free radical damage.
Immune Support – The combination of vitamin C along with citrus bioflavonoids seems to provide powerful immune support.

Protection from Atherosclerosis – Studies show that citrus bioflavonoids may protect against the buildup of fatty plaque on the inner walls of arteries, thus improving circulatory health.

Health Benefits of Hesperidin

Hesperidin is a citrus bioflavonoid found in fruits like tangerines, oranges, lemons and grapefruits, and has its own set of protective benefits. Many herbal remedies use hesperidin to help improve circulation, reduce internal inflammation, seasonal relief and may assist with high blood pressure issues.

Research for hesperidin is promising. One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that regular consumption of hesperidin helped lower blood pressure in overweight men. In the four-week study, healthy but slightly overweight men were given orange juice and a hesperidin supplement, resulting in significantly lowered diastolic blood pressure.

Another review of both animal and human studies showed strong evidence that hesperidin does have an effect on antioxidant activity, helps lower internal inflammation and may improve aerobic performance. (1) While each study in the review was different, the commonalities included supplementation for four weeks and even though exercise protocols varied, performance in each was improved.

And yet another study with older adults showed that daily consumption of orange juice enriched with extra flavonoids increased cognitive function. (2) The researchers went on to conclude that this is further evidence that consuming fruits and other flavonoid-rich foods provides protection from neuropsychological disease and age-related cognitive decline.

Lastly, a review of clinical evidence showed that supplementing with hesperidin has a significant impact on brain health. In particular, it improves antioxidant defense functions, improves blood flow to the brain, memory and cognition.

Conclusion

Fruits and vegetables have a significant impact on improving health, and the more you consume, the healthier you will be. Just like each category for fruits, citrus fruits have individual and specific health benefits that cannot be obtained from other food sources. To enjoy the benefits such as heart health and brain health, these fruits should be included in everyone’s daily diet. And for those who cannot consume fruit on a daily basis, research shows that citrus bioflavonoids and hesperidin supplementation have a beneficial impact on health.

References:

1 Martínez-Noguera FJ, Marín-Pagán C, Carlos-Vivas J, Rubio-Arias JA, Alcaraz PE. Acute Effects of Hesperidin in Oxidant/Antioxidant State Markers and Performance in Amateur Cyclists. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1898. Published 2019 Aug 14. doi:10.3390/nu11081898

2 Alharbi MH, Lamport DJ, Dodd GF, et al. Flavonoid-rich orange juice is associated with acute improvements in cognitive function in healthy middle-aged males. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(6):2021-2029. doi:10.1007/s00394-015-1016-9

Cindy Papp

Author

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/

Posted on December 8, 2020December 7, 2020 by Cindy Papp — Leave a comment

Zinc and Your Health

Trace minerals are essential for good health, and zinc is one of the most abundant of these minerals. It is found throughout all systems of the human body and is required for healthy immunity, cell division and healing and even for the breakdown of carbohydrates. And more recently, zinc is a standard in supplements for immunity, while some use for seasonal immune challenges.

Zinc is an essential nutrient, which means your body doesn’t make it. Because of this we must obtain it through diet, including foods like seafood, beans, nuts, dairy products and enriched cereals or grains. For those who have digestive issues or absorption problems, zinc supplements can help fill the void.

Benefits of Zinc

Zinc has been shown to be necessary for wound healing, protein and DNA synthesis and even for immune support. When zinc levels are low, one might experience a lowered or weak immune response, and many studies show that zinc levels decline with age. Because of this, ensuring we get enough through diet or supplementation may help people avoid this. Check out these zinc benefits.

Immune Response – A declining immune system is a normal part of aging, and even a small zinc deficiency can exacerbate the problem. Fortunately, it seems the supplementing with zinc can improve immune response in the elderly. (1) In addition, a review of studies shows that supplementing with zinc lozenges reduced the duration of the common cold by an average of 33%. (2)

Lastly, the Cochrane Group, often considered the gold standard in medical research, concluded that if zinc was taken within 24 hours of the onset of seasonal challenges, one might experience milder symptoms for a shorter time.

Accelerated Wound Healing – Our immune system fights of harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses, but it is also responsible for helping our bodies heal from injury. This may be why it is used by those in the medical community as a treatment for burns and other skin injuries. In one study, zinc increased wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Lower Internal Inflammation – Chronic internal inflammation leads to damage of healthy cells and is linked to chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease and even cancer. Fortunately, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a role in this condition, meaning we can have an impact on this risk factor with healthier choices. Zinc seems to have an anti-inflammatory action, and six months of supplementation suggested that zinc may support blood flow. (3)

Conclusion

Since zinc is important in numerous body systems and involved in functions like cell repair and growth, it is important to ensure you get enough in your diet. The recommended RDA is 8mg for women and 11mg for men, with the Tolerable Upper Level (or maximum amount) is 40mg for all. If you don’t get enough through your diet, supplements can help make up the deficit.

References:

1 Haase H, Rink L. The immune system and the impact of zinc during aging. Immun Ageing. 2009;6:9. Published 2009 Jun 12. doi:10.1186/1742-4933-6-9

2 Hemilä H. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage. JRSM Open. 2017 May 2;8(5):2054270417694291. doi: 10.1177/2054270417694291. PMID: 28515951; PMCID: PMC5418896.

3 Bao B, Prasad AS, Beck FW, et al. Zinc decreases C-reactive protein, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory cytokines in elderly subjects: a potential implication of zinc as an atheroprotective agent. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(6):1634-1641. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28836

Cindy Papp

Author

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/

Posted on December 2, 2020December 7, 2020 by Cindy Papp — Leave a comment

Elderberry Extract for Health and Support

The elderberry plant has been used in traditional medicines for centuries. It has long been used to treat infections, heal skin problems and to support immunity. Leaves, flowers and cooked berries have all been used in various remedies, while there are many varieties of elderberry plants, such as black elderberry or European elderberry.

Nutritional Benefits

Elderberries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that support the immune system by fighting free radicals and other harmful molecules. Fruits and vegetables are our main source of antioxidants, and it turns out that elderberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that support the immune system.

Along with antioxidants, elderberries are a rich source of vitamin C, phenolic acids and flavonols. Vitamin C supports the immune system, while phenolic acids and flavonols include more antioxidants that can protect your body from oxidative stress.

The nutritional content of elderberries is rounded out with an array of B vitamins, as well as vitamin A and tocopherols (vitamin E). The combination of nutrients might account for why traditional cultures considered it to be an important part of health and healing.

Health Benefits

Shorten the Duration Seasonal Challenges – One study showed that participants who drank elderberry syrup cut the duration of symptoms by four days, compared to a placebo group. Some believe the high amounts of vitamins and other nutrients may help support the immune system.

Immune Support – Anthocyanins are antioxidants that give the elderberry their pretty purple color. But aside from aesthetics, it is important to note that these molecules are linked to some important health benefits. One example is that the anthocyanins were found to have anticarcinogenic properties and may protect against oxidative stress.

Vitamin C is abundant in elderberry fruit. Stress can rob us of energy, which has an impact on immunity, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help the body stay strong. It is an important part of the immune system, and is essential, meaning it is important to get a steady supply of this nutrient through the diet.

Improve Skin Health – Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient that helps the body manufacture collagen. For this reason, many treatments in the beauty industry include vitamin C for healthy skin and hair. Elderberries also contain high levels of vitamin A, which is a nutrient that is important for skin nutrition, and along with C may help improve skin quality.

Conclusion

Elderberries should not be consumed raw, as they are toxic. This is why it has traditionally been cooked and prepared for human use, and one of the most popular forms is elderberry tincture.

Elderberry tincture is a liquid concentrate of the elderberry fruit. It has a long shelf life and because it is in liquid form, it is more easily absorbed into the digestive system. Also called Sambucol, it may be mixed with other nutrients to boost the health benefits. While the tincture can be made at home, it is a tedious process that may not always result in a supplement that works. But tinctures are easy to purchase and use as an over the counter to protect and boost your health any time you need support.

Cindy Papp

Author

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/