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

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 dietImmune SystemNew Normal

Essential Nutrients That Can Boost the Body’s Immune System

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 tipsImmune DefenseImmunity

Benefits of Nasal Irrigation in Clearing Clogged Nose and Sinuses

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

Better Mood and Mental Health with B-Vitamins: B1, B6 and B12

Better Mood and Mental Health with B-Vitamins: B1, B6 and B12

A person’s mood and emotional state are influenced by health conditions and body compounds such as hormones, brain chemicals, and nutrients. The nerve-nourishing nutrients Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 have been found to play key roles in keeping a healthy mood as explained by the following:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) keeps the brain active and energized  

The brain, being considered as a metabolically active organ accounting for over 20% of the body’s total energy expenditure, is selective when it comes to its source of energy. It almost exclusively relies on glucose obtained from the carbohydrates that we eat or are processed by the body. The process of converting glucose into brain energy essentially requires Vitamin B1 or Thiamine.  This makes Vitamin B1 a crucial nutrient to keep the brain energized.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) helps the brain form the neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals responsible for one’s mood and mental function

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that influence mood and mental function. Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine contributes to a healthy brain function by being an essential nutrient for the production of a number of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline and melatonin. Dopamine plays a role in reactions involved on how pleasure is felt while serotonin contributes to feelings of well-being. GABA is needed to regulate or calm brain activity and help reduce anxiety. Noradrenaline helps in coping with stress and in becoming active while melatonin is important in maintaining a healthy sleep-wake cycle. 

Vitamins B6 and B12 (Cyanocobalamin) help clear away metabolic by-products linked with depression

Whenever the body processes or metabolizes protein, it produces a substance known as homocysteine. Homocysteine accumulation has been linked to the development of depression.  It was reported that up to 30% of depressed patients were found to have elevated homocysteine levels. Thankfully, the body is able to naturally clear away homocysteine through reactions involving Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Vitamins B12 (Cobalamin). Maintaining healthy levels of Vitamins B6 and B12 may therefore be seen as a way to prevent homocysteine buildup. 

Supplementation with B vitamins has been suggested to support a healthy mood and mental well-being

Seeing that B vitamins play numerous roles in keeping a healthy mood, it is no surprise that deficiencies of these B vitamins may lead to mood disorders. Studies have shown that deficiencies in B vitamins are associated with the development of various mood disorders and supplementation of B vitamins support a healthy mood.

 In a study done on 35,000 older adults, it was shown that higher intakes of Vitamin B6 and B12 were associated with a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms by about 7 years. In another clinical trial, treatment with vitamin B complex for 3 months led to lower levels of perceived personal strain and sad mood compared to those who were not given vitamin B complex. 

These studies suggest that intake of nerve-nourishing B vitamins is supportive of mental well-being given their various roles in multiple brain processes involved in regulating mood. Click here to learn more about B-vitamins.

For individuals feeling symptoms of depression, it is always best to seek professional help or to consult a doctor.

References: 

Young LM et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress Effects on Healthy and ‘At-Risk’ Individuals. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2232. Published 2019 Sep 16. doi:10.3390/nu11092232

Stough C et al. The effect of 90day administration of a high dose vitamin B-complex on work stress Hum Psychopharmacol. 2011;26(7):470-476. doi:10.1002/hup.1229

Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy -A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. Published 2016 Jan 27.doi:10.3390/nu8020068

Seppälä J et al. Association between vitamin b12 levels and melancholic depressive symptoms a Finnish population-based study. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:145. Published 2013 May 24. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-145

Sangle P et al. Vitamin B12 Supplementation: Preventing Onset and Improving Prognosis of Depression Cureus. 2020;12(10):e11169. Published 2020 Oct 26. doi:10.7759/cureus.11169

Sodium Ascorbate: The Benefits of a Non-Acidic Vitamin C

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a widely used water-soluble vitamin known to play a vital role as in a variety of body functions. It is one of the essential nutrients needed for building and strengthening body tissues owing to its action in the formation of a firm collagen, the cement-like substance that binds the body cells together to form strong tissues.  It is therefore important in the formation of healthy skin, blood vessel walls, cartilage, strong bones and teeth, as well as in promoting faster healing of wounds.

Being touted as the body’s “prime” immune system boosting nutrient, vitamin C is popularly known for its protective function against stress and certain diseases such as anemia, immune system deficiencies, asthma, viral infections and cardiovascular illnesses.

Vitamin C is also reported to promote cardiovascular health and helps lower blood cholesterol.

As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and increases body resistance to stress and infections.  Specifically, Vitamin C protects the body’s soldiers, the white blood cells, from the damaging effects of free radicals with its antioxidative properties. Vitamin C stimulates the white blood cells in clearing away infectious microbes. 

Though Vitamin C does not offer a cure for diseases such as the common cold, several studies suggest that vitamin C helps in alleviating the disturbing symptoms of cold and in shortening its duration.  This can reduce the risk for dreaded lung infections such as pneumonia.

Ascorbic acid and Sodium ascorbate, are they the same?

Many are quite reluctant in taking ascorbic acid or the so- called ordinary or “acidic” Vitamin C because of its potential effect in irritating the lining of the stomach of susceptible individuals. Thus, vitamin C is buffered or neutralized with the mineral sodium as the salt of vitamin C to become sodium ascorbate. Labelled as the non-acidic vitamin C, sodium ascorbate is in alkaline or buffered form, therefore it will cause less stomach irritation as compared with ascorbic acid.

Sodium ascorbate delivers the same benefits of vitamin C to the human body without causing the possible gastric irritating effects of ascorbic acid.

Since sodium ascorbate is less likely associated with hyperacidity, it is commonly recommended to individuals who experience gastrointestinal complaints such as heartburn, flatulence, nausea and diarrhea.

How safe is Vitamin C?

Despite its sodium content, Sodium ascorbate in recommended doses is safe for hypertensive individuals. Adults, especially those with cardiovascular disease, on a low-salt diet are advised to limit their total daily sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg/day.

Sodium ascorbate contains only 10% – 11% sodium.  Approximately, 1000 mg of sodium ascorbate, equivalent to two 500mg capsules, provides 889 mg of vitamin C and only 111 mg of sodium.  1-2 capsule(s) of 500 mg of sodium ascorbate taken daily will only give approximately 111 mg sodium.

Vitamin C is usually well tolerated and generally no adverse reactions are expected when it is taken at recommended doses. Vitamin C may cause diarrhea if taken in large amounts.

Vitamin C should be given with caution in patients with hyperoxaluria because large amounts may lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney. Urinary stone formers appear to be at higher risk for calculi if individuals take large doses of vitamin C daily. 

Large doses of vitamin C may also result in a false positive glucose test in the urine and may interfere with the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.


References:

Vitamin C. Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center.

Gombart AF, Pierre A, Maggini S. A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System-Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection. Immune DefenseVitamin CVitamins

REGERON VITA with CPE

Support your child’s holistic growth and development, physically and mentally, with REGERON VITA WITH CPE.

Packed with 14 nutrients including Chlorella Pure Extract (CPE), Regeron Vita with CPE helps boost children’s growth, energy, immune system and mental function. 

Regeron Vita with CPE Syrup and Drops are available in delicious bubblegum flavor that kids and babies would surely enjoy.

A daily dose of Regeron Vita with CPE helps your kids get all of these health benefits:

•           Growth Factors, such as Chlorella Pure Extract and Amino Acid Lysine, plus Vitamin D which promotes calcium absorption and bone growth

•           Immune System Enhancers, Vitamin A, C, E, CPE, and Zinc

•           Energy Boosting B Vitamins, Vitamins B1, B3, B6, B9, and B12

•           Blood Building Nutrients, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12

•           Brain Enhancing B Vitamins and Taurine

Regeron Vita with CPE is available in both Syrup (for children ages 1 to 9 years old), and Drops (for infants ages 6 months to 1 year old)

Regeron Vita with CPE Syrup and Drops are widely available in leading drugstores, nationwide.

Taking Care of your Babies Delicate Nose with Flo Baby Nasal Spray

Babies breathe exclusively through their nose on the first few months after birth. This allows them to feed, swallow, and breathe at the same time. Since babies have tiny nasal passages, even the smallest amount of mucus may interfere with breathing thus disrupting their feeding and sleeping. Therefore, it is important that their nasal airways are kept clean and clear of mucus, allergens and other irritants.

Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray is specifically designed for babies’ sensitive and delicate nose to gently clean and wash away the excess mucus making your baby breathe easier.

Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray has a specialized COMOD® (Continuous MonoDose) system, which makes sure that the solution in the bottle is sterile and free of contaminants.

Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray is isotonic which means that the solution has the same concentration as the body’s own fluid. It is also non-medicated and preservative-free therefore, Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray is non-irritating and gentle to the babies’ delicate nose.

Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray may be sprayed quickly at any angle, even upside down. This means that the baby can assume any position of comfort, even lying down, while using the spray.

Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray delivers the solution in a gentle micro- mist spray allowing the solution to be dispersed evenly.

Flo™ Baby Nasal Spray provides metered-doses to ensure that the baby receives the right amount of spray for each use.

Flo Baby™ Nasal Spray is handy and easy to carry anywhere especially during travel.

For more information and directions for use, please read the Consumer Information Leaflet in the packaging.

Polynerv E with Lecithin Tablet

Nothing but the best for your health—22 Nutrients in every tablet of a Premium Dietary Supplement.

Polynerv E with Lecithin is specially formulated to meet the daily needs of the demanding lifestyle. It offers a wide array of high-quality vitamins, minerals and special ingredients such as the potent cardioprotectors, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, among others.

Get all these benefits and more from each tablet of Polynerv E with Lecithin:

•           Immune System boosters, such as Vitamins A & E, Zinc, Selenium, Omega 3, to strengthen your body’s natural defense in preventing and fighting off infection.

•           Antioxidants, such as CoQ10 and Vitamin E, to help battle the harmful effects of free radicals.

•           Energy Boosters, B Vitamins and Ginseng, to boost both your mental and physical stamina.

•           Cardioprotecting nutrients, like CoQ10, Ginseng, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, to support a healthy heart and blood circulation.

•           Brain-Boosting and Nerve-Nourishing nutrients, such as B vitamins, Lecithin and Korean Ginseng.

•           Healthy Eyesight and Glowing Skin, from Vitamins A and E, and lutein, beta-carotene and lycopene.

Aminobrain Tablet

Feed your mind and body with tissue building and brain boosting nutrients. Aminobrain tablet offers a special blend of 32 ingredients which includes Essential Amino Acids, B Vitamins, Taurine and Lecithin, all in one tablet.

Aminobrain Tablet is packed with a wide array of ingredients offering multiple health benefits.

Essential Amino Acids, the “building blocks of the proteins,” are needed for tissue growth, repair and formation of healthy muscle, bones, hormones, antibodies, blood elements, and neurotransmitters. Amino acids are especially helpful: 

•           at times of rapid tissue growth (e.g., pregnancy, body building)

•           when tissue building is necessary (e.g., recovery from illness or surgery)

•           if diet fails to meet nutrient requirement (e.g., loss of appetite, special restricted diets)

A comprehensive array of vitamins, Vitamins A, C, D, E plus 8 B Vitamins:

•           Vitamin A for healthy eyesight, healthy skin and blood vessels, and improved immunity.

•           B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) for nerve and brain health, blood formation and energy boosting.

•           Vitamin D for enhanced calcium absorption and bone health.

•           Vitamins C and E as powerful antioxidants to boost the immune system, fight free radicals and protect heart health.

A variety of minerals, including Zinc, to help boost the immune system, plus Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, Chromium, Copper and Molybdenum to support the body’s various metabolic processes.

Special Nutrients Lecithin and Taurine to support healthy brain development and activity.

Aminobrain tablet also comes in an Enteric Coated Tablet, making it gentle to the stomach, and packed in Aluminum-to-Aluminum blister packaging, to protect its potency from heat, light and moisture.

Nutricap Tablet

Give your body what it deserves. Get 26 vitamins, minerals plus special nutrients in just 1 tablet NUTRICAP.

Packed with numerous health benefits, Nutricap tablet is your cost-effective choice for a broad and high-quality dietary supplement. 

Know the health benefits of the following nutrients:

• Boost the immune system with the antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and more to help fight against infection and harmful effects of free radicals. 

• Support the heart and circulatory with Lycopene, Lecithin, Ginseng, Vitamins C, and E

• Promote nerve nourishment with Vitamin B complex

• Enhance brain and memory with Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Vitamin B Complex 

• Provide Eye protection with colorful nutrients, Lutein, Rutin, Zeaxanthin, and Lycopene plus Vitamin A 

• Rejuvenate the body and skin with Vitamins A, C, and E

• Revitalize and energize the body with Ginseng, Iron and Vitamin B complex.