Monthly Archives: February 2017

Curcumin Plus, Immune Glucans, Immune health, Immune products, NADH

Better Diet, Exercise and Supplements: How To Boost Your Immunity

Given it’s our last line of defence, you’d think we’d do more to ensure it works as it should and keep us healthy. It’s the thing that, once we’ve picked up a cold, a bug or any other infectious micro-organism that. via our mouths or noses, gets into our digestive or respiratory systems, ensures we can still function and recover.

Yes, we’re talking the immune system – one of the most crucial of all the human body’s systems. And yet, all too often we take it for granted and don’t help our body make sure it can operate as well as possible. So how can you look after your immune system better? How can you boost your immunity?

A complicated collection of interconnected cells, tissues and organs, the immune system is what protects these different bits and pieces of the body from harmful pathogens. And it does so by finding and isolating these pathogens as soon as it possibly can, then transporting them to the spleen, where they’re filtered from the blood – along with damaged white/ red blood cells – and removed as waste from the body.

In actual fact, though, the immune system’s more complex than that – in that it’s also formed of two halves. The first is the innate immune system; it’s this that helps you heal on the outside by fighting infections that could otherwise turn cuts and bruises into wounds. The second is the adaptive immune system, which cleverly adapts your immunity so you become immune to individual viruses and don’t get ill from them again should you catch them more than once.

Immunity disorders

Unfortunately, however, some people are born with immune system disorders, while others – whom may have originally boasted perfectly healthy immune systems – can develop such disorders due to the likes of diseases, allergies and bad nutrition. As such then, the following are common immunity disorders:

  • Autoimmunity – this occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissue it should actually be protecting; there are in excess of 80 recognised autoimmune diseases1, including type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Immunodeficiencies – when your immunity’s weakened, it could be because of a drop in white blood cell levels (the soldiers of the immune system) which, in turn, be caused by poor diet, too little exercise2 or exposure to cigarette smoke, pesticides, toxic metals and other pollutants3
  • A hypersensitive or over-reactive immune system – with this condition, when the immune system detects a harmless allergen, it will create an unnecessary response that may well damage tissue and organs and even lead to disease.

How to boost your immunity

Constantly having to fight a plethora of dangerous organisms present in the air, water and food, the immune system then more than welcomes help to boost its effectiveness. Here are four ways you can do just that:

  • Improve your diet – avoid processed foods with their flavourings, sugars and toxins; instead opt for antioxidant-rich organic fruits and vegetables full of vitamins like avocado, blueberries, broccoli, eggplant, kale, lemons, pomegranate and spinach
  • Get consistent exercise – doing so boosts your oxygen intake and lung capacity, drives along your metabolism and helps ensure strong circulation
  • Manage stress levels – stress aggravates the immune system and escalates inflammation, so try to let go of problems when you can, get outdoors, talk to a caring listener or why not try meditation?
  • Focus on nutrition – in addition to adopting and maintaining a better, healthier diet, you might look to consuming herbs and tonics to supplement your nutritional intake (not least as you get older); for instance, make sure you’re getting enough Echinacea4 and oregano oil5.

Immunity supplements

Additionally, you might look to supplement your diet with, yes, supplements especially proven to boost immunity. By all means take a look at the ‘Immunity Health’ section of our website for the wide selection of nutrient-packed supplements available through us at The Finchley Clinic, which include the following three highly recommended examples:

liposomal-curcumin

Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – one of a new class of bio-available supplements, this turmeric-derived chemical supports immunity and prostate health, reduces inflammation and soothes the gut lining.

NADH

NADH – also known as Coenzyme 1, this very versatile and important antioxidant-packed nutrient’s ideal not just for improving immune health, but also heart health, adrenal support and anti-ageing.

ImunoGlukan-90-capsules

Immune Glucans – supports healthy immunity and it’s especially suitable during periods of illness, over-work and antibiotic treatment, as well as for those sensitive to allergens.

References:

1. ‘Autoimmune Diseases’. MedinePlus. Aug 2014.

2. Winans B., Humble M. C. and Lawrence B. P. ‘Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?’ Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, NY). 2011. 31 (3): 327-336.

3. ‘Aging changes in immunity’. MedlinePlus. Oct 2014.

4. Bany J., Siwicki A. K., Zdanowska D., Sokolnicka I., Skopińska-Rózewska E. and Kowalczyk M. ‘Echinacea purpurea stimulates cellular immunity and anti-bacterial defence independently of the strain of mice’. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003. 6 (3 Suppl): 3-5.

5. ‘Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Finds’. Georgetown University Medical Center. Oct 2001.

BioCare Adult Multivitamins & Minerals, General Health & Nutrition, True Food Natural Vitamin E, Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin E-ssential: The Many and Various Benefits of Vitamin E

Pretty much everybody – even children – are aware that the organic compounds known as vitamins are vital to the preservation of human health,  but while most people have heard of Vitamins A, B (Complex), C and D – and some are familiar with them – how many people know that much about Vitamin E? Chances are not that many. And yet, just like its fellow vitamins, ‘E’ is essential to keeping us fit and healthy and our bodies happily functioning as they should.

So, just what’s so special about Vitamin E? What makes it so important to our well-being? Well, principally it’s because it functions as such a good and reliable antioxidant1, thus combating the harmful, highly reactive molecules that occur in our bodies known as ‘free radicals’. Now, because these molecules are ‘uncharged’ (they’re forever after an electron to pair with their single electron) they attack and damage cells in their quest to become ‘charged’ and complete, thus potentially leading to many ailments. This process is referred to as oxidative stress2 and so requires antioxidants to counteract and neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals to the tissues of the skin3, eyes4, liver, breast, lungs and testes6, 7 – which is where Vitamin E comes in.

Antioxidant benefits

As a result of its invaluable antioxidant properties then, Vitamin E is believed to help with a whole range of issues, not least arthritis8, compromised eyesight9, gout10 and atherosclerosis6. Moreover, in combating free radical formation that would otherwise see the molecules spread throughout the body, it can help prevent chain reactions that might lead to the emergence of diseases such as cardiovascular and heart disease, hypertension, senility and even forms cancer6.

And it doesn’t end there; further Vitamin E benefits include reducing menstrual pains and disorders such as vaginal itching dryness6 and migraines11, as well as help treat fatty liver disease12, muscular dystrophy13, restless leg syndrome14, shingles15 and diabetes-related circulatory problems16. Plus, in tandem with Vitamin A, there’s research to suggest Vitamin E may help reduce cholesterol and accumulation of fat6.

Vitamin E sources

So, with its myriad health benefits, it would be no surprise you decided to check if you’re getting enough of Vitamin E. The good news is that if you practice a well-balanced, healthy diet, there’s a decent chance you do. If not, though, you might look to boost your vegetable, seed and nut intake6. To that end, almonds, broccoli, avocados, hazelnuts, kale, mustard greens, papayas, parsley, pine nuts, olives, raw seeds, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip greens are all noted strong sources for the vitamin.

But what if you’re unable to alter your diet sufficiently (you might well have a nut allergy, for instance)? Well, there are a good number of Vitamin E supplements on the market and that means it’s in your interest to check out and discover the best and most value-for-money products. In which case, may we turn your attention to the ‘Vitamins & Minerals’ section of The Finchley Clinic website where you’ll find a fine selection of supplements containing Vitamin E and more; the following three of which are all highly recommended:

Adult-Multivitamins-and-Minerals-90-Capsules

BioCare Adult Multivitamins & Minerals – a one-a-day capsule for all round nutritional support, features Vitamins A, B (Complex), C, D and E, as well as zinc, magnesium and selenium.

True-Food-Natural-Vitamin-E

True Food Natural Vitamin E – a highly bio-available food form of Vitamin E that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and supports healthy skin; can also be taken with True Food Soyagen for menopause support.

MicroCell-Vitamin-E

Microcell Vitamin E 200 – micellised into small droplets by BioCare’s unique MicroCell process for enhanced absorption and bioavailability.

References:

1. ‘Vitamin E: Health Sheet for Health Professionals’. National Institute of Health. May 2016.

2. Jakus V. ‘The role of free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in diabetic vascular disease’. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2000. 101(10): 541-51.

3. Thiele J. J., Hsieh S. N. and Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. ‘Vitamin E: critical review of its current use in cosmetic and clinical dermatology’. Dermatol Surg. July 2005. 31 (7 Pt 2): 805-13.

4. Rizvi, S. et al. ‘The Role of Vitamin E in Human Health and Some Diseases’. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal 14.2 2014: e157–e165.

5. Applegate T. J. and Sell J. L. ‘Effect of dietary linoleic to linolenic acid ratio and vitamin E supplementation on vitamin E status of poults’. Poult Sci. July 1996. 75 (7): 881-90

6. Lobo V. et al. ‘Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Functional Foods: Impact on Human Health’. Pharmacognosy Reviews 4.8 2010: 118–126. PMC.

7. Choi E. J., Bae S. C., Yu R., Youn J. and Sung M. K. ‘Dietary vitamin E and quercetin modulate inflammatory responses of collagen-induced arthritis in mice’. J Med Food. Aug 2009.12 (4): 770-5.

8. Larsen P. D., Mock D. M. and O’Connor P. S. ‘Vitamin E deficiency associated with vision loss and bulbar weakness’. Ann Neurol. 1985 Dec. 18 (6): 725-7

9. Hsu D-Z. et al. ‘Therapeutic Effects of Sesame Oil on Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Acute Inflammatory Response in Rats’. SpringerPlus 2. 2013: 659. PMC.

10. Ziaei S., Kazemnejad A. and Sedighi A. ‘The effect of vitamin E on the treatment of menstrual migraine’. Med Sci Monit. Jan 2009. 15(1): CR16-9.

11. Arani K. S. et al. ‘Effect of Vitamin E and Metformin on Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Children- Randomized Clinical Trial’. Iranian Journal of Public Health 43.10 2014: 1417–1423.

12. Berneske G. M. et al. ‘Clinical Trial of High Dosage Vitamin E in Human Muscular Dystrophy’. Canadian Medical Association Journal 82.8 1960: 418–421.

13. Ayres S. and Mihan R. ‘Leg Cramps (Systremma) and ‘Restless Legs’ Syndrome – Response to Vitamin E (Tocopherol)’. California Medicine 111.2 1969: 87–91.

14. Nicholas J. A. et al. ‘Design of Oral Agents for the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Benefit and Risk Assessment for Dimethyl Fumarate’. Drug Design, Development and Therapy 8 2014: 897–908. PMC.

15. Baburao Jain, A. and Anand Jain V. ‘Vitamin E, Its Beneficial Role in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Its Complications’. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR 6.10 2012: 1624–1628. PMC.

Children’s Health, Children’s Mindlinx, Kidslac, Optibac Probiotics for Babies & Children

The kids are all right? Why probiotics are a great idea for children

The popularity of probiotics seems to grow by the day. And for good reason. In being the ‘good bacteria’ required by the body to balance the ‘bad bacteria’ in the gut, they can do each and every one of us a great deal of good. But, for all that, many people only look on probiotics as something for adult consumption. For some reason then, they’re not associated with the health of children as much as they might be. Is there any good reason for this? Quite frankly, no; because probiotics can be ideal for kids – and do them just as much good as they do adults.

Microbiota in infants and children

The microbiota (or the microbiome) is an umbrella term for the cacophony of commensal microorganisms that live inside and on our bodies. The significance of them to kids’ health is that they’re universal. They’re ‘good bacteria’ that aids in the digestion of food and – using the nutrients of food – the creation (or synthesising) of vitamins, but not just for adults; for children too.

Indeed, the microbiota begins developing when a baby’s in its mother’s womb, before evolving in infancy and the early stages of childhood. As it develops, a child’s microbiota plays a critical role in shaping the development of immunity, specifically intestinal mucosal defence. To that end, it’s often been posited that, should the microbiota not develop properly or run into problems during childhood, conditions such as asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases and even type 1 diabetes may be more likely to occur in a person several years down the line.

Gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions

Logic dictates then that the ‘good bacteria’ of children’s microbiota can only benefit from the additional ‘good bacteria’ of probiotics. Indeed, clinical studies have revealed certain probiotics may reduce a bout of diarrhoea in a child by 25 hours, roughly one-third its usual duration1. The best probiotics to seek out for this treatment – especially of acute gastroenteritis – appear to be Lactobacillus GG and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii2.

Moreover, these two probiotics are also among those to have shown promise in reducing – even halving – the likelihood that children being treated with antibiotics for an ailment will end up suffering from diarrhoea3, 4. Another gastrointestinal condition that probiotics are thought to be able to treat among the young – specifically premature and underweight babies – is necrotising enterocolitus5. Potentially fatal, this disease sees bacteria invade the wall of the intestine and, should it be allowed to develop, can cause such serious infection and inflammation that the bowel wall may eventually be destroyed.

There’s also research out there suggesting probiotics may help prevent children’s respiratory infections. A number of trials – the majority focusing on child subjects – have found that probiotics including Lactobacillus GG halve the risk of upper respiratory infections. And the trials also found that among kids who had developed such infections, one-third didn’t require antibiotics thanks to taking these probiotics. That said; the studies’ findings weren’t able to entirely identify the efficacy of one probiotic over another here, which may explain some doctors’ wariness in recommending routine use of probiotics to prevent respiratory infections7.

Aiding allergies?

Finally, it’s worth addressing the chatter there is around whether giving probiotics to children will help treat pre-existing allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases. It’s only fair to say this is a controversial subject in children’s health. While many assert these complaints appear to be on an upward trend among the young living in developed countries7, perhaps because infants and kids aren’t being exposed to certain ‘good bacteria’ as much as their forebears were (due to better sanitation, less exposure to bacteria-carrying animals and livestock, higher antibiotic use8 and more Caesarean-section births; the latter instance supposedly ensuring babies don’t receive ‘good bacteria’ from their mothers9), not every expert is convinced by the theory.

And, running with that, the research into whether, in helping restore kids’ microbial balance, probiotics can redress these allergy/ asthma/ autoimmune issues is in its early stages, unfortunately. So it’s difficult to say yes definitively. Time will tell on this question, it seems. What does appear to be true, though, is that giving babies probiotics may well reduce the chance of them developing eczema10 – which, in this particular area, is surely welcome news for parents.

Choosing probiotics for your child

By taking a quick look around our site, you’ll discover we stock a good number of highly reputable probiotics for children, all of them containing terrific health-giving properties. Indeed, by way of example, here are just three such probiotics available to buy from us at The Finchley Clinic:

Probiotics-For-Childs-Health

 

Optibac Probiotics for Babies & Children (90 sachets) – suitable for infants from six months and up, this probiotic supports the development of friendly bacteria for good digestive health and boosting natural immune defences and energy.

 

Childrens-Mindlinx-Powder

Children’s Mindlinx (powder/ 60g) – a high-potency live bacteria supplement comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis, along with added glutamine (an amino acid that’s crucial for healthy human muscle and plasma).

 

Kidslac

Kidslac (30 sachets) – essentially a children-friendly version of our highly popular products Threelac and Fivelac, Kidslac contains five different strains of healthy bacteria (including the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus) in a delicious sour apple-powder base.

References

  1. Guarino A., Guandalini S. and Lo Vecchio A. ‘Probiotics for Prevention and Treatment of Diarrhea’. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Nov-Dec; 49 Suppl 1:S37-45. doi: 10.
  1. Guarino A., Ashkenazi S., Gendrel D., Lo Vecchio A., Shamir R. and Szajewska H. ‘European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition/ European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute gastroenteritis in children in Europe: update 2014’. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 Jul; 59 (1): 132-52. doi: 10.
  1. Johnston B. C., Goldenberg J. Z., Vandvik P. O., Sun X. and Guyatt G. H. ‘Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea’. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Nov; (11): CD004827. doi: 10.
  1. Hempel S. PhD, Newberry S. J. PhD, Maher A. R. MD, Wang Z. PhD, Miles J. N. V. PhD, Shanman R. MS, Johnsen B. BS, Shekelle P. G. MD, PhD. ‘Probiotics for the Prevention and Treatment of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis’. JAMA. 2012; 307 (18): 1959-1969. doi: 10.
  1. Alfaleh K. and Anabrees J. ‘Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants’. 2014 Apr. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005496.pub4.
  1. Williams K. and Tang M. ‘Probiotics may prevent upper respiratory tract infections, but should we recommend them?’. 2012 Oct. doi: 10.1111.
  1. Okada H., Kuhn C., Feillet H. and Bach J-F. ‘The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ for autoimmune and allergic diseases: an update’. Clin Exp Immunol. 2010 Apr; 160(1): 1–9. doi: 10.1111.
  1. Alm B., Erdes L., Möllborg P., Pettersson R., Norvenius S. G., Aberg N. and Wennergren G. ‘Neonatal antibiotic treatment is a risk factor for early wheezing’. Pediatrics. 2008 Apr; 121 (4): 697-702. doi: 10.1542.
  1. Bager P., Wohlfahrt J. and Westergaard T. ‘Caesarean delivery and risk of atopy and allergic disease: meta-analyses’. Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 Apr. 38 (4): 634-42. doi: 10.1111.
  1. Cuello-Garcia C. A., Brożek J. L., Fiocchi A., Pawankar R., Yepes-Nuñez J. J., Terracciano L., Gandhi S., Agarwal A., Zhang Y. and Schünemann H. J. ‘Probiotics for the prevention of allergy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015 Oct; 136 (4): 952-61. doi: 10.1016.
Colon cleansing, Colosan, Oxy-Powder, Threelac and Fivelac

Diet, Hydration, Supplements and More: How To Help Your Colon Help You

There are two kinds of colon. The first is the grammatical kind (‘;’), which most people don’t know how to use properly. The second is the long tube that makes up part of the human body’s digestive system and, likewise, unfortunately many people don’t know exactly what it does and so how to keep it (and themselves) healthy.

Otherwise referred to as the large intestine, the colon doesn’t digest food – instead, it’s all about the processing of waste from food and drink, passing the waste on its way eventually out of the body via the rectum. It’s made up of four different parts, along which waste moves, slowly developing into solid material and finally becoming stool. Given the colon’s critical importance to the digestive system then (although you may ask what part of the digestive system isn’t critically important?), it’s very much in your interest to keep yours as well functioning and happy as possible; a healthy colon helps make for a healthy you.

And if a colon’s healthy and functioning correctly, it’ll be doing its job of removing much needed vitamins and other nutrients, as well as water, from the waste before it’s finally expelled from the body. Why? To ensure that not only is all the goodness from the food we eat removed and used as it should be in the body, but also that the unnecessary and, indeed, damaging ingredients of the food (that is, the toxins and impurities) are removed and, yes, excreted as waste.

How to keep your colon healthy

So, how can you aid your colon in doing its job effectively – what can you do to help it help you? Well, here are five top tips for looking after your colon health:

  • Get your diet right – the first step to a happy colon is eating well and that means swapping sugar-rich, fatty processed foods packed with toxins for nutrient-rich, organic, fresh foods; the likes of fruits and green leafy vegetables, broccoli, lemons, garlic, juices, mung beans, raw nuts, seeds and whole grains
  • Exercise – as with many things when it comes to your body, it’s important to remain physically active to ensure your digestive system’s in good shape1; if you’re feeling sluggish your colon will doubtless behave likewise and no good will come from toxic waste clogging it up for longer than is necessary
  • Keep hydrated – there are few things more healthy for you than drinking water (hardly surprising, as about 60% of the male adult body is actually water; 55% of the female adult body), so be sure to drink purified, oxygenated water to help flush out toxins and harmful impurities; in fact, the body’s most fundamental processes can’t take place without good old H2O1, including waste process and removal, not least because it helps stool remain soft so it’s easier to pass and excrete2
  • Rest properly – in most cases, even the healthiest person is believed to need between seven and nine hours’ sleep a night3 – how much do you get? Less than that? And how do you sleep? Do you get tired easily? Following a better diet is likely to help you relax and sleep, which in turn then – like your diet will directly – will improve your colon’s health
  • Consider a colon cleanse – this may seem an extreme step to take, but don’t worry it’s not an unpleasant or involving experience; certainly not if you avoid laxatives and do it the natural way to clear your colon of any waste that’s got trapped.

Colon cleanse supplements

To that end, you might want to take a look at the ‘Colon Cleanse’ section of our website for suitable naturally-derived, gentle and safe colon-cleansing products – for instance, all three of the following highly recommended supplements are available via The Finchley Clinic:

Oxy-Powder

Oxy-Powder – slowly releases mono-atomic oxygen to create an unfriendly environment for harmful bacteria and other toxins, enabling free rein for the friendly bacteria needed for proper digestive and intestinal health.

threelac-caps

Threelac – contains Bacillus coagulans (a probiotic that helps solve digestion issues), Bacillus subtilis (may aid removal of bad flora) and Enterococcus faecalis (a friendly bacteria that’s great for the gut); Threelac works very well with other supplements we sell.

Colosan-Capsules

Colosan – gently releases oxygen into the digestive tract to cleanse the large and small intestines and ease constipation; may also help with candida and parasites.

References:

1. ‘Water – a Vital Nutrient’. Better Health Channel. Department of Health & Human Services, State Government of Victoria. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient. May 2014.

2. ‘Water in Diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002471.htm. July 2015.

3. ‘Five ways to stay healthy this winter’. NHS Choices. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Healthywinter.aspx