If you’re on the fence about whether or not to get a pet, allow us to sway you with some solid evidence—pets are good for your health! In fact, according to the CDC, there are a number of health benefits that come from owning a pet, including reducing stress, improving heart health, and even easing depression and anxiety. Here are five of the top ways that pets can improve your health.

1. Reducing Stress

One of the most common reasons people cite for why they want a pet is because they hope it will help reduce their stress levels. And turns out, they’re not wrong! Studies have shown that interacting with animals can help lower cortisol levels (that’s the stress hormone) in both children and adults. So, if you’re looking for a way to destress after a long day at work or want to teach your kids how to better deal with everyday stressors, getting a furry friend might be the way to go.

2. Improving Heart Health

Another great reason to own a pet is that it can actually help improve your heart health! People who own pets tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels—two key factors in maintaining a healthy heart. What’s more, pet owners are also less likely to develop heart disease later in life. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep your ticker in tip-top shape, consider getting yourself a cat or dog.

3. Easing Depression and Anxiety

If you suffer from depression or anxiety (or know someone who does), you’ll be happy to hear that having a pet can actually help ease these conditions. Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, which can be extremely beneficial for people struggling with mental health issues. In fact, service animals like dogs are often used in therapy sessions to help people dealing with depression and anxiety disorders. So, if you’re looking for a furry friend who will offer some extra emotional support, consider adopting a dog from your local animal shelter.

4. Boosting Immunity

Did you know that owning a pet can actually boost your immunity? It’s true! Studies have shown that exposure to pets at an early age helps build up immunity against allergies and asthma later in life. So, if you want your kids to grow up healthy and strong, getting them a cat or dog might be the way to go! And even if you’re not allergic to pets yourself, owning one can still help improve your immunity by exposing you to new germs (which is actually good for you!). 

5. Encouraging Exercise

Last but not least, owning a pet is a great way to encourage yourself (or your kids) to get up and move! Dogs need daily walks or runs and cats need plenty of playtime—both of which are excellent forms of exercise. Getting regular exercise has countless benefits for your health, including improving brain function, reducing stress levels, boosting heart health, etc. So if you’re hoping to lead a healthier lifestyle but find it difficult to motivate yourself to work out regularly, getting a dog might just do the trick! 

No doubt about it, owning a pet can have a very positive impact on our physical and mental health. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your wellbeing, consider adopting a furry friend from your local animal shelter today. Chances are, there’s a special one waiting for their forever home and a human companion just like you!

Pro Tip: It’s important to consider your personality and lifestyle when choosing an animal to adopt. Some quick homework will help you ask the right questions, for example, if you’re adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter. If you’re ready to take the plunge, Austin Pets Alive is a great place to start. Or you might find your perfect match at the Austin Humane Society, the oldest non-profit pet adoption center in town, or our highly-rated community shelter, the Austin Animal Center. ♥

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Let’s just take a minute to be thankful for traveling!! It has been an isolative few years and now that we get to mosey out and visit each other, we could all use a reminder on how best to stay healthy while traveling. Traveling typically challenges three main areas with people—the immune system (as we encounter new germs), the digestive system (manifesting as diarrhea and constipation), and the nervous system (who hasn’t had sleep issues on the road?).

Immune System Support

Especially coming off this pandemic, we are more aware of the germs around us. Even though it is hugely unfair, sometimes people pick up a cold or flu during their vacation. Battling this infection while not in the comfort of your own home is doubly unfair. This is why immune support is essential.

First, know your vitamin D level. Vitamin D supports both your pathogen-fighting and tissue-healing immune cells. It is a “modulator” or trainer for the immune system, helping your viral and bacterial immune cells work better1. Whenever someone tells me they take Vitamin D, my first question is, ”what is your vitamin D level?” This is a blood test that is drawn usually at your physical. In order to dose the vitamin D adequately, you need to know your blood value from the test. Many times people take vitamin D, but they are flying blind on the dosing. If you truly don’t know, a guessing dose is an easy 2,000 IU per day. Pure Encapsulations makes a great cost-effective D and you can portion out your daily amount for when you’re away. Vitamin D also comes in liquids and gummies. 

If there was a first-place award I could give to an antiviral herb, I would choose andrographis. Historically, it has been used in herbal medicine for stomach pain, fevers, and respiratory ailments. In India, it has been used for poisonous snake-bites and stings. Studies on andrographis have shown mast-cell stabilizing/antihistamine qualities and antibacterial and antifungal capability. Andrographis has been shown to be 2.1 times more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.2

Viracid and Complivir are two andrographis formulas that we regularly recommend to customers and clients getting ready to travel. With Viracid, you can take 1-2 caps per hour for about 8 hours right at the onset of a flu or a cold. Complivir has an acute dosing as well – 3 tablets 2x per day for up to 10 days. I have nipped many colds and prevented calling in sick with these formulas. 

Gut Support

Many people have difficulty with their digestive systems when they travel. Whether it is exposure to inflammatory foods or new microbes, or a tendency toward constipation, traveling with a few key supplements can be a game-changer. I always recommend traveling with probiotics, activated charcoal, magnesium, and DPPIV. 

Traveler’s diarrhea is actually an intestinal infection from drinking contaminated water or eating food cooked or washed with that water. Activated charcoal is a go-to for absorbing and expelling toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea do so by excreting endotoxins. Activated charcoal acts like a sponge, absorbing these toxins and eliminating the diarrhea.3

Symptom relief typically takes around 30-60 minutes after you take 2-3 capsules. It is recommended to take activated charcoal 2 hours away from other medications and supplements. Integrative Therapeutics makes a very high-quality activated charcoal and there are other formulas like Medi-Clay that contain activated charcoal as well as bentonite clay and similar agents. 

For those who get digestive upset when they come into contact with inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy, enzymes can be very effective for mitigating an irritable bowel flare. Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is one of these enzymes that breaks down gluten and gliadin (the proteins in wheat), as well as casein and whey (the proteins in cow’s milk). DPP-IV also reduces modulating pain signals and promotes tissue healing.4 GlutenEase Extra Strength and Intolerance Complex are two enzyme formulas with high amounts of DPP-IV.

Some people experience constipation when they travel. It may be attributed to many factors – different foods and routines, but also sitting inactive in a car, plane, bus, or train will slow the bowels, especially if we are not drinking much water. The stress of a new routine, or nerves involving traffic or flying also play into constipation. Even though the trip itself can be fun, it can be unnerving getting to your destination. Whatever the reason, a little preparation ahead of time can go a long way. 

Magnesium is one of the safest things to use on the body with fewest drug interactions. Magnesium Oxide (Mag07) or Magnesium Citrate are two of the best osmotic laxatives. If you have kids that tend toward constipation, Calm is a magnesium powder that comes in travel sizes that can be mixed with juice. The new gummy form makes it even easier to take. Dosing usually starts at 150-200 mg for kids and 250-300 mg for adults, adding 100-150 mg every 20-30 minutes until you produce a bowel movement. If you get a watery-loose stool, then back off on the magnesium by about 100-200 mg, the dose was too much. Magnesium is not “toxic” per se, but you don’t want to have a loose stool for longer than a few days or you run the risk of dehydration. 

Sleep Support

If you are traveling far, into new time zones, sleep can really be thrown for a loop. Melatonin and JetZone are game-changers for jet lag. JetZone is a combination of homeopathics in chewable tablets. It is safe for children and does not interfere with medications. Typically, people take one tablet prior to take off and then 1 tablet every couple of hours on the plane ride. I have not used this product myself, but we have Peoples Rx customers and staff who swear by it. 

Melatonin is a hormone released by your brain’s pineal gland that makes you sleepy. When the sun goes down, the pineal is prompted to secrete melatonin. With travel, especially across several time zones, this rhythm is often disrupted. Doses of 0.5 to 5 mg 20-30 minutes before sleep has been well proven to help with jet-lag5. An important question to ask a sleep-challenged person is, “Is it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep or both?” Difficulty falling asleep may require a larger initial dose of melatonin (in adults, you can dose up to 10 mg if necessary). Sustained-release melatonin helps if someone is more challenged with staying asleep vs falling asleep. Someone who struggles with both may actually benefit from both. I really like that there are many forms of melatonin—from gummies to liquids, to chewables—it really is easy to take. 

I know all these supplements may seem like a lot, but considering the discomfort they prevent, it’s worth it! You don’t have to have a separate suitcase for these either. Many can be portioned out into travel pill containers (Peoples carries these as well). It is not fun being ill on vacation, so being prepared will save you heartache and make it that much easier to enjoy your time with your loved ones. Happy travels! 

BONUS PRO TIP: When you’re out of your everyday routine on the road, exercise is another thing that can slip. Take the time to incorporate movement into your days, even if it’s just with short walks. Better yet – treat yourself to something special while away and support local this year – sign up for an online class with our friends at Castle Hill Fitness! They’ve got everything from Yoga and Pilates to Barre and Qigong and most classes are “All Level.”

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders. Amy is available for consultation at Peoples Lakeline.

References: 

1. Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011 Aug;59(6):881-6. doi: 10.2310/JIM.0b013e31821b8755. PMID: 21527855; PMCID: PMC3166406.
2. Okhuarobo A, Falodun JE, Erharuyi O, Imieje V, Falodun A, Langer P. Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014 Jun;4(3):213–22. doi: 10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60509-0. PMCID: PMC4032030.
3. Senderovich H, Vierhout MJ. Is there a role for charcoal in palliative diarrhea management? Curr Med Res Opin. 2018 Jul;34(7):1253-1259. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1416345. Epub 2018 Jan 10. PMID: 29231746.
4. Olivares M, Schüppel V, Hassan AM, Beaumont M, Neyrinck AM, Bindels LB, Benítez-Páez A, Sanz Y, Haller D, Holzer P, Delzenne NM. The Potential Role of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4-Like Activity From the Gut Microbiota on the Host Health. Front Microbiol. 2018 Aug 22;9:1900. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01900. PMID: 30186247; PMCID: PMC6113382.
5. Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(2):CD001520. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001520. PMID: 12076414.

Most people know melatonin for sleep support, but few know melatonin is helpful for the immune system, especially with viral infection. It turns out, melatonin actually helps fight viral infection by solving problems inherent to what is known as a cytokine storm–the same cytokine storm associated with Covid. Cytokines are chemical messengers that activate immune responses such as fever, fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches. This immune reaction, while trying to fight infection, may damage tissue in the process. Melatonin keeps the immune cells healthy in the midst of the cytokine storm.(1)

What is a Cytokine Storm?

To understand just how this is done, let’s take a look at the science behind a cytokine storm and how immune cell metabolism changes with this inflammation. As your immune system fights infection, cytokines, or cell signals, alert immune cells, especially macrophages and monocytes. Macrophages are the “garbage men” of the immune system gobbling up weird, abnormal cells, and viral and bacterial-infected cells. Monocytes are the precursors or parent cells to macrophages and these both patrol tissue and rapidly increase with the presence of infection. 

A cytokine storm is a giant inflammatory response signaled by the body’s own immune system. A gigantic production of inflammatory-inducing cytokines is made. An immune infection, while trying to eliminate a pathogen, actually creates a lot of free radical damage along with that inflammatory signaling. With a cytokine storm, production of these unfortunate damaging free radicals is in excess. Over 20 different cytokines have been identified in Covid-19 infections.(2) The free radical damage plagues any tissue this virus infects and is a huge part of the infection. It may be the reason for “long-covid”.

Free Radical Damage – The Warburg Effect

Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable molecules which  damage tissue, mess up DNA production, and limit a normal cell’s ability to produce energy. This stress makes the cell have to change its way of living – shifting to a process called the Warburg effect (or lactic acid fermentation). The reason we breathe oxygen is to make energy in our cells. With the Warburg effect, the cell must now make energy through anaerobic (non-oxygen using) means and while it produces energy, it makes a ton of even more free radicals, further damaging tissue and causing serious decline. This is seriously bad news for the cell. 

This Warburg Effect, while notable in the Covid infections, has been observed before. Certain cancerous tumors that are especially rapidly growing, take on this metabolic shift. A rapidly growing cancerous tumor does not utilize oxygen for its metabolism like normal cells – that is part of the reason such tumors are so detrimental. Their cancerous cells utilize lactic acid fermentation, grow quickly, and outcompete neighboring tissue. To switch a cancer cell out of this metabolism and into the regular cellular respiration, melatonin is utilized.(3) Melatonin rescues the cancer cell by pushing the biochemistry back to normal, aerobic cell metabolism, thereby stopping the rapid, toxic cell division of the tumor. 

Melatonin Therapies

Adjunctive cancer therapies will dose melatonin in the 10-20 mg range to improve cell health with positive results. For viral infections including Covid-19, these therapies have been newly adopted by doctors. Note – a 10-20 mg dose of melatonin WILL make you sleep. Usually, this dosing is made with the caveat that the person needs to have the ability to sleep in as long as they need. So, if you take 10-20 mg of melatonin and need to wake up early and drive a car, this is very dangerous. However, even dosages in the 1-6 mg range should be effective to support the macrophages while not making you dangerously groggy. 

Please always work with an informed healthcare provider when processing newly applied therapies to yourself. Peoples Rx has many qualified practitioners if you need help. If you are taking other medications or don’t know how you will respond to melatonin, the staff at Peoples Rx can assist you. Also, feel free to contact our clinic at 512-219-8600 for appointment information. 

Melatonin holds amazing promise for supporting immune health. Affordable, accessible, and with few interactions, it is a welcomed tool during a time when supporting overall health and immune reactions is vital.    

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders. Amy is available for consultation at Peoples Lakeline.

References:

1. Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Ma Q, Dominquez-Rodriguez A, Marik PE, Abreu-Gonzalez P. Melatonin Inhibits COVID-19-induced Cytokine Storm by Reversing Aerobic Glycolysis in Immune Cells: A Mechanistic Analysis. Med Drug Discov. 2020 Jun;6:100044. doi: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100044. Epub 2020 May 11. PMID: 32395713; PMCID: PMC7211589.
2. Coperchini F, Chiovato L, Croce L, Magri F, Rotondi M. The cytokine storm in COVID-19: An overview of the involvement of the chemokine/chemokine-receptor system. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2020 Jun;53:25-32. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.05.003. Epub 2020 May 11. PMID: 32446778; PMCID: PMC7211650.
3. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Oncotarget. 2017;8(24):39896-39921. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.16379).

If you have recently contracted the omicron variant of Covid-19 or know someone who has, we are here to recommend ways to support your immune system and help address some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been suggesting several holistic remedies that can help support your immune system. Many of those recommendations are still indicated like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc. Our pharmacist, Lynn Roper, is recommending OrthoMune by Orthomolecular. This product has all three of these nutrients combined with n-acetyl-l-cysteine and quercetin, both of which are antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system. 

For smell loss we recommend zinc. If you’ve been taking zinc in capsules or tablets, it may not be enough or absorbed well, so try a liquid zinc product like Premier Research Labs Liquid Zinc Ultra. The other recommendation we have seen to be successful at helping people regain their sense of smell is acupuncture. Several consistent acupuncture sessions are proving to be helpful at reducing the long wait time some experience from covid related smell loss. Need a good recommendation for an acupuncturist? Our wellness team would be happy to refer you to some amazing licensed acupuncturists in the Austin area. 

Are you suffering from an intense sore throat? We also have remedies that could alleviate the discomfort you are experiencing. Singer’s Soothing Throat Spray used throughout the day alongside a few cups of Throat Coat tea with some manuka honey could calm the pain. We also have a very large selection of lozenges with zinc, colloidal silver, honey, echinacea and elderberry if you need more support. 

Some people are reporting tummy troubles with this variant like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to follow the recommendations from your physician and stay properly hydrated. If you cannot stomach any food, try our warm and ready-to-order bone broths from our deli or pick up a box of tea or bottle of coconut water from our grocery section. If the nausea is intense, I recommend Ginger Force capsules by New Chapter or Gin-Gins ginger candies for those who can’t swallow capsules. Still suffering from nausea and vomiting? Try homeopathic Nux Vomica by Boiron. This homeopathic remedy works very well for vomiting and can be given safely to people of all ages. 

If you are suffering from a bad headache and your normal go-to options for pain are not quite working, give White Willow Forte a try by Biogenesis. I also love CBD for topical relief around the head. Use the PlusCBD Extra Strength 500 mg roll-on  over the area you are experiencing the headache as well as on any other areas of pain or tension. 

For fatigue, we recommend as much rest as possible. If a warm bath sounds appealing, try Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath salts. It is invigorating and soothing and is better than a normal Epsom salt bath when you are under the weather. 

Lastly, if your appetite is good and strong, or once it has returned, consider ordering from our deli for curbside pick-up. Our warm bone broths, organic cold-pressed juices and salads are yummy, nourishing foods ready for pick-up daily so you can focus on resting up and getting better quickly. 

Looking to dig in a little deeper and work with a practitioner that can help you improve your health in 2022?

Naturopathic Doctor* Lauren Sanchez is accepting new patients at Infinity Wellness Center.

*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas.

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

If you are like most Americans, making plans to improve your health in the new year, you’re going to want to make sure you are taking these four foundational supplements that have countless health benefits.

Magnesium is my absolute top recommendation for people who are having trouble sleeping, perhaps a bit constipated and under a lot of stress. Natural Vitality Calm is an excellent choice if you’re looking to improve your overall response to stress and sleep better. The Natural Vitality Calm gummies are a great choice for families who may  have trouble sleeping or are experiencing stress. Have a kid who isn’t great at sleeping or perhaps a bit anxious? Try the gummies that can help put them at ease. Magnesium is an essential mineral, found in many foods such as dark leafy greens and nuts. It is utilized in over 300 processes in the body. Many of us do not get enough magnesium for our body’s needs through our diet alone so supplementing provides numerous benefits and those taking it may find they have less issues like muscle cramping and constipation. When trying Natural Vitality Calm, whether the powder or the gummies, start off slowly with half the suggested dose and work your way up to a full dose. If you take too much too soon, you may have loose stools which is a normal effect of magnesium citrate.

You’re probably already familiar with the benefits of fish oils and omega-3 essential fatty acids but are you taking a quality supplement? A poor-quality fish oil is bad for your health and could be giving you a dose of rancid oils that could promote inflammation. To combat inflammation and improve brain function and mood, take a high-quality omega-3 supplement like those made by Nordic Naturals. Not a fan of fish, but still want the benefits? Nordic Naturals Algae Omega is an excellent choice for omega-3s made from sustainably sourced microalgae. If you’re concerned about heart disease, Alzheimer’s, or dementia, consider supplementing with Nordic Naturals omega-3s now. Omega-3s can be very effective at reducing systemic inflammation related to heart disease and neurological diseases.

We all need a good multivitamin, but why? Most of us don’t eat a well-rounded diet that has all the nutrients we need. Yes, we should aim to get our essential nutrients through a healthy diet but it’s easy to fall short when much of the food we grow, even organic, has far less robust nutrient profiles than food grown just a couple generations ago. A high-quality multivitamin that’s easy to absorb like those made by New Chapter is a good choice. I often recommend the One Daily for women or men if people want an easy to take multivitamin. The vitamins and minerals in this formulation have been fermented which makes them easier to absorb and gentle on your digestive tract. This is also a good multivitamin for teenagers and young adults ready to switch from a kid multivitamin to a multi that offers more.

Probiotics are beneficial to anyone trying to stay in tip top shape. If your gut is healthy and balanced, so are you. At the root of many health issues is poor gut health and the notoriously inflammatory American diet can be very detrimental to our gut health. If your gut health is poor, so is your immune health, and so can be your emotional health. Are you taking a lot of medications and supplements for various symptoms but not getting the results you want? You may be missing the root cause, and that may be in your gut. One of the ways of improving gut health is by taking a quality probiotic like Dr. Ohhira’s 3-year and 5-year fermented probiotics by Essential Formulas. It is formulated by taking vegetables, mushrooms and seaweed and fermenting them for either three or five years which is based on a Japanese tradition. Not a fan of eating kimchi every day, but wanting the same benefits in a capsule? Try Dr. Ohhira’s probiotics. They contain prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics which support the overall health of the gut, strengthening its defense against issues that could throw it out of balance.

I hope you have found this information helpful and I wish you the best on your health and wellness journey. Peoples Rx is a great one-stop shop to help you on your way. For a limited time, Natural Calm, Nordic Naturals Omega 3s and New Chapter’s multivitamins are on sale at a Peoples Rx near you!

Looking to dig in a little deeper and work with a practitioner that can help you improve your health in 2022? 

Naturopathic Doctor* Lauren Sanchez is accepting new patients at Infinity Wellness Center.

*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas.

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

Cleavers / Galium aparine
It’s Cleavers season and they are taking over Texas yards as we speak! You may know it as that long, sticky weed that clings to your clothes like velcro–a gentle reminder of its presence. It will quickly take over gardens if you let it! For many gardeners it is nothing more than an invasive garden “weed.” However, Cleavers is another well-known, beneficial weed, so before you rip them out and toss them into the compost, let’s talk about what they can do for you!

Cleavers can grow just about anywhere in the more temperate climates of the world, and are usually found in abundance in dense mats in forests, meadows, and gardens where they cling to walls, trees, and plants around them. They arrive just in time for our yearly spring cleaning when our bodies start the transition from winter to spring, making them the perfect spring tonic.

They have been used in many cultures across the globe for thousands of years as a tonic to help relieve temporary water retention and for kidney health. Herbalists today tout their use as one of the best herbs for the lymphatic system, as they are effective in assisting our bodies in the elimination process, stimulating lymphatic drainage, and clearing heat and stagnation, especially in the pelvis area. Lymphatic system function is important to help remove waste from the bloodstream and maintain healthy immune function. Also a soothing diuretic, Cleavers help increase the flow of urine and are appropriate in cases where there is irritation and inflammation of the bladder. They are nourishing and rich in minerals and flavonoids, and are gentle enough to take daily.

Fresh Cleavers are best, so if your yard is full of them, you can easily make Cleaver tea or juice! For tea, try a handful steeped in a quart jar of hot or cold water, and for juice, simply add some water to a blender, a handful of fresh Cleavers, blend, strain and drink up! You can add lemon, lime, or orange juice for taste, but cleavers alone have a fresh green taste that would be a great addition to a juice cleanse or any detox regimen. Cleavers are in the same plant family as coffee, so you can even roast the seeds for a coffee-like beverage!

Peoples Rx carries some herbal blends featuring Cleavers such as WishGarden’s Bladder Buddy tincture which can help support lymph, immunity, and urinary health. We also carry Traditional Medicinals’ Everyday Detox Lemon herbal tea, which can help relieve water weight gain and promote healthy kidney function. It’s also offered as part of our wonderful new 3-day Juice Cleanses!

As always, stop in your favorite Peoples Rx location and let the knowledgeable wellness team help you pick the best Cleavers product for your needs!

 
Laurène Elliott-Deyris is an Herbalist and Wellness Specialist at Peoples Rx. She received her training at The Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin and is furthering her clinical studies with the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine program out of North Carolina.

 
 
Photo credit: Laurène Elliott-Deyris
**This article is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.**

If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com

Going into the 2020 flu season seems like a perpetuation of our already established pandemic. While we hope Covid cases decline and we begin to feel secure again, flu season is upon us to test that notion. It is a trying time and the collective global worry is heightened.

Naturally, worry prompts action–what to (or not to) eat, do, and take are common questions. Let’s settle some fears while encouraging healthy habits so that, coupled with your doctor’s medical care, you can make choices that will best suit your health.

Step one: A strong immune system starts with diet

We always say, when going into any flu season, nutrition is paramount. But this year, we really mean it. If there is a year to veer away from family holiday recipes and have a Paleo Thanksgiving, this is this one. Inflammatory foods (dairy and gluten are most common) weaken the immune system and sugar and carbohydrates feed viruses and bacteria, spreading infection. Eating sweets, gluten, and dairy can push that mild cough into full bronchitis or that sinus drainage into sinus infection.

It doesn’t mean holiday dinner has to be bland! Sweeteners like stevia (which doesn’t feed microbes) are always being reformulated for taste. And there are many delicious gluten-free and dairy-free food choices that have also evolved in flavor. Cauliflower crackers and chips are a favorite at my house!

If gluten and dairy do happen, enzyme formulas exist that minimize inflammation. Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV or DPP-IV is a critical enzyme that both regulates digestion and inflammation. It helps breakdown gluten (protein from wheat) and casein (protein in dairy) and can be taken to minimize or clear the inflammatory symptoms from dietary exposure.

Step two: Supplements!

With the inflammatory holiday-diet season also comes shorter daylight in fall and winter, which means double trouble. Less light means less vitamin D production, an important “trainer” for the immune system. Vitamin D activates macrophages, dendritic cells, and T and B lymphocytes–the infection-fighting weapons of your immune system.(1)

It has now been published that people with vitamin D blood levels under 30 ng/mL were more likely to have upper respiratory tract infections than those with sufficient levels.(2) Ideally, having the blood levels tested by your doctor will determine the dose to take. Anyone presenting with blood levels under 30 ng/mL may have to take between 5,000-10,000 IU per day for several weeks. Always have the blood levels checked again after 4-8 weeks of supplementation to assure the levels are coming up to sufficient status.

In addition to diet changes and vitamin D, general immune support is wise. Echinacea is an oldie but goodie. A 1989 study showed echinacea was useful in preventing upper respiratory infections.(3) Another study in 2007 showed that mice given echinacea had increased percentages of natural killer cells and lymphocytes (important immune cells for fighting infection).(4) Finally, in 2014, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study determined echinacea inhibited virally-confirmed colds, minimized recurrent infections, and showed a reduction in total number of colds reported in a sample of 293 individuals.(5)

As a society, we need to start understanding that viral and bacterial infections are very much in part reflective of immune status. A robust immune system is not overwhelmed by dietary inflammation. If you eat ice cream and cake, take notice if you develop the sniffles 4-7 days later. This is no coincidence. That said, everyone is doing their best and it isn’t always easy to eat clean. Supporting with enzymes can improve outcomes when we are not eating perfectly. In addition, vitamin D and echinacea are two evidenced-based tools that play huge roles in infectious outcomes.

Peoples Rx and our expert wellness team are here to help figure out what might benefit your body and diet the most. Come in store and safely shop around (masks required, sanitizer available, social distancing in effect, and staff cleaning surfaces around the clock), or now you can even easily shop online!

 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

1. (Beard JA, Bearden A, Striker R. Vitamin D and the anti-viral state. J Clin Virol. 2011;50(3):194-200. doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2010.12.006)

2. (Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA., Jr. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(4):384–90.)

3. (Hudson J, Vimalanathan S. Echinacea—A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2011;4(7):1019-1031. Published 2011 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/ph4071019)

4. (Zhai Z, Liu Y, Wu L, et al. Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species. J Med Food. 2007;10(3):423-434. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.257).

5. (Jawad M, Schoop R, Suter A, Klein P, Eccles R. Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea to Prevent Common Cold Episodes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:841315. doi:10.1155/2012/841315).

Much confusion exists around the applications of therapeutic silver. Widespread criticism regarding colloidal silver is rampant on the internet. Google searches are packed with claims about its ineffective and even toxic uses. While these claims are debated, a lot of basic science is omitted from the conclusions, leaving readers vulnerable to misinformation. As is often the case on the internet, information can be convincingly misleading. Our goal is to make sure industry and ego bias are not the basis for this misinformation.

What is colloidal silver?

Colloidal silver is a liquid of very small silver particles suspended in “colloid” for even distribution. Elemental silver has a +1 charge. Many times when placed in the colloid solutions, the charge on the silver becomes neutral. This is an important distinction when assessing therapeutic value. Some colloidal silver forms are in solutions that have been able to stabilize and maintain that positive charge. This charge, solution, and absorbability of the silver is where the microbial-balancing and immune-supportive quality exists. The absorbable silver creates action to limit microbial overgrowths, which supports overall immune health.

When reading reports about ineffective results, there are two main questions: 1) What is the charge of the solution studied, and 2) What type of solution is it? A pure water solution containing the positively charged silver will have a different therapeutic value than a neutral, non-aqueous solution. Without these answers, the claim that all colloidal silvers are ineffective is misguided.

What is nanoparticle silver?

Colloidal silver is actually not the most widely-used silver therapy. Nanoparticle silver is a popular, proven treatment whereby the value is not in the charge of the silver but rather the small particle size. How big is a nanoparticle, you say? It would take 6,000-8,000 nanoparticles to make up the diameter of just one mature human red blood cell, which is 6-8 micrometers!

The silver nanoparticles’ ability to create a coating is what can disrupt and kill microbes, almost a literal and figurative “silver lining.” The Journal of Nanobiotechnology* reports nanoparticle silver arrests the growth and multiplication of bacteria and fungi by binding to the actual cells. Because the nanoparticles are smaller than microorganisms, they inhibit cell growth and replication and rupture the bacterial and fungal cells, killing pathogens and reducing infection.

Silver nanoparticles are very effective at killing microbes and have a low-toxicity to human tissue. Also, because nanoparticles have a high surface area, the actual concentration used in the dosing is low, requiring only a minimal, nontoxic amount of silver for therapies.
 

With so many negative colloidal silver claims on the web, understanding and trusting any silver protocol is difficult. The forms, types, and chemistry of the silver therapy matters. We urge you to use critical thinking when evaluating articles on the web and work with an informed practitioner to determine the right therapy for you. Use silver therapies under careful provider guidance.

Importantly, Peoples Rx researches the validity and quality of every product in the store and has trained staff who are knowledgeable about the latest research and safe therapeutic applications. We want you to know that when you shop at Peoples, you’re in good hands!
 
 
Amy Nelson, ND* received her Naturopathic Doctorate from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR where she studied nutrition, homeopathy, herbal and functional medicine. In addition, Dr. Nelson was the Associate at The IBS Treatment Center in Santa Monica where she treated irritable bowel syndrome and complex food allergies. Dr. Nelson utilizes her experience in natural medicine to address female and male hormonal imbalances, mental health, and digestive disorders.
 
 
*Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in the state of Texas.
 
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.

 
 
*Siddiqi, K.S., Husen, A. & Rao, R.A.K. A review on biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their biocidal properties. J Nanobiotechnol 16, 14 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0334-5.
 
 
Photo source: Hinterland Co