Featured Topics: Immune Health
Can Geranium Extract Cut Down on Duration of a Cold? – Informed Opinion
Written by Patrick B. Massey, MD, PH.D. A number of medical studies have shown that an extract of the geranium Pelargonium sidoides significantly reduces the symptoms and duration of the common cold. When I was a young lad one of the advertised goals of medical...
Probiotics Improve Immune Function and Decrease Colds/Flu-Like Symptoms
Written by Jessica Patella, ND. A combination of probiotics Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus fermentum significantly reduced the incidence and severity of upper respiratory infection in participating subjects compared to placebo....
Elderberry Reduces Cold Duration and Symptom Severity in Air Travelers
Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. Elderberry supplementation prior to, during, and up to 5 days following overseas travel significantly reduced cold duration and symptom severity in participating subjects compared to control. Black elderberry (Sambucus...
The Problem With Food Allergy Testing – Informed Opinion
Written by Patrick B. Massey, MD, PH.D. There are fundamental problems with the food allergy tests themselves as well as the interpretation of the results. You might be surprised to learn that food allergy testing, a common laboratory test done by both physicians and...
Ashwagandha May Benefit Those With Thyroid Problems
Written by Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS. Eight weeks of supplementation with Ashwagandha significantly improved TSH, T3 and T4 in the participating subjects compared to the control. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a thyroid disorder without the obvious symptoms of...
Vitamin D Plays Important Role in the Functioning of the Immune System – Informed Opinion
Written by Patrick B. Massey, MD, PhD. Adequate vitamin D levels not only support the immune system but may also play an important role in the treatment of Hashimoto’s Disease. You might be surprised to learn that a low blood level of vitamin D increases the risk of...
Practice of Yoga Improves Levels of Inflammatory Markers Following Exercise
Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. Study participants who practiced yoga both moderately and strenuously had a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α compared to those who did not practice yoga. Regular physical activity plays an...
Lipoic Acid May Benefit Those With Multiple Sclerosis
Written by Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS. A two year supplementation with 1200 mg of lipoic acid significantly reduced (68%) brain atrophy in the 27 study participants with multiple sclerosis compared to the control group. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be defined as a disorder...
Immune Function Improved by Dietary Intake of Yogurt Containing L. Paracasei, B. Lactis, and Heat-Treated L. Plantarum
Written by Angeline A. De Leon, Staff Writer. A twelve week daily consumption of dairy yogurt containing L. paracasei, B. lactis, and heat-treated L. plantarum enhanced the immune system functioning in 200 participating nondiabetic older adults. Dairy yogurt contains...
Zinc Helps Regulate the Immune System – Informed Opinion
Written by Patrick B. Massey, MD, Ph.D. Zinc contributes in many ways to a healthy body and immune system. Zinc plays an important role in regulating how the immune system functions. It is critical in helping the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Zinc...
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