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Understanding Fatty Liver and How Supplements Help

Understanding Fatty Liver and How Supplements Help

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Fatty liver disease, also known as steatotic liver disease, is a growing global concern affecting a significant portion of the population. This condition is characterized by the  accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells which may result from metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, as observed in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), or excessive alcohol intake, as seen in Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD). Fatty liver is a major health concern due to its potential to progress to more severe liver diseases. The escalating prevalence underscores the critical need for awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications for prevention and effective management.

Understanding Symptoms and Diagnosis

Fatty liver often manifests subtly, with common symptoms including fatigue, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and confusion. However, many individuals, especially those with mild cases, may not experience any symptoms at all. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure liver enzymes such as SGPT and SGOT, imaging studies like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI and, in some cases, liver biopsies. Early detection is crucial in preventing the progression to more severe liver conditions. Regular check-ups with your doctor and monitoring for risk factors are recommended for early intervention.

Managing Fatty Liver

Foundational to managing fatty liver is the implementation of lifestyle modifications. This includes adopting a balanced diet low in saturated fats and sugars, engaging in regular physical activity to promote weight loss, and achieving a healthy body weight to reduce liver fat accumulation.

In terms of medical treatments, physicians may prescribe medications to address underlying comorbidities such as diabetes in cases of NAFLD. For ALD, recommendations include abstinence from alcohol and counseling. In advanced stages, liver-directed procedures or even liver transplantation may be necessary to address significant liver damage or failure.

The Role of Supplements in Supporting Liver Health

Silybin-phosphatidylcholine is emerging as a key supplement for liver health, combining two highly regarded components known for their benefits to the liver: silybin and phosphatidylcholine. Silybin, derived from silymarin, acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, shielding liver cells from damage and promoting their regeneration. On the other hand, phosphatidylcholine plays a role in enhancing liver cell membrane integrity, aiding in fat metabolism to reduce fat accumulation, and boosting the hepatoprotective effects of silybin in treating fatty liver disease.

In addition to the multiple benefits derived from silybin and phosphatidylcholine, the combination of phosphatidylcholine with silybin significantly improves the absorption and bioavailability of silybin compared to traditional silymarin preparations.

Other essential vitamins and minerals that may be helpful for liver health include B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12), Vitamin E, and Zinc. B vitamins support metabolic health, Vitamin E combats oxidative stress, and Zinc aids liver function and immune health. While clinical evidence suggests their efficacy, it is important to consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplement regimen due to safety considerations and potential interactions with medications.

Conclusion: Responsible Liver Health Management

Early recognition of the symptoms of fatty liver and seeking timely treatment are paramount. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, encompassing a balanced diet and regular exercise, can effectively prevent the onset of fatty liver disease. Supplements like Silybin-phosphatidylcholine, along with B-vitamins, Vitamin E, and Zinc, may offer valuable support under professional guidance. Engaging in regular health check-ups to monitor liver function can also be instrumental in early detection and management.

Livervitan: Liver Food Supplement

Livervitan Food Supplement Capsules are formulated with ingredients to support liver health including Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine, B vitamins, vitamin E, and Zinc. Livervitan incorporates Silymarin or Milk Thistle extract, recognized for its antioxidant properties and liver-protecting activities. Livervitan combines the benefits of Silybin with B-vitamins, Vitamin E, and Zinc, enhancing its support for liver function.

References

Department of Health & Human Services. (2007, November 28). Liver – fatty liver disease. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/liver-fatty-liver-disease#symptoms-of-fatty-liver-disease 

Fatty liver symptoms: Identifying the warning signs. Heritage Hospitals. (2024, January 4). https://heritagehospitals.com/blog/fatty-liver-symptoms/ 

Hallsworth, K., & Adams, L. A. (2019). Lifestyle modification in NAFLD/NASH: Facts and figures. JHEP reports : innovation in hepatology, 1(6), 468–479

Henderson, D. R., & McGrattan, D. J. (2020, October 8). Fatty liver disease: Causes and how to get rid of it. Netdoctor. https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/a3037/fatty-liver-disease/

fatty liver
Vitamin B Complex

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: The Essential Role of Vitamin B Complex in Child Development

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Vitamin B complex plays a key role in enhancing a child’s growth, especially in the development of their brain and nerves. B vitamins are crucial for learning, memory, and overall brain function. They act as nutrients for brain development in children, improving their ability to think and learn.

Boosting Brain Power:
B vitamins are essential for making neurotransmitters, which are important for brain signals. Regularly taking B-complex vitamin syrup for kids is linked to better brain function and learning skills.

Strengthening Immunity:
B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, also strengthen children’s immune systems. They are important for fighting infections and for overall growth. B vitamins can make their immune systems stronger and more responsive, especially as they grow.

Supporting Nerve and Brain Health:
B vitamins support the health of the nervous system. They help keep the brain and nerve cells healthy, which is crucial for overall brain, neurological health, and mental well-being.

Enhancing Memory and Concentration:
Vitamin B complex supports memory and thinking skills. Taking these vitamins regularly can lead to better memory, focus, and cognitive abilities in children.

Vitamin B complex is therefore fundamental in a child’s diet, supporting brain growth, cognitive development, and overall neurological health. Ensuring a balanced and consistent intake of B vitamins can greatly benefit a child’s development and learning potential.

Vitamin B Complex

References

Axelrod AE. Role of the B vitamins in the immune response. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1981;135:93-106. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4615-9200-6_5. PMID: 7010964. B vitamins and Brain Health. Brain Balance

Achievement Centers. (n.d.). Kenedy, D. O. (2016, January 28). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review.

National Library of Medicine. Munteanu, C., & Schwartz, B. (2022, November 22). The relationship between nutrition and the immune system. Frontiers.

Venkatramanan, S., Armata, I. E., Strupp, B. J., & Finkelstein, J. L. (2016, September 7). Vitamin B-12 and Cognition in Children. National Library of Medicine.

Macrobee with Iron (Reformulated)

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Be protected against anemia with important blood-building nutrients in each Macrobee with Iron Reformulated Tablet.

Macrobee with Iron Reformulated contains the following blood-building nutrients to prevent and treat various forms of anemia, including pregnancy-related anemia:

  • Therapeutic dose of Iron, in Ferrous Fumarate form, to help prevent or treat Iron-Deficiency Anemia (IDA). Ferrous fumarate is an iron salt that has more elemental iron, less metallic taste and is more gentle to the stomach than the usual iron supplement, Ferrous Sulfate.
  • Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) to help address megaloblastic anemia or pernicious anemia. Folic acid is also beneficial for fetal brain development during pregnancy.
  • Vitamin C helps promote intestinal absorption of Iron, aside from providing immunity boost.
  • Minerals, Copper and Manganese, help support healthy blood production, maturation and clotting.

Macrobee with Iron Reformulated is available over-the-counter in leading drug stores, nationwide.

IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

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Livervitan box with elements and graphics on the right side.

Livervitan Capsule

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Did you know that our liver performs more than 500 vital functions, including metabolism of food, medications, and even alcohol that we consumed, to support healthy body functioning?

Give this hard-working organ the help and support it needs by taking natural, high quality hepatoprotective nutrients.

Livervitan is a silybin-based food supplement with 9 nutrients specially formulated to promote liver health.

• Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine  is a complex of 2 widely-known liver protectors, Silybin, the major component of Silymarin/Milk Thistle, and Phosphatidylcholine, also known as Lecithin.

When combined with Phosphatidylcholine, Silybin is significantly better absorbed by the body with 4.6x higher bioavailability than when given alone. Among the various components of Silymarin, Silybin is recognized to have the most potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

•  Vitamin E and Zinc are powerful antioxidants that help protect the liver against the damaging effects of toxins and free radicals.

•  Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12  help the liver metabolize substances, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Get all 9 high quality nutrients in every capsule of Livervitan, available in leading drugstores nationwide

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Middle aged woman holding a pill and glass of water.

Do You Need Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B1, B6, and B12?

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Among the B vitamins, the most widely recognized include vitamins B1, B6, and B12. 

While each of these B vitamins has its own functions in the body, the three have interrelated actions and work together in synergy to deliver common benefits to keep the body healthy, especially the brain and nerves. These B vitamins are also known as neurotropic B complex because of their particular importance in supporting brain and nerve health.

Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are nutrients known to play a vital role in promoting growth, energy production in the body, good health and well-being. They are also essential in promoting the health of the blood, immune system and various organs of the body especially the heart and blood vessels.

These B vitamins can usually be obtained from various food sources such as milk, meat, eggs, cheese, fish, shellfish, beans, nuts and seeds, vegetables, fruits, whole grain and cereals. However, dietary intake may still be inadequate. It has been reported that even in developed countries, such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, deficiency is around 6% in the general population and around 20% in the elderly population.

Being water-soluble nutrients, B vitamins cannot be stored in the body and must be provided on a daily basis. Lack of a steady supply of these nutrients brings risk for nerve problems, anemia, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline including memory loss. Even if people are taking enough B vitamins from the food they eat, there are certain conditions or diseases that put the individuals at risk for vitamin B deficiency. Here are some identified risk factors associated with the development of deficiencies for these B vitamins:

  • People on fad diets or those with inadequate dietary intake (e.g., anorexia or poor appetite, restrictive or deficient diet while recovering from illnesses and surgical operations)
  • Excessive vomiting and intractable diarrhea may prevent absorption of B vitamins
  • Old age due to poor intake and decreased ability to absorb nutrients
  • Pregnancy due to increased bodily demands. Some pregnant women may also have excessive vomiting
  • Strict vegetarians are likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency as B12 is mainly found in animal food such as meat, eggs and milk
  • Heavy alcoholic and coffee drinkers may also suffer from B deficiency as these beverages prevent the absorption and also increases the urinary excretion of B vitamins.
  • Certain medications such as omeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors for acid-related diseases, isoniazid for tuberculosis and metformin for diabetes, are known to interfere with the utilization of B vitamins and may reduce the body’s ability to absorb B vitamins.
  • Persons with autoimmune disease, impaired kidney function, infections such as HIV and tuberculosis
  • Surgical removal of portions of stomach or intestines can reduce the area where vitamin B12 is absorbed
  • Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease that affect the intestinal lining impairing the ability to absorb nutrients
  • Hormonal imbalances associated with pre- or post-menopausal syndrome as some hormones may affect the utilization of B vitamins.

Consequently, people who are deficient in vitamins B1, B6, and B12 may experience a range of signs and symptoms. Following are the manifestations of Vitamin B Deficiency that people have to watch out for:

  • Mood changes, anxiety, mental fatigue or brain fog, forgetfulness, and restlessness, particularly with vitamin B6 deficiency.
  • Rashes, low energy, dry, cracked lips, sweating, warm or cold feeling and weak immune system.
  • Anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, and nerve damage are usually seen with vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Individuals with nerve damage or neuropathy linked to B deficiency may experience numbness, ‘pins-and-needles’ sensation, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle twitching and inability to move a part of the body.
  • Those with anemia associated with Vitamins B6 and B12 deficiency may experience fatigue, shortness of breath & dizziness, mental confusion or forgetfulness.

These symptoms, which may signal B deficiency, can also reveal other health problems. Consult your doctor for prompt diagnosis and management that may include appropriate Vitamin B supplementation.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

References:

  1. Ali MA, Hafez HA, Kamel MA, Ghamry HI, Shukry M, Farag MA. Dietary Vitamin B Complex: Orchestration in Human Nutrition throughout Life with Sex Differences. Nutrients. 2022; 14(19):3940. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193940

2. Lavriša Ž, Hristov H, Hribar M, et al. Dietary Intake and Status of Vitamin B12 in Slovenian Population. Nutrients. 2022;14(2):334. Published 2022 Jan 13. doi:10.3390/nu14020334

Woman running with B vitamins elements, with B Complex benefits text.

There are More Benefits of B Complex Than You Think

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cyanocobalamin), popularly known collectively as B complex, are nutrients essential for growth, good health and well-being. They play important roles in our body and are recognized to keep the blood, brain and nerves healthy. They are also known to support the immune system and cardiovascular health.

Although only small amounts are needed by the body, a person needs a regular supply of B vitamins.  They must be taken daily because as water-soluble nutrients, B vitamins have little or no storage in the body. Vitamin B deficiency may result in disease conditions affecting various systems of the body.

Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are required by the body for its basic functions. Acting as coenzymes in the body, they help numerous enzymes do their vital work in promoting metabolism particularly in processing food nutrients including breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, obtaining energy from these nutrients, and building up new tissues and regulatory compounds.

Vitamin B1 aids in the conversion of carbohydrates that we eat into energy that will be utilized for the vital activities of the body organs including those of the muscles, heart, brain, and nerves. A lack of vitamin B1 leads to muscle weakness, low energy, restlessness, and heart and nervous system abnormalities.

Vitamin B6 aids numerous enzymes perform various functions, including the breakdown and formation of proteins found in the body tissues and regulatory substances such as neurotransmitters and immunoglobulins, commonly known as antibodies. Vitamin B6 plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals that allow the nerves to communicate with each other and influence mood and mental function.

In a study appearing in the journal Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental on November 2022, Vitamin B6 supplementation was reported to reduce anxiety and induce a trend towards lowered depression. The researchers attributed this to the role of vitamin B6 in the body’s production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is able to inhibit and modulate impulses in the brain thereby helping calm brain activity and reduce anxiety.

Deficiency of vitamin B6 may manifest as irritability, mood swings, weak immune system, and convulsions.

Vitamin B12 is needed to make DNA and is involved in the replication of body cells particularly in the formation of red blood cells. It is also important in the development and function of the brain and nerve tissues.

Vitamins B6 and B12 are required in breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid which is a by-product of the body’s metabolic processes. Elevated homocysteine levels, known as homocystenemia, is associated with an increased risk for various cardiovascular and neurologic disorders such as heart attack and stroke. Inadequate intake of vitamins B6 and B12 can lead to homocysteinemia. Homocysteine is normally cleared away through the reactions involving vitamins B6 and B12 and appropriate intake of these vitamins have been shown to help prevent homocysteinemia.

Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal food such as meat and fish. Strict vegetarians who don’t eat meat are likely to suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency with potentially serious health complications.

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, anemia, nerve damage, and intestinal problems.

Though most individuals get enough B complex vitamins from a balanced diet, many people may have B vitamin deficiencies that result from intake of medications such as isoniazid for tuberculosis, proton-pump inhibitors for acid related disease, and metformin for diabetes mellitus and alcoholic beverages that impair the absorption of B vitamins. Increased needs for B complex is also associated with diabetes mellitus, viral illnesses and trauma leading to nerve damage or neuropathy.

Talk to your doctor for proper advice for B complex supplements.

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

References:

  1. Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO. B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2020;26(1):5-13. doi:10.1111/cns.13207
  2. Field DT, Cracknell RO, Eastwood JR, et al. High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2022;37(6):e2852. doi:10.1002/hup.2852
  3. Koklesova L, Mazurakova A, Samec M, et al. Homocysteine metabolism as the target for predictive medical approach, disease prevention, prognosis, and treatments tailored to the person. EPMA J. 2021;12(4):477-505. Published 2021 Nov 11. doi:10.1007/s13167-021-00263-0
Man wearing suit, holding his belly, in pain.

Relieving Dyspepsia or Indigestion with Digestive Enzymes

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, difficult digestion or upset stomach, refers to a group of troublesome abdominal symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the stomach or chest, bloating or abdominal fullness, flatulence, and belching which is affecting most populations around the globe.  

These disturbing symptoms, which are often experienced during or after eating, may vary in intensity and frequency. Symptoms of indigestion are often triggered by consuming certain foods such as fatty or spicy foods, beverages like caffeine, alcohol, soft-drinks and carbonated beverages, overeating, smoking, anxiety, as well as intake of certain medications such as antibiotics, anti- inflammatory drugs and iron supplements.

75% of Cases of Dyspepsia are Considered Functional Dyspepsia

Symptoms felt by the remaining 25% of cases of dyspepsia may be due to an underlying peptic ulcer, acid reflux, infections, hepatitis, gallstone, inflammation of the pancreas, intestinal obstruction, or stomach cancer and would require appropriate and urgent medical care.

On the other hand, majority of cases of dyspepsia have no clear identifiable cause and may be considered as functional dyspepsia. Functional dyspepsia encompasses a group of symptoms of persistent or recurrent upper abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and belching in the absence of organic or structural disease that can likely explain the symptoms.

One mechanism offered to explain the occurrence of functional dyspepsia is the deficiency of digestive enzymes. This is supported by a study done in Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine in 2017 which found that approximately 70% of patients with treatment resistant functional dyspepsia had deficiencies in digestive enzymes.

In a review published by the International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, digestive enzyme deficiency was described to either be an actual deficiency due to organic causes such as abdominal diseases, gastrointestinal surgery, and nutritional deficiency, or a relative deficiency due to poor eating habits such as “eating on the run” or eating late in the day and inadequate chewing of food. 

The production of digestive enzyme may also be lowered among aging individuals with a linear decreasing trend reported after the fourth decade of life. Excessive consumption of fat and alcohol and high meat intake may also result in enzyme deficiency.

Dealing with Dyspepsia Mainly Involves Treatment of the Underlying Cause

Management of symptoms through medications such as antacids, prokinetics, acid suppressants, antibiotics for infection, and antidepressants to ease discomfort and pain could become a tricky exercise as the symptoms tend to recur and intake of some drugs brings unpleasant side effects.

To ease dyspepsia, patients are often advised to practice lifestyle changes that includes eliminating stress, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly.

Eating the right food, the right way is also central in the control of dyspepsia. Patients must remember to eat less fatty and spicy food, avoid alcohol, soft-drinks and coffee. Chewing the food gradually or slowly helps to avoid gas to enter the stomach.

Supplementation with oral digestive enzymes is also a commonly employed approach for functional dyspepsia. Oral preparations of enzyme supplementsprovide various digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down or digesting the food nutrients, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, to smaller particles that can be absorbed by the body. Symptoms of dyspepsia are relieved by oral enzyme supplementation through their action of aiding the digestive process. Supplementation of digestive enzymes in functional dyspepsia has been clinically shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of flatulence, bloating, belching, and distress after meals.

Digestive enzyme preparations, according to the review, enhance digestive power, help in the complete absorption of nutrients, and support the body’s natural metabolism. Preparations of digestive enzymes do not interfere with internal metabolism and are well tolerated with minimum side effects.

Patients who are bothered by nagging or recurring symptoms of dyspepsia, should consult their doctors for appropriate medical evaluation and management.

References:


Bytzer P, Talley NJ. Dyspepsia. Ann Intern Med.

Aziz I, Palsson OS, Törnblom H, Sperber AD, Whitehead WE, Simrén M. Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associations for symptom-based Rome IV functional dyspepsia in adults in the USA, Canada, and the UK: a cross-sectional population-based study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol.

Fujikawa Y, Tominaga K, Tanaka F, et al. Postprandial Symptoms Felt at the Lower Part of the Epigastrium and a Possible Association of Pancreatic Exocrine Dysfunction with the Pathogenesis of Functional Dyspepsia. Intern Med.

Swami OC & Shah NJ, Functional dyspepsia and the role of digestive enzymes supplement in its therapy International Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 

Man wearing gray shirt, stretching, smiling. Nature scenery on background, outdoors.

Tips on Boosting Your Immunity with A Healthy Lifestyle in the New Normal

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to adopting and embracing the new normal as the world works toward preventing another pandemic.

Below are some practical tips on important lifestyle interventions that will boost immune response as shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Non-Communicable Diseases, and the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine that may help to keep up in the new normal and the challenges it may bring.

Proper nutrition to boost immunity

A well-balanced whole-food, and plant-based diet is known to enhance immune function in contrast to meat, refined carbohydrates, and processed food. Eat a variety of at least 400g or 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

  • Intake of foods high in the anti-oxidant, resveratrol, (e.g., grapes, peanuts, soy, berries, etc.) is highly encouraged to help combat pathogens like bacteria and fungi owing to its immunomodulatory properties.

Cut back on salt and sugar and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

  • Avoiding sugary food and beverages helps prevent the suppression of immune responses. Limit intake of free sugars to less than 50g or around 12 teaspoons of regular powdered sugar each day.
  • Limit salt consumption to less than 5g of salt or 1 teaspoon each day. Iodized salt may be used.

Eat a moderate amount of fats and oils.

  • Eat less than 30% of the total energy intake from fats. Unsaturated fats like fish, avocado and nuts are preferable. Reduce consumption of saturated fats like butter, palm and coconut oil and cheese and trans fats like processed food, fast food and margarine.

Avoid processed food, meat products and refined carbohydrates which alter gut immune processes.

Make sure you’re getting enough of the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins A, C, D, E and B complex and minerals such as Zinc, Selenium, Copper, and Iron are essential to boost immune response. Studies have shown that these vitamins and minerals have positive effects in resolving symptoms of respiratory diseases and in improving the immune function. Keen knowledge and careful appreciation of the correct supplements and the amount that should be taken are vital in boosting immunity.


Get sufficient sleep

As much as possible, avoid modest loss of sleep because this alters the immune function. Modest disturbance of sleep reduces the natural immune response thus resulting in an increased risk of viral infection.

Avoid exposure to LED screens and electronic devices 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime as this suppresses the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin thus, contributing to or exacerbating sleep problems.

Get good sunlight exposure in the morning. This is one proven way of improving sleep.

Avoid eating heavy meals at night. This is associated with the deterioration of sleep quality. Having a light meal during dinner will help in attaining a good quality of sleep.

Engage in adequate regular physical activities

Do regular moderate physical activities. This helps improve the function of immune cells.

Avoid sitting, reclining or having low energy expenditure during most of the day. A sedentary lifestyle is closely associated with an elevated risk of insomnia or sleep disturbance and cardiometabolic diseases. Furthermore, this ultimately affects the immune response.

Avoid strenuous and exhaustive exercises. This will decrease the natural killer cells and their immune response activity.

Seated exercises and stationary walking are encouraged. These are good examples of exercises that can be done at home especially during work from home set-up.

Stop cigarette smoking and avoid alcohol

Smoking impacts certain pathways of immunity and plays a complex role in causing numerous diseases such as cancers, allergies and heart and lung diseases.

Avoid alcohol as it disrupts immune pathways in complex ways that result in the impairment of the body’s defense against infection. It also interferes with gut microorganisms which are essential in normal gut function.


References:

Acero Michelle. 2020. Immune Boosting Lifestyle Intervention for COVID-19. Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine.

World Health Organization. 2020. Healthy at Home.

World Health Organization. 2020. Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable diseases.

Healthy diet, Immune System, New Normal

Running man with vitamin elements around him.

Essential Nutrients That Can Boost the Body’s Immune System

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

With the abundance in the varieties of vitamin and mineral supplements available in the market, it can be daunting to identify which among them would really be useful in boosting the body’s immune system. This has been made more challenging with the proliferation of unsubstantiated claims and advices online.

While all vitamins and minerals are essential in maintaining good health, several published scientific reviews were able to point out the key vitamins and minerals most studied for the purpose of protecting against infectious diseases.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a classic and well-known anti-oxidant. A study done by a team from the Nutrition and Health Research Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, noted that a daily supplementation of Vitamin C at 700-800 mg per day may reduce the duration of the common cold. Vitamin C supplementation was also found to reduce the occurrence of pneumonia and improve other respiratory conditions.

Vitamin A

Aside from its established role in maintaining a healthy eyesight, Vitamin A may also enhance resistance to infection by promoting an immediate immune response to the invasion of microbes and through activation of natural killer cells. A review published in the Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome Journal reported that children from 2-8 years old, supplementation of Vitamin A had enhanced immune response to influenza virus.

B Vitamins

The role of B vitamins is not only limited to their well-known effects on nerves and brain functions. B vitamins are needed for the processing of the building blocks of proteins to form antibodies that help fight infections. B vitamins are also valuable in times of stress and viral infections.

Vitamin D

In addition to Vitamin D’s recognized role in promoting calcium absorption, studies have shown that Vitamin D may lower the incidence and severity of respiratory viral diseases. Vitamin D also increases antiviral defenses to protect against acute respiratory tract infection.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another highly recognized anti-oxidant. It works with Vitamin C to protect the integrity of the cellular defenses against infection and from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Must-have Minerals or Trace Elements

Known to many, low levels of minerals and trace elements in the body is also associated with increased risk of infection. Here are some of the minerals that are considered to strengthen the body’s immune system:

Zinc

Zinc is a very important mineral that helps the body fight infection. It was found that zinc supplementation can reduce the incidence and duration of pneumonia. Zinc supplementation has also been reported to reduce the duration of common colds from 7.6 days to 4.4 days. It was also shown that there has been twice the number of reported deaths from pneumonia in patients with low zinc levels than the ones with the normal zinc levels in the body.

Iron

Aside from its known use for anemia, iron has an important role in the body’s innate immune response. Iron is used by white blood cells to form highly reactive compounds to kill bacteria. It was found that by receiving 3 months of iron supplementation, recurrences of acute respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and gastroenteritis were significantly reduced.

Selenium

Selenium supplementation has been associated with clinical improvement with viral infection specifically in children. Dietary selenium supplementations were also found to increase cellular immune response through enhanced immune cell proliferation.

Copper

Copper, like iron, has a role in innate immune response specifically against invading microbes. Important in antibody production and immunity, copper plays a role in fighting against viral infection by inhibiting the replication of influenza viruses.

Vitamins and minerals may not always be adequate in our usual diet. In this case, the practical solution is to provide vitamin and mineral supplementation. Boosting the immunity by supplementation with key vitamins and minerals can offer protection against various infections including COVID-19. The best advice on proper nutrition is to always consult your doctor.

References:

Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, et al. Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations During the COVID-19 Crisis. Nutrients.

Jayawardena R, Sooriyaarachchi P, Chourdakis M, Jeewandara C, Ranasinghe P. Enhancing Immunity in Viral Infections, with Special Emphasis on COVID-19: A review. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 

Derbyshire E, Delange J COVID-19: Is There a Role for Immunonutrition, Particularly in the over 65s? BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.

Michienzi SM, Badowski ME. Can vitamins and/or supplements Provide Hope Against Coronavirus?. Drugs Context. 

Health tips, Immune Defense, Immunity

Man wearing blue cashmere, washing nasal sinuses, in the bathroom. Holding cleansing bottle.

Benefits of Nasal Irrigation in Clearing Clogged Nose and Sinuses

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

The nose serves as an entrance to our airways. Germs, dust and dirt from the air that we breathe may lodge into the nasal passage and cause various health problems. Clearing away these irritants could be achieved most effectively by thoroughly washing the nasal passages and sinuses through large volume sinunasal irrigation.

Unlike nasal sprays or pumps, sinunasal irrigations deliver a large volume of solution under low positive pressure to gently wash the sinunasal passages. Sinunasal irrigation washes away and removes excess mucus, bacteria, viruses and irritants or allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke particles.

The following are the benefits of sinunasal irrigating solution:

• Clears and cleanses the sinunasal cavity
• Aids in the thinning of secretions, lessens pressure and pain caused by inflamed sinuses
• Helps moisturize the sinunasal mucous membranes
• Promotes the natural protective action of cilia to sweep away mucus, dirt or debris
• Provides relief of symptoms associated with cold, sinusitis, allergies, pre and postoperative care
• Optimizes patient’s recovery following nasal and sinus surgery

Solutions of sinunasal irrigation composed mainly of sodium chloride, potassium chloride and calcium lactate pentahydrate closely mimic the body’s own extracellular fluid that naturally bathe the cells of our body. The minerals of the solution provide relief of nasal and sinus congestion. Sinunasal irrigation is not associated with serious side effects and the solution does not sting as other concentrated solutions are prone to do.

For more information on sinunasal irrigation and if you have persisting or worsening symptoms, please consult your doctor.

References:

1. Low TH, Woods CM, Ullah S, Carney AS. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of normal saline, lactated Ringer’s, and hypertonic saline nasal irrigation solution after endoscopic sinus surgery. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014;28(3):225-231. doi:10.2500/ajra.2014.28.4031

 2. Low TH, Woods CM, Ullah S, Carney AS. A double-blind randomized controlled trial of normal saline, lactated Ringer’s, and hypertonic saline nasal irrigation solution after endoscopic sinus surgery. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2014;28(3):225-231. doi:10.2500/ajra.2014.28.4031

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