Several ingredients have been shown to trigger inflammation, like the browning of an apple, and negatively impact overall health.

Here are a few of the top foods that cause inflammation.

1. Fried Foods

Fried foods like doughnuts, mozzarella sticks and potato chips are high in trans fats. A type of unhealthy fatty acid that has been

linked to a long list of side effects. In addition to cranking up cholesterol levels and increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, trans fats may also trigger inflammation.

According to one study in the Journal of Nutrition, increased consumption of trans fatty acids was associated with higher levels of markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

2. Processed Meat

Processed meat is any type of meat that has been smoked, cured, salted, dried or canned in order to enhance its flavor or extend its shelf life. Some of the most common examples include cold cuts, bacon, salami, sausage and beef jerky.

Not only was processed meat recently classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization, but it can contribute to inflammation as well. Studies show that eating more processed meat may be tied to higher levels of CRP, a marker that is used to measure inflammation in the body.

3. Alcohol

Although certain types of alcohol (like red wine) can actually be beneficial in moderation, excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for inflammation. Studies show that drinking high amounts of alcohol can increase certain inflammatory markers, including CRP.

What’s more, alcohol intake can also ramp up the risk of leaky gut syndrome, a condition in which toxins and food particles leak from the digestive tract into the blood, causing widespread inflammation.

4. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbs like pasta, white bread, cookies and crackers are notorious as some of the top foods that cause inflammation of the joints. These foods undergo extensive processing, stripping them of beneficial nutrients, such as fiber.

Refined carbs also tend to have a higher glycemic index which is used to measure how quickly foods increase blood sugar levels. Research shows that consuming foods with a high glycemic index may drive up inflammation, even in healthy adults.

On the other hand, studies show that swapping out refined grains for whole grains instead can decrease inflammation and protect against chronic disease.

5. Artificial Sweeteners

Often lurking in low-calorie foods and diet products, some research suggests that could cause inflammation. Although more research in humans is needed, studies indicate that artificial sweeteners may disrupt the health of the gut microbiome, which plays a key role in regulating inflammation.

One animal model also  found that regular consumption of sucralose also known as Splenda, could cause liver inflammation in mice.

6. Vegetable Oil

Heavily processed or refined vegetable oils are very high in omega six fatty acids. Although omega-6 fatty acids are an important component of a healthy diet, consuming a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids can trigger inflammation.

While experts generally recommend aiming for a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids of around 4:1, most people consume a ratio closer to 15:1 instead. Therefore, limiting your consumption of refined vegetable oils while also adding more omega 3 fatty acids to your diet may help alleviate inflammation.

7. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is a type of sweetener that is often found in processed foods including soda, juice, candy and ice cream. Just like regular sugar, high-fructose corn syrup is at the top of the inflammatory foods chart and can have detrimental effects on nearly every aspect of health.

In addition to limiting your intake of foods that cause inflammation from the list above, incorporating a variety of foods that reduce inflammation into your diet can also be beneficial.

Plus an amazing resource that is scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by 40% in 30 days is something we recommend to all our patients.

Anti-Inflammatory Food Swaps

A healthy, well-rounded anti-inflammatory diet should comprise mostly nutrient-dense, whole foods, including fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and legumes. Herbs, spices, healthy fats and protein foods are also included on the anti-inflammatory foods list as well.

Making a few simple swaps in your diet is an easy way to get started. Try trading processed meats, for example, with healthier protein sources, like fish, poultry, eggs or legumes.

You can also ditch the deep fat fryer and try baking your own vegetable chips or French fries instead. Or, try swapping refined carbs like white rice, pasta or bread for whole grain varieties to give your diet an easy upgrade.

Here are a few of the best:

• Fruits: peaches, pineapple, mangoes, apples, berries, pears, oranges
• Vegetables: broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, watercress, tomatoes, garlic
• Nuts and Seeds: pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds
• Legumes: black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, navy beans, peas
• Whole Grains: quinoa, couscous, farro, millet, buckwheat, barley
• Proteins: salmon, chicken, turkey, eggs,
• Healthy Fats: coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, grass-fed butter, avocados
• Herbs and Spices: turmeric, black pepper, rosemary, basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, dill

Reduce inflammation 40% in 30 days click link.

As the body ages, it undergoes various hormonal changes that can affect health. Some of the common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include weight gain, memory decline, fatigue, and muscle loss. Bioidentical hormones may restore hormones to their optimal levels.

Physical Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

The physical benefits a patient can get from the BioTE method of hormone replacement therapy depends on their individual needs. Some of the physical benefits men typically report experiencing as a result of testosterone treatments include increased lean muscle mass and tone, bone strength, thicker hair, improved focus and memory, increased energy and stamina, and improved mood.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Benefits for Women

A hormone imbalance in women can cause heavy, irregular, or uncomfortable periods, hot flashes, night sweats, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea. Studies have shown that BHRT treats the root of these symptoms to promote relief as well as improved brain function, better mood, thicker hair, more restful sleep, upgraded muscle function, and higher bone density.

Physical Benefits of the BioTE Method of Hormone Therapy

We have helped hundreds of people gain the physical benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Research has shown that the physical benefits of BHRT are numerous, including:

• added lean muscle mass
• thicker hair
• stronger bones
• better brain function
• focus
• enhanced sleep patterns

Feeling a little backed up? Constipation is a major problem for many people but thankfully, a problem that can easily be resolved with a little effort on your side.
Some of the most common reasons that you might wind up constipated in the first place include:

· Overusing antacid medications, especially those that contain calcium
· Abrupt changes to your diet or activity level
· Dehydration
· Consuming too many dairy products
· Suffering from IBS
· Lack of physical activity
· Not consuming sufficient dietary fiber in your diet
· Being pregnant
· Taking medications such as antidepressants or other pain killer drugs
· Using prescription strength iron supplements
· Being under high levels of stress
· Suffering from hypothyroidism

As you can see, quite a few factors can bring you to the brink of not being able to go. When you’re backed up, it’s often the only thing on your mind. You’d do just about anything to find relief.

Fortunately, there is a long list of things that you can do that will encourage your bowels to get moving again. Topping that list are a few dietary changes. By including some high fiber foods in your menu, you can help remedy the situation.

When most people think of high fiber foods, they tend to think of the usual standbys: beans, broccoli, berries, and bran.

While these are all great sources, they are far from the only sources that you should be considering adding to your meal plan.

Let’s take a closer look at seven lesser known sources of dietary fiber that you may want to consider bringing into your menu today.

1. Avocado:

The avocado is a very underrated fruit that must not be overlooked. It’s not like any other fruit out there because it is actually a primary dietary fat source, which is completely the opposite of most fruits. Most fruits are fat free, but that just isn’t the case with avocados. When looking at the stats for the avocado, we see:

Per Fruit:
Calories: 322
Total Fat: 29.5 grams
Saturated Fat: 4.3 grams
Total Carbs: 17.1 grams
Dietary Fiber: 13.5 grams
Sugars: 1.3 grams
Protein: 4 grams

So as you can see, it has quite a distinct nutritional profile. It’s exceptionally low in sugar content and provides a great dose of heart-healthy fats.

In addition to giving you the dietary fiber to keep you more regular, avocados are also going to provide an excellent dose of vitamin E, which will help promote healthier skin, hair, nails, and serve to act as an antioxidant in the body as well.

On top of that, they are also associated with improvements in cardiovascular health as well. This is thanks to their high dose of monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, as well as the phytosterols they contain.

Avocados also have great anti-inflammatory benefits as well, so this may help to reduce your risk of other health conditions such as arthritis. Try slicing an avocado up and adding it to your salad then enjoy.

2. Chia Seeds:

Next up on the list of great foods to eat to help with constipation and improve your health are chia seeds. Again, these seeds are often left out of the mix as people tend to go for the more popular flaxseeds or else simply bypass seeds altogether and choose nuts as their source of healthy fat.
But, do not discount chia seeds. With a strong nutritional profile and a lot to offer, they too should be a mainstay in your diet plan.

Here are the stats for chia seeds.

Per One Ounce of Seeds:
Calories: 139
Total Fat: 8.7 grams
Saturated Fat: 0.9 grams
Total Carbs: 12.4 grams
Dietary Fiber: 10.7 grams
Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 4.4 grams

You can see the strong fatty acid profile in these seeds. With only 0.9 grams of saturated fat, it’s a very wise option if heart health is a concern for you.

Flax seeds also have an excellent distribution of omega-3 fatty acids compared to omega-6 fatty acids. You’ll get almost 4 times as many omega-3’s as you will omega-6’s, so this is critical as keeping your ratio in check with more omega-3’s is critical for optimal health.

Chia seeds contain 37% total dietary fiber content, so as you can see, they are a dietary fiber winner for sure. The fiber found in chia seeds will actually expand in the gut upon eating, so this will help fill you up and curb hunger very easily. This in turn may assist with weight loss and appetite control. Research published in the Nutricion Hospitalaria noted that those eating chia seeds for a period of 12 weeks were able to promote significant but discrete reduction in weight and waist circumference.

To top things off, chia seeds also work as a prebiotic in the gut and can support the growth of healthy probiotics, which you need to sustain proper immune system health. If you are already supplementing with a high quality probiotic such as ProBio then chia seeds are like the soil for your probiotic to be planted in.

Think of your gut like a garden. ProBio adds seeds to the garden by introducing beneficial bacteria to your gut. PhysIQ prebiotic is the water, sunlight, and fertilizer helping those seeds stay healthy and grow. It’s a one-two punch of health to your gut for a better metabolism and a digestive system that runs like a well-oiled machine.

Finally, take note that research published by the British Journal of Nutrition has noted that chia seeds may also help to combat weight gain, high cholesterol levels, as well as insulin resistance so this could be a key secret to combating diabetes as well. This is very important news for anyone who wants to try and keep their overall health in check.

3. Sauerkraut:

If you are looking for a low calorie side dish, why not consider sauerkraut? Many people turn their noses up at the mere mention of this food, but it’s actually one of the healthiest foods you could be adding to your meal plan.

Sauerkraut is a rich source of natural probiotics, so it will help to strengthen your internal gut environment, improving the natural digestion processes that take place and lower your risk of constipation in the first place.

In addition to that, these healthy probiotics will also boost your immune system so you’re less likely to fall ill due to a virus.

What are the nutritional stats on sauerkraut? Let’s take a look.

Per 1 cup serving:
Calories: 45
Total Fat: 0.3 grams
Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
Total Carbs: 10.1 grams
Dietary Fiber: 5.9 grams
Sugars: 4.2 grams
Protein: 2.1 grams

Sauerkraut gets almost half the total amount of carbohydrates it contains from dietary fiber, making it a very powerful source for getting your needs met. Do keep in mind that if you choose to make your own sauerkraut, you may be able to reduce the total sugar content of this food even lower.

Because sauerkraut is made from cabbage, it’s also going to provide you with all the health boosting benefits that cabbage has to offer including being a solid source of antioxidants. Cabbage is one of the best cancer-fighting foods out there according to research published in the Nutrition and Cancer journal. So it is definitely one that you’ll want to get into your diet if you hope to combat this disease.

4. Cacao: 

Moving along, if you love a good dose of chocolate, you won’t want to miss out on including cacao in your meal plan. Note that cacao is different from cocoa, which most people will think about when reading this.

Cacao is the purest form of chocolate that you can consume, making it far less processed than regular chocolate and even cocoa powder. While dark cocoa powder is good, cacao is even better.

Cacao is thought to be far higher in antioxidants and is also a much stronger source of magnesium, so it is an all around healthier choice for the body. It’s available in many forms including cacao butter, which will be much higher in total fat content, cacao nibs, which are basically cacao beans that have been cut into small edible pieces, cacao paste, which is made from the nibs, along with cacao powder, which is what will offer you the most fiber overall. Because the beans are still intact in cacao powder compared to cocoa powder, this means you are getting a much stronger dose of fiber overall.

Let’s look at the nutritional stats for cacao:

Per 1 Ounce Serving
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 2.5 grams
Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
Total Carbs: 19 grams
Dietary Fiber: 7 grams
Protein: 5 grams

As you can see, a high portion of the calories from cacao will come from dietary fiber, which is what can help you relieve your symptoms of constipation.

The total level of antioxidants found in cacao is exceptionally strong, which can help to improve your heart health by reducing plaque build-up, help you block free radicals that can lead to unwanted health conditions including cancer, as well as help to lower PMS related symptoms in women. One study published in the BMJ journal noted that subjects who included dark chocolate in their diet on a regular basis had a lower incidence of heart disease, illustrating just how beneficial it may be to add cacao to your day.

Not sure how to use cacao powder? Try adding it to your morning smoothie for breakfast, use it to create your own healthy version of hot chocolate, or try using it in homemade protein or granola bars. You can pretty much use it in replacement for wherever you would normally use cocoa powder, so let your creativity run wild.

5. Brussels Sprouts:

Another food that often gets noses turned up at it is Brussels Sprouts. They are a great option if you are looking to improve your health and reduce constipation.

This green vegetable is chalk full of fiber and other nutrients, making it a must-have for any well-balanced nutritious diet plan. Let’s take a closer peak at the nutritional stats for this food.

Per 1 cup boiled
Calories: 56
Total Fat: 0.8 grams
Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
Total Carbs: 11.1 grams
Dietary Fiber: 4.1 grams
Sugar: 2.7 grams
Protein: 4 grams

As you can see, this vegetable offers more fiber than sugar, which is definitely a sign that it’s a smart choice as far as a healthy diet plan goes. You’ll also get a very good dose of protein as well for a vegetable at four grams per serving.

What else does it have to offer?

First, they can seriously help bring down your cholesterol levels. The type of fiber in Brussels sprouts binds with bile acids in the digestive tract and can then help to move cholesterol out of the bloodstream. This leaves you with less built-up on your artery walls and a lower risk of heart attack.

Next, Brussels sprouts are rich in glucosinolate content, which is an important compound that has been shown to help provide cancer-protecting benefits. These are found in all cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts being one of them.

Brussels sprouts will also provide you with a powerful dose of vitamin C, giving you over 100% of your daily needs with a one cup serving. This will help to strengthen your immune system and help ward off the common cold and flu.

So next time you’re looking for a vegetable to serve alongside your meals, don’t overlook the benefits Brussels sprouts can bring. They may just help you find relief from your constipation as well.

6. Split Peas:

If you ask most people, they’d likely tell you that they’ve never had split peas before. But, this may just be one of the best sources of dietary fiber you could eat. Split peas are not only going offer a powerful dose of the fiber to keep your bowels moving as scheduled, but they’re also going to provide a good dose of protein as well.

For those struggling to get their needs met, split peas may just be the addition to your diet you’ve been looking for.

Here’s how they stack up nutritionally speaking.

Per 1 cup boiled
Calories: 231
Total Fat: 0.8 grams
Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
Total Carbs: 41.4 grams
Dietary Fiber: 16.3 grams
Sugar: 5.7 grams
Protein: 16.3 grams

This food has a very nice fiber to protein ratio and is virtually fat free, making them an excellent choice for anyone who is engaging in intense exercise in the near future. Eat them as a pre-workout meal a few hours before and you’ll be putting in top performance.

Their sugar content is also quite low, which will help keep your blood glucose levels in check and help to ward off weight gain as well.

Split peas are well known to help give your heart health a boost thanks to the strong dose of soluble fiber they provide. This fiber will help to reduce total cholesterol levels, again, lowering the plaque buildup that may occur.

They’re also great for stabilizing your blood sugar level, just as beans are, so they can be an excellent choice for warding off diabetes or managing diabetes if you already have it.

Thanks to the high dose of fiber and complex carbohydrates coupled with protein, split peas will also take care of your appetite, combating hunger and ensuring that you can stick to your meal plan without a problem.

Try using split peas in soup or use them in dips, veggie burgers, or even muffins if you are really creative. There are plenty of ways to get these into your daily diet.

7. Raspberries:

Finally, there’s one fruit that does need to be included in this list – raspberries. When most people opt for berries, they tend to choose blueberries thanks to all the many health benefits these have been touted to have in the last few years.

While it’s true that blueberries are great for increasing brain health and combating age-related cognitive decline, as far as fiber goes, raspberries are your real all-star.

Not only are they rich in dietary fiber, but they also contain a very low dose of sugar, making them ideal for keeping blood glucose levels in check.

Here’s how they stack up nutrient wise:

Per 1 cup boiled
Calories: 64
Total Fat: 0.8 grams

Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
Total Carbs: 14.7 grams
Dietary Fiber: 8 grams
Sugar: 5.4 grams
Protein: 1.5 grams

With more fiber than sugar, few fruits can claim to offer this type of health benefits. Raspberries are great for combating constipation and will have you regular in a hurry.

In addition to that, raspberries are also loaded with antioxidants that will help to combat free radical damage and inflammation in the body. They’ve been shown to have great anti-cancer benefits thanks to their antioxidant profile as well as the phytonutrients they contain.

Given that this berry is so sweet, it’s easy to eat on it’s own or add to other dishes already in your meal plan. Try adding them to salads, on top of a bowl of oatmeal, to plain yogurt, or into a marinade that you are preparing for your main protein source. The possibilities with this berry are endless.

So there you have seven lesser-known sources of fiber that you’ll want to include in your diet plan. Make sure that you aren’t relying on the common sources all the time. Variety is really key for optimal health as it’ll ensure you get an abundance of different nutrients into your diet..

References:

Chicco, Adriana G., et al. “Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) rich in α-linolenic acid improves adiposity and normalises hypertriacylglycerolaemia and insulin resistance in dyslipaemic rats.” British Journal of Nutrition 101.1 (2008): 41-50.

Murillo, Genoveva, and Rajendra G. Mehta. “Cruciferous vegetables and cancer prevention.” Nutrition and cancer 41.1-2 (2001): 17-28.

Larsson, Susanna C., et al. “Chocolate consumption and risk of myocardial infarction: a prospective study and meta-analysis.” Heart (2016): heartjnl-2015.

Toscano, Luciana Tavares, et al. “Chia induces clinically discrete weight loss and improves lipid profile only in altered previous values.” Nutr Hosp 31.3 (2015): 1176-1182.

“Everyone has a physician inside him or her; we just have to help it in its work. The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”
                                                                    -Hippocrates

How is it possible that 80 – 90% of chronic disease risk is rooted in poor lifestyle decisions, yet most health care solutions still avoid this root cause? There must be a better solution. Here at Lifetime Health And Wellness we understand that long-term optimal health is not the result of a supplement choice. It is our fundamental belief that lifestyle is truly the most powerful medicine, and must be the driving force that powers better healthcare. The challenge is implementing lifestyle medicine in the clinical setting. To meet this challenge, we have put together the ultimate supplement stack that helps patients implement lifestyle solutions.

Wholemune:

• Primes and Mobilizes Key Immune Cells
• Protects Against Immune Challenges Resulting From Ongoing Stress
• Increases Immune Vitality and Mental Clarity
• Protects Against Exercise-Induced Stress

Buffered C

Powder is balanced with calcium, magnesium and potassium to gently deliver high-concentration vitamin C to reduce the potential of gastrointestinal upset.

Reacted Zinc

Provides 54 mg of highly-absorbed zinc, ideally formulated using the amino acid chelate form of zinc (zinc glycinate) for enhanced absorption, optimal utilization and gastrointestinal (GI) comfort. Supplementing the right form of zinc is key to maintaining healthy levels within the body and compliance to a supplement regimen. Zinc plays a crucial role in boosting immune function, maintaining healthy tissue growth, and increasing the antioxidant reserves that protect the body from free radical damage.

IgG

Protect Powder’s pure and high-concentration formula provides improved immune modulation and strengthens the gut-immune barrier.

NK-Stim

Is a targeted formula specifically designed to support the body’s immune response by boosting natural killer (NK) cell activity. NK-Stim includes a synergistic combination of larch arabinogalactan, oleuropein (the active ingredient found in olive leaf extract), acemannan (the immune-stimulating constituent of aloe vera concentrate) and chelated zinc. NKStim’s unique preparation supports immune function, boosts NK cell activity, promotes healthy microflora in the gut, and helps maintain bacterial balance throughout the body. NKStim is the ideal preparation for those with immune challenges and gastrointestinal-related concerns.

MitoCORE

Is a scientifically formulated blend of nutrients Based on peer reviewed, double-blind research specifically designed to recharge cellular energy production, increase antioxidant protection, support detoxificationcapacity, and support immune function, MitoCORE provides a unique blend of acetyl L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid and N-acetyl cysteine. All have shown to support immune function and energy output. MitoCORE also includes key micronutrients and phytonutrients, including green tea, broccoli seed extractand resveratrol, to protect the mitochondria and continually recharge the cycle of energy production.

Viracid

Includes a powerful combination of key nutrientsand botanical extracts that provide support for immunechallenges. Viracid boosts immune defenses by providingnutrients such as L-lysine vitamins A and C, pantothenicacid, B12, and zinc. Viracid includes the synergistic blend of botanical extracts black elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, and andrographis, all of which have been used traditionally for their clinically effective immune- modulating properties.

SBI and GI Health

The GI tract acts as the gateway to the rest of the body, making the health of the gut barrier critical to overall health. Environmental triggers like poor diet, high stress and toxin exposure can lead to GI challenges. In practice, probiotics are a natural choice for supporting beneficial bacteria in the gut, but supplementation to eliminate unwanted microbes should also be considered. SBI has been shown to bind microbes and toxins, further enhancing microbiome balance and facilitating gut barrier strength.2,

IgG Protect Powder

Is a highly concentrated colostrum formula that provides essential nutrition for improved immune health. Traditionally, colostrum is considered the “first food” of newborns because it is easily digestible and enhances the immune system. More recently, colostrum has been shown to regulate the immune system and provide vital growth and healing factors.2 An optimally functioning immune system prevents unwanted toxins and molecules from disturbing the body’s natural homeostasis. Colostrum naturally includes immune factors, amino acids, nucleotides and growth factors which provide several benefits to human immune health by functioning against microorganisms. There are five main immunoglobulins, but the most common is IgG, which accounts for 75-80% of all serum antibodies in the body. IgG plays a major role in immune system function, as it defends the body against foreign substances

Neuro-stimulation is a pain therapy done through specific ear mapping technology. It is then programmed for mild electrical pulses to the nerves in the specific area of pain to interrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain, thus reducing pain.

Prescribed to patients who have received other pain therapies that have failed or left the patient at a pain level that has caused them to remain on opioid therapy for a long period of time, thus having a negative impact on their quality of life.

This device is FDA approved and has supportive documentation/white paper.

Schedule your telemedicine call today to see if this fantastic new therapy is right for you.

Some titles say it all – like the one on an article from the US Census Bureau announcing their report on our country’s shifting demographics. It’s title? “The Graying of America: More Older Adults than Kids by 2035.”

Even so, Americans of all ages are seeking ways to both look and feel younger. Heck, even Teen Vogue occasionally offers anti-aging advice to its youthful audience!

For many, younger-looking skin is often the place to start, with increasing options for achieving it without injections or surgery. One that you may not have heard much about yet is peptide therapy.

Peptides are short amino acid chains. When applied as creams, nasal sprays, oral tablets, or under the skin, they signal other cells and molecules, telling them what to do. They also have the unique ability to affect several different traits simultaneously such as improved growth hormone production as well as sexual vitality.

For instance, growth hormone secretagogues are unique peptides which stimulate the pituitary gland’s production of growth hormone. This helps increase lean muscle mass and decrease body fat. It also noticeably improves libido and sexual function for many men and women.

Other anti-aging peptides can be used to prevent inflammation, loss of brain function, and accelerated aging while improving mental clarity and cognitive function.

And, anti-aging studies suggest, certain peptides may increase skin elasticity and promote healthy circulation.

In one 2016 study, for instance, 20 healthy women with aged skin were recruited to apply eye and face creams that contained peptides, vitamin E, and milk thistle twice a day for four weeks.

By the end of the second week, researchers noted a 5.97% reduction in wrinkles. By four weeks, the reduction had grown to 14.07%.

Skin elasticity was increased 6.81% after 2 weeks and 8.79% after 4 weeks. Dermal density was increased 16.74% after 2 weeks and 27.63% after 4 weeks.

Skin brightness also increased, while redness decreased. No ill effects on the skin were observed.

While this is a small study, to be sure, a more recent survey of the literature found consistent results, while also noting that much more research remains to be done.

Selected peptides have excellent non-toxicity and stability records. Many of the studies shown in this review, and a variety of additional observations, clearly show the wide range of possible topical cosmetic applications of biologically active peptides, for improving the skin and its properties.

As the world of peptide therapy expands, so too does the possibility for vibrant health into one’s later years. And as mentioned, contributing to healthy, youthful skin is hardly the limit to what peptides can do!

In our South Elgin office, we include a wide range of anti-aging peptides among the many services we have to help our patients stay more youthful-looking and maintain vitality into their senior years.

We know that finding ways to naturally support the bodies’ healing systems is important. That’s why our office is devoted to finding the newest therapies to help our patients achieve longevity the natural way.

What are Peptides?

• Low toxicity
• High chemical and biological diversity
• High potency and specificity
• Good efficacy, safety, and tolerability
• Broad range of targets
• Enhances cell growth

What Conditions Can Peptides Therapy Treat?

Insomnia	Inflammation
Cancer	Lyme disease
Dementia	Mold-related illness
Joint injury	HIV and chronic infections (HBV, HCV, CMV, etc.)
Inflammatory bowel disease	TBI
Neurodegenerative conditions (Parkinson’s, MS, etc.)	Erectile dysfunction, low libido
Fibromyalgia	Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

• Cerebrolysin

• Cerebrolysin is a nootropic that may enhance cognitive functions, such as memory, creativity, and motivation. Rather than being a single peptide, Cerebrolysin is a mixture of very small peptides derived from brains of pigs. The small size of Cerebrolysin means it can cross the blood-brain and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers and directly act on the central and peripheral neurons. The clinical value of Cerebrolysin comes from its neuroprotective effects. It has been shown to be effective when used for:
  • Dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment
  • Recovery after a stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury, concussion
  • Spinal cord injury
  • ADHD
  • Treatment-resistant depression
  Studies have indicated that Cerebrolysin is safe in humans for short-term use (up to 3 years). However, it has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  Cerebrolysin and Recovery After Stroke (CARS)
  A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial
  Dafin F. Muresanu, MD, PhD, Wolf-Dieter Heiss, MD, […], and Alla Guekht, MD, PhD, DMedScience
  Cerebrolysin had a beneficial effect on function and global outcome in early rehabilitation patients after stroke. Its safety was comparable with that of the placebo, suggesting a favorable benefit/risk ratio. Because this study was exploratory and had a relatively small sample size, the results should be confirmed in a large-scale, randomized clinical trial.

Thymosins  Can give you a “super human” immune system

Thymosin Alpha 1 (Tɑ1)

• Increased natural killer cell activity
• Increased expression of TH1-type cytokines
• Increased levels of cytotoxic T cells 
• Reduced apoptosis of immune cells
• A shift of T helper cells to Type 1 T helper (TH1) cells
• Activation of dendritic cells 

• Depression
• Insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes
• Chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia
• Autoimmune disease
• Chronic infections (including Lyme, viruses, parasites)
• Oxidative stress
• Alterations in gut microbiota (i.e., dysbiosis)
• Food allergies
• Changes in sex hormone levels
• Zinc and other mineral deficiencies
• Cancer

• Boosting influenza antibody response
• Hepatitis B
• Sepsis 
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Melanoma 
• Lung cancer
• Fungal infections
• Cystic fibrosis
• HIV-1

Thymosin Beta 4 (Tꞵ4)

• Promoting formation of new blood vessels to the injured area which carry essential reparative substances 
• Increasing “good” inflammation that can help the wound heal faster
• Increasing the amount of cell-building proteins such as actin 
• Restoring tissue structure and metabolism
• Promoting hair growth
• Reducing acute/chronic wounds

How is the gut related to the immune system? The immune system-gut-connection is a complex topic, one that researchers are constantly still learning about.

We know that billions of beneficial bacteria are present within all of us, forming what’s called our “microbiomes.” The microbiome is an internal ecosystem that benefits us in many ways, including by helping us to absorb nutrients, keeping us healthy overall, regulating our appetite and body weight, and much more.

This “community of microbes” living inside each and every one of us is mostly located inside our digestive systems (or guts).

Just how much of the immune system is located in the gut? It’s now believed that the gut houses between 70 percent and 80 percent of all immune cells.

The Immune System And Gut Connection

Amazingly, it’s estimated that within the body there are more microorganisms than there are human cells, mostly concentrated within the GI tract.

It’s now believed that overall gut health can contribute to overall health. This is why maintaining the integrity of the gut as well as overall gut health are crucial aspects of health.

The presence of bacteria, specifically the “good guys” kind called probiotics, plays a role between the gut microbiota and immune system.

What are probiotics? They are microorganisms introduced into the body for their beneficial qualities. They help to balance the ratio of “bad guy” bacteria and “good guy” bacteria.

How does gut bacteria support a healthy immune system exactly?

• Probiotic supplements and foods contain “good guy” bacteria that populate your gut and support its health.
• Certain gut bacteria can impact how your body extracts nutrients from your diet, including vital minerals and nutrients like zinc, iron and vitamin B12.
• Generally speaking, some microbes influence gene expression, either positively or negatively.
• And because there are pathways between the central nervous system and microbiome that send signals back and forth to one another, your gut flora can affect how you produce neurotransmitters, which impacts your energy, outlook and sleep.

How to Support Gut Health Naturally

To support a healthy gut and a healthy immune system, it’s important to eat a nourishing diet.

The foods you eat, the types and amounts of bacteria you’re exposed to on a daily basis, along with your stress levels, sleep, exercise and genetics all play a role in establishing your gut microbiome. Low nutrient availability and more can all take a toll on your gut and immune system health.

Below are key supplements to boost gut health and your immune system:

Ortho Biotic is a unique probiotic formula designed to
deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut
microflora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune
function. Included in this formula is Saccharomyces
boulardii, an extensively researched microorganism shown
to help restore microflora balance by enhancing commensal
organism function. Each Ortho Biotic capsule provides seven
proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand
the harsh gastrointestinal (GI) environment and adhere to
the intestinal tract to deliver superior results.

 

Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta1) is a peptide originally isolated from thymus gland as the compound responsible for restoring immune function. Ta1 helps regulate the immune response.

The Natural killer (NK) cell system is your body’s immune system that shows strong function against stressed cells such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells. NK cells are made for killing. They are constantly on patrol, looking for harmful cells that would like to take up residence in your body and destroy your health, like cancer cells and virus-infected cells.

Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta1) enhances the Natural Killer (NK) system and stimulates the immune response by stimulating stem cells and augmenting the production of new immune cells. The immune system, now activated, then acts in concert to kill bacterial, fungal, or viral infections and tumor cells. It also improves the response to vaccines by stimulating antibody production.

When NK-cells find these “body invaders”, they activate your immune system. Unfortunately, NK-cell function, power, and activity fluctuate throughout your life. As your NK-cell function wears down, your response declines, your “immune system” doesn’t attack and kill the “bad guys” as vigorously as it should, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.

In 2009, a novel influenza A/California/07/09 (A/H1N1v) virus, was first identified in the United States. It caused outbreaks of disease in several countries, triggering the first pandemic of the 21st century.

Thymosin Alpha-1 peptide was tested during that time as an immune enhancing peptide that potentiated the efficacy of viral vaccines especially in patients who had a weakened immune system. It has since been used in the treatment of several cancer and viral infections because of its direct influence of killing virally infected cells and cancerous cells.

Photo Credit: www.sciclone.com

Ta1 has proven to be useful in a wide range of clinical indications. Over 4400 subjects have been enrolled in US, European and Chinese clinical trials investigating the use of Ta1, including primary treatment for subjects with acute infections, such as seen in severe sepsis, and for chronic infections including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and HIV; as an adjunct treatment for cancers, including melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and NSCLC; and as an enhancement to both hepatitis B and influenza vaccines in immune-depressed individuals.