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The effects of stress on immunity has been studied and shows that it even affects the number and types of microbes that can survive in the human GI tract. Probiotics have a lot to do with digestion, synthesis of vitamins such as vitamin K, B5, B6 and biotin, stimulation of immunity, and regulation of immunity. Many scientists consider the stool in the gut an...

Indoor pollution is worse, according to the EPA, than outside. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, come from paints and glues and should be avoided. They are endocrine disruptors that are not safe. Even candles and air fresheners are another source of air pollution in the home. Beeswax is best for candles. Fragrances have up to 100 chemicals that can add to...

Summer trips can be "green" and there are green hotels and camps for kids that are not only environmentally safe, but also offer healthy foods that are trans fat and high fructose corn syrup free. Airline food and water is generally not healthy; it is best bring your own snacks and to use bottled water. Natural sunscreens are another concern as most sunscreens...

A study published in Pediatrics from the University of Ottawa documented that 75% of children in ICU with serious illnesses had low vitamin D levels and were noted to be sicker, requiring more life support services, and longer times in the ICU. Considering that there is an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency caused by lack of exposure to sunlight, it is not particularly...

Helicobacter Pylori is found in 50% of human beings. Sometimes it causes problems and at other times it is protective. It is associated with type 2 diabetes, ulcers, and gastric cancer but is protective against asthma, colitis, and intestinal infections. Managing its presence is tricky. Mainstream doctors tend to use triple therapy (two antibiotics, proton pump...

Apple cider vinegar has been purported to increase weight loss and aid in arthritis, asthma, colitis, and even diabetes by lowering blood sugar. Scientific research has been scant. However, recent studies presented in Medscape show that the acetic acid in vinegar really does lower blood sugar by about 7% when used for 12 weeks. It is interesting that eating a...

  According to research at UCSF in May of 2012, smoking during pregnancy adversely affects fetal lung development, but it can be prevented by vitamin C during the last trimester. A study on 159 smoking pregnant women revealed that just 500 mg/d of vitamin C before 22 weeks of gestation would raise their low vitamin C levels to normal and also improve...

  A study published in March of 2011 showed that low levels of vitamin D failed to inhibit the inflammatory cascade and that normal levels did. Levels of inflmamatory cytokines, interlukin 6 and TNF-alpha, correlated with low levels of vitamin D. The vitamin D receptor binds to DNA directly and activates a gene, MKP-1, which quiets the inflammatory response. It...