NAC is also available over the counter. But MAYBE not for long. More on that in a bit.

What is NAC?

Cysteine is an amino acid essential for the production of many proteins. It is also a major component of glutathione, the main antioxidant of the body.

NAC is the standard version of cysteine used in supplements and the version used in 100s of medical and scientific studies.

NAC may support:

1. Healthy blood pressure
2. Healthy cholesterol
3. Normal heart rhythm (afib prevention)
4. Coronary artery health
5. Healthy blood sugar
6. Lower inflammation
7. Lung health

NAC may also help protect against viruses. 

Ways to Benefits from NAC (and glutathione)

The key here is to boost levels of glutathione from NAC and other sources.

1. Animal foods are an excellent source of cysteine and the other amino acids used to build glutathione.
2. Whey protein as a supplement is an excellent source of glutathione building blocks. That is why I included New Zealand grass-fed whey in our Daily Defense. I think Daily Defense is our single best source of heart, lung and total body protection. You can read more here.
3. N-acetyl cysteine supplements are a proven strategy. We have an excellent source for you. High dose, one cap by mouth per day.
4. You can nebulize glutathione too. BUT ONLY THIS BRAND goes in the nebulizer.
5. Our Detoxicore also contains NAC and many other nutrients to support body health and wellness. Excellent for immune and detox support.

FDA threatens to ban NAC.

The product appears to be so effective, they want to control its distribution.

Better secure your source quickly.

The post NAC and Your Heart appeared first on TDW.

Experienced over long periods of time, stress can wreak havoc on our mind and body.

Since chronic stress has been linked to many illnesses from the development of diabetes to immune dysfunction to cancer, It is critical to identify the signs of stress in our lives so we can implement strategies to combat its effects.

Here are some of the top physical signs of stress to watch out for, plus 3 health hacks to fight back. 

• Aches and pains– It is very common to feel some bodily discomfort while under long term stress. Some studies have found that chronic pain may be associated with higher levels of stress as well as increased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Those under stress also reported links to headaches as well.
• Skin problems– Stress can wreak havoc on our skin. Several studies have found higher levels of stress are associated with increased acne, dermatitis, and even aging as well as worsening of these conditions.
• Gut dysfunction– Stress is known to disrupt our digestive system in many ways, including changing our appetite. Research studies have found that long term stress may be associated with digestive issues like constipation, bloating and diarrhea, especially in those with digestive disorders such as IBS.
• Sleep disruptions– Sleep is so crucial for our health but most of us have experienced difficulty sleeping after a stressful day or week. Sleep can disrupt our sleep, leading to insomnia, fatigue and lower daytime energy. One study found that higher levels of work-related stress were associated with increased sleepiness and restlessness.
• Changes in mood– Research shows that chronic stress may lead to the development of depression. One study of women with major depression determined that the onset of depression was significantly associated with both acute and chronic stress. These findings suggest the importance of assessing chronic stress as part of the treatment of mood disorders.

What can we do to combat these signs of stress? Try implementing these simple tips: 

• Deep breathing – This truly is one of the simplest, yet most powerful methods you can do right where you are today. Deep breathing exercises can help your nervous system switch into the parasympathetic mode, which activates the relaxation response. One of many different techniques, the 4-7-8 breathing technique, also known as “relaxing breath,” works by having the person breathe in for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This breathing pattern aims to reduce anxiety and encourage higher quality relaxation and easier sleep.

• Movement– Any exercise that helps you get moving is beneficial. Try walking, yoga or even a simple stretching routine before bed to reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep and increase endorphins. The benefits are strongest when you exercise regularly. In fact, research has documented that people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t.

• Essential Oils– Using natural scents in aromatherapy via essential oils can help reduce stress in a fun way. Try using relaxing oils such as lavender, bergamot, lemongrass, or orange oils. In one study, aromatherapy using a 3% lavender oil spray on clothing was found to be effective in decreasing stress for up to four days. Oils can be very therapeutic, but use them judiciously, as they are powerful substances.

• Journaling– Although some schools of thought advocate journaling what is bothering you to release any negativity, more promise can be found through deciding to “flip the switch” and write down what you are grateful for instead. Gratitude, especially written, is a powerful practice that has been demonstrated to help reduce both stress and anxiety and goes a long way in having a happier life!

• Laughter– Spending time with loved ones and friends, enjoying life and laughing are some of the best moments in life. Did you know that laughing relieves stress by boosting mood, relaxing your muscles and reducing your fight or flight response. In fact, it is nearly impossible to feel anxious or stressed while laughing. Laughter has also been linked to boosting immunity. Try watching a funny movie or play with children or pets!

• Supplementation– Poor nutrition is a root cause of anxiety in most people. Quality nutritional supplements can provide the support necessary for good physical and mental health. In addition to our Foundation 5, here are some ideas to rid the anxiety and achieve optimal mental health:
  • Hydroxy Force – A hefty serving of B6, 9, and 12 in a formulation that works best for people of all genetic types.
  • Max Mag – This form of magnesium gets into the brain and works magic. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of reactions in the body. So many are deficient.
  • Daily Defense – Sometimes the body is overloaded with toxins and a good cleanse is just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes just a month of this product relieves symptoms of anxiety and stress. Often, people continue with Daily Defense for up to a year or longer.
  • Relax– 1 scoop 2x per day in a tasty cherry flavored powder.

For more great tips, see our article on Natural Treatment Remedies for Anxiety and Stress.

The post 6 Life Hacks to Help Combat Chronic Stress appeared first on TDW.

Berberine is a molecule found in the goldenseal plant and is an effective natural supplement for a variety of conditions. Almost 2000 studies in the medical literature support the use of berberine. Given its antibacterial,  antifungal and antiviral properties, berberine is usually found in the supplement aisle next to other gastrointestinal supplements. But today, after so many published PubMed studies, it deserves a shelf of its own. 

Berberine’s multitude of benefits are nothing short of amazing and since “flu season” is on its way, it is important to understand how it affects immunity. Studies demonstrate that berberine inhibits certains strains of the flu virus by blocking enzymatic function. 

In addition, Berberine also hinders influenza-A replication by interfering with the pathways that upregulate the virus. 

Berberine appears to be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs and Big Pharma knows it. It is so effective that there have been attempts to patent the application of it for flu drugs. Why patent something from nature when we can just use nature? 

The flu doesn’t come alone, it brings along inflammation that can cause further issues if not addressed. Fortunately we have berberine that may suppress inflammatory substance release by improving pathogenic changes. Furthermore, over 70% of your immune system resides in your intestinal tract and berberine keeps those pesky pathogens in check.

We recommend our Berbe when people are exposed to a virus or need short term immune support when others are sick around them. The dosage is one cap, 3x per day with food. Berberine does not appear to interfere with pharmaceuticals but check with your pharmacist if you are concerned. Sometimes, mild stomach upset or loose stools is a consequence of berberine use. (Dr. Wolfson has used for years in his patients safely and effectively).

Berberine may be new to you, but the Chinese have studied this herbal for years. Finally, mainstream medicine might be paying attention too. It’s healing abilities are extensive and berberine is worth keeping in your healthy medicine cabinet. 

Check out The Drs. Wolfson Berberine and also take a look at another article titled The 21 Health Benefits of Berberine.

The post Berberine For Immune Support appeared first on TDW.

Even if you eat a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle, today’s food is very depleted of nutrients due to standard processing and agricultural practices. The air, water, and soil are damaged. Unfortunately, it is very hard to actually get all the nutrients you need from food alone. And let’s face it, most of us have not lived healthy and have a lot of catching up to do, including ME!

This is why we always say, “supplements supplement the healthy lifestyle“. 

Symptoms of a general nutrient deficiency:

There are specific symptoms for each nutrient deficiency, however, there is also overlap in symptoms for the majority of nutrients. These include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness, aches, pain
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Irritability or other mood disturbances
• Brain fog
• Skin issues like dry skin or acne
• Brittle hair or nails
• Headaches

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important not to brush them off as a normal part of everyday life. In functional medicine, we are the detectives and we treat symptoms as the clues or evidence in a mystery to decipher what is going on in the body. Micronutrients play a role in every function of the body’s reactions and must always be addressed as a part of health.

How to know if you have a nutrient deficiency?

The best way to know if you have a micronutrient deficiency is with advanced micronutrient testing. The labs we use can reveal both serum and intracellular levels of nutrients, which paints a true picture of nutrient (and health) status. The goal is to use the data from the labs to create a personalized nutrition, supplement and lifestyle plan for each individual to optimize their nutrient and health status. 

Top 7 nutrient deficiencies we see in our clinic:

1. Magnesium

   Magnesium is a major mineral involved in over 300 reactions. It is also the most common nutrient deficiency underlying most every cardiovascular condition including high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias and cardiovascular disease.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • Muscle cramps or restless leg syndrome
     • Fatigue and muscle weakness
     • Osteoporosis or brittle bones
     • Headaches and migraines
     • High blood pressure
     • Irregular heartbeat
     • Mood disorders
   • Deficiency causes

     Unfortunately, our food and soil are depleted of nutrients like magnesium these days. Also, processing of food leaches nutrients out. It is hard to get enough magnesium through diet alone and often supplementation (especially for cardiac conditions) is needed.

     Low magnesium levels are a very common health problem that affects most individuals. Daily magnesium intake should be (at a minimum) of 300-400 mg per day for most healthy individuals and most are not getting these intakes in. Individuals with cardiac conditions likely need a lot more.

2. Vitamin B12

   Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that your body cannot produce and must be obtained in the diet. It plays many important roles in the body. B12 is critical for healthy blood cells and nerves. It is also responsible for lowering homocysteine, a key factor in heart health.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • Brain fog
     • Fatigue and weakness
     • Pale skin
     • Numbness or tingling
     • Glossitis
     • Shortness of breath and dizziness
     • Anxiety or depression
     • High homocysteine levels
   • Deficiency causes

     Vitamin B12 deficiencies are fairly common, and we see them often in our clinic. They can present as symptoms in various ways, so often testing is needed to diagnose a true deficiency.

     B12 is abundant in animal foods so vegetarians/ vegans are at-risk populations. Furthermore, common causes of a B12 deficiency include low stomach acid, gut issues like leaky gut syndrome and SIBO or MTHFR mutations (of which about half the population has).

3. Vitamin K2

   The importance of Vitamin K2 is still relatively unknown to most clinicians. Vitamin K has two forms. Vitamin K1 is the primary form from green, leafy vegetables and vitamin K2 arises from animal foods and fermented foods. K2 serves a diverse range of functions in the body besides blood clotting. It is especially important for heart health as K2 can help to reverse arterial calcification and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • Blood clotting problems
     • Bruising or bleeding
     • Arterial calcification
     • Aortic stenosis
     • Atherosclerosis
     • Weak bones or osteoporosis
     • Anxiety and/or depression
     • Cancer
   • Deficiency causes

     In individuals with a healthy gut microbiome, the gut bacteria are able to convert K1 to K2. At-risk individuals, therefore, are those with gastrointestinal disorders like leaky gut syndrome, ulcerative colitis and bile issues. Also, people who take long courses of antibiotics (which destroy host bacteria) are at risk. Lastly those on statins and blood thinners (like warfarin) are at risk for low K2 levels.

4. Vitamin B1

   Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is an essential vitamin for producing cellular energy from the food you eat. B1 is used by almost every cell in the body. It is a very important vitamin for your heart, especially heart rate, as well. B1 has even been linked to improving cardiac function in those with congestive heart failure.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • Fatigue
     • Poor appetite
     • Irritability, anxiety or mood disturbances
     • Tingling sensation in arms and legs
     • Blurry vision
     • Heart rate issues (usually low heart rate)
     • Shortness of breath
     • Heart failure
   • Deficiency causes

     While extreme vitamin B1 deficiencies are rare, more and more people are showing up with low levels of B1. There are various factors that can put people at a higher risk for low B1. These factors include alcohol dependency, advancing age, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, immunocompromised individuals, diabetics, and those who use high-dose diuretics. Also, those with a high toxin burden are also at risk for depleted B1 levels in the body.

5. Vitamin A

   Vitamin A is an important fat-soluble vitamin. It is needed for proper vision, a functioning immune system, regulation of cell division, and prevention of cancer. It also is needed in the body for its role as an antioxidant to quench oxidative stress and lower inflammation.  Vitamin A also plays a critical role in the development of the heart, lungs and kidneys in early childhood.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • Poor wound healing
     • Acne, dry skin and other skin issues
     • Vision problems
     • Night blindness
     • Increased infections and illness
     • Inflammation
     • High oxidative stress
     • Delayed growth and poor development
   • Deficiency causes

     Vitamin A deficiency or low vitamin A levels can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A, fat malabsorption issues, gastrointestinal disorders like leaky gut syndrome or liver disorders.

6. Glutathione

   Glutathione is the master antioxidant of all our cells. It is a vital “nutrient” we test for in our patients. It is so important that the liver can synthesize it from three amino acids. It serves many important functions such as reducing free radicals, lowering inflammation, transporting toxins out of the body, boosting immunity, regenerating vitamin’s C/E, making DNA and keeping cells (like heart cells) fully functioning. In fact, research has shown that early deficiency of glutathione in heart cells results in advanced progression of cardiovascular disease and heart failure. A glutathione deficiency is found in nearly every chronically ill patient.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • Increased oxidative stress/ inflammation
     • Poor detoxification
     • Mitochondrial dysfunction
     • Chronic disease (CVD, cancer, autoimmune disease, etc.)
     • Liver disease
     • Kidney problems
     • Asthma
     • Rapid aging
     • Fatigue
     • Brain fog
   • Deficiency causes

     A glutathione deficiency can result from a multitude of causes such as toxins, air pollution, poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, medications and aging. Whenever the body has excess oxidative stress or inflammation (from such factors mentioned above), glutathione is the first to get depleted. This depletion of glutathione causes cellular dysfunction and disease.

7. Vitamin D

   Vitamin D is another nutrient that we see depleted in almost every initial test we do on patients. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for our health and wellness. This is why Dr. Wolfson literally prescribes sunshine to every one of our patients. Vitamin D is critical for regulating mineral balance, promoting healthy bones and teeth, regulating insulin levels, supporting cardiovascular function and preventing chronic disease like cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

   • Deficiency symptoms
     • High blood pressure
     • Abnormal lipids
     • Cardiovascular disease or cancer
     • Autoimmune disorders
     • Poor immune function
     • Hormonal imbalances
     • Low bone density
     • Muscle weakness or muscle cramps
     • Mood disturbances such as anxiety or depression
     • Fatigue
   • Deficiency causes

     Vitamin D is unique in that it is not naturally present in many foods. Therefore, the best way to get vitamin D is via sun. Groups at risk for a vitamin D deficiency are those that do not get enough sunlight (factors that influence sunlight production of vitamin D include time of day, season and where you live), skin color (darker skin pigment requires more sun exposure), age (elderly are far less efficient at converting sunlight to vitamin D) or liver or kidney issues (where conversion to active D3 takes place). For those that can’t get enough quality sun, supplementation is warranted.

Final recommendations regarding nutrient deficiencies:

Today, many individuals suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Nutrients play crucial roles in health and prevention of disease. If nutrient levels are suboptimal, disease always results.

We recommend knowing your INTRACELLULAR levels of nutrients. This type of testing includes an analysis of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other metabolites. Conventional nutrient testing is outdated. Typically, it tests for serum levels of nutrients. In functional medicine we are more concerned with if nutrients are actually getting into cells, where they belong and function.

Always test, don’t guess. Know your nutrient numbers. Your health depends upon it.

You can check out our advanced intracellular micronutrient test here. It comes with a free review by a Wolfson health coach who can help to guide you in creating the ideal, customized protocol for your health.

The post Top 7 Nutrient Deficiencies appeared first on TDW.

As with any condition, we need to consider root causes that are contributing to the recurring problem.

One such all-too-common variable is intracellular magnesium status.  Magnesium is a very important mineral responsible for keeping the heart stable.  If your doctor has not tested your intracellular magnesium status, ask them to do it!  You see, approximately 99% of your magnesium levels are found intracellularly– not in the serum (1).  So if you want to assess sufficiency of this mother-mineral, it is imperative to test intracellular levels.  In the intracellular space is where magnesium works its magic, acting as a conjugator for enzymes and creating ATP cellular energy (2).

We have seen hundreds of patients over the years who never had intracellular level testing. Some didn’t even get blood magnesium checked.

An imbalance of minerals and electrolytes in the blood like magnesium, potassium, salt, and calcium can trigger dysregulated electrical impulses of the heart.  In short, these nutrients and their imbalances can directly contribute to arrhythmias and heart palpitations.

The way this can happen is through elongated action potential of the cytoplasmic membrane of the cardiac muscle cells.  Essentially, magnesium deficiency can decrease the activity of the sodium-potassium pump, leading to an increase in intracellular sodium, which thus alters this membrane potential. This change of heart cell membrane potential has been hypothesised as a mechanism for causing heart palpitations and arrhythmias (3).

Magnesium helps maintain normal potassium levels. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions.

With magnesium deficiency/imbalance, it is also known that there is an increase in production of inflammatory cytokines, even after just 3 weeks of deficient intake.  This can cause exaggerated immune system responses, which creates a proatherogenic environment due to changes in lipoprotein metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis and hypertension.  To summarize, magnesium deficiency can increase cardiovascular disease (3).

To best “blast” intracellular magnesium levels, we utilize our formula Magne5 which contains five different forms of magnesium to optimally support cardiovascular health and function.

If you are unsure what supplement or what dose is right for you, we offer comprehensive Micronutrient testing to assess intracellular and extracellular concentrations of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants.  For anyone considering supplementation, this is an essential first step!

Any tests purchased on our website include a health coaching call to review your results so we can get you started on the right protocol for you.

Get healthy. Stay well.

Resources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786912/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2464251/
3. https://openheart.bmj.com/content/5/2/e000775

The post Magnesium for Palpitations appeared first on TDW.

The goal with functional medicine is to identify WHY seasonal allergies are occurring for someone (this is where advanced testing comes in) and to treat naturally based on scientific evidence for nutrient support.

There has been a significant increase in allergies in the last 100 years. This is due to increased environmental exposures and increased sensitization to allergens due to increased toxin burdens.  

Why do seasonal allergies occur?

Seasonal allergies are an IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder. This means that this allergy disorder begins in your immune system. Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system overproduces the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody.

When someone with seasonal allergies encounters a substance such as dust, mold, or pollen, then their body can overreact and release increased amounts of these antibodies to “attack” that allergen leading to commonly experienced allergy symptoms.

In today’s society, individuals are increasingly rendered “hyper-sensitive” as a result of environmental toxicity, which is an accumulation of environmental toxins that overload the body’s ability to detox and the immune system’s ability to function normally.

What are the top two supplements I can take for this?

If you were to have to choose two supplements for fending off seasonal allergies this season we would recommend our Hist-Pro capsules and our Daily Defense powder.

We refer to these two products as our “seasonal allergy kit“.

What is the dosing of the Seasonal Allergy supplement kit?

Hist Pro

The loading dose we recommend is 2 capsules three times per day for 7-10 days and then 2-4 caps per day for maintenance (depending on individual allergy response) during allergy season. 

Daily Defense

Two scoops one to two times per day mixed in water or organic nut milk of choice.

If you have any questions about bio-individual dosing, please schedule a free consult with one of the Drs. Wolfson health coaches here.

What is the evidence for this supplement kit in treating seasonal allergies?

Hist Pro

• This product is our Drs. Wolfson formulated allergy support supplement. If you suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, you should have this on hand in your supply cabinet. This product contains KEY anti-allergic compounds aimed at balancing the immune response in hypersensitive individuals, supporting sinus health, reducing histamine, keeping respiratory pathways healthy and regulating the viscosity of mucous.
• The top 5 Hist-Pro evidence-based compounds to support a healthy response to seasonal allergens include:
  • 1. Quercetin

    Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in fruits and veggies that can reduce allergy responses. A Japanese study found that quercetin significantly inhibited the release of histamine in the nasal mucosa of individuals with allergy rhinitis. According to another review of the evidence, the recommended dosing for allergy rhinitis ranges from 250-600 mg, three times per day before meals (a dose easily achieved with Hist-Pro). The efficacy of quercetin is enhanced when taken with bromelain (again achieved with Hist-Pro).

  • 2. Bromelain

    Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that comes from pineapple juice and pineapple stems. This proteolytic enzyme is able to break down and degrade large, allergenic protein complexes. By reducing circulating allergenic complexes, bromelain is able to reduce hypersensitivity reactions in people affected by seasonal allergies. Research has shown that bromelain’s anti-allergic effects are likely due to its ability to reduce inflammation, break down allergenic proteins and decrease levels of histamine. Furthermore, it has been found that bromelain can lower airway inflammation and support respiratory tract health.

  • 3. Stinging nettles leaf

    Stinging nettles leaf has the ability to reduce symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes and sore throat. The main mechanism of action is through its roles as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In fact, a recent 2017 clinical trial looked at the ability of stinging nettles leaf to manage allergy symptoms and found a significant improvement in severity of clinical symptoms.

  • 4. N-acetyl cysteine

    N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is highly mucolytic (meaning it thins mucous), which is a common characteristic of pharmaceuticals that treat respiratory conditions. This antioxidant is very effective at relieving allergies. NAC has long been effectively used for lung conditions such as asthma, COPD and respiratory illnesses. A 2003 study found that NAC was able to significantly reduce the nasal inflammatory cascade that occurs in allergies (and thus improved allergy outcomes).

  • 5. Vitamin C

    Vitamin C is a well-studied natural therapy for allergies. Vitamin C is able to dramatically reduce histamine levels, which aids in decreasing allergy symptoms and duration. In fact, it is referred to as a natural “anti-histamine” as it can prevent secretion of histamine and clear histamine from the blood. As an antioxidant, vitamin C is also able to prevent the body from over-reacting to environmental triggers and help reduce the occurrence of allergies.  A 2018 study analyzed the effects of high-dose IV vitamin C on allergy patients and found that vitamin C significantly reduced allergy symptoms.

Daily Defense

• This product has several key nutrients aimed at fending off allergies and priming the immune system. It also contains all the components of a good multivitamin. These vitamins and minerals work to increase immune function. Overall, Daily Defense works to bring down inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, heal the gut lining and modulate immune function. The result is a decreased risk in prevalence or severity of allergies.
• The top 5 Daily Defense evidence-based compounds to support a healthy response to seasonal allergens include:
  • 1. N-acetyl cysteine

    N-acetyl cysteine, or NAC, is highly mucolytic (meaning it thins mucous), which is a common characteristic of pharmaceuticals that treat respiratory conditions. This antioxidant is very effective at relieving allergies. NAC has long been effectively used for lung conditions such as asthma, COPD and respiratory illnesses. A 2003 study found that NAC was able to significantly reduce nasal inflammatory cascade that occurs in allergies (and thus improved allergy outcomes)

  • 2. Lactobacillus acidophilus

    Bacterial dysbiosis and leaky gut are often at the root of seasonal allergies. In fact, it has been found that children who grew up in sterile environments have a greater chance of allergies (related to both the environment and food). A robust gut flora is key to helping the body react normally (i.e. not overreact) to foreign stimuli. A 2010 review of the research revealed that probiotics decreased severity and duration of allergy rhinitis (seasonal allergy) episodes. L. Acidophilus is believed to be one of the best bacterial strains for preventing allergies and boosting immune function.

  • 3. Turmeric

    Turmeric’s key compound, curcumin, has the ability to decrease inflammation and irritation associated with allergies. A 2008 study showed that curcumin was able to effectively inhibit the allergic response in mice. Curcumin is highly anti-inflammatory and can help to ameliorate the hallmark allergy symptoms of nasal discomfort and itchy eyes.

  • 4. Ginger root

    Ginger is a great remedy that can help to reduce inflammatory and irritative allergy symptoms associated with the eyes, nasal passages and throat. A recent study using a mouse allergy model found that ginger was able to lower inflammation, and eradicate seasonal allergy symptoms.

  • 5. Proteases

    Proteases are enzymes that are able to breakdown large inflammatory allergy proteins and aid in the degradation of these compounds. The breakdown of these allergenic proteins, which create the irritation, helps to alleviate allergy symptoms and reduce seasonal discomfort.

The post ALLERGY SUPPORT KIT appeared first on TDW.

Allergen exposure can arise from inhalation, ingestion or through skin exposure.

Why and how do seasonal allergies occur?

Seasonal allergies are an IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder. Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system produces the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody.

When someone with seasonal allergies encounters a substance such as dust, mold, or pollen, their body can overreact and release increased amounts of these antibodies to “attack” that allergen leading to commonly experienced allergy symptoms.

There are also other physiological effects that occur in the body upon exposure. One study showed that within 2-8 hours of exposure to the allergen, there is an increased concentration of inflammatory cells and tissue damage in the mucosa.

Histamine is a compound released by cells in response to allergenic inflammatory reactions. It is involved in the inflammatory response of the innate immune system. Histamine is the one of the key compounds responsible for generating major reactions and symptoms in hypersensitive individuals during allergy season. Its goal is to push allergens out of the body and it therefore is responsible for hallmark allergy symptoms such as sneezing or coughing.

Seasonal allergies are also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. This condition typically occurs seasonally, but it can also occur year-round. Many individuals with seasonal allergies also have food sensitivities. The likely player in both of these is a condition known as leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining becomes permeable. As a result, food, toxins and particles can trickle through the microscopic holes in the gut lining and cause an autoimmune attack along with inflammation. This leads to an over-sensitization and an increased risk for allergies. This is why we often see people’s allergies improve once we heal leaky gut. It’s a ROOT cause condition and one we believe in treating.

What are the risk factors for allergies?

• Environmental agents

  Being in an environment with toxins and other allergenic agents (for example, mold mycotoxins) can affect an individual’s normal immune response and render them hypersensitive. This is because if an individual’s immune system is constantly under attack due to constantly fighting off these environmental agents then it begins to overproduce antibodies and eventually it goes haywire. This immune dysfunction sets the stage for a regular occurrence of allergies. Again, allergies are the immune systems response to a substance. It has been shown that repeated exposure can increase the severity of the allergic response in an individual.

• Leaky gut syndrome

  Increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, is significantly associated with seasonal allergy disorders. This is a predominant condition that has been found to exacerbate allergies and other similar conditions. There are many cross-reactivities that occur in individuals with leaky gut in which they have similar sensitivities to environmental allergens and food allergens. One novel study in 2017 concluded that healing leaky gut could result in preventing allergies and allergic asthma.

• Asthma

  Asthma can be caused by allergies and other conditions. It is also a significant risk factor as it is associated with increased inflammation, an altered immune response and irritation of the respiratory pathways. Additionally, it is likely that is classified as a risk factor as it is associated with leaky gut syndrome, as well.

• Toxin exposure

  Toxins including heavy metals, mold mycotoxins, environmental toxins, smoking and pollution (to name a few) can all impact one’s risk for allergies. Research has shown that toxins and continual toxin exposure can increase the body’s immune response to the environmental allergen, making symptoms worse. Indeed, a recent study found that air pollution is a significant contributor to the increased prevalence of allergic conditions experienced in society today. Get tested to know your level of toxins and your risk.

  Other key factors for allergy risk include metabolic conditions, hormones, stress, and medications.

What is the difference between conventional treatment and natural treatment for allergies?

Antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroid drugs and other pharmaceuticals are typically used in the conventional treatment of allergy symptoms. These prescriptions simply mask the symptoms. Additionally, there are many adverse side effects with these treatments such as impaired cognition, fatigue and heart arrhythmias.

With natural treatment methods, we work to address all aspects of the allergic cascade starting in the immune system. One major goal of treatment is to balance the immune response as well as inhibit the inflammatory cascade and breakdown inflammatory cells. Another goal is to reduce the release of histamine, which helps to ward off the hypersensitive reactions experienced in people with allergies. Another aim is to reduce circulating allergenic protein complexes in the body. Lastly, the goals are to boost antioxidant status and reduce the viscosity of mucous and aid in healthy sinus and nasal health.

See below for our complete list of recommended anti-allergy supplements.

Top 5 supplements for combatting seasonal allergies:

• Hist Pro

  Hist Pro is our Drs. Wolfson formulated allergy support supplement. If you suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma, you should have this on hand in your supply cabinet. This product contains KEY anti-allergic compounds aimed at balancing the immune response in hypersensitive individuals, supporting sinus health, keeping respiratory pathways healthy and regulating the viscosity of mucous. These compounds include proteolytic enzymes, antioxidants, flavonoids and botanicals aimed at supporting the body’s response to seasonal environmental allergens. Compounds such as quercetin, bromelain, stinging nettles leaf and N-acetyl cysteine work to decrease elevated histamine levels, bring down inflammation and reduce respiratory irritation.

  The loading dose we recommend is 2 capsules three times per day for 7-10 days and then 2-4 caps per day for maintenance (depending on individual allergy response) during allergy season. 

• Omega DHA

  Fish oil is rich in two key omega 3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are critical for lowering inflammation and boosting immune function. Recent research has shown that omega 3 fats exert anti-allergic effects, as well. Essentially, the study showed that the consumption of omega 3 fats generates a key compound in the gut that works to combat allergies including intestinal allergies. One of the key mechanisms for this is likely due to the ability of these essential fats to eradicate cellular inflammation and calm the innate immune response. Furthermore, another novel study showed that EPA is able to reduce immune cell airway inflammation in the lungs due to asthma (which can be caused by allergies).

  We recommend taking 3-4 caps per day of Omega DHA for allergy protection and/or symptom relief.

• Heart Helpers

  Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that confer a health benefit to the host (us). Probiotics can help to boost the immune system by balancing the gut microbiome, which could help to fend off allergies. We know that a healthy gut is key to regulating the immune system (about 70-80% of your immune system is housed in your gut). We also know that healing leaky gut syndrome does wonders for lowering inflammation and reducing incidence of allergies (both food and environmental) as noted in the above section.

  Take 2 caps daily of our Heart Helpers probiotic during allergy season for protection and support.

• Ultimate C

  Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine as it can very rapidly deactivate histamine. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation and oxidative stress as well as boosts immune function and could therefore alleviate allergies. It has also been speculated that a deficiency in vitamin C could be a significant risk factor for seasonal allergies.

  It has shown that 2 g of vitamin C per day could act as a natural antihistamine and aid in protection during allergy season. One teaspoon of Ultimate C provides 2,800 mg of vitamin C.

• Daily Defense

  This product has several key nutrients aimed at fending off allergies and priming the immune system. NAC, vitamin C, lactobacillus acidophilous (probiotic) and turmeric are all present. It also contains all the components of a good multivitamin. These vitamins and minerals increase immunity.  Daily Defense works to bring down inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, heal the gut lining and modulate immune function. The result is a decreased risk in prevalence or severity of allergies.

  We recommend 2 scoops of this daily for your defense against allergies.

What other things I can do for preventing seasonal allergies?

-Get sunshine! Vitamin D is crucial to lowering one’s risk of allergies and/or taming symptoms.

-See a chiropractor. Chiropractic is needed to boost immune function and keep the body healthy.

-Heal leaky gut syndrome. First, get tested for leaky gut to identify if you have the disorder.  If you have leaky gut, know that this is a ROOT cause condition for both seasonal and food allergies. You must heal the gut in order to prevent an allergic cascade from occurring in the body.

-Get your toxin levels tested! We recommend our 3 test combo, which tests for heavy metals, environmental toxins and mold mycotoxins. This is a test that allows us to analyze if high levels of toxins are causing immune dysfunction and allergies.

-If you have questions or need help with a specific anti-allergy protocol or testing, you can always sign up for a free, 20 minute health coaching call here.

The post Natural Treatment Remedies for Seasonal Allergies appeared first on TDW.

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin”. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it requires fat for absorption.

While this micronutrient is essential to health, there are very few foods that naturally contain optimal levels of vitamin D. This is why it is often found in fortified foods and supplements. However, as you’ll see in our gathered list below, there are still many Paleo foods rich in vitamin D that can be incorporated into your diet daily.

In addition to these foods, one of the best ways to obtain vitamin D is through sun exposure. When the sun’s rays hit the cholesterol in your skin, vitamin D is created. This is also one natural way of regulating cholesterol levels besides boosting vitamin D status, which is another reason we love this micronutrient.

What are the health benefits of vitamin D?

Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for your health as it plays a role in so many functions. Research is continually revealing new functions for this nutrient. 

Although vitamin D is truly a vitamin, it acts more like a hormone since the body can create it from sunlight and cholesterol. It should be noted that the health of the liver and kidneys is vitally important to vitamin D production as these organs are responsible for converting vitamin D into a bioavailable form the body can use.

Vitamin D health benefits include, but are not limited to:

*Boosting immune system function

*Decreasing inflammation

*Preventing cardiovascular disease

*Reducing blood pressure

*Reducing risk of many cancers

*Preventing against autoimmune disorders

*Promoting bone mineralization and supporting bone structure

*Regulating over 2,000 genes and cellular processes

*Improving muscle function

*Helping with weight management

Top 8 Paleo foods rich in vitamin D:

1. Eggs

   Eggs are nature’s multivitamin rich in all the essential amino acids, micronutrients and healthy fats. Vitamin D is found abundantly in the yolk of the egg. Research revealed that pasture-raised eggs from chickens that roam in the sunlight contain 3-4 times higher levels of vitamin D than non-free range chickens. Free-range chickens are one of the best sources of dietary vitamin D. Another reason why we love free-range farming.

2. Salmon

   Fatty fish like salmon are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein…and vitamin D! Choose wild-caught salmon for a healthy source of vitamin D any day of the week. Research revealed that farmed salmon was found to have 25% less vitamin D than wild-caught, which is another reason to go wild. We suggest eating salmon and other fatty fish at least four times per week for cardiovascular health and achieving desired vitamin D levels. Just 3 oz. of Wild Planet canned salmon contains 90% of the daily value of vitamin D.

3. Sardines

   Small, fatty fish such as sardines are another great source of vitamin D. In fact, canned sardines from Wild Planet contain about 50% of your daily value of vitamin D per 3 oz. serving. Go fish. Swap your traditional fish for sardines. Eat a can of sardines with an avocado for a hearty and healthy, easy-to-make lunch.

4. Herring

   Herring is another small, fatty fish (very similar to sardines) that is rich in omega 3 fats and vitamin D. You can get it canned, pickled, and raw. All are great options.

5. Tuna

   While we prefer fatty fish like salmon, sardines or herring, canned tuna is another good way to get vitamin D in (if that’s what you like). Choose smaller tuna fish to avoid elevated mercury concentrations. Wild Planet canned tuna (with BPA free cans) is a great option. Wild-caught albacore tuna from Wild Planet contains 30% of the daily value of vitamin D per serving.

6. Oysters

   Oysters are a bivalve mollusk that are a rich source of vitamin D (one oyster provides over half of the recommended dietary intake), as well as protein, omega 3 fats and other trace minerals like zinc and copper. Find wild, fresh oysters and enjoy them regularly.

7. Beef liver

   A 3.5 oz. portion of grass-fed, beef liver contains a good amount of vitamin D along with vitamin A, E, and K. Find organic, grass-fed liver for the most nutrient dense cut of meat. If you don’t like to eat organ meats, start to supplement. We recommend our Kick Start My Heart, which is an organ meat supplement. Take 3 tabs per day.

8. Mushrooms

   Excluding fortified foods, mushrooms are the only other plant source of vitamin D, known as D2. D2 can help to raise vitamin D levels (though not as well as D3). It is also especially important to note that commercially grown mushrooms tend to be grown in the dark and therefore contain little to no vitamin D. Mushrooms gain vitamin D just like us- when they’re exposed to ultraviolet light.  Seek out wild mushrooms, that have grown in the sunlight, whenever possible. Wild mushrooms contain exceptional amounts of vitamin D2.

How much do I need?

Traditionally, the Institute of Medicine has stated that the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for vitamin D is 600 international units (IU) per day for young adults and 800 IU per day for adults older than 70. Many other experts suggest that adults’ vitamin D needs are much higher.

In fact, a recent 2017 study published in the Journal of Preventative Medicine and Public Health revealed that vitamin D recommendations are much too low and the low levels seen in the population are linked to higher all-cause mortality. The study proposed that recommendations increase drastically for vitamin D, with many individuals requiring around 4,000 IU daily to prevent disease.

Who is most at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiencies are now more prevalent than ever. According to research, it is estimated that over 1 billion people in the world have a vitamin D deficiency.  In fact, it has been shown that about 40% of the population in the United States is deficient in Vitamin D.

There are several factors that influence a low vitamin D status including but not limited to: obesity, low HDL cholesterol, dark skin pigmentation, alcohol consumption, age, the latitude at where you live, the health of your kidneys and liver, as well as the health of your gut.

Essentially, in today’s society, more people are staying inside, wearing sunblock and eating a Standard American Diet (SAD) which is low in this nutrient.

Should I supplement?

If you don’t know your intracellular (inside the cell) level of vitamin D, you should. Your health depends on it. Get tested with the most advanced micronutrient testing there is. Serum 25(OH)D levels do not indicate the amount of vitamin D stored in body tissues. You need to test INSIDE the cell.

If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, then supplementation would be a good idea. Additionally, if you have low vitamin D levels after being tested, you should also supplement. This is because vitamin D plays a critical role in many physiological functions in the body.

If you’re not able to get in the sun regularly, then eating a diet rich in these vitamin-D foods and supplementing daily is key. Try our Super D. One drop of this contains 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in a highly absorbable, emulsified form.

Again, quality of a vitamin D supplement is essential to therapeutically altering levels in your cells. The vitamin D3 form is the most bioavailable for the body. The vitamin D also in our supplement is an oil-in-water emulsion, which is essential for this fat-soluble vitamin to have the highest absorption. 

The post 8 Paleo Foods Rich in Vitamin D appeared first on TDW.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral meaning the body cannot make it on its own. Therefore, this mineral must be obtained through food and supplements.

Zinc is the second most abundant trace mineral found in the human body. It is found in every cell and involved numerous cellular reactions.

What are the effects of zinc on the immune system?

Zinc is crucial for proper immune function and it plays a role in multiple aspects of the immune system.

Research has established that a hallmark feature of a zinc deficiency is an increased susceptibility to infectious disease and that zinc is required for proper host immunity. 

Zinc deficiencies have an impact on key immune processes such as phagocytosis, eradication of harmful invaders in cells, and production of cytokines.

This is why zinc deficiencies have long been linked to a weakened immune system. Another exciting study found that zinc supplementation was able to significantly reduce the risk of infections by stimulating a proper immune response in the elderly. 

Adequate Zinc is needed for viral protection and acute immune support.

The impacts of zinc on the immune system include:

• Zinc is needed for proper immune system regulation
• It is required for specific immune cells (T and B cells) to grow and function due to zinc’s effects on gene regulation within immune cells
• It is also required for non-specific immune cell generation such as neutrophils and natural killer cells
• Zinc functions as an antioxidant
• Zinc modulates inflammation
• Zinc reduces oxidative stress
• It stabilizes cell membranes and keeps them healthy

What foods contain zinc?

Grass-fed meat and shellfish are the best dietary sources of zinc. Ground beef, chuck roast and oysters are some Paleo foods that are the most abundant with zinc.

Read more here about our top ten Paleo foods that are rich in zinc along with some of our favorite zinc-rich recipes. 

Should I supplement?

We always recommend advanced micronutrient testing. Everyone should know their intracellular (level inside the cell) and extracellular (level inside the blood) level of micronutrients in order to truly asses their health status and health risks.

Our favorite micronutrient test that we use on our patients is located here.

We always say supplements supplement the healthy lifestyle. Especially during times like these, where extra immune support is needed to prevent infection and illness.

Therefore, we recommend our zinc for immune stimulation, virus protection and acute support. There is 25 mg of elemental zinc in each tab. Take 1-3 tabs per day, with food, depending on need.

If you have questions about supplementing with zinc or inquiries about other supplements and immune-boosting tips, or if you simply want to chat, you can always schedule a free health coaching call with a Drs. Wolfson health coach here.

The post Why Zinc is Key to Immune Function appeared first on TDW.

We learned this in medical school, but somewhere along the line, stomach acid became a villain that we needed to stop. We learned about drugs that would inhibit stomach acid production with names like Prilosec, Zantac, and Tagamet. And we started to prescribe them like crazy, propelling them to the best-selling drugs in the world.

And the damage has been catastrophic. You name the disease, and diminished stomach acid is a contributing factor. In this post, I am talking about heart disease.

Stomach Acid Increases Nitric Oxide 

Nitric oxide (NO) is 1 atom of nitrogen connected to 1 atom of oxygen. This compound floats around the body working its magic. NO opens up blood vessels, lowers inflammation, and naturally thins the blood. NO is CRITICAL for heart health.

And stomach acid makes nitric oxide. It does so by converting food sources of nitrite (NO2) into NO. No stomach acid, no NO. Big problem.

Stomach acid also helps digest protein so we can absorb amino acids. We need these amino acids as another way to make NO, thru arginine and citrulline.

Reasons Why Stomach Acid is Low 

Many factors here. Acid blockers are the obvious ones. Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid is also another contributing factor. We need thyroid hormone to make stomach acid. In fact, just the aging process leads to hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid).

Make sure your thyroid is in good shape, so make sure you get tested. For thyroid support, check out our Thyrokick supplement.

Get Your Acid Back 

Once your thyroid is back, the acid blockers have to go. Make sure you speak with your doctor first. Then, products like apple cider vinegar and lemon appear to stimulate acid and improve digestion.

Quite frankly, organic Paleo foods, sunshine, sleep, and lowering stress are necessary steps in stomach acid production. These are the basics and again, are necessary.

Supplements 

Digestive products containing betaine HCL and enzymes are well known in the natural health world for their efficacy. Just about all of our patients over 45 take our Digest. I created it with all the necessary components you need to digest your food, make nitric oxide, and live healthy and happy.

We suggest 2-3 caps of Digest in the middle of each meal. Keep a bottle on the kitchen table so you never forget. If you carry a purse, put a bottle in there as well. And one at the office too.

Let me know what you think.

The post We Need Stomach Acid to Prevent Heart Disease appeared first on TDW.