Category - Immunity-inflammatory-support
Vitamin D May Keep Cold And Flu From Taking Root
Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because we naturally manufacture this nutrient when exposed to the sun. In a report published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology last week, scientists explored the connection between between vitamin D and viral illnesses like influenza and the common cold. These illnesses occur more often in winter, at the same time that we have less sunshine and lower vitamin D levels.
The Immunity Connection
Researchers observed that as people got older, their vitamin D levels drop. Vitamin D insufficency then causes an immune factor called TLR7 to fall. When you get a virus, TLR7 shouts out to your whole immune system that you have a viral infection and everyone had better gear up to fight the bug. When you lack TLR7, this message gets bungled and the battle for viral immunity suffers.
Although vitamin D levels do drop as people age, everyone's level tends to fall as winter drags on. Researchers concluded that a lack of vitamin D may drive a wintertime surge in colds and flus, because of deficient TLR7 levels.
The sun is a great way to get vitamin D, but supplements can also be a good option, particularly for those who don't get enough mid day sun, or as people age.
Order this supplement at SundropsOnline.com: Vitamin D
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
VSL#3 Probiotic: Ulcerative Colitis and IBS
VSL#3 is one of the strongest probiotics available at 450 billion bacteria per packet. To put this in perspective, Align, a probiotic promoted to help Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), has only 1 billion bacteria per dose. The high concentration of good bacteria in VSL#3 may allow it to positively impact more serious and chronic conditions than other probiotics can.
Why Probiotics?
Probiotics are good bacteria. Good bacteria have a number of purposes in the body. One of their big jobs is to reduce inflammation, a hyperactive immune response associated with allergies as well as with more serious illnesses like ulcerative colitis. At the same time, good bacteria prime your immune system to attack viruses. Probiotics seem to be associated with an all around reduction in "bad" immunity with a simultaneous increase in "good" immunity.
Reduced numbers of these friendly helpers may contribute to weakened immunity and allergies, as well as inflammatory GI tract illnesses like ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).
Research with VSL#3 over the the last decade has shown that replenishing the gut with a high dose of good bacteria can often put people with inflammatory bowel disease into remission and keep them in remission. Researchers have also found a benefit for IBS with VSL#3
Ulcerative Colitis
In a 2009 study, VSL#3 treated patients achieved a remission rate of 32.5% after 6 weeks, a rate 50% higher than placebo. At 12 weeks, the VSL#3 remission rate was up to 42.9%, while the placebo remission rate hovered around 15%.
A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology showed a 53% remission rate in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis that was unresponsive to conventional drugs. An additional 24% responded, but did not achieve remission, for a combined response/remission rate of 77%. There were no adverse events.
Children With Ulcerative Colitis
In a 2009 trial, VSL#3 was compared to a placebo treatment, both in combination included conventional drug therapy a group of children newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. 92.8% of the children in the VSL#3 group achieved remission while only 36.3% of the conventional therapy group reached remission. Measurements of intestinal damage and inflammation were consistently lower in the VSL#3 group of kids.
In another study, VSL#3 treated children with mild to moderate acute ulcerative colitis had a remission rate of 56%, and a combined remission and response rate of 61%.
Pouchitis With Ulcerative Colitis Surgery
Pouchitis is the most significant long-term complication of the ulcerative colitis surgery known as ileal-pouch anal anastomosis. Patients with pouchitis were treated with 1,800 billion bacteria twice per day. 69% went into remission and 100% of those patients were successfully maintained on 1,800 billion bacteria per day for the remainder of the 6 month study.
In another study, patients with recurrent or treatment resistant pouchitis were put in remission with conventional treatment. 85% of the group who subsequently received VSL#3 remained in remission while only 6% of the placebo group stayed in remission a year later.
IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic and troubling condition of the gut whose symptoms can include pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. VSL#3 has been shown to help with at least two IBS symptoms.
In adults with IBS, a 2003 study linked VSl#3 to significantly less IBS related bloating in a 2003. A 2005 study showed VSL#3 to be associated with reduced flatulence.
Order the product at SundropsOnline.com: VSL#3 capsules VSL#3 Sachet Packets
Int J Pediatr Laryngol 2010. Br J Nutr 2012. Allergol Int 2012. Gut 2011. Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2012. Thorax 2004. Dig Liver Dis 2012. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009, Am J Gastroenterol 2005. Am J Gastroenterol 2009. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009. Gut 2004. Dis Colon Rectum 2007.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Weight Loss Supplement CLA Helps Crohn’s Disease
Scientists have recently discovered a new use for the popular weight loss supplement conjugated linolenic acid (CLA). In a group of Crohn's disease patients, CLA significantly reduced disease activity and improved quality of life in 50% of the patients.
CLA is a substance secreted by beneficial bacteria in our intestines that has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Order this product at SundropsOnline.com: conjugated linolenic acid (CLA)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Vitamin D May Be Helpful for Multiple Sclerosis Autoimmunity
In a 2012 study in the journal Multiple Sclerosis, a high dose of Vitamin D3 (5,000-10,000iu) per day for 15 weeks increased an important component of the immune system called il-10. Il-10 is a molecule that instructs overactive immune cells to calm down.
As Il-10 increased, a destructive molecule called il-17 fell. Il-17 contributes to autoimmunity in MS.
Il-10 is often low in autoimmune illness. Raising il-10 may help quiet self-attacking immune cells and scientists hold out hope for treatment MS using vitamin D.
Vitamin D has been linked to improvements in several other autoimmune diseases. See our post on vitamin D in lupus.
Order This Product at SundropsOnline.com: Vitamin D 5000iu
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Vitamin D Reduces Lupus Autoimmune Severity
Several studies lately have emphasized the potential role of vitamin D in reducing lupus disease activity. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys joints, skin, and other parts of the body.
An Egyptian study found that lupus patients commonly have low vitamin D levels regardless of their exposure to the sun and that disease activity worsens as vitamin D levels drop.
At the American College of Rheumatology 2011 annual meeting, researchers presented a study that used large supplemental doses of natural vitamin D (as opposed to synthetic vitamin D) to improve the immune responses of lupus patients. In this study, patients were given 100,000iu per week for 4 weeks followed by a monthly dose of 100,000iu.
Despite the large dose, patients did not experience symptoms of vitamin D excess. In response to the vitamin D, patients generated more of the protective immune cells whose purpose is to quiet down faulty immune cells.
More Lupus Research
- 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily significantly improved measures of lupus disease activity
- Lupus patients taking curcumin, the extract of the spice turmeric, experienced a marked improvement in kidney function over placebo. Curcumin has been used in several other autoimmune diseases due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
Order these products at SundropsOnline: Vitamin D 5000iu Fish Oil Curcumin
Med Sci Monitor 2011. Lupus 2011. American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting 2011. Ann Rheum Dis 2008. J Ren Nutr 2012.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Curcumin From Turmeric Better Than Conventional Drug For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers think that curcumin, the extract of the spice turmeric, may be an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA patients taking 500mg of curcumin per day had significantly more relief of pain and swelling than patients taking the conventional arthritis drug diclofenac sodium.
Find this product at SundropsOnline.com: Curcumin
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Dr.OZ and Supplement Lies: Vitamin C, Fish Oil, Algae Oil, Multivitamins
Dr. Oz talked about Supplement Lies on Friday's show. Read on for what was true and what could use some work.
Got Fish? Algae Oil's Not The Best
The truth about fish oil is that it is significantly better for you than algae oil.
There are two kinds of omega-3's in fish oil: DHA and EPA. They are both really important and have different purposes in the body. Algae oil contains only DHA.
EPA is anti-inflammatory in its own right and has actually been used by itself to treat depression, whereas DHA has not been shown to be effective for this purpose.
Plus, algae oil is actually more expensive per milligram of omega-3 than fish oil.
Vitamin C: The Real Story
Dr. Oz recommended 60mg, the RDA of vitamin C, for preventing the common cold.
But there is actually no research that tells us that vitamin C prevents colds at any dose in the average person.
However, people with a lot of exposure to the cold or who have had intense physical activity cut their odds of catching a cold in half, but at a dose of 200-2000mg, not 60mg.
Taking a larger dose of vitamin C after you've already caught a cold might be helpful. A large study in 2011 analyzed a number of past studies and said that taking more than 1000mg a day lopped 1-2 days off the common cold.
Multivitamins
Dr. OZ makes a good a suggestion about multivitamins: cut your multivitamin in half and take half in the morning and half at night. He's right: you will get rid of some nutrients faster than others through your urine, and with twice a day dosing you can keep a steadier level in your blood.
But If you ever wanted to hate your multivitamin, cut that sucker in half and try to swallow it every day. It's sharp and jagged! Opt for a two a day multi instead.
Find these supplements at SundropsOnline.com: Fish oil, Algae oil, Vitamin C 500mg, Vitamin C 1000mg, Daily Two Multi
Can Fam Physician 2011. J Clin Psychiary 2011.
See all Dr. OZ posts here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Dr. OZ: Quercetin Spray, Coconut Oil, and Carnitine
Quercetin Nasal Spray
Animal and test tube studies are full of references to the potential allergy quashing power of quercetin. In these studies, quercetin effectively blunted IgE based reactions. IgE is the immune antibody responsible for all the itchy, sneezy, runny symptoms we love to hate.
Coconut and Palm Kernel Oil
Dr. Oz recommended these oils for a brain energy boost. Coconut and palm kernel oil contain fats called MCTs. MCTs are turned into compounds called ketones in your body, and many scientists believe that these ketones provide an additional and important energy source for your brain. See our post about coconut oil, brain energy, and Alzheimer's for more information on MCTs and brain energy.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a remarkably odd sounding supplement. It is actually a fungus that takes over a caterpillar, killing it and assuming its shape in the process. It became popular starting roughly 20 years ago due to a rumored ability to boost performance in world class athletes. Many people take it for energy. Find a study supporting its use for energy on a previous Dr. OZ cordyceps post here.
Dr. Oz says L-Carnitine. Try Acetyl-l-Carnitine Instead!
One of l-carnitine's jobs in the body is take fat inside your cells to be made into energy. If you are looking to increase your energy, a better option is actually acetyl-l-carnitine. It is similar to l-carnitine, but has a little molecule stuck onto the carnitine, the effect of which is to allow the carnitine to cross from your blood into your brain. Regular carnitine doesn't get into the brain as well.
Fatigue is a sensation experienced in the brain, and it makes sense to try to help the brain function better in order to alleviate fatigue. Scientists are studying acetyl-l-carnitine in fatigue, mood, Chronic Fatigue Synrome, and cognitive impairment, because of its potential to increase energy production in the brain. In one study, acetyl-l-carnitine and its cousin propionyl-l-carnitine were found to be more useful than testosterone for symptoms of male aging, including fatigue, depression, and erectile dysfunction.
For the more of the latest information on fatigue, check out our anti-fatigue post "I Should Feel Good. Why am I tired ?"
See our other posts on carnitine: Carnitine and Autistic Symptoms and Enjoy Life While Quitting Alcohol.
Black Currant Juice
Like other dark blue and red colored fruit, black currants are filled to the brim with good-for-you antioxidants. A study found that black currant seed actually reduced shoulder muscle fatigue while typing by increasing blood flow to the muscles.
Expert Opin Invest Drug 2008. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2012. Urology 2004. Altern Med Review 2006. Bratisl Lek Listy 2011. Eur J Appl Physiol 2005.
Find these products at SundropsOnline.com: Activated Quercetin Tablets, Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil Capsules, L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Quercetin spray is now available for order at SundropsOnline.com.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research and nutritional information included is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease and should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician before initiating any new dietary or supplement program. References available by request.
Zinc Cut Cold Length by 42%
75mg worth of zinc acetate lozenges per day reduced the length of the common cold by 42%.
Open Respir Med J 2011.
