Although the body’s immune system is most often associated with its role in preventing systemic illnesses, the skin contains a vast network of immune cells that aid its restoration and repair.

Certain nutrients that support whole-body immunity may also help ease the itching, soreness, and inflammation associated with painful skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and cold sores.

Nutrients for Skin Health and Immunity

• Antioxidant Vitamins & Minerals

  Nutrients with antioxidant properties are the first line of defense against skin ailments.

  By helping control inflammation, antioxidants give the skin a chance to recover from damage caused by infections, UV exposure, and free radicals.

  • Vitamin A

    Beta-carotene is a plant pigment—found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables—that is converted to vitamin A in the body.

    Vitamin A supports skin cell turnover and wound healing. It may be useful for treating acne and psoriasis, as well as other skin conditions, including warts and sun damage.

    Topical use of vitamin A may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Vitamin E

    The most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant found in the skin, vitamin E helps prevent skin damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure, especially when used in combination with vitamin C.

    Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory effects that aid wound healing and may help treat chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, and acne.

  • Selenium

    A trace mineral, selenium helps the body make proteins and enzymes which protect against cell damage and inflammation.

    Selenium also supports healthy immune function and boosts hair and nail health.

    Insufficient intake of selenium has been linked to inflammatory skin diseases like dermatitis and psoriasis.

  • Zinc

    Another trace element, zinc has a long history of use for the management of skin diseases.

    Zinc deficiency has been linked to a host of inflammatory skin complaints, including acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.

    Zinc may also be effective in helping treat viral warts, genital herpes, ulcers, and other types of wounds on the skin.

• Amino Acids

  • Lysine

    Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means the body cannot produce it on its own and must get it from food or supplements.

    Like other amino acids, lysine helps the body make protein.

    Lysine may have additional skin health benefits, including antiviral properties that may help prevent and treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

    Collagen Formation

    Lysine also supports collagen formation.

    Collagen is a type of protein that occurs naturally in the skin and gives it elasticity, but it decreases with aging, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

    Adequate lysine intake may help to slow the signs of aging in the skin.

• Herbs

  Several immunity-boosting botanical remedies may also support skin health.

  • Astragalus

    With a long history of use in protecting against colds and other respiratory infections, astragalus also has important antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid wound healing and protect skin cells from damage.

  • Dandelion

    The leaves and roots of the dandelion plant (Taraxacum mongolicum) have anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that offer potential skin care benefits.

    Due to its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that helps bring pigment to the skin’s surface, dandelion may be useful for reducing the appearance of acne scars and age spots.

  • Echinacea

    An immunity superstar, echinacea may help soothe a host of irritating skin conditions, including eczema and acne.

    One recent study found that echinacea, in combination with probiotics and other botanical extracts, significantly improved the number of superficial lesions in a group with mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

  • Ligustrum

    A member of the olive family, ligustrum (Ligustrum lucidum) has traditionally been used to nourish skin and ease skin ailments.

    Emerging research suggests it may be particularly beneficial for inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis.

Precautions

Although medicinal herbs and dietary supplements are generally considered safe, they may interact with each other and/or other medications.

Always consult with your healthcare practitioner before adding any new herbs or supplements to your regimen.

Used in Asia for centuries for its health- and longevity-promoting benefits, the maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), is now considered a “major medicinal mushroom” in the modern world, according to dietitian/nutritionist Brittany Lubeck, MS, RDN.

Benefits of Maitake

Research has uncovered maitake’s usefulness in immunity, likely thanks to its polysaccharide and polyphenol content.

• Anti-Tumor Properties

  “Beta-glucans (types of polysaccharides) are widely present in maitake mushrooms. In laboratory research, beta-glucans have shown antitumor properties,” Lubeck notes. Human clinical trials are needed to back up this information.

  “Flavonoids and other types of polyphenols are also present in maitake mushrooms. These act as antioxidants, which may be necessary for disease prevention,” says Lubeck.

• Polysaccharide Actions

  Since the discovery, more than 30 years ago, of maitake’s D-fraction, researchers have extracted other polysaccharides, including beta-glucans and heteroglycans, from both the fruiting body and the fungal mycelium (root-like structure) of maitake.

  Polysaccharides are maitake’s major immunomodulating components.

• General Immunity

  Maitake extracts are marketed as dietary supplements that “enhance immune function” and help treat cancer and AIDS. The active constituent in these preparations is beta 1,6-glucan, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Human data are limited, however.

  “In small trials,” says the MSKCC website, “oral maitake extract appeared to have immunomodulatory effects in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, and enhanced neutrophil and monocyte function in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome,” a group of disorders caused by irregular blood cells.

  “D-fraction in maitake mushroom has a strong effect on the immune system,” according to a 2022 WebMD article. “It boosts production of lymphokines (protein mediators) and interleukins (secreted proteins) that improve your immune response.” 

Precautions

• Blood Health

  Discuss the use of maitake with your healthcare provider before adding a maitake extract to your supplement regimen, especially if:

  • you take blood thinners (such as Coumadin and Jantoven)
  • you take blood-sugar-lowering medication

  Maitake can increase bleeding risk as well as lowering blood sugar.

• Pregnancy / Breastfeeding

  Because of a lack of safety information on the use of maitake by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, Lubeck suggests they “talk with a healthcare provider before using maitake mushrooms.”

It’s estimated that about 4 million people in the U.S. have frequent constipation, with many of these being men. Add frequent gas, belching, and bloating to this mix and there’s a good chance that the underlying problem is an imbalanced gut.

The gut, or microbiome as it’s often referred to, is essentially the gastrointestinal system, including the intestines. When it comes to symptoms like constipation, gas, belching, and bloating, it’s the intestines where everything begins.

Scientists are coming to realize that one of the most important things you can do for your health is to keep your gut in balance. What researchers have found: A healthy, balanced gut doesn’t just help us to digest food, it also keeps our immune system strong. That’s because 70 to 80 percent of our immune cells live in the gut.

A healthy gut is also important to maintaining a healthy weight. And it’s key to maintaining optimal health and longevity.

Five Steps to a Healthier Gut

Daily exercise, putting relaxation strategies in place, and getting plenty of sleep all go a long way to staying balanced overall, which can also contribute to a healthier gut—and optimal health.

• Clear Out Your Gut

  If you’re backed up, you need to get things moving again before you can get your gut back on track. This isn’t always easy to do on your own.

  That’s why NBPure’s gut cleanse MagO7 is a bestselling constipation relief product. It works overnight to give guaranteed relief come morning.

  MagO7 contains a proprietary mix of ozonated magnesium oxide compounds with the added electrolyte potassium. Magnesium oxide has been proven to work through independent research.

• Eat More Whole Foods, Limit Processed Foods

  Processed foods like packaged meals, fast food, and sugary treats—as well as alcohol—can contribute to gut health problems.

  Whole foods, on the other hand, help to nourish a healthy, balanced gut. This includes lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains like brown rice, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats.

• Get Enough Probiotics

  Be sure you’re getting probiotics, or healthy bacteria, every day. By adding probiotics to your diet every day, you’re ensuring that there are more beneficial bacteria in your gut than unhealthy bacteria. It’s the unhealthy bacteria that can contribute to symptoms like bloating and gas and make us not feel great.

  While foods like yogurt and sauerkraut have healthy bacteria in them, you may not be getting enough. That’s why adding healthy probiotics into your gut through daily supplements like our own Poobiotics can help.

• Get Enough Fiber Every Day

  90% of Americans—with many of these being men—don’t get enough fiber. Men need at least 38 grams of fiber every day. It’s fiber that keeps the digestive system and gut in balance, preventing constipation. Fiber is also important to maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

  Foods high in fiber include fruits and vegetables, whole grains like oatmeal, seeds like flaxseeds, and beans and legumes. Taking a daily fiber supplement can help you meet your daily goal.

  Our Daily Multi-Fiber offers 4 grams of fiber per teaspoon (just mix well into water) plus probiotics and prebiotics (to help nourish beneficial bacteria).

• Stay Hydrated

  Getting enough water can help the gut stay balanced—and keep things running smoothly to prevent constipation. Men need at least 15.5 cups of water daily. Plain water helps hydrate as can herbal tea and hydrating fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, and watermelon.

The rose flower graces us with an intoxicating scent and an almost incomparable beauty.

But did you know that the scent of roses is healing?

It's true: the essential oil of this most romantic of flowers contains antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and calming properties.

But besides this ethereal bloom, there’s something else the rose bush gives us: the potent and revered rosehip.

What Are Rosehips?

Rosehips are the accessory or “false fruit” of rose plants, appearing when the rose flower dies.

Not all rose plants produce rosehips, which makes this edible part of the plant that much more special.

Appearance

Appearing as a cylindrical berry with tiny hairs sprouting from its bottom, the bright orange-red rosehip is a nutritional powerhouse for both the skin and the body.

Nutrition

Rosehips also contain:

• Flavonoids
• Vitamins:
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin A
• Minerals:
  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Zinc

They’re also one of the best vegetable oil sources of omega 3s and a good source of omega 6s as well.

Rose in the Kitchen

You can add taste to the list of senses that roses appeal to. From tea and jam made from rose hips to salads and desserts that contain rose petals or rosewater, the rose has its own unique culinary flavor.

The International Herb Association suggests adding rose water to:

• sliced strawberries
• fresh lemonade
• hot or iced tea

Finding and Choosing Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil can spoil quickly, so be sure to buy it in dark glass bottles. Store in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.

Look for rosehip oil, or rosehip’s Latin name (Rosa rubiginosa), on product labels.

• For purity and best results, shop for certified organic rosehip oil, which is free of herbicides and pesticides.
• Look for varieties made with cold-press methods, since high heat can degrade some of rosehip oil’s active ingredients.
• You can also make your own, with our DIY rosehip oil recipe.

Benefits of Rosehip Oil

• For Your Skin

  Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is extracted from the crushed seeds of the wild rosehip fruit. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin.

  Rosehip oil comes as straight oil, or it can be combined with other ingredients in creams or powders.

  Applying the oil to the skin can help reduce redness and slow the signs of aging. It’s known for its ability to brighten, firm, and tighten the skin.

  What else can this golden-hued oil do for skin?

  • fight acne and shrink pimples due to its linoleic acid
  • regenerate the skin’s cellular membrane and tissues
  • reduce scar tissue due to its essential fatty acids and antioxidants
  • moisturize dry skin
  • protect skin from oxidative stress
  • improve skin moisture, elasticity, and wrinkles
  • lower inflammation and redness from inflammatory skin conditions:
    • eczema
    • rosacea
    • psoriasis
    • dermatitis
  • lighten hyperpigmentation and fade lighter-colored dark spots
  • improve texture and appearance of scars (applied topically twice a day)
  • reduce sun damage due to its vitamin A content
  • hydrate dry and itchy skin with its essential fatty acids
  • assist with collagen production and skin cell turnover
  • help alleviate symptoms of PMS as well as menstrual cramps

  Before bed is a good time to use rosehip oil. Apply a few drops to clean skin just before moisturizing. For best results, apply rosehip the oil neat up to twice a day. Or add a few drops to another carrier oil or to your daily moisturizer.

  Research has also found that those who took rosehip powder orally had increases in their skin elasticity.

  Rosewater, made from the petals of the flower, is found in cosmetics and is touted as an antiseptic that’s soothing to sensitive skin.

• For Your Hair

  The benefits of rosehip oil also extend to the hair. Some people use it to moisturize and condition their locks, but avoid applying rosehip oil to very fine hair, as the oil may weigh it down.

• For the Body

  It’s no surprise the benefits of rosehips go beyond the skin. Rosehips were once a key part of North America’s native peoples’ diets.

  Today, the edible rosehip is consumed in powdered form or syrups, or as a dried fruit. Rosehips have also found their way into teas, beverages, jams, jellies, wines, breads, and more.

  • As an Anti-Inflammatory

    Traditionally, rosehips have treated many diseases. With their anti-inflammatory benefits, they can help provide relief from arthritis when taken daily.

    Rosehips block cartilage cells’ proteins from activating. This activation can lead to the detrimental degradation of joint tissue.

  • To Fight Obesity

    The rosehip may even fight obesity. Researchers discovered that taking rosehip extract daily significantly reduced abdominal total fat area, body weight, and body mass index in pre-obese subjects.

  • For Immunity

    Rich in vitamin C and zinc, rosehips are an impressive immune booster as well.

Precautions

Other Conditions

Rosehips are not recommended for:

• pregnant and breastfeeding women
• those who are diabetic or tend to get kidney stones
• those with bleeding conditions or sickle cell disease
• those with an iron-related disorder or anemia.

Possible Reactions

Before using rosehip oil or products containing it, perform a patch test for any reactions or allergies:

1. Apply a small amount to the wrist, elbow, or forearm.
2. Cover the area with a bandage or gauze for 24 hours.
3. After this time, remove the bandage or gauze and check if any redness, itchiness, or rash occurs.

If there’s irritation or inflammation, rinse the area and don’t use the product.

In today’s busy modern world, balance can be elusive.

The habits we fall into—relying on convenient and processed foods, not getting enough sleep, and letting stress pile up—all lead to the formation of free radicals.

Even overdoing it at the gym or simply breathing can result in the creation of these unstable molecules.

Antioxidant vs. Free Radicals

Thankfully, antioxidants help regulate and neutralize free radicals before they lead to oxidative stress and start a domino effect within the body.

Vitamins C and E and minerals like manganese and selenium possess antioxidant properties. But there’s one “mother of all antioxidants” that is more versatile and agile than all the others.

According to well over 150,000 published studies, glutathione helps guard cells from oxidative stress while also supporting the immune system, respiratory health, skin health, and the liver.

Is Glutathione The Most Important Antioxidant?

“Glutathione specifically is the body’s most important antioxidant,” says Dr. Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, assistant director of the fellowship in integrative medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. “All of our cells make glutathione.”

Not only is glutathione as abundant as glucose in the human body, but it also earned that “mother” nickname for its ability to recycle and replenish other antioxidants.

The body needs a steady supply of glutathione to keep up with demands (especially overnight when so much cellular clean-up and repair happens).

However, glutathione is not a substance the body can stockpile—and a poor diet along with stress and normal aging can deplete the body’s stores. That’s why the best way to maintain optimal supplies is to consider supplementation.

It's important to choose a form of glutathione that’s able to reach the bloodstream. 

Setria is glutathione, which supports the body’s primary defense against free radicals. Manufactured using a fermentation process, Setria Glutathione is a tripeptide that enhances the glutathione content of critical tissues. It is a patented and clinically studied form of l-glutathione, also known as reduced glutathione (GSH). As an active form of glutathione, it is able to neutralize free radicals in the body.

In clinical studies, Setria has been shown to raise and replenish the body’s blood glutathione levels when taken orally, “which is really what you want to see,” said Dr. Heather Moday, MD, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and functional medicine physician.

Taking 1,000 mg daily increases glutathione levels by:

• 30% in whole blood
• 35% in red blood cells
• 260% in buccal cells

Setria can also help the body offset oxidative stress and boost the natural immune defense system. A study found that after three months of taking 1,000 mg of Setria, natural killer cell activity doubled. Also called “NK” cells, these support innate immune health.

Since glutathione can’t be stored long-term, glutathione reserves returned to pre-study levels one month after supplementation ended, without impacting the body’s normal production.

Setria Glutathione is the "mother of all antioxidants.”

It supports immune health and helps protect cells in the body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress and toxins.

It may not have the strong emotional appeal of the heart or the strength and sturdiness of the bones, but the lymph system needs our attention too. Fortunately this is changing, as we learn of its supreme importance in keeping us well.

Located outside the body’s cells, the lymphatic system is a fluid space. Twice as long as the blood network, the lymphatic system circulates right alongside it, acting as a drain for cellular waste. It also acts as a defender, supporting the immune system by trapping pathogens and filtering them out.

Unlike the blood system with the heart, the lymphatic system does not have a natural pump. What it has are series of ducts and nodes that help move fluid along. The lymph nodes are located throughout the body, including under the armpits, in the neck, around the groin, and in the digestive system.

Lymph Problems

When we’re dehydrated, tired, lacking in sleep, full of toxins, or fighting an infection, our lymphatic system struggles. This causes stagnation and results in painful swelling and inflammation, and is an indicator that something’s amiss.

Symptoms of Lymph Issues

Here are some common signs of congested lymph:

• Acne and other skin issues
• Cellulite
• Constipation
• Earaches
• Excess water weight
• Fluid retention
• Food and chemical sensitivities
• Inflamed tonsils
• Insomnia
• Nasal congestion
• Pain
• Sore throat

Self-Diagnosis

Try this easy and quick test: depress the skin on the back of your hand with your thumb.

If it takes three or more seconds for the skin to return to its normal color after being pressed, your lymphatic system is most likely sluggish.

Treating Lymph Issues

What to do about underperforming lymph?

Stimulating Flow

These routines all stimulate lymph flow:

• Physical exercise
• Hot yoga
• Sauna
• Infrared light therapy
• Dry skin brushing
• Rebounding on a trampoline
• Deep belly breathing
• Massage

If you wear underwire bras, consider changing to wireless. Many lymph glands are located in the breast area. Underwires are constricting and limit circulation in breast tissue.

Lymph Massage

Massage is a particularly healing and effective option, as it helps stagnant lymph move through the tissues. A professional licensed lymphatic massage therapist gently massages the areas over the lymph canals and encourages the emptying of the lymph nodes.

You can also try self-massage. But keep in mind that it’s best to work gently when massaging lymph. Use a light, stroking motion.

It’s important to note that if your lymphatic system is too congested and your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, a lymphatic massage may be stressful for your body.

Affected areas are often tender to the touch and the skin may appear overstretched.

Self-Massage Tips

• If swelling is in the arms, gently massage your skin upward toward the armpits.
• If fluid retention is in the legs, stroke upward toward the groin area.
• Major strokes should be directed toward the kidneys to help with waste removal.
• Other areas to concentrate on include along the jawline and down each side of the neck.
• Massage around the bikini line area. This is where the leg creases when you lift it.

Essential Oils for Lymph Issues

Benefits

With antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, essential oils can:

• help with blood circulation
• reduce tissue swelling
• stimulate lymphatic movement
• lessen toxins
• decongest lymph

Essential oils also help open drainage channels in the body, like those in the lymphatic system.

Other ways to obtain essential oils’ benefits for the lymph include adding a small amount to a bath, diffusing in a diffuser, or mixing a few drops into a body wash.

Recommend Oils

Lymph-loving essential oils include:

• cedarwood atlas
• cypress
• frankincense
• geranium
• ginger
• grapefruit
• juniper berry
• lemon
• lime
• rosemary
• spearmint
• sweet orange
• tea tree
• wintergreen

Helpful Tips

• Follow the ratio of one drop of essential oil per one teaspoon of carrier oil, unless a recipe instructs otherwise.
• Dilute the essential oils by adding them to carrier oils such as jojoba, almond, avocado, grape seed, or fractionated coconut.

Precautions

Always perform a patch test on the skin before using essential oils. Make sure there’s no redness, burning, or irritation on the skin, or any breathing issues upon smelling the intended oil. Avoid if any of these occur.

Recommended Blends

• Toxin Expeller

  For a lymph toxin expeller:

  • Ingredients

    • 7 drops juniper berry essential oil
    • 5 drops lemon essential oil
    • 6 drops black pepper essential oil
    • 1 ounce avocado oil

  • Directions

    • Blend the ingredients in a dropper bottle.
    • Use small amounts when massaging.

• Lymph Stimulator

  For a stimulating massage for the lymph:

  • Ingredients

    • 5 drops geranium essential oil
    • 6 drops wintergreen essential oil
    • 2 drops tea tree essential oil
    • 1 ounce grapeseed oil

  • Directions

    • Blend the ingredients in a dropper bottle.
    • Use small amounts when massaging.

• Lymphedema Blend 1

  From The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

  • Ingredients

    • Juniper Berry 5 drops
    • Grapefruit 2 drops
    • Cypress 2 drops
    • Sweet Orange 5 drops

  • Directions

    1. Blend essential oils together.
    2. Dilute 1 to 3 drops per tsp of carrier oil.
    3. Use only as much as required.

• Lymphedema Blend 2

  From The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

  • Ingredients

    • Lavender 6 drops
    • Juniper berry 3 drops
    • German Chamomile 6 drops

  • Directions

    1. Blend essential oils together.
    2. Dilute 1 to 3 drops per tsp of carrier oil.
    3. Use only as much as required.

Among the nutrients the body needs, vitamin A stands out for the many functions it performs in the maintenance of optimal health, including in reproduction, growth, cellular function, and vision.

This antioxidant vitamin is also critical to the immune system.

How Vitamin A Supports Immunity

Supporting immunity in two ways, vitamin A stimulates “the production and activity of white blood cells (antiviral and anti-tumor cells)” and maintains “and strengthens epithelial tissues and mucous membranes—the body’s first line of defense against pathogens,” according to In and Out Express Care.

Epithelial tissue, collectively called the epithelium, forms the covering on both internal and external body surfaces, lines body cavities, and is the main tissue component of glands.

“The epithelium lines all outer surfaces and most inner surfaces of organisms, and it functions as the ‘front line’ of defense against pathogen invasion.”

Vitamin A “is involved in the development of the immune system and plays regulatory roles in cellular immune responses,” according to the authors of a literature review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin A

The body can put this fat-soluble vitamin right to work from the preformed version—called retinoid or retinol—found in animal foods (including liver, fish, fish oil, eggs, yogurt, and fortified milk).

Or it can manufacture vitamin A from the plant-based beta carotene in colorful fruits and vegetables (especially those that are yellow, red, and orange, such as carrots, cantaloupe, and pumpkin, but also dark-green veggies like kale and broccoli).

Vitamin A Deficiency

Because one cause of vitamin A deficiency is a dietary lack of the vitamin itself or of its precursor, beta carotene, the condition is rare in the US.

However, liver disorders and the inability to absorb fat from the diet—as in alcohol-use disorder, bile-duct blockage, celiac disease, chronic diarrhea, and cystic fibrosis among other conditions—can also contribute to a deficiency.

Vitamin A Toxicity

Too much vitamin A can be dangerous and is more likely to occur in this country than is a deficiency. Because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, excess vitamin A is stored in fat tissue and in the liver, which can lead to toxicity.

One way to prevent this is to avoid retinol or retinoid supplements, using only plant-based beta carotene supplements, which do not build up in the body.

Health and wellness experts have become increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy microbiome, particularly in terms of the digestive system. Dietary patterns and environmental factors have a profound effect on shaping gut microbiota in real-time (Hills et al., 2019), and a well-functioning digestive system is one of the first things considered in preventive care.

Unfortunately, in our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to make healthy diet and lifestyle choices that support a healthy microbiome. However, with new research and better knowledge of the importance of the human microbiome, tremendous advancements in overall health for humankind are possible.

What is The Human Microbiome?

The human microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea that inhabit the entire human body. In particular, these microorganisms have a vital role to play in maintaining human health.

Our ability to achieve optimal health and wellness depends on understanding the relationship between the human microbiome and digestive health, as well as its potential implications.

The Functions of Your Microbiome

The human digestive system is home to trillions of these microorganisms, which collectively form the gut microbiome that plays an important role in breaking down food, producing nutrients, immune system regulation, and much more!

• Fiber Fermentation

  Fermentation of dietary fibers and other complex carbohydrates produces short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important sources of energy for the digestive tract and have anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects.

  The amount and type of fiber consumed have dramatic effects on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and consequently on the type and amount of SCFAs produced (den Besten et al., 2013).

• Regulating the Intestinal Barrier

  Regulating the intestinal barrier, a complex network of cells and proteins that separates the digestive tract from the rest of the body, is essential for maintaining digestive health and preventing potentially harmful microbes and components from entering the bloodstream.

  Disruptions to the microbiota can result in increased intestinal permeability and a variety of health concerns.

• Maintaining Immunity

  Maintaining a strong immune system also relies heavily on the microbiota. According to Dr. David Heber, professor emeritus of medicine at UCLA Health, “Seventy percent of the immune system is located in the gut” (Cohen, 2021).

  The immune system is responsible for protecting the body from unwanted organisms and harmful agents, but it must also be able to distinguish between what is harmful and what is helpful in the realm of microorganisms. Gut microbiota help to train the immune system to recognize and respond appropriately to different types of microorganisms.

  Disruptions to the microbiota can lead to an imbalance within the system that is designed to help maintain homeostasis.

• Mood Improvement

  Mental health is also connected to microbiome activity. Consuming a probiotic-containing yogurt has been linked to improved mental health: a 2007 study showed that it “improved the mood of those whose mood was initially poor.” Furthermore, a healthy microbiome has been associated with better mood, sleep, and overall feelings of wellbeing.

  Recent research has explored the connection between the brain’s CNS (central nervous system) and the digestive system’s ENS (enteric nervous system), which has helped to further clarify the relationship between mental health and gut health.

• Supporting Digestive Health

  The relationship between gut microbiota and digestive health has important implications for prevention and maintenance.

  For example, research has shown that probiotics, which are defined by The FAO/WHO as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” (Hill, 2014) may help to restore the balance of the gut microbiota and support a healthy, optimal functioning digestive system.

Consuming Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics can be consumed as supplements, added to foods, or found naturally occurring in certain foods. In addition, prebiotics, which are indigestible fibers that feed and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, may also be beneficial for digestive and overall microbiome health.

However, it is important to note that not all probiotics and prebiotics are created equal. The efficacy of these interventions depends on the specific strains of microorganisms used and the potency of the strains, as well as the individual characteristics of the person consuming them.

Therefore, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach.

Conclusion

In summary, it is clear that the human microbiome is of crucial importance to our physiology, especially within the digestive system.

Spreading awareness of the vital role of the microbiome is important to the future of wellness. Our understanding of these microscopic critters continues to grow and develop, with every new breakthrough revealing more of the immense influence they have on our well-being.

By taking care of our microbiome and preserving a healthy balance of bacteria, through a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, as well as supplementing with probiotics and prebiotics, we can safeguard our health and promote optimal health and well-being for ourselves and future generations.

As a practicing pharmacist for over 20 years, every spring and fall, I get asked many times, what is the best medication for seasonal allergies? To which I reply, none of them. No medication will ever truly help your seasonal allergies.

You are going about it all wrong and here is why.

Histamine is not the issue.

Contrary to popular belief, seasonal allergies are not a histamine problem. I know, hard to believe as the options that line the pharmacy shelves are all labels “anti-histamine”.

We have been conditioned to believe that by controlling histamine (with pills, creams, liquids) we are treating the problem. But in reality, we are only scratching the surface.

The Core Reason for Seasonal Allergies

While histamine is certainly a component of seasonal allergies, it is just a small part of the real issue. Your Immune system.

Seasonal allergies to pollen, dust, mold, pet dander and many others is caused by your immune system over-reacting to something harmless.

Reacting in the same way it would to a virus or bacteria recruiting additional immune cells that result in inflammation.

Designing the Ideal Allergy Remedy

The ideal natural allergy remedy would involve a combination of herbs that address histamine and balance your immune system.

All too often, I find that many natural brands overly focus on controlling histamine with combinations of ingredients such vitamin C, bromelain, stinging nettle, quercetin and many more. Worse, many brands, when you look at their labels closely, are almost identical formulas.

These formulas often miss the mark on how to truly help people with allergies.

Immune Support is the Key

The true problem with seasonal allergies is not histamine as we have been trained to think. It is our immune system.

Much like how our body’s immune system responds to viruses, it sometimes undergoes the same response to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold and more. For people with seasonal allergies, your immune system has identified it as a foreign entity that must be attacked and removed.

This immune response is a natural reaction and favorable. But sometimes the immune system overreacts and creates unnecessary inflammation by releasing too many inflammatory mediators and recruiting excessive help from the immune system.

The secret to seasonal allergy control is in balancing the immune response. Balancing the immune response in the right way can make all the difference.

Top 5 Herbs for Immune Support for Seasonal Allergies

• Butterbur

  Acts by stabilizing an important immune cell called the mast cell.

  Mast cells contain a lot of inflammatory medications such as interleukins, prostaglandins, cytokines and histamine.

  Butterbur standardized to petasins has been shown in clinical studies to be very effective at stabilizing the cell membrane and limiting the release of these highly inflammatory chemicals.

• Apigenin

  Often overlooked but so important in the moderation of the immune response for allergies.

  This ingredient is found in high concentrations in parsley and celery. Its specific action is balancing T helper cells.

  T helper cells are divided between TH1 and Th2. An imbalance in T helper cells can lead to worse allergy symptoms.

  Apigenin restores this balance in your body.

• Andrographis

  This ayurvedic herb has a long history of showing benefit for immune support.

  Andrographis contains andrographolide which helps support inflammation and has mild astringent properties. Highly standardized andrographis promotes healthy breathing pathways quickly.

• Rosmarinic Acid

  Derived from the rosemary plant, this ingredient when used in its purest form can have a significant impact on histamine.

  Rosmarinic acid is best used in combination with other herbs when using it for seasonal allergies.

• Quercetin Dihydrate

  Very beneficial for controlling both histamine formation and release. It also has some benefits for stabilizing mast cells.

  Quercetin alone is not very effective for seasonal allergies but when paired with other immune support ingredients, it can be very effective.

  It is important to know that not all quercetin forms are equal in absorption. Quercetin dihydrate has very good absorption characteristics (up to 80%) in the GI system compared to traditional quercetin which is only 5% absorbed into the body.