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Another Reason For Moderation: Overeating Affects Your Brain
Not only does overeating make you digestive system work overtime, but it also does a doozy on your brain.
American scientists recently found that overeating stimulates a usually dormant immune pathway in the brain. Once stimulated the brain then sounds the alarm for the immune system to battle invaders that aren't really there.
Another Reason to Exercise: Boost Your Immune System
We're nearing the end of flu season and heading into allergy season, but that doesn't mean we should get complacent about fighting off illness. Since I am always looking for new reasons to exercise and new ways to avoid getting sick, I was excited to find this research suggesting that consistent exercise can boost your immune system.
Moderate exercise temporarily increases your body's production of macrophages, the cells designed to fend off bacteria, and allows them to travel more efficiently through the body.
Gut Feeling: Probiotics For Immune Health
Probiotics seem to be the "functional food" darling of the moment, but it seems to me these healthful microbes might really deserve their super star status. Probiotics add good bacteria to your intestines, helping to maintain the balance between the good micro-organisms and the bad. New research shows that they might be beneficial to more than just your guts.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
I have little kids and one of them breaks out in hives whenever she eats strawberries. Or I should say, when she used to eat strawberries because the hives just didn't seem like a normal side effect of eating fruit. Are those hives a sign of a food allergy or just a symptom of a food intolerance?
Learn to Love: Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake Mushrooms, aside from the phrase being my new favorite expletive substitute (it is up there with dang and crud), are fast becoming known as a new super food. Since they have been used medicinally in Asia for over 6,000 years, I'd really have to admit their status as a super food is "new" to me. And possibly you, too?Give your Immune System a Boost
I am paranoid about the flu, I'll admit it. So I'm putting my paranoia to good use and figuring out simple ways to boost my immune system and I would like to share them with you.
One of the easiest ways is to sleep at least 7 - 9 hours a night.
What's the Deal With: Being Ill and Working Out
Since cold and flu season started a lot of folks have asked me if they should work out if they're sick. Well, a good rule of thumb when figuring out the answer is the neck check. Exercise is generally considered okay if your symptoms are all above the neck - sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, congestion.
Chicken Soup for the Soul
Recent reports claim that chicken soup is truly good for the sick soul.
So next time you're feeling sick, try this recipe from Dr. Stephen Rennard, Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center:
1.5 lb chicken
3 large onions
1 large sweet potato
3 parsnips
2 turnips
12 large carrots
6 celery stalks
1 bunch parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Clean chicken, put in a large pot of cold water.
Other Search Results
8 Habits of the Super Healthy
If you are looking to keep colds and flu bugs at arm's length, I researched habits of healthy women. Here are eight habits that will help keep you well over the following months.
First, start by upping your vitamin C intake.
Health Headlines: Shame, Sanitizer, and Fit Immune Systems
After nursing two sick children last week, these headlines caught my attention, since staying well is always on my mind.
Shame "Boosts Hand Washing Rate" — BBC
"Is the person next to you washing with soap?" This is the shaming message used to scare Brits using public restrooms into washing their hands .
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