Greetings Trail Blazers.....
As we start our days now, with noticeable changes to daylight, try to sit outdoors for 15 minutes at sunrise (or at sunset) where you will get a healthy dose of red-light therapy. No need to buy fancy lamps; get it for free from the best source, our sun :)
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune function in older adults, helping to fight off infections and improve overall health. Good sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, certain fruits like kiwi and mango, and grass fed meats. And, beyond immunity, vitamin E protects against cell damage, promotes heart and brain health, andsupports healthy vision. Please call me (661-771-2517) for a Hair Analysis if you're unsure about what vitamins/minerals you may need, with the changing seasons.
Below is a list of healthy, helpful teas that help us during the cold/flu seasons that you may want to incorporate: . . . Catching the flu is miserable, and when you have it, all you want is relief. It can be tempting to fill a prescription for an influenza-fighting drug like Tamiflu. But this acidifying drug has a host of negative side-effects ranging from nausea to dizziness to insomnia:
Eldeberry tea . . . Studies have shown that elderberry offers the same level of relief as prescription flu drugs but side-effect free. Researchers in Florida found that elderberry flavonoids bind directly to the part of the H1N1 virus that attaches to your cells. It blocks the viruses’ ability to infect host cells, effectively preventing infection.
Hibiscus tea soothes flu symptoms andlowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that all hot teas reduce cold and flu symptoms, but unlike black, green, and white teas, hibiscus and other herbal teas are alkalizing and do not contain fluoride. They offer bone-healthy, comforting relief from sore throat, drippy nose, cough, fatigue, and chills. Hibiscus tea has the additional benefit of lowering blood pressure, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition. That’s a result of its rich antioxidant content. Those antioxidants– flavonoids and anthocyanins– are crucial elements for building bone and protecting the bone-building process.
Echinaceatea has been used for medicinal purposes in North America for hundreds of years. It’s a popular and effective natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for cold and flu symptoms. Studies conducted on mice have shown that echinacea shortens the duration and severity of influenza. Research conducted with nearly 300 human participants found that echinacea reduces the severity of cold symptoms when taken at the first sign of infection. This may have to do with echinacea’s proven anti-inflammatory properties. Paired with its free-radical fighting antioxidant action, echinacea builds bone density while mitigating cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea has also been shown to reduce anxiety. The stress of anxiety, if left unchecked can overexpose your body to the hormone cortisol, resulting in bone-damaging and immune-depressing inflammation.
Eldeberry tea . . . Studies have shown that elderberry offers the same level of relief as prescription flu drugs but side-effect free. Researchers in Florida found that elderberry flavonoids bind directly to the part of the H1N1 virus that attaches to your cells. It blocks the viruses’ ability to infect host cells, effectively preventing infection.
Hibiscus tea soothes flu symptoms andlowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that all hot teas reduce cold and flu symptoms, but unlike black, green, and white teas, hibiscus and other herbal teas are alkalizing and do not contain fluoride. They offer bone-healthy, comforting relief from sore throat, drippy nose, cough, fatigue, and chills. Hibiscus tea has the additional benefit of lowering blood pressure, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Nutrition. That’s a result of its rich antioxidant content. Those antioxidants– flavonoids and anthocyanins– are crucial elements for building bone and protecting the bone-building process.
Echinaceatea has been used for medicinal purposes in North America for hundreds of years. It’s a popular and effective natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for cold and flu symptoms. Studies conducted on mice have shown that echinacea shortens the duration and severity of influenza. Research conducted with nearly 300 human participants found that echinacea reduces the severity of cold symptoms when taken at the first sign of infection. This may have to do with echinacea’s proven anti-inflammatory properties. Paired with its free-radical fighting antioxidant action, echinacea builds bone density while mitigating cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea has also been shown to reduce anxiety. The stress of anxiety, if left unchecked can overexpose your body to the hormone cortisol, resulting in bone-damaging and immune-depressing inflammation.
Thymetea . . .You probably think of thyme as a seasoning spice, but it also makes a delicious herbal tea that’s packed with antioxidants. If you don’t see pure thyme tea in your grocery store, check the descriptions of herbal teas. It’s often included with mixed-herb blends. Thyme tea provides antioxidants and relief from cold symptoms.
Rosehipteais the mound just below the petals of a rose. Some people think of it as the fruit of the rose flower, and much like other fruits, rosehip is a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential component for the construction of collagen, which comprises the flexible portion of the bone matrix. Studies have shown that rosehip has significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Sagetea has long been used from the sage plant for medicinal purposes, and modern science is now uncovering its potent effects. Perhaps due to its concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols, studies have found sage to have a positive impact on memory and cognitive health, mood, oxidativek stress, diabetes, lipid profile, cancer risk, a natural alternative to antibiotics, hot flashes from menopause, cough, and sore throat. This impressive list of scientifically supported positive effects of sage makes it a must-have in your cold-fighting toolkit. Keep some sage tea in your cabinet in case of cold or flu, or if you’d just like a nice warm cup of health-supporting tea.
Slippery Elmis a species of tree native to the United States and Canada. For hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, people in North America have used the bark of the slippery elm as a remedy for a variety of common ailments. Contemporary science has confirmed many of its traditional uses, including the power to soothe a cough and sore throat. When you brew slippery elm in water, it releases a compound known as mucilage, a sticky mix of sugars that resists decomposition in the digestive tract. As this soothing compound coats your throat, it suppresses coughs and irritation. Studies have also examined slippery elm’s benefits to the digestive system, finding that it can reduce inflammation in the intestines, providing symptom relief for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In sharp contrast to prescription and many over-the-counter drugs, natural food-based remedies like these teas can be enjoyed anytime, knowing that their healing powers aren’t coupled with nasty side-effects.
Last, but not least, vitamin (hormone) D is crucial for immune system regulation and helps manage autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines and reducing thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
Having optimal vitamin D levels help improve thyroid function by decreasing TSH levels and increasing FT3 and FT4 levels.
Low vitamin D levels are correlated with an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases, acting as an immunomodulator to balance proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells. Vitamin D has shown promise in reducing disease activity and improving treatment outcomes in autoimmune thyroid disorders by enhancing the innate immune response. So, as we come closer to Spring, and we can enjoy nature's natural vitamin D from the sun, be sure to take advantage of it . . . but remember, vitamin D doesn't come through the clouds, or glass . . . so be sure to get some daily sunshine in from a refreshing walk if possible.
Sagetea has long been used from the sage plant for medicinal purposes, and modern science is now uncovering its potent effects. Perhaps due to its concentration of antioxidants and polyphenols, studies have found sage to have a positive impact on memory and cognitive health, mood, oxidativek stress, diabetes, lipid profile, cancer risk, a natural alternative to antibiotics, hot flashes from menopause, cough, and sore throat. This impressive list of scientifically supported positive effects of sage makes it a must-have in your cold-fighting toolkit. Keep some sage tea in your cabinet in case of cold or flu, or if you’d just like a nice warm cup of health-supporting tea.
Slippery Elmis a species of tree native to the United States and Canada. For hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, people in North America have used the bark of the slippery elm as a remedy for a variety of common ailments. Contemporary science has confirmed many of its traditional uses, including the power to soothe a cough and sore throat. When you brew slippery elm in water, it releases a compound known as mucilage, a sticky mix of sugars that resists decomposition in the digestive tract. As this soothing compound coats your throat, it suppresses coughs and irritation. Studies have also examined slippery elm’s benefits to the digestive system, finding that it can reduce inflammation in the intestines, providing symptom relief for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In sharp contrast to prescription and many over-the-counter drugs, natural food-based remedies like these teas can be enjoyed anytime, knowing that their healing powers aren’t coupled with nasty side-effects.
Last, but not least, vitamin (hormone) D is crucial for immune system regulation and helps manage autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines and reducing thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
Having optimal vitamin D levels help improve thyroid function by decreasing TSH levels and increasing FT3 and FT4 levels.
Low vitamin D levels are correlated with an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases, acting as an immunomodulator to balance proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cells. Vitamin D has shown promise in reducing disease activity and improving treatment outcomes in autoimmune thyroid disorders by enhancing the innate immune response. So, as we come closer to Spring, and we can enjoy nature's natural vitamin D from the sun, be sure to take advantage of it . . . but remember, vitamin D doesn't come through the clouds, or glass . . . so be sure to get some daily sunshine in from a refreshing walk if possible.
Happy 2025!
Diane
D. K. Melin, MS, Ph,D,
Ofc: 661-771-2517