The Impact of Stress on Seasonal Allergies

It’s been a stressful year to say the very least.  Unfortunately, all that stress can have a negative impact on your seasonal allergies.  According to a recent study published in the journal, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, researchers found an association between higher perceived stress levels and allergy flare-ups. Allergies occur when your immune… Read more »

Vitamin C as an Antihistamine

Allergy season is getting an early start this year.  Allergies are caused by an exaggerated immune response to triggers such as pollen, mold and dust.  And while avoiding the allergen is ideal, it’s not always possible or practical, especially in the spring when pollen is everywhere.  Instead of fighting back with antihistamines, a natural alternative is vitamin C. … Read more »

Tips for Staying Healthy this Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is upon us, but there are ways in which to prepare and reduce your chances of catching the latest bug. Getting an annual flu vaccine and practicing good hygiene are great ways for a person to protect themselves and others. Some lifestyle and dietary changes can also reduce the likelihood of… Read more »

Five Foods to Improve Immune Response

Your immune system is your body’s best defense against flu season.  But in order to help keep it functioning at its best, your diet should include these five foods to improve immune response. Yogurt – Regularly eating “good bacteria” (or probiotics) can help improve digestion and strengthen your immune system. But not all yogurts are… Read more »

Five Ways to Avoid Catching a Cold

Did you know cold season is almost here? This year more than others, you need to make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid the latest bug.  Make sure you’re at least following the five tips below: Take Vitamin D – As the days get shorter, your vitamin D levels get lower. Canadian researchers… Read more »

Probiotic Rich Foods to Strengthen Your Immune System

An important job of your immune system is to protect you from harmful bacteria. The beneficial organisms known as probiotics contribute to this effort in a number of ways. In the gut, a robust population of beneficial bacteria can help crowd out harmful bacteria, making it harder for them to thrive. In addition, probiotic bacteria can… Read more »

Allergy Season Spring Cleaning

Allergy season has arrived.  If you think allergies are just an outdoor thing, think again. If you ever open your windows and doors, allow shoes in your house, or don’t immediately change your clothing upon coming inside, there is pollen in your home.  Aside from pollen, many people are also allergic to dust mites and… Read more »

Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and Vitamin D

Researchers at the Children’s National Medical Center found that children who suffered from asthma and seasonal allergies were 20 times more likely to be vitamin D deficient than children who didn’t suffer. Likewise, other recent study results demonstrated that vitamin D3 supplementation may alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms as well as treat chronic hives. According to… Read more »

Vitamin D and Immune Health

Vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of your immune system, which is your body’s first line of defense against infection and disease. This vitamin plays a critical role in promoting your immune health. It has both anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties and is crucial for the activation of immune system defenses. Vitamin D enhances the pathogen… Read more »

Do You Need an Immune Boost?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get completely knocked out by colds, flu and illness while others get through season with barely a sniffle?  It all comes down to your immune system and how well you’ve armed your body in the battle to stay well.  Some of these habits are pretty surprising…. Read more »