Tag Archives: immune system

Be Well health tips, Health and Fitness, Weight Loss

Staying home could weaken your immune system

In the words of my trainer, staying home can mess up your immune system. When we are ready to mingle again, how resistant will our systems be? PJ Glassey of Xgym asks if we remember when Quarantines were only for sick people? I was once quarantined because I had the mumps. I remember the dark front bedroom and my mother creeping in to take my temperature and feed me soup. I was six years old. We have seldom quarantined healthy people.

We could end up on the other side of this quarantine period claiming it saved us all and

had we not done this unprecedented lockdown, millions upon millions of people would have died, and the virus would have continued to wreak havoc on the world for decades to come.

The other extreme side will say the lockdown had absolutely no effect on the infection or death rates and, in fact, the countries and states who didn’t close down proved that point by fairing as well or better than those who did.

Then there will be lots of people in the middle, adjusting toward one side or the other, based on what they believe to be true and then repeating that narrative based on their ingrained biases and agendas.

The bottom line is no one will really know. No one will be able to prove anything because no one can see into the future or even guess what might have been if things were done differently. PJ Glassey

Either way the lockdown will have negative effects on our immune systems and may cause increased infection rates if we don’t recognize what is going on and do something about it.

Here are some ideas about how to strengthen your immune system so you don’t catch every little cold, flu, bacteria, and other bugs the minute we are all mingling again.

First, let’s be clear that everyone gets sick, and there’s no way to avoid every bug….

The strength of anyone’s immune system lies mostly in their gut flora balance and diversity. In fact, over 70% of you’re immune system strength is directly attributable to the health and status of your gut flora.

Those little internal buggers protect you from the outside buggers in a myriad of ways, ranging from killing off those bad bugs themselves to communicating with your other lines of defenses in your body to help kill them there.

The best way to have an optimized gut flora is to feed them with the right nutrients and tools to be as healthy, balanced, and diverse as possible. If you help them, they are able to help you.

When you eat real, organic food, your gut flora thrives on the fiber (soluble and insoluble), vitamins, and minerals. Real (and especially organic) food is the best source for all this.

Non-organic food often has pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified components that kill off your good gut microbes, throwing off the balance, and slashing the diversity. Additionally, some respected scientists are finding the Coronavirus mechanism involves an “unmasking” of environmental toxins such as glyphosate, found in many non-organic foods, drastically amplifying its toxic effects inside the body on a cellular level, exacerbating the complications related to Coronavirus.

There’s something even worse than non-organic food though. Guess what that is? Yep – processed food. If you are eating most of your food out of bags and boxes, you’re decimating your gut flora and your immune system.

It just so happens that’s what most people are eating now in this lockdown, so they are setting themselves up to catch lots of nasty bugs when they get back out of their homes.

Another huge way we get and maintain a strong immune system is through constant exposure to microbes. When we are consistently coming into contact with viruses and bacteria, we are building and strengthening our immune system. We do this by shaking hands (and sharing microbes), playing in the dirt, hugging people, kissing, talking and laughing within 6 feet of each other, etc. – everything we are avoiding right now – so that’s another way we are decimating our immune system and setting it up for failure.

We are also acting like OCD people with all the incessant handwashing, hand sanitizers, spraying, wiping, disinfecting every surface, masks, gloves, and more, all contributing to preventing the natural and healthy exposure of the TRILLIONS of microbes we need to be in contact with, in order to try to avoid the ONE bug we are so fearful of right now.

If that worked, then clean-freak OCD people wouldn’t get sick more frequently than their “dirtier” friends but they do. They get sick way more often, in fact, because they are so focused on staying clean and sterile, they don’t get the exposure necessary for proper immunity. This, of course, feeds their OCD, which makes them try to be even cleaner, which then perpetuates the problem, sometimes resulting in the “Howard Huges syndrome,” along with Munchausen, and more.

When we are cooped up inside and out of the sunshine, we rapidly become deficient in Vitamin D, which drastically weakens our immune system. Some health and medical experts even believe Vitamin D should be reclassified as a hormone because it’s so much more powerful than other vitamins – especially with its effect on our immune health.

Since we are inside, out of the sun, and moving much less than we usually do, our hydration habits are also most likely suffering, as our thirst mechanisms are sending us fewer signals. Viruses and bacteria LOVE a dry host and HATE hydrated hosts because those people are stronger, more energetic, have healthier organs, happier gut flora, and the list goes on and on. PJ Glassey

During the lockdown, we are doing the exact opposite of what we should be doing to build and maintain a healthy immune system to be ready to come out of this and resume our lives.

Here are PJ’s top 7 suggestions, based on what he has learned about the human body as a biohacker and health researcher over the last 34 years:

1.) Drink 2-4 quarts of clean, filtered water per day. Here’s a “ballpark” way to figure out how much you should have: Take your body weight in pounds, divide that by two, and drink that many ounces each day, spread throughout the day as much as possible. This general formula works great for people who weigh between 100 and 250 lbs. but some may need a bit more or less depending on climate, habits, activity, sweating rate, etc.

2.) Eat organic real food, prepared in your own kitchen, with your own hands.

3.) Stay away from processed food, artificial ingredients, and especially sugar because that can really hurt your internal buggers. If your food has a label on it, treat that as a warning label, and the longer it is, the more urgent the warning!

4.) Exercise! This can be through the X Gym online training, the X Gym app, running, biking, hiking, dancing (learn a new move on TicTok), or anything else that gets you breathing hard. [Join Free Form Dance Dance on Saturday morning 10:30 – 12. zoom to a curated set list virtually dancing with several dozen people. It’s a hoot.]

5.) Get out in the sun and/or take a vitamin D3 supplement.

6.) Eat fermented foods like kimchi, or sauerkraut, or kefir, or all of those, as I do. These foods are packed with probiotics – another word for the “good buggers” I’m been talking about and will help balance and populate your gut flora. [Shaklee’s Optiflora does a great job.]

7.) Get outside and roll in the grass, plant some stuff with your bare hands, play with some earthworms, walk on the beach in your bare feet, dig in the sand with your hands, etc., and then rub your face with those grimy hands!

How is your score on doing these 7 things? Begin adding one after the other over the next few days/weeks to get ready. Hopefully, you have not put on 19 covid pounds during this stay-at-home order. Shaklee can help you there with a 7-Day cleanse to kick start better eating anytime you are ready.

Our current “quarantine quandary,” as PJ calls it, is more than just weight gain. It’s going to get way worse if people don’t become aware of the current immune-depressing world we are moving around in. Personally I know a lot of people who are gardening and walking and getting up close and personal with their “quarantine pod” of friends and family and so are not overly depressing their immune system. If you see yourself in the situation PJ describes, take steps. You’ll be glad you did.

Be well, do well, and keep moving!

Betsy

 

Betsy Bell’s Health4U

206 409 5940

betsy@hihohealth.com

www.HiHoHealth.com  my Shaklee shopping page

 

 

 

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Be Well health tips

Stop that cold from coming

What do you do to avoid catching that cold that is going around? Over the Counter remedies? Homeopathics? Antihistamines?
How are these remedies working for you? You’ve just got to stop that cold from coming or you will miss working/skiing/visiting your friends/seeing your family. Help!

I recently drove over to Mazama in the Methow valley of Eastern Washington to cross country ski. My friend called early the day of our departure to say she was coming down with a cold and didn’t want to infect any of the rest of us. We were sharing a house with three others. She had taken a homeopathic in the middle of the night when the symptoms woke her. She’d taken an antihistamine.

I, too, had been fighting the early symptoms of a cold and wondered to myself if I should be going. I used a Netty Pot with warm salt water to try to clear a sinus blockage. I swallowed four Vita C every 3 hours, took extra lecithin to keep the gathering gunk running so the cold didn’t settle in my chest. I drank buckets of Breathe Easy and Throat Coat tea. By the time of our departure, the sinus pain had gone; the cough was easing up and the drippy nose lessened.
I urged my friend to go. And to stop the antihistamines, but instead, I’d bring a bottle of Sustained Release Vita C and she could take a couple every few hours. She agreed.  She continued with her homeopathics and the lemon tea, plus some Throat coat and Breathe Easy as we drove the many hours. Of course, we had to stop often at restrooms along the way with that much tea going in. And within twenty-four hours, her cold turned around.

A customer got in touch while I was gone, desperate for Defend and Resist, a throat lozenge Shaklee makes that helps to ward off the early symptoms of a cold. He was afraid he’d run out before he got the upper hand. When I got home, we talked and the supply of D&R he had, took care of it. No cold.

All around me, people are dropping like flies. We all have our favorite remedies and strategies for avoiding a full-blown cold that keeps us from work or play. If your methods haven’t worked as well as you like, or if you are in the middle of a horrible cold, or a lingering cough, please go here to read about these cold avoiding and relieving products you might want to try. Or click here to go straight to my Shaklee website and make a purchase.
Good health to you. Betsy

And by all means, Keep Moving.

 

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Scientific resources

Immune Support

Cold and Flu Season= Immunity and how to get more of it.

 

Organs of Immunity

 

Skin: Forms an effective barrier against pathogens.

Respiratory system: Cilia lining the airway move mucus and contaminants out of the body.

Stomach and intestines: Stomach acid kills most bacteria. Antibodies secreted by the intestinal cells attack pathogens.

Lymph nodes: Lymphocytes are cells of the immune system that recognize and eliminate pathogens.

Spleen: Aids the body in fighting harmful bacteria.

White blood cells: Attachs pathogens throughout the body.

 

How Viruses Work

If you have ever had a cold or the flu, you have been the victim of a virus.  “Viruses are responsible for many other serious, often deadly, diseases including AIDS, Ebola, infectious hepatitis and herpes.”

 

Viruses are tiny microbes much smaller and very different from bacteria in that they cannot survive on their own.  Viruses need to invade a living cell in order to live and grow. Once inside a host cell, viruses rapidly replicate themselves, burst their host cell and start infecting other cells around them. Once enough cells are effected, you begin experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough and sweating as the body tries to defend itself against the attack.

 

Why viruses are so difficult to combat…When the proper host is not available, some viruses can hide out in your body for years waiting for the right conditions.  Viruses can mutate quickly so as soon as scientists create a new vaccine, a mutated resistant virus often appears.  An antibiotic doesn’t necessary help unless the bacteria is identified and the medication is specifically designed to kill that strain of bacteria.

 

How viruses spread…Most viruses are airborne and can pass from an infected person when they cough or sneeze. Others are infectious only when a person has contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person…like the AIDS virus.  Some viruses are tough enough to live on room temperature surfaces (doorknobs, handrails or countertops) for up to 48 hours.  That’s why frequent hand washing is critical if you want to avoid viral infections.

 

Bulletproof immunity…Recently, a devastating strain of Enterovirus has been infecting school-age children, developing overnight from mild flu-like symptoms to threatening their very ability to breathe, particularly in children with asthma.  In a global community, we are exposed to widespread contagion of pathogens, many of which have no preventative vaccine or medical treatment.

 

Our best defense is a strong immune system.

 

Strong immune support is no guarantee, but it is your best chance to stay healthy in the face of any and all health threats.

 

5 steps to bulletproof your immunity:

 

Stay hydrated. Healthy fluids such as Get Clean Water and Shaklee tea flush toxins.

 

Eliminate Sugar refined sugar is a poison which dramatically decreases immune function.

 

 

Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep depressed the immune system.  Try Gentle Sleep Complex.

 

Eat healthy foods often.  Plenty of fresh vegetables and whole fruits, to keep your blood sugar even throughout the day.

Take probiotics.  80% of your immune system is located in your gut… trillions of beneficial bacteria help you fight disease and absorb nutrients.  Optiflora

Ready to shop?  My Shaklee shopping page is here.

Questions?  Call or email me.  206 933 1889, betsy@hihohealth.com

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Be Well health tips, Health and Fitness

immune system

Gentle Reader,

immune system3
What is your defense?

Our immune system needs help.  Flu season is upon us.  People all around me have colds.  Our children are getting leveled by Enterovirus 68. Are you nervous about the Ebola virus?  The annual debate surfaces again among people who prefer a natural approach to prevention and those accepting vaccines. What are your plans for protecting yourself, your children or your grandchildren, if you have any say in their health care?

Let’s take a fresh look at the immune system.  The immune system is a complex and highly developed system, yet its mission is simple–to seek and kill invaders.  Every minute of the day, thousands of battles rage inside your body.  Millions of microscopic foreign invaders are trying to penetrate your cells, while your body’s immune system struggles to fight them off.  If the invaders win, the result can be a lingering cold or flu, or it could be a chronic illness, cancer or some other disease.

 

The immune system is a person’s primary defense against disease.  With the ever-increasing globalization of our world and strange mutations of viruses on the loose, there has never been a more critical time for you to strengthen your body’s immune system.  In addition to known viruses such as the common flu, there is a new onslaught of life threatening viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, HIV and SARS.   Do not count on the health care system to protect you.  Take personal responsibility.  Choose your optimum health strategies.

 

If you have had even a cold, not to mention the flu, that is an indication that your immune system was not able to do its job effectively of protecting your body from these infections.

 

The immune system protects you in three different ways:

1.      It creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering your body.

2.      If a bacteria or virus does get into your body, the immune system tries to detect and eliminate it before it can make itself at home and reproduce.

3.      If the virus and/or bacteria are able to reproduce and start causing problems, your immune system is in charge of surrounding, isolating and eliminating it.

 

Knowing this, it is quite obvious why you need to build and maintain a strong immune system.  The stronger it is, the more likely your body will be prepared to defend itself when a deadly bacteria or virus comes knocking.

Want to watch a short video made for kids (aren’t we all kids?) to explain just how this immune system works?

It is extremely important to keep this system healthy, nourished and stimulated.

 

There are many challenges from modern life that affect the immune system:

  • not enough rest or exercise
  • too much exercise (like running a marathon) will depress the immune function temporarily
  • inadequate nutrition
  •       high stress
  •       environmental pollutants & airborne irritants
  •       aging

 

How to counteract these challenges:

  • Get better sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Reduce stress
  • Support your system with supplements

 

Vitamin supplements are highly recommended to strengthen and maintain a strong immune system.  As a FIRST CHOICE, choose Nutriferon from SHAKLEE.

 

Considering the Flu Shot ?

Instead choose Nutriferon for broad spectrum protection

   

What is Nutriferon?

It is an exclusive blend of clinically-proven immuno-supportive phytonutrients–FOUR key herbal extracts, which contain bioactive polysaccharides that are safe and natural immune stimulators:

1.      Pumpkin seed – increases interferon production

2.      Plantago seed – stimulates overall immune response

3.      Safflower flower – prompts macrophage to produce cytokines

4.      Japanese honeysuckle flower bud – increases activity of immune cells

 

What does Nutriferon?

When used every day, it provides natural, unsurpassed support for the immune system’s most powerful front-line defenses by

  • increasing the production, speed, activity and accuracy of the immune system cells and
  • increasing the communication between all immune system cells.

 

How does it actually work?

1.      It  enhances cytokine production.  Cytokines are chemical messengers between immune cells which encourage immune cell growth, proliferation, activity, accuracy and power.  They destroy target cells, such as viruses and cancer cells.

2.      It induces natural interferon production, a powerful group of cytokines.

3.      It increases the activity of macrophages–white blood cells that constantly patrol the body looking for “bad guys” to consume.  When a macrophage spots anything foreign, it calls for help from other immune system cells using the messenger chemicals called cytokines.

4.      It enhances neutrophil activity and maintenance.   Neutrophils are key players in the immune response process.

5.      It causes immediate increase in lymphocytes.  Lymphocyte cells organize the entire defense of the body.  When they become damaged or begin to be reduced in number, the body cannot defend itself effectively.

6.      It optimizes IgE balance–the immune response against environmental irritants and airborne substances.  So Immune Building Complex is especially good to cope with asthma and environmental allergies.

7.      It helps bring balance to the immune system

a.      by helping up-modulate a weak immune system

b.      by helping down-modulate a runaway immune system (auto-immune response)

 

How to Use Nutriferon:

Take two easy-to-swallow caplets daily 

It is intended for EVERYDAY USE.  Don’t wait until you get sick.  It helps to keep your immune system charged and in an optimum state to defend itself DAILY!

Two a day will provide dietary support for all men and women, especially

  • those interested in maintaining a “peak-performance” immune system
  • those who are elderly and, therefore, vulnerable to diminished immunity
  • those whose diets are not always optimal
  • those with high levels of stress
  • those who are sedentary or have erratic exercise habits

Precaution  People on immune suppressant drugs (prednisone, gout medication, “inhibitors of cytokine activity,” etc.)  should consult their health care provider.  If the ESR or CRP levels are elevated in the blood, use caution with Nutriferon.

 

Product History

This incredible formula is the result of decades of work by eminent immunologists.

  • It was released to the world marketplace in February 2003 by the SHAKLEE Corporation.
  • It has been awarded four honorary patents in Japan, USA, Europe and China.
  • Nutriferon was developed by Dr. Yasuhiro Kajima, the discoverer of
  • interferons and an eminent immunologist, professor and scientific researcher from Japan.

Dr. Kajima began his immunology research in 1932, and IBC is the result of this pioneering research.  It is now available exclusively through SHAKLEE distributors.

 

Incredible Results !

  • Clinical test results revealed after one month’s usage:  Hepatitis-C virus levels reduced to 1/3.

 

  • Lymphocyte count recovery after surgery and chemo for cancer was reduced from the usual 3 months to 3 to 4 weeks

 

  • Martha Willmore’s patient with environmentally-induced asthma has not used inhalers since introducing Nutriferon—and before Nutriferon had used the inhaler every 2 hours at night.

You will decide what your line of defense will be.  Even when you do everything right within your power, some virus or bacteria may get through and overwhelm your immune defenses.  What to do should you get sick is the topic of another post.  Until then,

Be well, Do well and Keep Moving.

Betsy

206 933 1889

I hope you will take a minute to comment.  Pass this information along to anyone you think might benefit.

 

 

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Scientific resources

Immune support

Gentle Reader.

IMMUNE SUPPORT:  NUTRIFERON

I tried to make sense of developing breast cancer at age 34.  One thought was to blame too much use of antibiotics as a child, along with cold and flu suppressants.  No doctor has been willing to go there with me.  My approach to my own health these past 42 cancer free years has been to strengthen my immune system in every way possible.

To my great relief and delight, the man who discovered a key to the immune response, Interferon, developed an herbal compound that stimulates our own body’s ability to make interferon.  Shaklee has the exclusive right to market this herbal complex, Nutriferon.  Herbs provide immune support.

I wish everyone I care about and people I don’t even know yet would take this Nutriferon every day.  We would have a lot fewer sick days if they did.

What is Nutriferon? Scientific results

Individual ingredients in the immune boosting blend include

pumpkin seed (Cucurbita Moschata) extract, which has been reported to induce interferon in cell cultures. It also contains

Plantago seed (Plantago asiatica), which has polysaccharides thought to stimulate non-specific immunity.

Safflower flower (Carthamus tinctorius) polysaccharides have been shown experimentally to prompt macrophages to produce cytokines. And

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flower buds have been traditionally used to fight infections.

What does Nutriferon do?

Experimentally, it’s been reported to increase the activity of immune cells. For example, clinical studies demonstrate that this novel, patented botanical blend is effective at inducing the body’s natural production of interferon, a key conductor and activator of immune response processes. Nutriferon activates and increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages and may increase the activity of natural killer cells, immune system defenders that seek out and destroy invaders at the cellular immune response level.

Human Clinical Trials

1. Administration of a Botanical Blend in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

High dose interferon is approved as a treatment for hepatitis C. The investigators in this study chose to look at [Nutriferon] for its potential natural interferon induction and the impact on patients with chronic hepatitis C.

The three month study conducted at Kanazawa University Hospital in Ishikawa, Japan, was an open-label trial of patients with chronic hepatitis C who ingested 1gm of the blend [Nutriferon] daily. Of the 35 patients that completed the study, there were improvements reported in malaise, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting with no adverse changes in hematology or biochemical examination parameters. There was a statistically significant decrease in HCV-RNA virus levels in patients with high viral titers after 1 and 3 months administration of [Nutriferon] and no serious adverse events were observed with botanical blend administration.  The study findings suggest that [Nutriferon] has antiviral activity and may be both safe and useful for administration to patients with chronic hepatitis C, especially in those with high viral titers.

Think about what this implies!

2. Administration of a Patented Botanical Blend in Patients with Pollenosis [allergies like hay-fever]

Allergies such as hay fever are hyper-sensitivities in which immune responses to environmental antigens cause inflammation and damage to the body itself.

Three uncontrolled trials on 113 subjects with mild nasal allergy or hay fever were conducted between 1998 and 2000. In these trials, subjects who used the botanical blend reported specific improvements in subjective measurements such as sneezing, nasal discharge, teary eyes, and nasal blockage. 10 subjects with nasal allergy consuming 2 g daily of [Nutriferon] for 4 weeks showed a statistically significant increase in peripheral blood gamma interferon levels after 4 weeks when compared to the pre-treatment measurement.   Reduced allergy response!

3. Effect of Administration of a Botanical Blend in Menopausal Women

Biological factors including hormones and cytokines, as well as psychological factors determine menopausal symptoms. The negatives associated with hormone replacement therapy are driving the search for alternative therapies. Thirty-two post-menopausal women were given 2g daily of [Nutriferon] for 6 months to measure effects on the immune and endocrine systems. There was a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, significant decrease in facial skin surface blood flow, and a significant decrease in plasma TG and LDL-cholesterol after 3 months administration.  [Nutriferon] appears to have clinically improved menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women and may help to maintain or improve normal biological function and quality of life as measured by these indicators in postmenopausal women.  Think about this!!

4. Some Effects of [Nutriferon]

In a follow up to the previous study, there was a significant decrease in plasma FSH level, and a significant increase in plasma GM-CSF levels and after 6 months administration of the botanical blend in the 32 subjects. It is significant that [Nutriferon] reduced menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. [Nutriferon] may have acted as an immunomodulator and an endocrine modulator.

5. Administration of [Nutriferon] on Physical and Mental Symptoms Accompanying Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS)

Forty-two women ages 20-35 years old with PMS symptoms took 800 mg daily of the blend for 3 months reported statistically significant improvements for abdominal cramps, low back pain, swollen breasts, acne, breast pain, constipation, nervousness, sleepiness, short temper, and reduction of concentration after one month.

So much for the scientific medical-babble.  What does this mean for you and me?

A couple of testimonies:

My son gets sick a lot and travels for his job. He is usually sick for 4 days.  He took 6 Nutriferon when he started to get sick, took 6 more when he woke up at 4 a.m. By 9 am at breakfast, he was shocked to feel well.

I’m allergic to pollen, dust, grass, weeds, trees, feathers, fur, certain scents, dogs, cats, and certain foods (citrus, fish, cashews or anything processed in a plant with tree nuts). I also have asthma. I suffered oozy itchy rashes on my hands so bad I could hardly bend my fingers and couldn’t work as a nail tech. For years I would break out all over my body every time the wind blew. I was always getting nosebleeds. I was constantly sick with bronchitis, and pretty much had no voice for 4-6 months out of the year. I tried over-the-counter, and every prescription med, inhalers, nose sprays, you name it. Zyrtec worked the best but made me absolutely crazy and I had to quit taking it. I was getting allergy shots for a while and they helped a lot, but the series were sporatic, due to red tape in the MediCal system, and a couple times I had analphylactic reactions to the shots.

I was a non-committed Shaklee user, but decided to give the Nutriferon a try. My God, what a difference! I doubled up on it the first few days, then took two a day regularly for a long time. I did go without it for about a week at one point, and that is where I really saw the difference because the symptoms came back! Other than that, I’ve been basically symptom free since I started taking the Nutriferon.

I have seven children, one with severe allergies who also takes Nutriferon. My oldest daughter who is in college, takes it every day and was the only one in school that didn’t get sick the whole year. The other kids take it when others around them are getting sick at school and work. Tara Colvin

How about that for immune support!?

Be Well, Do Well and keep moving.

Betsy

 

For more studies and stories, visit www.GrandmaBetsyBell.com/blog

BetsyBells Health4u

4455 51st Ave. SW

Seattle, WA 98116

206 933 1889

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Scientific resources

How to develop Immune system function

Do not spend the winter sick.

             Prepare Now for Cold and Flu Season 
How to Develop and Maintain a Healthy Immune System Function

NutriFeron – One of the most powerful formulas ever developed for strengthening the immune system. Its unique, synergistic blend of plant extracts including pumpkin seeds, plantago seeds, safflower flowers and Japanese honeysuckle flower buds, can be taken daily preventatively. But if you feel you are starting to come down with a virus up to 6 per day has been shown to be very effective at heading off an infection.

• Supports and stimulates the healthy immune system, by increasing the activity
of macrophages and inducing natural interferon production

• Optimizes immune response against environmental irritants and
airborne substances (as with allergies, asthma)
20962 60 caplets Retail $45.90 MP $39.00
59193 Share It Pack (4 bottles) Retail $165.24 MP $140.40 Save 10%

How many do you have to eat to stay healthy?

Sustained Release Vita-C®, 500 mg.– Only all natural sustained release C with no shellac. Antioxidant property protects the body against free radicals. Boosts the healthy immune system, infection fighter, natural antihistamine, increases the resistance to ligament and tendon injury. Vitamin C is depleted by stress such as infections, illness, fatigue, surgery, anxiety, pollution and extremes in temperature. As we age, there is a greater need to regenerate collagen, which requires more vitamin C.

20095 180 tablets Retail $25.50 MP $21.70

Defend & Resist Complex (Echinacea) – Keep in medicine chest and take when you feel you are coming down with something. Has become the most prominent herb used in the United States and Europe. Activates the healthy immune system, promotes production of white blood cells, enhances resistance to infection, viral and bacterial, especially flu and herpes; reduces mucus. Works best when started at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. Can be used effectively for up to 10 days at a time. In addition, larch tree extract and elderberry surround viruses and prevent them from reproducing.
20613 90 tablets Retail $20.35 MP $ 17.30

Garlic Complex- Natural decongestant and natural antibiotic. Shaklee’s Garlic Complex has a two-way odor control with a gentle, temperature-controlled drying process and a pleasant blend of spearmint and rosemary extracts to maintain high potency. Historically, has been used for congestion, asthma, sinusitis and allergies, colds, flu and pneumonia, sore throat and bronchitis. Has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and is effective against yeast infections (Candida). Nature’s strongest natural antibiotic.

20084 240 tablets Retail $41.80 MP $35.55

 

Susan Knott and Son Riley Knott Story

Susan Knott and her son, Riley, suffered from allergies for many years. Their symptoms were most severe during spring and fall allergy seasons, but as time went on, they needed to be on the medications all year long.
Riley’s symptoms were the most severe with constant sinus congestion, red itchy swollen eyes and nose, feeling miserable. Even after 2 ½ years of allergy shots, he still required Zyrtec and Nasonex nasal spray. They helped diminish some symptoms so they were manageable, but he never felt allergy-free.
Susan was introduced to the Shaklee products that help strengthen the immune system 3 years ago in late January. She and Riley, 16 years old, began with:

Optiflora Probiotic Capsule (because 70% of the immune system is in the gut)
Vita Lea Multi
Vita C Sustained Release — 2 to 4/ day
Nutriferon (4 herbal extracts that help the body produce a key component of the immune system (interferon) naturally — 2 to 4/ day

Within 6 to 8 weeks, Susan was so much improved that she was able to stop her allergy medication completely…
Riley, whose condition was more severe, took 3 to 4 months before symptoms subsided and he was able to eliminate the medications. Both Susan and Riley were able to reduce the number of supplement tablets as their healthy immune systems got stronger. Today during allergy season, if symptoms return, Susan and Riley simply increase their vitamin levels and add Shaklee Premium Garlic and Alfalfa.

Call today to get started on your anti-cold program or go on line and order.  www.HiHohealth.com

Betsy Bell’s Health4U
4455 51st Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206 933 1889
www.GrandmaBetsyBell.com
Betsy@HiHoHealth.com

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Scientific resources

Vitamin C Sustained Release

This is the time of the year, our bodies experience stress due to the change of seasons.
So to keep us at the top of our game we are focusing on Vita C. It is also called
ascorbic acid, which is the form of vitamin C found in most foods. It is a water-soluble
vitamin and cannot be stored in the body. Most plants and animals can produce their
own vitamin C, but humans cannot. For this reason, humans must eat ample amounts of
vitamin C every day.
Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the body’s immune system, a
formula that helps maintain natural antioxidant defenses, cell integrity, and the health of
eyes, teeth, gums, bones, muscles, and blood vessels.

You may want to consider adding additional Vitamin C to your diet, if you find yourself
with any of the following:
 Bruise easily
 Bleeding gums
 A smoker
 Take medication
 Stressed?
 And the list goes on

If you experience any of these situations you will want to consider adjusting your vitamin
C intake.

Vitamin C is needed for proper growth, development, and to heal wounds. It is used to
make the collagen tissue for healthy teeth, gums, blood vessels and bones. Since
vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it is also used to prevent damage to our bodies from
toxicities and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke.

Vitamin C helps protect other nutrients such as A, E and several B vitamins from
oxidation. It also regulates our body’s thermostat, cooling and heating the body through
circulation while promoting circulation through capillaries to fingertips and toes, and think
about it, when you are stressed circulation slows down and you will find that your
fingertips and toes are generally cold. Keep in mind that vitamin C is water soluble so it
needs to be taken throughout the day.

How much Vitamin C do I need in my diet?

Dr. Linus Pauling did extensive research on vitamin C and he states that just to maintain
normal body functions you need 3000 milligrams a day.
Smokers should add an extra 35mg per day to these numbers, because vitamin C is
depleted as an antioxidant in smokers. Additional vitamin C is needed to ensure it’s
other roles are performed.

Shaklee Sustained Release Vita-C®
is a propriety sustained release system that delivers the vitamin C equivalent of eating oneand a half oranges every hour on the hour for five hours. Unlike other sustained released products, Shaklee sustained Vita-C is based on natural gums and waxes, again like other C’s which are mainly ascorbic acid Shaklee Vita-C offers a full biolfavonoid complex.

Remember this……..don’t count on getting your vitamin C from orange juice. Vitamin C is
not stable in liquid and will oxidize after two hours being in liquid.

Avoid Vitamin C Deficiencies: The late Linus Pauling, PhD, found that vitamin C
deficiencies and heart disease often go hand in hand. If you are at risk for developing
heart disease, gradually build up to a daily intake of 3,000 to 6,000 mg, divided into two
or three doses.

Another reason to take Vitamin C: Your brain contains 15 times more vitamin C than
other organs in your body, and it’s vital for memory and mental function. Supplement
with a minimum of 1,000 mg of vitamin C every day.

Do you bruise easily, have bleeding gums, are you a smoker, take medication, are you
stressed? And the list goes on. If you experience any of these situations you will want
to consider adjusting your vitamin C intake.

Vitamin C is needed for proper growth, development, and to heal wounds. It is used to
make the collagen tissue for healthy eyes, teeth, gums, muscles, blood vessels and
bones. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it is also used to prevent damage to
our bodies from toxicities and pollutants, such as cigarette smoke.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Resources

Defend and Resist

Defend and Resist Complex

The immune system protects the body from bacteria, virus fungus, and other harmful
organisms. At times of the year when you are more likely to be slowed down by
immune challenges, it’s more important than ever to keep your immune system up to
speed. Scientific studies suggest that along with a healthy diet and getting enough rest,
consuming certain herbal supplements can help you be prepared for the moment when
you first feel the need to bolster your immune system. Defend and Resist Complex can
help your body respond to seasonal challenges by giving your immune system what it
needs to stay strong.

What Is Defend and Resist Complex?

Buy Now

Defend and Resist Complex features standardized extracts of Echinacea, black
elderberry, and larch tree with immunoactive arabinogalactans to stimulate the body’s
natural resistance during seasonal challenges. Defend and Resist Complex also contains
zinc, which is known to help support a healthy immune function. Convenient tablets may
be swallowed, dissolved in the mouth then chewed, or crushed and mixed with hot
water to drink as a tea.
Defend and Resist Complex Supports Your Body in 4 Ways
1. By stimulating the body’s natural resistance.
Echinacea native to the United States, Echinacea was first used by the native
peoples of the New World. Also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea is a
perennial flower that resembles a black-eyed Susan. The Echinacea in Defend and
Resist Complex is an extract of both the herb and the root of the most studied herb
species, Echinacea purpurea. Recent studies have shown that Echinacea can help
your body respond to seasonal challenges by giving your immune system what it
needs to stay strong. A basis for understanding how Echinacea works comes from
laboratory studies showing cichoric acid and alkylamides, compounds found at high
concentrations in Echinacea purpurea, have strong immuno-stimulating activity. Six
tablets of Shaklee Defend and Resist Complex per day provide 168 mg of Echinacea
extract concentrated 6:1 to reliably provide the equivalent of over 1,000 mg of dried
herb. In addition, Echinacea is extracted from cultivated plants, which not only helps
guarantee the quality of the raw materials, but also helps protect increasingly rare
wild plants from being over-harvested.

  1. By maintaining a healthy immune response.
    Black Elderberry. The elderberry has been involved in human history for centuries.
    The generic name sambucus may come from the Greek sambuke, a musical
    instrument made from elderberry wood and said to be capable of making music to
    heal the spirit. Black elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are a rich source of antioxidant
    compounds called anthocyanidins and polyphenols. Scientific studies have shown
    that elderberry extract can help the body maintain a healthy immune response.
  2. By enhancing immune support.
    Larch Tree. The larch tree (Larix occidentalis) is a deciduous conifer ― a member of
    the pine family that loses its needles each year. Only 10 species of larch occur in the
    world, mostly in cold areas of the northern hemisphere. Larches are commonly
    called tamaracks in many parts of the United States. There is evidence that
    compounds found in high concentrations in the heartwood of larch tree cells, called
    arabinogalactans, are even more immunoactive than extracts of Echinacea.
    Laboratory studies further suggest that larch arabino-galactans stimulate important
    markers of function. A recent clinical study showed that larch heartwood extract
    helped support the immune systems natural ability to achieve a state of immune
    readiness.

  3. By providing the full Daily Value of Zinc.
    Zinc is present in virtually all cells in the body, zinc works as a trigger for over 200
    different enzymes whose functions range from making the materials DNA and RNA
    to helping with the metabolism of fatty acids. Zinc also contributes to growth and
    development, and is important for proper immune function.

Is There Scientific Evidence for the Ingredients in Defend & Resist Complex?
Recent studies have shown that cichoric acid and alkylamides found in the Echinaceaplant have immunoactive properties.* It has also been demonstrated that these phytonutrients occur in higher concentrations in the leafy parts of the plant than in the root. In laboratory tests, Echinacea boosts the production and activity of white blood cells.* Echinacea provides natural support for the body’s immune system.*

  1. Black Elderberries are a rich source of antioxidant compounds called
    anthocyanidins and polyphenols. Scientific studies have shown that
    Elderberry extract can help the body maintain a healthy immune response.*

  2. There is evidence that Echinacea’s benefits are enhanced by immunoactive
    arabino-galactans that are extracted from the heartwood of the Larch Tree.*
    Scientific studies show that arabino-galactans, polysaccharides found in
    Larch cells, boost important indicators of immune system function.*

How Should Defend & Resist Complex be Used?

Defend & Resist Complex is offered in tablet form. Tablets may be swallowed, dissolved
in the mouth then chewed, or even crushed and mixed as a tea, without degrading the
benefits of the herbs. To supercharge your immune system when you start to feel the
need, take 6 tablets daily for about 7 days.
• Recommended serving size for children 4–12 years is 2–4 tablets per day for about 7 days.
There are four ways to take the six-tablet daily serving of Defend & Resist Complex throughout the day:
• Swallow
• Chew
• Drink it dissolved in hot water as a tea
• Dissolve it in your mouth, then chew

This product will provide you with emergency protection, which super charges the
immune system when coming down with a cold or flu and will stimulate the body’s
natural resistance and enhances immune support.

So during the times, when you face additional health challenges, do to stress, you can
pump up your immune system. This wonderful combination of Zinc, Echinacea, Larch
Tree extract and Black Elderberry, stimulates the body’s natural resistance and
enhances immune support.

Defend and Resist Complex or commonly known as DR goes a long way for seasonal
support and is a wonderful “must” for every family especially at this time of year when
we are exposed to colds and flu. It is a wonderful alternative to cold medicines
(especially, with all the information now coming out, about how dangerous some of
these over-the-counter remedies can be!)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This
product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Listed below are the noted differences found in these three immune-strengthening
products.

Nutriferon delivers the highest level of daily protection, by increasing the production of
the body’s natural interferon. Interferon’s (IFNs) are proteins made and released by host
cells in response to the presence of pathogens―such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites
or tumor

Defend and Resist supercharges the immune system when you start to feel the need.

Defend and Resist Complex can help your body respond to seasonal challenges by
giving your immune system what it needs to stay strong,* with the unique formula based
on standardized herbal extracts.

aims at a higher standard achieving the best health possible by
delivering specific nutrients, protected by Shaklee Guard. This design provides for our
bodies, first-line defenders, cell builders and cell protectors. Provides a baseline
increasing resistance to infectious disease and supplying daily support for your immune
system. Formula I gives you one easy to take capsule with six vitamins and four minerals
– all key immuno active nutrients. Shaklee Guard ensures freshness and stability.

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Be Well health tips, Business Op

The Triduum and Easter, darkness to joy

Gentle Reader,

The great Triduum or three holy days ending triumphantly in Easter begins today.  I took on one new thing for Lent in response to the half page of suggestions our Saint Mark’s Episcopal worship committee sent out, activities that would increase mindful living.  When I read on the list “Write a letter to someone, stamp and mail it,” I thought about the boxes full of letters I have from my husband, Don Bell, and from my daughters when they went off to college, plus much of the correspondence from dear friends who meant so much to us and to me over the years.  These letters are treasures, little vignettes of life, soul pictures living on paper.  I have a grandson in college.  I wrote to him and quoted some passages from his grandfather’s letters to me.  Don died before any of his grandchildren were born and I have been writing the memoir of our early time together with these ten grandchildren in mind.  Ben’s response surprised me.  He wrote back to me asking for more.

Writing a letter requires slowing down, with intention, choosing words carefully, pouring over Don’s letters for just the right passage to share.  It felt like holy work.

Our whole-heartedly secular culture does not help the practicing liturgical Christian any more than it supports the Muslim or Jews in following their holy calendars.  I felt this tension more acutely this Lent than ever before.  A new business possibility came into my inbox and has swept me off my feet, nearly obliterating the contemplative aspect of these 40 days.  The battle between successful entrepreneurship and prayer put me in an anxious state.  I discovered a left over bag of Reese’s Peanut butter cups, Halloween candy, in the freezer.  I made myself a cup of tea, sat down and ate them.  All.  Excitement over this new thing that promised expert training in network marketing and a compensation plan that create wealth kept me awake.  The combination of sugar and sleeplessness resulted in a head cold.  Is my immune system that stressed by a heap of sugar and lack of sleep?

Have you been able to pin point a connection between sugar consumption, lack of rest and catching a cold?  Not too far-fetched. WebMD published an article on the immune system which includes comments on sugar.  From their page on Cold, Flu & Cough Health Center:

3. Eating foods high in sugar and fat: Consuming too much sugar suppresses immune system cells responsible for attacking bacteria. Even consuming just 75 to 100 grams of a sugar solution (about the same as in two 12-ounce sodas) reduces the ability of white blood cells to overpower and destroy bacteria. This effect is seen for at least a few hours after consuming a sugary drink.

For the whole article, click here:  10 Immune system booster and busters.  I knew this.  I ate the stuff anyway, without thinking about the consequences.  The priets are available for confession on Good Friday.  For a person who claims to care for my body as a holy thing, I feel stupid and guilty.  I will probably just take a long walk and eat tons of Swiss chard and kale, drink Throat coat tea and shovel in the Vitamin C.  Eating sugar doesn’t seem like it deserves the sacrament of confession.

I’d love to hear how this Lent/Passover is going for you.  Anything come up that effects your health?  Perhaps we can all support each other.

Do not forget the joy.  There will be 30+ people in my living room on Sunday.  The college and highschool, middle school aged kids will be full of conversation as well as ham and potatoe, asparagus and salad.  It will be glorious and promises not to rain so we can spill out into the back yard.  They don’t want to give up dyeing eggs even though it is doubtful they will hide any.  Children want to hang on to the traditions even though it means not being cool.  I love it.

Fondly,

Be Well, Do Well, Keep Moving

Betsy

Injured at 52. Diagnosed and sentenced to a wheel chair at 55.  Hiking, skiing, dancing and walking at 75.  Read my story. 

206 933 1889  betsy@HiHoHealth.com   www.GrandmaBetsyBell.com  http://www.weirdmarketingtips.com/funnel/?id=b2

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Arthritis, Health and Fitness

But I have to have an operation!

6 Comments

Gentle Reader,

I was talking with a guy last night who had to have an operation for his hip.  The osteoarthritis had become so advanced into the hip joint that various movements were impeded.  A long time supplement user, he fortified himself with various supplements in order to tolerate the operation well and heal quickly.  He is a little disappointed with how long it has taken to get back to a range of motion he hoped for.  He is apprehensive about the operation waiting for his other hip.

As a wellness advisor, I have counseled many people about steps they might take to prepare for surgery, all kinds of surgery, whether for cancer or for arthritis and bone issues.  I thought I would share with you the document I have developed over the years.  Please add your own thoughts if you have had surgery and found alternative supplementation and actions that have helped with healing.

Before Surgery:

Soy protein 2 x daily  (if taking chemo, increase to 3-4 x daily)

Vita-Lea 3-4/daily  (Shaklee’s multivitamin-mineral supplement)

Fiber Tablets or Mix:  Soluble fiber (bloodstream), insoluble fiber (gut)

Herb Lax:  Cleanses gut, blood

Vita. C Sustained Release w/bioflavinoids:  anti-inflammatory, new cells grow faster, immune system support, helps w/pain.  Take a minimum of 3-4 of 500 mg./da – up to 10,000 mg.  (gradually decrease since body has to adjust to excreting excess)

B-Complex:  aids in good digestion.  Depleted by stress.  Take 8/da – space out

Zinc:  Helps w/pain, healing, no more than 50-60 mg./day except when there is trauma like a cut or incision (up to 120 mg./da until healed).  Body can’t make new cells w/o zinc, protein, & C.

Immunity Formula I:  2-8/da (A proprietary Shaklee supplement to enhance the immune response.)

Carotomax:  Cleanses cells, reduces inflammation (swelling), makes mucous membranes healthy.  Especially helpful if using breathing machine.

Vitamin E:  Oxygenates cells, gets rid of toxins of anesthesia.

DO NOT take GLA, E, OmegaGuard (fish oil), Garlic or lecithin before surgery. Stop 1 week prior.

Alfalfa (vitamin K):  10-20/da to reduce bleeding during & after surgery.

Garlic:  Helps flora, antibacterial agent. Not before surgery as is a blood thinner.

NutriFeron:  Take 4 for 2 weeks. (A proprietary herbal blend that stimulates interferon production.)

OsteoMatrix:  Coats nerve endings, helps repair them quicker, helps you relax so you can sleep deeper (can take w/Gentle Sleep Complex). (This is Shaklee’s calcium product.)

Iron:  Need blood test to know if needed. (Shaklee’s comes with vitamin c to help absorption.)

After Surgery:

Performance:  Dilute more than usual, make ice chips out of it, & start taking slowly as soon as feel like it. (Shaklee’s rehydrating drink, perfectly balanced for absorption.)

Protein:  Take as soon as can drink but don’t feel nauseated.  Alternate with Physique. (Physique is Shaklee after workout maximize, excellent for healing sore muscles.)

Liver DTX: 2 at night (Shaklee’s detox milk thistle product to help restore normalcy after the medications of surgery.)

Stomach Soothing complex:  Helps calm digestive system if feeling queezy.  Made with peppermint and ginger, can be taken as a tablet or dissolved into hot water for tea.

Vita-Cal:  Helps reduce gas bubbles. (A chewable Shaklee calcium product)

Fiber:  Start w/very small amounts to start cleansing.  A Fiber Blend tablet or ¼ tsp. Fiber Blend.

Vitamin E 400+:  4-6/da.  Prevents blood clots, oxygenates.  Start slowly if high blood pressure is an issue.

Lecithin:  Helps build sheath around nerve endings which helps reduce pain. 6 daily

GLA:  Up to 6/da, anti-inflammatory. (Shaklee makes their GLA from borage oil for best absorption and least contamination)

Omega Guard (fish oil):  If you digest it well.

Alfalfa:  Diuretic, liver cleanser, reduces swelling, helps kidneys, etc. start working again. 20 daily

Herb-Lax:  Start slowly. Very helpful after surgery as elimination slows down so much from the anesthetic.  Take to the hospital.  From personal experience, this is super important.

Purified Water:  very important

B-Complex:  Promotes healing, increases energy level.

Ginseng:  Helps energy & supports adrenal glands.  (Shaklee’s CorEnergy)

Dandelion leaf:  Swelling & inflammation. (Not a Shaklee product)

Optiflora pills and powder is strongly recommended to rebuild the flora. 1 serving daily of this pre and pro biotic made by Shaklee

This is a tall order when you may not be used to taking so much stuff.

The minimum pre-op is Energizing Soy Protein,  Vita C, Optiflora, Vita lea Gold and Alfalfa

Post op:  Physique, Vita C, Vita E, Optiflora, Vita Lea Gold, Alfalfa, Herb lax, Lecithin.

I have gleaned this information primarily from Carol Dalton, a nurse practitioner in Colorado who, during her long practice, has found the Shaklee supplements to work best for her patients.  People who have followed this protocol have had remarkable healing and suffered the least from the trauma of surgery.

Be Well, Do Well and Keep Moving,

Betsy

BetsyBell’s Health4u

206 933 1889

www.HiHoHealth dot com

 

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