Are You Suffering From Leaky Gut?
If you have been researching how to improve your health, you may have heard of leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability. If that conjures an unpleasant image of your gut contents leaking into the rest of your body — that’s not too far off the mark. Leaky gut happens when contents from the small intestine spill into the sterile bloodstream through a damaged and “leaky†gut wall. This contamination of the bloodstream by not only partially digested foods but also bacteria, yeast, and other pathogens begins to create a foundation for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune health disorders. Symptoms and disorders linked to leaky gut include fatigue, depression, brain fog, skin problems, joint pain, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, puffiness, anxiety, poor memory, asthma, food allergies and sensitivities, seasonal allergies, fungal infections, migraines, arthritis, PMS, and many more. Basically, your genetic predispositions will determine how this gut syndrome manifests for you. Leaky gut is referred to as intestinal permeability in the scientific research. It means inflammation has caused the inner lining of the small intestine to become damaged and overly porous. This allows overly large compounds into the small intestine. The immune system recognizes these compounds as hostile invaders that don’t belong in the bloodstream and launches an ongoing attack against them, raising inflammation throughout the body. Also, some of these compounds are very toxic (endotoxins) and take up residence throughout the body, triggering inflammation wherever they go. At the same time, excess intestinal mucous and inflammation from the damage prevents much smaller nutrients from getting into the bloodstream, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and poor cellular function. This is increasingly being recognized as a common underlying factor in most inflammatory symptoms and disorders. Medicine finally recognizes leaky gut Conventional medicine has long ridiculed leaky gut information and protocols as quack science and alternative medicine folklore, but newer research now establishes it as a legitimate mechanism. In fact, pharmaceutical companies are even working on drugs to address leaky gut. Research has established links between leaky gut and many chronic disorders. It’s good this long-known information is finally being validated in the dominant medical paradigm as the gut is the largest immune organ, powerfully influencing the rest of the body, as well as the brain. Current studies link intestinal permeability with inflammatory bowel disorders, gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes, depression, psoriasis, and other chronic and autoimmune conditions. Given what we know about the connection between gut health and immunity, it’s vital to include a gut repair protocol in overall treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. How to mend leaky gut Sometimes, repairing leaky gut can be as simple as removing inflammatory foods from your diet. Other times it’s more complicated. Most importantly, you need to know why you have leaky gut. Either way, however, your diet is foundational. Many cases of leaky gut stem from a standard US diet of processed foods and excess sugars. Food intolerances also contribute significantly, especially a gluten intolerance. A leaky gut diet, also known as an autoimmune diet, has helped many people repair intestinal permeability. Keeping blood sugar balanced is also vital. If blood sugar that gets too low or too high, this promotes leaky gut. Stabilizing blood sugar requires eating regularly enough to avoid energy crashes. You also need to prevent high blood sugar by avoiding too many sugars and carbohydrates. Regular exercise is also vital to stabilizing blood sugar and promoting a healthy gut. Also, failure to eat enough fiber and produce leads to leaky gut by creating a very unhealthy gut microbiome, or gut bacteria. Our intestines (and entire body) depend on a healthy and diverse gut microbiome for proper function. A healthy gut microbiome comes from eating at least 25 grams of fiber a day and a wide and rotating variety of plant foods. Other common things that lead to leaky gut include antibiotics, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, excess alcohol, hypothyroidism, and autoimmunity. A leaky gut protocol can help you improve your health, relieve symptoms, boost energy, make you happier, and clear your brain fog. Schedule your free 15-Minute consultation with Solaris Whole Health for recommendations on improving your well being through a leaky gut diet and protocol.
Supplements for COVID-19 Prevention & Treatment
Review this list of Cleveland Clinic’s recently recommended supplements for COVID-19 prevention and treatment to help boost your immune system. The Cleveland Clinic recently released a list of supplements that may be effective for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the coronavirus. Supplements included on the academic medical center’s list were zinc, vitamins C and D, and N-acetylcysteine. You can find all of these nutrients and more in the Solaris Whole Health SolVit® Multi Energy & Immune capsules. Read on to learn more about how these supplements can help boost your immune system and potentially protect you against COVID-19. Recommended Supplement #1 – Zinc According to The Cleveland Clinic, zinc is known for being an important immune-booster. It plays a role in white blood cell and antibody production to help you fight infections. Research shows that zinc deficiency is linked to increased inflammation and decreased antibody production. Additionally, zinc supplementation has been shown to increase the infection-fighting abilities of polymorphonuclear cells. Taking high doses of zinc has also been shown to reduce the duration of common cold symptoms. The researchers at the Cleveland Clinic reported that it’s not yet clear how patients with lower respiratory tract infections, such as COVID-19, will benefit from zinc. However, one study found that zinc inhibited viral replication in an in vitro and cell culture model of SARS-CoV-1, indicating promising results for people who suffer from COVID. The Cleveland Clinic noted that because of its role in immune function and its ability to potentially decrease coronavirus replication, zinc is being studied as a possible treatment for COVID-19. Recommend Supplement #2 – Vitamin C Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has antioxidant functions in the body that reduce free radical damage and inflammation, which helps support immune health. The Cleveland Clinic noted that several studies show that supplementing with vitamin C can support immune system health. Specifically, in vitro and in vivo research has shown that vitamin C may help protect against avian coronavirus infections. Human studies have indicated that vitamin C may also decrease the risk of pneumonia and viral respiratory infections. Taking high doses of vitamin C helps reduce the duration and severity of the common cold or rhinovirus. Plus, the Cleveland Clinic notes that large doses of intravenous vitamin C is generally safe. As a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C is not stored in the body. This means that it needs to be constantly replaced via supplementation and food sources. Researchers are unsure of the impact vitamin C has on COVID-19, but studies are underway in the United States and China. Recommended Supplement #3 – Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has immunomodulatory effects due to its ability to activate certain immune cells and prevent the growth of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin D deficiency is a common problem as approximately 40% of the US population is lacking in the vitamin, especially during the winter months. Older adults and those with darker skin or who take corticosteroids may also have lower amounts of vitamin D. Research shows that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of acute respiratory infections. There may also be a link between vitamin D deficiency and influenza, according to Cleveland Clinic. According to one study, vitamin D deficiency was shown to increase the risk of infection of bovine coronavirus in calves. Another study found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection in humans. Authors from a study posted in Nutrients recommended that patients at risk for COVID-19 may want to consider supplementing with vitamin D daily to reduce their risk of infection. The Cleveland Clinic noted that this approach is not likely to cause harm, but needs to be studied further before being recommended to patients. Recommended Supplement #4 – N-acetylcysteine N-acetylcysteine is an antioxidant precursor that is needed to make glutathione, which is often depleted in the body due to stress, inflammation, and illness, including among those who have COPD and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Research shows that after N-acetylcysteine is administered in vitro and in vivo studies, it leads to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in people with pulmonary diseases, including viral pneumonia. N-acetylcysteine also has mucolytic activity due to its ability to prevent the buildup of respiratory mucus. N-acetylcysteine also acts as an important detoxification agent, due to its ability to increase glutathione production. This can help cleanse the body and boost immune health by activating immune cells. The Cleveland Clinic stated that because COVID-19 patients may have systemic inflammation, such as a possible cytokine storm, may have respiratory mucus buildup that limits airflow, and may have their symptoms further complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome, supplementing with N-acetylcysteine may help improve symptoms. However, to date, no research has linked these benefits to clinical patients with hyper-inflammatory disease. SolVit® Multi and COVID-19 SolVit® Multi Energy & Immune is an immune-boosting and energy-enhancing formula that consists of scientifically-proven ingredients. It covers all of your vitamin and mineral needs to help reduce deficiencies and support your overall health. One serving (four capsules) contains the following of the supplements recommended by the Cleveland Clinic for COVID-19: â— 250 mg of vitamin C (471% RDV) â— 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (250% RDV) â— 5 mg of zinc (33% RDV) â— 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine Additionally, SolVit® Multi Energy & Immune contains other proven ingredients that can help support energy levels and immune function during a COVID-19 infection. For example, many long-term sufferers of COVID-19 state that they have chronic fatigue that lasts for several months. SolVit® Multi Energy & Immune contains acetyl L-carnitine (ALC), which is an amino acid that increases free fatty acid flow to fuel mitochondria and boost energy. The formula also contains the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), which helps support other antioxidants in the body, such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, and glutathione. This can help eliminate inflammation that drains our cells, resulting in improved energy levels. Additional
Exercise Improves Autoimmunity: Just Move!
Read on to find out the benefits of physical activity and how exercise improves autoimmunity if you are living with an autoimmune disease. Exercise may seem like a bad idea when you feel run down, in pain, or fatigued from an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity, a disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys body tissue, can make exercise feel like an impossible feat when you’re not feeling good. However, studies show daily physical activity improves outcomes and helps manage symptoms compared to not exercising at all. This even extends to patients who may stop exercising due to pain, such as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. No matter how small the effort, something is better than nothing when it comes to regular physical activity and autoimmunity. Exercise guidelines for autoimmunity Exercise has many general benefits, the best perhaps being that it simply makes you feel better. People who engage in regular physical activity report less depression, better self-esteem, and are happier. These benefits alone support autoimmune management as a positive mindset is more anti-inflammatory compared to a negative one. However, when it comes to autoimmunity, exercise delivers specific immune benefits. In fact, you’ll never reach your full potential at managing an autoimmune condition unless regular physical activity is part of your protocol. In studies, regular exercise has been shown to help dampen autoimmunity in patients with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions. Studies have also shown that sedentary patients have higher incidences of autoimmune diseases than more active patients. Research also shows that as a trend, patients with autoimmune disease tend to be more sedentary. This is understandable — autoimmune disease can make you feel poorly much of the time and our cultural depictions of exercise make it seem unattainable. The pressure to be a hard-bodied athlete who flips tractor tires and runs up stadium stairs can lead to resignation instead of physical activity. But the benefits of physical activity for autoimmunity don’t have to come from intense workouts at a CrossFit gym, long runs, or two-hour weightlifting sessions to deliver benefits. Your fitness level, symptoms, and energy levels will determine what is appropriate for you. To be effective in managing autoimmunity, exercise can be as simple as a short walk around the block if you’re just getting started. If chronic pain is an issue, exercising in water or on a recumbent stationary cycle may be more appropriate. If you’re feeling good and have been building your fitness, daily high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which activates a wide number of anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating mechanisms, can super charge the autoimmune-dampening benefits of your workouts. While it’s important to exercise regularly, equally important is to not overdo it. Overtraining increases inflammation and can and lead to exercise intolerance, a condition in which exercise makes you feel worse, takes an unusual amount of time to recover from, or triggers a relapse or flare. Exercise intolerance stems from compromised mitochondria related to chronic inflammation associated with autoimmunity. Also, for some people with autoimmunity, there are days where they are bedridden with flu-like symptoms and barely able to function, much less exercise. Approach your physical activity habit with common sense and self-compassion — some days it just won’t be appropriate and that’s ok. Ease back into it when you feel better. Why exercise improves autoimmunity The primary benefit of exercise with autoimmunity is that it lowers inflammation and stabilizes immune function. Because inflammatory flare ups provoke autoimmune relapses and tissue destruction, keeping inflammation down and immune function stable is paramount. Physical activity increases the activity of regulatory T cells. These cells are critical when it comes to managing autoimmunity. As their name implies, they help regulate the immune system when it comes to increasing or dampening inflammation. Exercise has a profound impact on regulatory T cells. Exercise also shifts the balance between the pro-inflammatory Th1 system and the anti-inflammatory Th2 system to be less inflammatory and more balanced. It also promotes the release of messenger immune cells called IL-6, which help dampen inflammation. A study on the effects of exercise on women with lupus showed that three months of regular aerobic exercise modulated immunity and did not trigger inflammation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis show milder symptoms and improved joint mobility with regular exercise. In patients with multiple sclerosis, physical activity enhanced mood and mobility. Exercise lowers the risk of neuropathy in type 1 diabetes patients. Many people feel they can’t exercise due to pain, but research has shown it reduces pain in patients with fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions that cause pain. If you feel too unwell to exercise, ask yourself what you feel you can reasonably do and start there. Schedule a free 15-Minute consultation with Solaris Whole Health for more advice on using exercise to improve autoimmunity.
Long-Term COVID Effects & How to Manage Them
Learn about long-term COVID effects, including brain fog, breathlessness, and chronic fatigue, and how to manage them. For many parts of the world, COVID-19 cases have peaked. However, while hospitals are no longer flooded with life-threatening cases, thousands of people are experiencing strange long-term effects of the virus months later, such as brain fog, extreme fatigue, and breathlessness, even while doing simple tasks like talking or walking.  Here’s what research says about long-haul coronavirus sufferers and how to combat some of the most commonly reported side effects.  What are some of the long-term COVID effects? People who first fall ill to the coronavirus report having similar symptoms, including a high fever or an occasional fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of smell, and body aches.  For many people, these symptoms go away on their own, like many viruses do. Others may need hospital care, but eventually recover with the help of breathing units and medications.  However, many people are still experiencing debilitating long-term COVID effects as many as three months after they first get sick. Some people even find their health getting worse beyond the three month mark.  Reported long-term symptoms of the coronavirus include chronic fatigue, breathlessness, a fast heart rate or palpitations, insomnia or restlessness, headaches, and problems concentrating.  According to an article posted on CNN.com, numerous patients claim that brain fog and the inability to function are among the worst long-term symptoms of COVID-19. For example, despite having a PhD in physics and no underlying health conditions, Megan O’Hara stated that her mind is not as sharp and she can’t put two thoughts together since contracting COVID-19.  She also stated it took her eight weeks before she saw her first non-coughing day. Three months after her initial visit to the hospital for coronavirus symptoms, she was right back in the ER.  Other patients with similar symptoms claim that they keep thinking they will get better in the weeks to come, but then don’t.  Research shows that COVID-19 affects several body systems and organs. Not only can it damage the lungs, but it can also affect the liver, heart, brain, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.  The National Institute for Health Research launched a study reviewing the long-term effects of COVID-19 patients who have been hospitalized. The study will be reviewing 10,000 people over the next year or longer and will provide more information about long-term symptoms.  How to manage long-term COVID-19 symptoms While long-term COVID effects are still mostly uncharted territory, there are several things you can do to support your health through this difficult time.  Here’s how to boost immune strength to combat the most commonly reported long-term symptoms of COVID-19:  Brain Fog Brain fog, such as the inability to concentrate, memory loss, and even delirium, may be caused by inflammation.  According to one study, there is a link between mental sluggishness and inflammation that often accompanies an illness. The study indicated that inflammation has a negative impact on the brain’s ability to achieve and maintain an alert state.  Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to support brain health due to their anti-inflammatory effects. You can get more omega 3’s in your diet by eating wild-caught fish or taking a supplement that contains proper ratios of EPA and DHA.  Supporting neurotransmitter production is another good way to combat brain fog. This can be done by focusing on digestive health as many neurotransmitters are produced in the gut.  Research shows that your gut microbiota modulates neurotransmitter production, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). You can boost your gut health by eating whole, plant-based foods rich in fiber and taking a probiotic supplement, and reducing sugar, refined carbohydrates, and other inflammatory foods.  Chronic Fatigue Most people experience fatigue at some point in their lives. However, the type of fatigue described by long-term COVID-19 sufferers is much worse than fatigue from daily stress.  You can naturally support your energy levels by eating a healthy diet free from refined grains and sugar, and getting adequate rest at night. During this time, it’s important to reduce stress and cut out inflammatory foods that may affect your adrenal health and the hormones needed to help you feel productive throughout the day.   According to one study on the dietary interventions and therapeutic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, probiotics, high polyphenol chocolate, and a combination of the coenzyme Q10 and NADH were effective at improving fatigue.  Cacao is an excellent source of antioxidant flavonoids, but be sure to buy raw, unprocessed chocolate that has no added sugars or has not been refined and stripped of its nutrients.  SolCalm Balance is another helpful remedy for stress. It contains amino acid precursors and bioactive nutrients that support neurotransmitter health and HPA axis function for a relaxed, calm state.  Research shows that nutritional deficiencies may lead to lack of energy. Therefore, taking a high-quality multivitamin helps ensure that you’re getting plenty of vitamins and minerals needed for sustainable energy, including the B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, magnesium and zinc. Breathlessness People who were active and healthy before contracting COVID-19 state that they are no longer able to walk up or even talk without experiencing a shortness of breath months later. Supporting your cardiovascular and respiratory systems and reducing inflammation in these areas during this time may help. SolEssentials VireX contains beta-glucans, which have been shown to reduce upper respiratory systems among people who are stressed. Research shows that probiotics are also effective at managing lung diseases because they help regulate immune responses in the respiratory systems.  One study found that you can reduce the risk of COPD and improve lung function by eating a diet high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods, such as those found in fruits and vegetables.  According to a 2011 study, the following remedies are also useful in the treatment of COPD and shortness of breath: Reducing anxiety Controlled breathing exercises, including pursed lip breathing and breathing in an upright leaning forward position  Physical conditioning, including exercise  Acupuncture Always remember to work with your doctor if you are still experiencing long-term COVID effects long after your initial diagnosis.
Inflammation Causes Brain Fog & Mental Sluggishness
A new study has shown what we have known for some time in functional medicine: Chronic inflammation causes brain fog and mental sluggishness — many people with chronic health conditions report these symptoms. In the study, 20 healthy young male volunteers received a salmonella typhoid vaccine, which temporarily spikes inflammation. On separate days they received a placebo shot of saline and did not know on which day they received the vaccine. They were then given cognitive testing in areas challenging alertness, prioritizing sensory information, and the ability to make executive decisions when presented with conflicting information. The results showed that the area affected by the inflammation from the vaccine was alertness. The other two areas did not change. The researchers suggested that inflammation impacts brain networks involved in mental alertness and that anti-inflammatory drugs may be warranted. Functional medicine approaches to brain inflammation and brain fog Fortunately, functional medicine offers solutions for brain fog and mental sluggishness. The key is to find and address the source of chronic inflammation. But first, do you suffer from these symptoms associated with brain inflammation? Brain fog Unclear thoughts Low brain endurance Slow mental speed Loss of brain function after trauma Brain fog and fatigue and poor mental focus after meals Brain fog and fatigue from chemicals, scents, and pollutants Brain fog and fatigue from certain foods Depression While the brain can become inflamed, we may not necessarily know it as we don’t feel pain from brain inflammation (headaches are caused by other mechanisms although brain inflammation can play a role). Instead, brain inflammation most often manifests as brain fog and sluggish brain function. This is because brain inflammation hinders energy production in neurons, making it harder for them to communicate with one another. This causes the brain to slow down and fatigue more easily. Things like reading, working, concentrating, or driving for any length cause fatigue. The brain has its own immune system made primarily of microglia cells. In the past they were considered nothing more than glue that held brain cells together, but now we know they are very important and outnumber neurons ten to one. The brain’s immune cells do not have a built-in off switch like the body’s immune cells. As a result, brain inflammation can burn through brain tissue like a slow-moving fire, worsening brain function over time. We see this often in people suffering from symptoms from a brain injury they had years ago. Also, when not fighting inflammation, the microglia cells carry out very important and necessary “housekeeping†work that keeps the brain healthy and functioning. Healthy microglia get rid of dead neurons, beta amyloid plaque, and other debris that interfere with nerve communication. They also support neuron metabolism and synapses. This is especially true in children, whose brain immune cells help “prune†developing neural pathways so that the brain develops as it should. Children whose brains are besieged by inflammation suffer from glitches in these pathways and their brain does not follow healthy developmental patterns. While brain inflammation causes brain fog and mental sluggishness, it also accelerates the degeneration of the brain. This raises the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and more. In fact, brain aging is linked more to brain inflammation than simply getting older. What leads to brain inflammation and brain fog? Basically, chronic inflammation anywhere in the body can inflame the brain. This can include chronic joint pain, infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites, leaky gut or gut inflammation, or an undiagnosed and unmanaged autoimmune condition. Inflammation in the body releases immune cells called cytokines. These cytokines can trigger inflammation in the brain. Brain inflammation is now being recognized as a primary cause of chronic, unresponsive depression. After all, antidepressants do not address brain inflammation. If you have brain fog or mental sluggishness, see if any of these factors could be contributing: Diabetes and high blood sugar Poor circulation Lack of exercise Chronic stress Heart disease Respiratory issues Anemia Previous head trauma Neurological autoimmunity Gluten and dairy intolerance Alcohol and drug abuse Environmental pollutants Systemic inflammation Autoimmune diseases Hypothyroidism Inflammatory bowel conditions Leaky blood-brain barrier Taming brain inflammation If you start to feel more mental clarity when addressing underlying causes of brain fog, that means you’re on the right track. While working on the dietary and lifestyle factors that trigger brain fog, the following compounds can also help dampen brain inflammation: Rutin Catechin Curcumin Apigenin Luteolin Baicalein Resveratrol The amount you take depends on the degree of brain inflammation. If you are dealing with chronic inflammation, brain fog, mental sluggishness or any other conditions that you KNOW could be better, schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation today so that we can get you back to living the life that you desire!
Best Detox Foods
We’ve put together a list of the best detox foods so that you can flush toxins and feel great without going hungry. These foods are nutrient-dense, filling, and full of healing ingredients. If you’re interested in detoxing but don’t like the idea of starving yourself, then try adding more detox foods to your diet that targets your body’s natural ability to eliminate toxins.  You can add them to smoothies, pair them with your favorite protein and healthy fats, or enjoy them as a snack in between meals. Top 10 Best Detox Foods #1 – Beets  Beets have a unique flavor that not everyone loves, but we can all agree that they are one of the best foods for detoxing.  Research shows that beets assist in the production of several phase II detoxifying enzymes, which helps eliminate foreign chemicals called xenobiotics that may cause damage to liver tissues. Try adding fresh beets to salads or smoothies.  #2 – Oranges According to research, oranges contain a type of soluble fiber called pectin that can help with the elimination of heavy metal toxins, such as lead and mercury.  As a dietary fiber, pectin also helps promote digestive health so that you can flush your system regularly. This is the key to detoxing daily! Oranges are also a great source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant in the body to neutralize free radical toxins. #3 – Onions Onions help with detoxification by feeding the “good†bacteria in your gut. As a prebiotic, onions fuel your microbiome and boost immune health to assist with the elimination of harmful substances.   Onions also contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to protect the body and boost the immune response against toxins. Additionally, they are a good source of the antioxidants quercetin and anthocyanins to further combat free radical damage.  #4 – Cabbage Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which is best known for its ability to protect against cancer.  According to one study, cruciferous vegetables contain anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that help boost liver health.  Cruciferous vegetables are also a great source of fiber to help with the elimination of toxins through stool and bile.  #5 – Broccoli sprouts Broccoli is another example of a cruciferous vegetable. In addition to helping prevent chronic diseases, such as cancer, broccoli sprouts have been shown to help protect against the effects of air pollution.  Broccoli also contains enzymes that have been shown to protect against chemical carcinogens.  #6 – Spirulina Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae with many proven health benefits. It’s usually available in supplement form as a powder or tea.   Research shows that spirulina can help boost the body’s immune response by reducing inflammatory markers. It also has anti-viral properties to keep you healthy. One study found that spirulina can be used as a treatment for chronic arsenic poisoning. It also has powerful antioxidant abilities that have been shown to protect against heart disease and related conditions.  #7 – Asparagus Like onions, asparagus provides a good source of prebiotic fibers to help the body eliminate toxins through stool.  Asparagus is also a natural diuretic and can help flush out excess fluids and salt. It can also help eliminate toxins from the kidneys and prevent kidney stones.  Adding more asparagus to your diet may also help positively contribute to your immune and digestive health.  #8 – Blueberries Blueberries are considered a “superfood†because they contain higher amounts of nutrients than other fruits and vegetables. They are especially high in antioxidants. One study found that blueberry treatments increased the expression of important antioxidant compounds in the liver, which can help promote a healthy detox response.  Enjoy blueberries by adding them to a smoothie or eating them raw as a snack with some raw nuts.  #9 – Spinach Spinach is an excellent source of the green pigment chlorophyll, which has been shown to support liver health. According to one study, chlorophyll may reduce the incidence of liver tumors by up to 63% and stomach tumors by up to 45%.  Another study found that chlorophyll may limit a compound known to cause cancer called aflatoxin. There is also research to support chlorophyll’s ability to reduce the risk of liver cancer.  Along with eating more spinach, aim for getting as many green vegetables into your diet as possible to boost chlorophyll levels! #10 – Avocado Avocados are rich, creamy, full of healthy fats, and also help promote liver health.  According to one study, the fatty acids in avocados may help protect against damage caused by a powerful liver toxin known as d-galactosamine.  Avocados are delicious in smoothies and salads. You can also pair them with your favorite lean protein.  If you’re looking for supplements to add to your detoxification routine and to support your nutrition goals, try our SolFuel bars. They are great for digestive and immune health, and they are leaky gut friendly, especially the coconut larch arabinogalactan bars.  Find out more about detoxing by checking out these blog posts: Who Should Detox What To Expect When You Detox What Are The Best Detoxifying Supplements? Â
What kind of brain inflammation do you have?
Brain inflammation causes symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, lack of motivation, and depression. If you have a chronic health or autoimmune condition, chances are you also suffer from brain inflammation. We all have some degree of brain inflammation, but it can range from barely perceptible to debilitating depending on how advanced it is. What kind of brain inflammation do you have? We can look at brain inflammation as either subtle, moderate, or severe, and as transient or chronic. Brain autoimmunity is another cause of brain inflammation and brain-based symptoms. Subtle brain inflammation: If you experience any/all of the below symptoms, you likely have subtle brain inflammation. Brain fog Slower mental speed Reduced brain endurance (can’t read, work, or drive as long you used to) Brain fatigue after exposure to specific foods or chemicals Comes and goes with exposure to triggers Moderate brain inflammation: If you experience any/all of the below symptoms, you likely have moderate brain inflammation. Fatigue Depression Lack of motivation Inability to focus and concentrate for long periods Sleepiness Need to sleep more than 8 hours Lethargy Loss of appetite Unable to be physically active Severe brain inflammation: If you experience any/all of the below symptoms, you likely have severe brain inflammation. Disorientation or confusion Dementia Delirium Coma Seizures Difficulty speaking Tremors or trembling Involuntary twitching Transient neuroinflammation: Symptoms are activated by exposure to a trigger but subside. Person has more good days than bad. Chronic neuroinflammation: Symptoms are persistent symptoms and the person has more bad days than good. Brain autoimmunity: Autoimmunity is a condition in which the immune system attacks tissue in the body, mistaking it for a foreign invader. Neuroautoimmunity is more common than people realize and can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, depending on the area of the nervous system being attacked. Symptoms are caused by flares of the autoimmune condition, which can be whatever triggers the body’s immune system. These people also have symptoms of brain inflammation. Why the brain becomes inflamed Most people think the brain is made up mainly of neurons and that neurons run the show. But in recent years, research shows neurons only make up about 10 percent of the brain. The rest is made up of the brain’s immune cells, called glial cells. Glial cells outnumber neurons 10 to 1. Although the glial cells are the brain’s immune system, scientists have discovered they do much more than defend the brain. When the brain is not battling inflammation, glial cells support healthy neuron function, clear away plaque and debris that can lead to brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, and they help facilitate efficient pathways of communication in the brain. Factors that cause brain inflammation include a brain injury, unmanaged autoimmune disease, high blood sugar, eating inflammatory foods, undiagnosed food intolerances, excess alcohol consumption, a chronic viral or bacterial infection, leaky gut, leaky blood-brain barrier, hormonal imbalances or deficiencies, or other chronic health conditions and imbalances. When the brain is in a chronic state of inflammation, this takes glial cells away from their job of supporting neuron health, debris clearing, and neuronal communication. This not only causes symptoms like fatigue and depression but also raises your risk of more serious brain disorders down the road. If your symptoms are in the mild category, following functional medicine protocols (finding and addressing the root causes of your brain inflammation) can help restore your brain health. As long as you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can keep brain inflammation at bay. These strategies include: Balancing blood sugar; lowering blood sugar if it’s too high. Removing foods that cause an immune reaction from your diet, gluten in particular. Repairing leaky gut and leaky blood-brain barrier. Improving microbiome diversity. Addressing autoimmune conditions. Addressing chronic infections. Taking high-quality glutathione and other supplements to dampen inflammation. Daily exercise, especially high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Hormonal balance if necessary. If your brain inflammation symptoms are in the moderate to severe category, you still need to follow these steps, but you may need pursue one or more of them very aggressively, as well as adjust your expectations. Unlike the immune system in the body, the brain’s immune system does not have an off switch and inflammation can move through the brain like a slow-moving forest fire for months, years, or even decades. If you have not been the same since a brain injury or other brain insult, this may apply to you. Additionally, if glial cells undergo a severe inflammatory event, such as a brain injury, they can become “primed.†A primed glial cell permanently changes its physical structure to function less as a neuron helper and more as an immune soldier. This also shortens its lifespan. As with neurons, we only have so many glial cells — their numbers dwindle as we age, and unmanaged brain insults and injuries and unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits can accelerate their demise. Once glial cells are primed, acute inflammatory events can trigger your brain inflammation symptoms, even if you are following a healthy diet and lifestyle. Also, symptoms from triggering events will be much more severe once your glial cells have been primed. Whereas someone with mild to moderate neuroinflammation may suffer from some brain fog or fatigue if triggered, a person with primed glial cells may see loss of brain function, depending on the area of the brain most affected. This could mean bouts of memory loss, inability to speak properly, loss of muscle function, fatigue so severe they are bed ridden, and more. Once your glial cells are primed, it becomes necessary to structure your life around preventing flares. Note: One scenario that can occur with primed glial cells is that anti-inflammatory functional medicine protocols may work great for a few weeks and then the person has a rebound crash with severe symptoms. This does not mean the protocols aren’t working, it just means you need to slow down with your protocols and keep systematically working through the various mechanisms until
COVID Symptoms and Triggers
Read on for an in-depth exploration into COVID symptoms and triggers and learn who is most susceptible to experiencing Coronavirus issues. COVID Symptoms: What Triggers It, Who’s Most Susceptible, and How Does It Work? As time goes on, more and more information is being uncovered regarding what triggers the severity of COVID symptoms, who may be more susceptible, and how the virus works.  New studies show that the coronavirus can set off something called a cytokine storm, which puts additional stress on your immune system and makes it harder to recover. Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus, including what triggers it, how it works, and who is most likely to become infected.  How Does The Coronavirus Work? The coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, belongs to a large family of viruses that cause upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold.   It works by invading the body and sneaking past the immune system to take over healthy cells. The part of your immune system that detects viruses is called the adaptive immune system.  There are two types of white blood cells that help target infections: T cells and B cells. These cells work together to get rid of infections, but they operate differently.  Both cells have a receptor on their surfaces. B cell receptors attach themselves directly to a virus or an infected cell in an attempt to kill it while T cells require other immune cells to break down the virus into smaller parts so that it can be engulfed.  T cells and B cells have more than one job and often help each other. Some T cells attack infected cells directly while others support the immune system by helping B cells make antibodies.  Viruses that enter the body sometimes disguise themselves by hijacking healthy cells so that they go unnoticed by T and B cells. This is how the virus spreads in our bodies and makes us sick. What Triggers COVID? COVID-19 has proven to be deadly for some by causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like symptoms while others appear to be completely unaffected.   In some cases, COVID patients seem to get better after a while, only to take a turn for the worse when they should be on the way to recovery.  Research shows that the coronavirus may trigger a cytokine storm in some people, which is a term used to describe a phenomenon that occurs when the immune system goes into hyperdrive and cannot shut itself off.  Cytokines refer to a group of proteins that play a role in immune and inflammatory responses. The immune system releases special cells to help fight a virus when it is first detected in the body.  Under normal circumstances, the immune system turns itself off once the infection starts to reside. However, during a cytokine storm, the immune system keeps running until it becomes exhausted.  This may lead to kidney, lung or liver failure, even among people with no underlying health conditions, as well as the worsening of COVID-19 symptoms.  Cytokine storms make us sick by disrupting the epithelial lining of the lungs, which permits bacteria to invade, and causes the need for the production of so many ventilators in the treatment against COVID.  Research shows that treating cytokine storms triggered by the coronavirus is an important part of beating the virus.  Studies show that you can help naturally prevent this from occurring by making sure you have proper vitamin D levels in the body, either by supplementation or by eating foods high in vitamin D. Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce the severity of the flu.  However, not everyone experiences these cytokine storms and many patients recover on their own. This can make it hard to know who is more likely to become sick.  Who’s Most Susceptible?  Despite being a new virus, research suggests that certain people might be more susceptible to the disease than others, especially those who already have an overactive immune system. People with autoimmune diseases already experience a similar version of a cytokine storm due to their overactive immune response. This can lead to the worsening of coronavirus symptoms whereas someone without an autoimmune disease might not experience symptoms at all.  Autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, occur when the body mistakes its own tissues and cells as foreign invaders and tries to attack them.  This sends the immune system into overdrive, much like a cytokine storm triggered by an overreaction to the coronavirus, and can lead to accelerated COVID symptoms in the lungs.  Other factors that may increase the likelihood of becoming infected include allergies, both airborne and within food, and bacterial overgrowth, such as in the case of Candida Albicans infections.  This is because these conditions are already linked to an altered immune response. “Bad†bacteria that is already in the body is more likely to cause an infection when a virus is present.  Additionally, research shows that the coronavirus may lead to autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, which suggests that COVID may lead to an overactive immune response in people who were previously undiagnosed with an autoimmune disease.  Those with underlying health conditions are also at an increased risk of showing severe symptoms. According to one study, the rates of hospitalization were six times higher for COVID patients with underlying conditions, such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, when compared to those without these conditions. The rates of death among these patients were 12 times higher than their healthy counterparts.  Conclusion  The coronavirus is still a relatively new virus, despite taking over the entire globe within a matter of months. However, research shows that the virus may be more likely to affect those with underlying conditions, such as autoimmunity, diabetes, heart disease, and lung conditions.  The symptoms of COVID-19 may be worsened by a cytokine storm that occurs when the immune system launches into overdrive and cannot be turned off. However, research shows that vitamin D supplementation may help control this response and can be used to reduce the severity of the flu.  Take control of your Immune Health with our FREE Immune Health
What Are The Best Detoxifying Supplements?
We’ve put together a list of the best detoxifying supplements with scientifically-proven results to help clear toxins from the body and leave you feeling better than you have in years. Detoxing has so many health benefits. It can help you boost a sluggish metabolism, protect against diseases, sleep better at night, enjoy more energy during the day, and much more.  With so many detox products on the market that claim to help you detox, it can be hard to know which ones to choose and which are a waste of your time (and money).   What Are The Best Detoxifying Supplements? 1. Glutathione Glutathione is found in high levels in all cells. It has been shown to perform the following detox duties (1): It directly neutralizes chemicals of superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen It assist with the regeneration of vitamins C and E It acts as a cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes It neutralizes free radicals that are made during phase I liver metabolism of toxins It gets activated intermediates produced by phase I detoxification ready to be excreted by the kidneys by making them water soluble  It transports mercury out of the brain and cells It regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis It assists mitochondrial function and maintains mitochondrial DNA  SolFuel Clear provides an excellent source of glutathione to help support your detox journey. It also contains several other ingredients that are proven detox helpers, such as green tea, B vitamins, milk thistle, antioxidants, and amino acids.  2. Magnesium Magnesium has laxative properties that help detox the body by moving toxins through the digestive tract and promoting regularity. However, there are several forms of magnesium on the market and some are better absorbed than others.  Chelated magnesium is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium that ensures you’ll absorb it and reap all of its benefits. The SolFuel Clear Cleansing System contains chelated magnesium, glutathione, as well as many other supplements found on this list for a complete detox system.  3. Milk Thistle Milk thistle is an herb that is one of the best detoxifying supplements sold in supplement form due to its ability to promote liver and gallbladder health by protecting against a variety of poisons.  Research shows that milk thistle helps protect the liver through a number of methods, including via its antioxidant activity, by blocking toxins at the membrane level, and through enhancing protein synthesis(2).  Milk thistle also has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties to further protect the body (2).  4. Probiotics Taking a probiotic supplement is an excellent way to boost digestive health, which is necessary for the elimination of toxins.  Probiotics are the “good†bacteria in your gut. Research shows that they help restore bowel flora and improve liver enzymes in people with alcohol-induced liver injury (3).  They also have properties that help them bind to toxins from food and water and move them out of the body (4).  SolPro capsules contain 20 billion CFUs of the highest-quality probiotics from seven different strains to help support healthy gut flora and regularity.  For more probiotic power, try taking SolPro in packet form. One packet contains 225 billion CFUs from six different strains.  5. L-Glutamine L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps protect against intestinal diseases.  It’s included on our list of the best detoxifying supplements because it helps suppress pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, regulates tight junction proteins to prevent leaky gut syndrome, and protects cells against stressors (5).  L-glutamine also aids in the detoxification of ammonia and systemic acid-base balance, and helps restore the function and structure of the liver (6).  SolGI Integrity contains 4 grams of l-glutamine per serving along with other proven ingredients to protect the gut barrier, including N-acetyl glucosamine, zinc, deglycyrrhized licorice root extract (DGL), and aloe vera.  6. Vitamins and minerals from cruciferous vegetables Finding a high-quality multivitamin that contains a blend of cruciferous vegetables is a great way to support your detox journey. Cruciferous vegetables are a good source of sulfur-containing compounds, which have been shown to support enzyme production in the liver (7).  Research shows that organosulfur compounds (OSCs) also have chemopreventive effects by suppressing the growth of tumor cells (8). B vitamins are especially beneficial for the production of healthy liver enzyme levels (9).  Solaris Premium’s SolVit Multi Energy and Immune capsules provide an excellent source of B vitamins and minerals from sulfur-containing sources to help support your detox.  Want to learn more about detoxing? Read our complete guide on detoxification. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2630703/  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17110980/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454963/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6619856/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/ . https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20213447/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849418/ Â
SolVit D3 and COVID-19
SolVit D3 and COVID-19 Vitamin D, otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, plays many important roles in the body, including promoting cardiovascular, skeletal, and immune health. Recently, vitamin D has been studied for its protective effect against COVID-19.  However, there are several types of vitamin D to be aware of. Additionally, depending on your intended use for vitamin D, you may also want to take it with vitamin K.  Here’s what you need to know about vitamin D, including its effect on COVID-19 and other health benefits. We’ll also talk about the synergistic effect of vitamins D and K and how much you should take.  What does vitamin D do for you? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it requires the presence of dietary fat to help absorb it. It’s found in very few foods, including beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, and some mushrooms. It’s also found in many fortified foods, such as almond milk, breakfast cereals, and orange juice.  Vitamin D is unique because, unlike other vitamins, it operates as a hormone in the body to send messages and control certain activities. Vitamin D can also be synthesized by the body when you are exposed to the sun.  Here are some health benefits of vitamin D: It promotes healthy bones and aids in the absorption of calcium to increase bone density and decrease the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.  It supports a healthy heart by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving blood flow, and improving blood pressure markers.  It contains neuroprotective effects by reducing a protein buildup that has been shown to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. It acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative damage, especially in nervous tissues that may lead to cognitive decline. It boosts immune health by supporting your body’s ability to protect against infections.  It may lower the risk of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.  Vitamin D has recently been evaluated for its protective effects against COVID-19. Research shows that vitamin D supports immune health by stimulating the production of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, that protect the body against pathogens.  Several studies have shown that there is a link between proper vitamin D levels and a reduced risk of the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections.  Specifically, vitamin D helps increase the expression of antimicrobial molecules in the lungs, which may help defend the area of the body most vulnerable to COVID-19.  According to one study, vitamin D may help reduce the death rate caused by the coronavirus. This prompted experts to urge the government to adjust its advice and suggest that people strive for optimal levels of vitamin D.  What is the difference between vitamins D2 and D3? Before you buy the first vitamin D supplement you see, it’s important to note that there are two types to be aware of: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). One of the differences between the two is that D2 is sourced from plants (such as mushrooms, dietary supplements, and fortified foods) while D3 comes from animals (oily fish, liver, egg yolk, and butter).  Vitamin D3 is the type of vitamin D that is formed in your skin when you are exposed to sun. Research shows that vitamin D3 is better at improving your vitamin D levels than D2. Why is vitamin K2 added to many vitamin D supplements and who needs it? Vitamin K is another fat-soluble vitamin. It is often paired with vitamin D supplements because it helps minimize calcium accumulation in the blood vessels.  If you are taking vitamin D for the purpose of enhancing skeletal health, bone density, or cardiovascular health, then it’s a good idea to look for a supplement that also contains vitamin K2.  What form is D3 the best in?  Taking a liquid form of vitamin D3 is better than in pills or capsules. This is why our vitamin D3 supplement comes in liquid form. As vitamin D3 is fat soluble, our SolVit D3® contains a dietary source of fat to assist with absorption making it more bioavailable and improving it’s efficacy. How much vitamin D do I need? You can get vitamin D from being in the sun. However, this is often not enough for most people, especially in the winter months.  The recommended intake for vitamin D is 600 IU for men and women aged 1-70 years old. Adults over the age of 70 need 800 IU per day.  Call my office at Solaris Whole Health to review personalized recommendations! Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. you should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medications, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.