Innate and Adaptive Immunity (Video)
How the immune system fights off invaders, from splinters to vaccines Our immune systems consist of two parts: the innate (or general) immune system and the adaptive (or acquired) immune system. In this video, family physician Dr. Erica Zelfand explains the basics of these two systems, illuminating how they each fight germs (like bacteria,…
Adaptogens for Cold and Flu Season
Herbs that kick stress and boost immunity There’s an entire class of botanicals can help us with both curbing stress and fighting microbes. Aptly known as the adaptogens, these plants help us adapt to the world around us by naturally improving our stamina, supporting our mental and emotional resilience, and boosting our ability to…
How Stress Hurts the Immune System – And What to Do About it (Video)
Stress: it isn’t just in your head. In this video, Dr. Erica Zelfand explains how our bodies respond to stress and how those reactions can wreak havoc on our immunological function, weight, blood sugar, heart health, and overall wellbeing. Topics covered include: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the adrenal glands, cortisol, adrenaline, and the effects…
Biohacks for a Calmer, Happier, More Focused You (Video)
Meet your new best friend – your vagus nerve. Through simple biohacks, we can use our bodies to affect our mood, focus, and productivity. In this video, naturopathic physician Dr. Erica Zelfand introduces the vagus nerve – a nerve that travels from the head to the throat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, and even…
Magnesium Deficiency and the Brain
The importance of magnesium for memory, mood, migraines, and fibromyalgia Magnesium is essential for the healthy functioning of every organ in the human body.[1],[2],[3],[4] Unfortunately, nationwide surveys have shown that two-thirds of all adults, and up to 90% of the elderly, are not achieving the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for this mineral.[5],[6] Magnesium insufficiency…
Managing Menopause
How diet, exercise, and nutrition can ease the menopausal transition “I’m still hot, it just comes in flashes.” This slogan makes me smile. It means that we can approach menopause with confidence and with humor, especially with the help of friends! Studies have proven that supportive friends play a major role in helping women…
Pediatric Nutritional Deficiencies and ADHD (Video)
Essential nutrients for healthy brain function Following up on our earlier discussion of “Integrative Perspectives on ADHD“, Dr. Carrie Decker, ND, takes a look at the research and larger meta-analyses of common nutritional deficiencies in children with ADHD, as well as the role different nutrients play in pediatric brain health.
Vitamin D in the News
COVID-19 and Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem that affects more than one billion children and adults worldwide.[1],[2] Vitamin D is essential not only for healthy bones, but also for the body’s defense against infections.[3],[4],[5],[6] Numerous studies have shown that insufficient vitamin D intakes are associated with an enhanced…
Integrative Perspectives on ADHD (Video)
As school is back in full force, and we are doing our best to “stay home, stay safe”, it can be a challenge for even the most focused individuals to maintain sustained attention for the projects at hand. Herein, we take a look specifically at the disorder known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),…
The Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Quercetin
The value of quercetin for respiratory health beyond allergies Quercetin is another well-known member of the polyphenol family. Considered a flavonoid type of polyphenol, quercetin is found in many fruits and vegetables, including onions, apples, cherries, broccoli, tomatoes, and berries, as well as green tea. We look to quercetin most often seasonally as a…
The Benefits of Berry Polyphenols
The abundant polyphenols found in berries deliver numerous health benefits Of all fruits, the consumption of fresh berries is something we oft seek out more than their somewhat more boring apple or banana counterparts. Whether it be berry smoothies; berry cobblers, pies, or crisps; homemade berry wines; or simply fresh berries eaten by the…
The Berrylicious Benefits of Black Elderberry
Pleasant-tasting purple berries provide powerful immune protection Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), much like echinacea, takes its place in our botanical medicinal cabinet seasonally when the seasonal colds and flu are at large. Because of elderberry’s naturally appealing taste, it is a botanical that we commonly find as a pleasant tasting syrup or chewable. But…
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