May 2022 - Mother Sherry

BHB or beta-hydroxybutyrate is one of the ketones that our bodies naturally produce when breaking down fat. In essence, BHB is a molecule that converts fat into energy that allows us to think, solve problems, climb stairs, go for a walk, or work out. In this article, we will go over some facts about BHB that you need to know.

First, we will take a look at cognitive health. Next, we will discuss preventing cancer and its anti-inflammatory properties. Then, we will cover enhancing your workouts and wrap up with promoting heart health. Once you have finished reading, you will be able to benefit from these facts about BHB.

1Promotes Cognitive Health

Although glucose is the default fuel for our brains, ketones are the backup when our bodies are short on glucose. BHB might be even more efficient for the brain than glucose because it results in more energy per unit of oxygen used. It also seems to support mitochondrial growth and energy efficiency in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is crucial to memory and learning. Exciting research found that higher BHB ketones measured in the body of an Alzheimer’s patient correlated to improved cognitive function. Participants treated with an oral dose of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) showed improved performance on a set of recall tests compared to participants who received a placebo, and this suggests that heightened levels of BHB in the body may lead to improved memory.

The BHB’s benefits to our brains go further still. Neuroprotection is a mechanism that leads to salvage, recovery, and regeneration of the nervous system. Research suggests that ketones may have a neuroprotective benefit, meaning that ketones can repair and spur the regrowth of synapses and neurons in the brain. Ketones, like BHB, may improve and maintain the overall health of your nervous system.

2May Help Prevent Cancer

Tumors like to feed on glucose. This fascinating phenomenon is known as Warburg’s effect, and it has led cancer researchers to test out a variety of ketones for their cancer-fighting properties. Research has shown that when cancer cells are denied access to glucose and forced to obtain energy from ketones instead, they fail to thrive. A failure to thrive is the end goal of every fight against cancerous cells.

BHB may even slow the motility and growth of pancreatic cancer cells, one of the most devastating cancers known to man. Further research is necessary to determine if ketones can improve life expectancies for patients with pancreatic cancer. Decreases in both the growth and spread of cancer cells to the other organs are extremely promising for the treatment or prevention of malignant tumors.

3It Is Anti-Inflammatory

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to a known or perceived threat; in acute cases, such as when you’ve sustained an injury, the body rushes to the site of the injury and sets off processes that begin healing. Although necessary, this results in pain, redness, heat, and swelling; upon healing, those associated symptoms resolve on their own, and you are free of injury. Chronic inflammation is when the immune response never shuts off. Tissues at the site of chronic inflammation are constantly being damaged and repaired; it’s an injurious cycle, and this is a very serious problem, as chronic inflammation leads to diseases such as stroke, cancer, diabetes, and more. Estimates show that as many as three in five people worldwide will die of chronic inflammatory disease.

On top of the increased risk of disease, chronic inflammation can present itself in several other undesirable ways – fatigue, pain in the joints, chest, or abdomen, rash, mouth sores, and fever are just some of the ways this ongoing immune response can negatively impact your life. It is easy to see why it is vitally important to control inflammation in the body, but how? It should be of no surprise to health-conscious individuals that diet plays a big role in inflammation; avoiding processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugar in favor of whole fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, and nuts are key components of an anti-inflammatory diet. Research has found that BHB inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome; in other words, BHB has anti-inflammatory properties, so taking a BHB supplement could aid the body in fighting inflammation, and this not only helps defend the body against disease but also slows down aging!

4It Enhances Workouts

When you exercise, your body absorbs BHB at a rapid rate, which turns on the body’s fat-burning processes. By adding more BHB to the body, you have greater amounts of efficient fuel available so you can run harder, jump higher, and train longer. Naturally, this leads to more fat burning and better results from your workout.

Especially in the beginning, it may be difficult to get through a workout in a state of ketosis. Those on a ketogenic diet looking to work out in the morning while still in a fasting period may find the energy that they need to perform with the help of BHB supplementation. BHB can regulate glucose and insulin in the bloodstream, lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It may suppress appetite, leading to further weight loss. It could help retain bone strength and reduce bone density loss.

5Promotes Heart Health

The American Heart Association reports that nearly one in three deaths in the U.S. are due to cardiovascular disease. With over 92 million American adults living with cardiovascular disease or the aftereffects of a stroke, we are in a state of a heart health emergency. It’s no secret that diet and lifestyle are key when it comes to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

For some people, however, a genetic predisposition means that diet and exercise are not enough; luckily, there are supplements that you can incorporate into your overall routine for improved heart health, including BHB. If you could take a supplement that slowed the hands of time on your heart, wouldn’t you try it? A BHB supplement may do just that. BHB improves heart health by actually preventing the cells in your heart from aging as quickly as they would otherwise, and BHB salts may also improve the blood flow and mechanical efficiency of the muscles. These supplements take being “young at heart” to another level!

Our bodies naturally produce ketones when breaking down fat, and BHB or beta-hydroxybutyrate is one of those ketones. The molecule that converts fat into energy that allows us to think, solve problems, climb stairs, go for a walk, or work out is BHB. In this article, we went over some facts about BHB that you need to know.

First, we took a look at cognitive health. Next, we discussed preventing cancer and its anti-inflammatory properties. Then, we covered enhancing your workouts and wrapped up with promoting heart health. Now that you have finished reading, you will be able to benefit from these facts about BHB.

May 16, 2022May 31, 2022

In Nutrition Tipsby Donna Murphy

5 Reasons Why You Should Include Blueberries In Your Diet

Let’s talk about this amazing superfood rated as one of the highest antioxidant foods and can help in fighting off free radicals that can cause damage to cellular structures within your body. Yep, blueberries. They not only taste delicious, but they have extraordinary health benefits that you can’t afford to pass up. In this article, we will share with you some of the wonderful benefits of blueberries, the anti-inflammatory superfood.

First, we will take a look at the importance of organic versus conventional blueberries and how blueberries improve immune health and fight cancer. Next, we will discuss how berries can help with weight loss. Then, we will cover blueberries’ ability to improve brain function in older adults and wrap things up with how blueberries can make a significant impact on your health. Once you have finished reading, you will want to incorporate more of this superfood into your diet.

1Organic And Conventional Blueberries' Quality

Blueberries are part of the EWG’s 2021 “12 dirty dozen foods”, a listing of a dozen fruits and vegetables that are commonly exposed to high levels of pesticides and have a thin outer layer that does little to protect them from absorbing chemicals and toxins. They are ranked from highest to lowest in pesticide residue, with blueberries being the 16th highest fruit containing pesticides. Organically grown blueberries often have higher antioxidant values than conventionally grown crops, where the fruit’s potential is degraded by the presence of herbicides, pesticides, and other chemical treatments that are harmful to the body. These chemicals are harmful to the gut and digestive system; they even irritate the brain!

Nearly 70 percent of the non-organic fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to EWG’s analysis of the latest test data from the Federal Department of Agriculture. Some people believe that the chemicals are safe in small amounts, but not even small amounts should be in our food! The next time that you see the higher price for organic blueberries, you should remember to think of the health benefits, and instead of comparing price, compare quality and nutritional value. Shop for them when they are in season, and buy in bulk so you can preserve them for later in the year.

2Improve The Immune System And Fight Cancer

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. They have the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits. The powerful antioxidants in blueberries improve the immune system and prevent infections, such as urinary tract infection.

Blueberries can help reduce the risk of cancer. They contain anthocyanin, which gives them a dark hue. Anthocyanin is known to attack free radicals that cause cancer in the body.

3Blueberries Can Help With Weight Loss

Blueberries can help with weight loss. They are low in fat and sodium and are low in calories, with just about 80 calories per cup, making them a healthy, low-calorie snack. Blueberries are also rich in vitamin C, which promotes tissue growth and wound healing. Blueberries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which reduces the risk of heart diseases and obesity since it adds bulk to your diet and keeps you full longer.

They provide about 25% of the daily requirement for vitamin C in one serving. Blueberries are rich in manganese that supports bone development. Manganese helps the body process cholesterol and convert carbohydrates to energy. Just three servings of blueberries a week can help fight heart diseases, memory loss, and indigestion. Blueberries are excellent for the brain; they improve brain health and reduce the risk of memory loss.

4Improve Brain Function In Older Adults

As you grow older, consider adding more blueberries to your diet. Blueberries’ antioxidant anthocyanin has been shown to prevent physical signs of aging, like osteoporosis, age spots, and wrinkles. They also aid in helping ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the degradation of the neurons and brain cells.

These berries are one of nature’s most powerful superfoods. So you will want to indulge in this tiny little berry and reap the benefits as a part of your optimal health plan. So don’t delay — start incorporating more of these tiny nutritional gems into your diet now!

5Make A Significant Impact On Your Health

Blueberries are a Native American plant and an American favorite. Before the 1900s, Americans could only find blueberries in the wild before being cultivated by the early scientists for consumption. Blueberry bushes will produce for up to twenty years, thrive in acidic soil, and are relatively hassle-free to maintain.

Blueberries are at their peak harvest from April through late September and are grown in 35 out of 50 states in North America. Blueberries deliver the highest nutrient value when consumed fresh and raw. Did you know that eating just a ¼ cup of blueberries a day will reap great benefits and can make a significant impact on your health? You can sprinkle them in smoothies, add them to salads or yogurt, make pancakes or muffins, or simply enjoy a handful of fresh raw, delicious blueberries.

Blueberries are one of the highest antioxidant foods that fight off free radicals that damage cellular structures within your body. Along with the amazing health benefits, they taste delicious. In this article, we shared with you some of the amazing benefits of blueberries, the anti-inflammatory superfood.

First, we took a look at the importance of organic versus conventional blueberries and how blueberries improve immune health and fight cancer. Next, we discussed how the berries could help with weight loss. Then, we covered blueberries improving brain function in older adults and wrapped things up with how blueberries can make a powerful impact on your health. Now that you have finished reading, you can incorporate more of this superfood into your diet.

May 16, 2022May 31, 2022

In Nutrition Tipsby Donna Murphy

5 Remedies For Bronchiolitis You Can Do From Home

Treatment of bronchiolitis includes managing viral and respiratory symptoms to promote better oxygen flow and allow the body to heal. In some cases, medication must be prescribed. Certain dietary supplements can also support the immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms. In this article, we will share some of the common home remedies for treating bronchiolitis.

First, we will discuss keeping the airways clear. Next, we will take a look at reducing fever and removing airborne irritants. Then, we will cover using a humidifier and wrap up with hydration. Once you have finished reading, you will be able to use these common home remedies to treat bronchiolitis.

1Keep The Airways Clear

You may want to clear mucus from your child’s nose or mouth. This can make breathing easier for them. This can also affect how much oxygen gets into their bloodstream. You can use suction tools like suction bulbs or other over-the-counter options, such as NoseFrida.

Using suction bulbs, you can also carefully remove mucus from your baby’s mouth. You can also use saline drops to clear mucus from your child’s nose so he or she can breathe clearly. If you have an infant, use saline drops before using suction bulbs so that it’s easier to suction the mucus out. Older children can use saline drops before blowing the nose to get more mucus out.

2Relieve Or Reduce Fever

If your child has a fever, speak to your doctor about how best to treat it. Children under the age of 19 should not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products. However, there are various ways to naturally relieve a fever that can be safe for babies and young children as well as older children and adults. Basic tips include a lukewarm bath, giving them ice pops or cold drinks, and a cold compress on the forehead.

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose and a cough. Further symptoms then usually develop over the next few days, including a slight high temperature (fever) and a dry and persistent cough. Bronchiolitis usually lasts about one to two weeks. Sometimes, it can take several weeks for symptoms to go away.

3Remove Airborne Irritants

It’s also recommended that you avoid possible air irritants at home, such as smoke, fumes, dust, chemicals, cold air, and allergens. There are no vaccines or specific treatments for bronchiolitis. Antibiotics and cold medicine are not effective in treating bronchiolitis. Most cases go away on their own and can be cared for at home. It is key that your child drinks lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and young children under two years old. Most cases are mild and clear up within two to three weeks without the need for treatment, although some children have severe symptoms and need hospital treatment. Children are typically contagious for three to eight days. A child can return to daycare when he is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducers (such as Tylenol or Motrin) and no longer wheezing.

4Use A Humidifier

Using a humidifier is also a safe, short-term way to help people with bronchiolitis breathe more easily. However, humidifiers can cause respiratory illnesses and other issues if they’re not clean or used properly. Follow the directions for use on the humidifier and also ensure that it’s clean.

Kids with bronchiolitis need time to recover and plenty of fluids. Make sure that your child gets enough to drink by offering fluids in small amounts often. You can use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your child’s room to help loosen mucus in the airways and relieve cough and congestion.

5Keep Drinks On Hand

Children and adults with bronchiolitis will likely eat and drink less often than usual. While they don’t need to drink more fluids than usual, preventing dehydration is important. For toddlers and older children, keep water, juice, or an electrolyte drink on hand at all times and give them a sip often.

For infants, give them a bottle or regularly breastfeed when they’re awake. If you’re concerned that your child isn’t drinking or eating enough, take them to a doctor. The doctor can recommend a non-prescription electrolyte drink specifically made for children or can ask you to bring the child in for IV fluids.

Managing viral and respiratory symptoms to promote better oxygen flow and allow the body to heal are some of the treatments for bronchiolitis. Medication must be prescribed in some cases. Supplements can be used to support the immune system and reduce the severity of symptoms. In this article, we shared some of the common home remedies for treating bronchiolitis.

First, we discussed keeping the airways clear. Next, we took a look at reducing fever and removing airborne irritants. Then, we covered using a humidifier and wrapped up with hydration. Now that you have finished reading, you can use these common home remedies to treat bronchiolitis.

May 3, 2022May 11, 2022

In Nutrition Tipsby Donna Murphy

4 Superfoods For Reducing Inflammation

Powerful foods can be extraordinary for your overall health. Cellular inflammation is the underlying marker in nearly every major health problem. Every single day, the body is attacked by free radicals, cells are damaged, and inflammatory mediators are produced and triggered throughout the body. In this article, we will share with you how these superfoods reduce inflammation.

First, you will learn how turmeric tackles inflammation. Then, we will discuss oregano. Next, you will learn how ACV does wonders for your skin. We will wrap up with the power of apple cider vinegar to help lower inflammation. Once you have finished reading, you will be able to start eating these superfoods and take control of your inflammation once and for all.

1Turmeric

This powerhouse is the sixth-highest antioxidant-rich herb, containing an incredible ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score of 127,068. The major ingredient, curcumin, is what gives turmeric its characteristic orange color. The curcuminoids within turmeric are said to be five to eight times stronger at scavenging free radicals than vitamin C and E.

The molecules are strong enough to take on the hydroxyl free radical, which is considered to be the most reactive of all free radicals. These curcuminoids help cleanse and nourish your skin and balance the skin’s natural microflora that protects you from infections. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, acting to downregulate the inflammatory mediating COX-2 and MMP-9 receptors. Additionally, it reverses many common cancer cell transcription factors, such as NF-kappa beta. Curcuminoids have been labeled by many as some of the most powerful cancer-fighting substances on the planet.

2Oregano

Oregano is extraordinarily high in antioxidant activity, ranking as the second-highest herb with an ORAC score of 175,295. The primary antioxidant components are phenolic acids and flavonoids. Oregano oil has incredible antibacterial functions due to its high content of thymol, a powerful food phenol.

Additionally, oregano is the most effective substance against MRSA staph infections, beating out the 18 currently used antibiotics in a recent study. Oregano oil has been classically used as a disinfectant, an aid for ear, nose, throat, and respiratory infections, candida, and any sort of bacterial or viral conditions. It works to suppress inflammatory mediators and cancer cell production. Oregano oil is more potent than dried herb; however, the dried version still contains many powerful health benefits.

3ACV

ACV is an acid on the outside of our body but has alkaline ash when it is digested within our body. This is the best of both worlds. As an acid, it is a powerful sterilizer that is great for improving the quality of our skin and hair. Additionally, it is great at removing warts, acting upon acne, and cleansing the body of dead skin cells.

Within the body, ACV balances the overall pH by providing extra alkaline buffering minerals in ionic potassium and magnesium. This benefit enhances overall energy production and detoxification processes. ACV also helps balance and stabilize blood sugar and is great to consume before or with a higher carbohydrate meal to prevent a blood sugar spike. Be sure to purchase your ACV completely raw and unpasteurized with an intact “mother.”

4Apple Cider Vinegar

This supertonic contains acetic acid, which is known to help the body absorb iron more effectively. Iron is primarily used as the mineral backbone within hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule within the red blood cells. Myoglobin, the oxygen extracting molecule within the muscles, also consists of an iron backbone.

Higher levels of bioavailable iron allow the body to utilize oxygen better. Boosting oxygen levels increases both energy production and detoxification processes. The acetic acid and active enzymes within the ACV also help the body metabolize protein and absorb the amino acids more effectively. This is a critical step for building healthy hormones and enzymes and repairing tissues; through these mechanisms, apple cider vinegar helps you recover from injury, excessive exercise, and states of chronic pain. Additionally, better enzymatic function will increase energy and a sense of well-being.

When it comes to extraordinary things for your overall health, powerful foods do the trick. In nearly every major health problem, it has been shown that cellular inflammation is the cause. Our body is attacked by free radicals, cells are damaged, and inflammatory mediators are produced and triggered throughout our body every day. In this article, we shared with you how these superfoods reduce inflammation.

First, you learned how turmeric tackles inflammation. Then, we discussed oregano. Next, you learned how ACV does wonders for your skin. We finished up with the power of apple cider vinegar in helping lower inflammation. Now that you have finished reading, you can start eating these superfoods and take control of your inflammation once and for all.