Support Your Immune System With Probiotics

2 probioticProbiotics are important for gut and digestive health, but many people aren’t aware that they also play a key role in supporting a healthy immune system. Your body contains 10 times more bacteria cells than just regular human cells. And although this may sound like a lot of bacteria, they are necessary for many aspects of healthy human functions.

Some of these functions include:

• Helping digest food
• Helping with absorption of nutrients from food
• Protecting you from pathogens Continue reading “Support Your Immune System With Probiotics”

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Trace Minerals: Zinc

chickpeas-spinach_aWe have come to the end of our series from A to Zinc. In this last blog, we look at zinc. Zinc is a fundamental mineral that is essential to human health and it plays a vital role in the development of hormones and immune molecules. It is also estimated that approximately 25% of people are deficient in zinc because of poor diet.

Here are four reasons why you should consider taking zinc:

1. Support Immune Health

Zinc is critical for balancing the immune system. Continue reading “Trace Minerals: Zinc”

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Chicken Pox Lollipop

No, this is not a new candy. This is a new take on the “pox party.” Have you heard of how some parents bring their unvaccinated kids to a house where another kid has the chicken pox, in hopes that their children will catch it? Well, one mom is selling freshly chicken-pox-infected lollipops to parents who want their kids to contract it.

Why would a parent do this? Well, contracting the chicken pox as a child pretty much ensures life-long immunity to contracting it again. Another reason is avoiding unnecessary vaccines. Parents who are against vaccinations or even a little leary of them think that this is the better option. Also, having the chicken pox as a child is easier and less serious (in most cases) than contracting it as an adult.

So should you try and get your child infected with those itchy red spots? Before you pass the lollipop, keep in mind that chicken pox is still a very serious disease, and there are deaths associated with this virus (although considerably less since the vaccination was introduced in 1995). Whether you decide to let your children contract chicken pox naturally, or you decide to vaccinate, it is a very personal and individual decision.

Personally, I am still up in the air about vaccinating my son, but I do know that I won’t be subjecting him to someone else’s licked candy.

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Prebiotics (Say What?)

We have heard plenty about probiotics and how important these beneficial bacteria are for your health, but compelling studies show that prebiotics are equally important. Prebiotics are certain types of soluble fiber that help probiotics multiply.

So what to prebiotics do? Well, here are just a few ways that prebiotics keep us healthy.

Intestinal Health: Constipated much? Prebiotics increase bulk in your stools and shorten the transit time in the intestines. They may also help those with Crohn’s and other inflammatory bowel diseases because they reduce inflammation and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria).

Cholesterol Support: Research suggests that prebiotics enhance the cholesterol lowering actions of probiotics by helping break down cholesterol in the GI tract. And since some prebiotics are forms of fiber, they have the same effect as soluble fiber on lowering cholesterol.

Immune Health: Studies suggest that prebiotics may improve resistance against infection by providing food for probiotics, which makes the immune system function more efficiently. Continue reading “Prebiotics (Say What?)”

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Village Green Newsletter: December 2010

Village Green’s last newsletter of 2010 is out now. It is full of information and tips about dealing with stress over the holidays. Four supplements that will help your body handle stress, as well as yummy recipes are just some of the offerings in this month’s newsletter.

Here are some fun facts about foods also in the newsletter.

Healthy foods that are natural stress fighters:

Citrus: Winter fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and kiwis are all excellent sources of vitamin C, a potent stress-busting vitamin. And the vitamin C found in citrus fruits is involved in the production of collagen, which helps keep your skin firm and reduces wrinkling.

Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants, these berries may help keep the pounds off. Studies have shown that the sweet tart scent of fruits helps curb cravings caused by stress. Just the aroma of cranberries can stimulate your hypothalamus, controlling your urge to eat too much.

Chocolate: Now don’t go crazy, but do consider indulging occasionally in dark chocolate. Studies have shown that it can reduce levels of cortisol (“the stress hormone”) as well as hormones known as catecholamines (the “fight-or-flight hormones”) in highly stressed people.

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Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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