There are a lot of nutritional supplements out there. For some, it can be daunting to know what to take, and what parts of the body they benefit.

This graphic shows some basic nutrients that support the skin, brain, eyes, lungs, intestines, bones, colon, joints, muscles and heart. If you want to dig further into a specific area, and go beyond these basic nutrients, try out our Health Assesment quiz to see what could help you for your specific needs.  

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Supplements for the Heart:

• Omega 3 EFAs
• Soluble Fiber
• B-Complex Vitamins
• Reservatrol
• Calcium and Magnesium
• Vitamins A, C, and E

Note: This article is being reproduced for its educational value only. It is not intended to promote a particular manufacturer or brand of dietary supplement.

The human body is a biological miracle, and can respond quickly to basic rules like diet and exercise.

Jason Statham, English actor and former diver, said,

"Your body's like a piece of dynamite. You can tap it with a pencil all day, but you'll never make it explode. You hit it once with a hammer, bang! Get serious, do 40 hard minutes, not an hour and a half of nonsense."

This graphic (below), which was created from information at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, outlines 5 areas to focus on to live a longer, healthier life. It mostly focuses on what may be a plague of our time: Chronic Inflammation, which is often the cause of things like heart disease, obesity, and cancer. 

Inflammation is caused by a number of factors, including a poor diet, high insulin levels, stress, lack of sleep and consistent physical activity. The graphic also goes into areas other than diet and exercise, such as intellectual, emotional and mental health. Don't ignore that part of a holistic health plan. Mental health can greatly help your overall health, including chronic stress, fatigue and well being. 

In addition to this graphic, Dr. Melina Jampolis in this interview talks extensively on the Mediterranean Diet and how it can support inflammation.  

[Via: Geeky Stuffs]

For an estimated 30 million or more Americans, allergens can make free breathing a real challenge. 

Allergies are a combination of reactions the body has to one or more substances that are usually harmless. They are actually considered an immune response. If the body thinks that a substance is dangerous, it tries to flush it out. 

For instance, when a speck of pollen, dust or animal dander comes into contact with specific antigens in the blood (mast cells), it triggers the release of proteins called histamines from specialized cells. An allergic reaction then takes place, including sneezing, watering eyes, a runny nose, an itchy feeling in the throat or mouth, etc. All of this causes fluids to enter the area, which can produce puffiness or swelling.

Perhaps this is all too familiar.

What Are Histamines?

Histamines are proteins that are stored in mast cells or basophils (a type of white blood cell) and are released when the blood encounters something it believes is a threat. They act like hormones or chemical transmitters, signaling the body that a foreign invader is present.

Histamines have several functions in the body, including cell communication, sleep modulation and more.

Antihistamine medications counteract the histamine chemicals that cause allergic reactions. But they also may cause drowsiness and other unwanted side effects. 

Related Graphic: 4 Ways to Support the Respiratory System [Infographic]
Related Blog Post: 13 Herbs that Support the Respiratory System, and Why Even Healthy People May Want Them

Did You Know?

Certain drugs, including antibiotics and morphine can trigger the release of histamine, making a person feel itchy.

Mother Nature provided her own helps to combat allergens. Many natural ingredients may help support the respiratory and immune systems under attack. Some support free breathing. Others may help reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with irritants and allergens.

1. Stinging nettle has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps reduce congestion, cough, runny nose and sneezing. It may also help with the bronchial tubes. (Not for use during pregnancy.)

2. The antioxidant quercetin may help stabilize mast cells. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin seems to affect mast cell membranes, blocking them from releasing histamine.

3. The enzyme bromelain breaks down proteins. It also helps reduce swelling of mucous membranes during times of respiratory stress. In 2000, Nutrition Science News reported that bromelain helps to thin nasal secretions and reduce headaches. This enzyme may also have cough-suppressant activity. Further, bromelain may increase the absorption of many antibiotics, thus adding to their effectiveness.

4. Bitter orange fruit contains synephrine, which has decongestant properties and helps open up airways. Synephrine also helps to shrink puffy tissues and supports normal blood pressure levels. Bitter orange fruit also contains flavones that may have anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Echinacea is commonly used to boost the immune system. Studies show that this herb reduces inflammation. It may also help remove extraneous matter from cells or tissues after injury or inflammation has occurred.

6. Fenugreek seed may also help with allergens. It promotes mucus production, which help flush allergens from the lungs. It may also help loosen phlegm.

7. Mullein leaf, also affectionately known as Cowboy Toilet Paper, contains polysaccharides, which are mucilaginous (gel-like substance known for their ability to help soothe tissues) and help protect delicate respiratory membranes against irritants.

8. Dandelion root may also support the body under attack by allergens as it helps cleanse the blood and the liver.

From pollen to pollutants, your respiratory system experiences constant stress from the outside world, making its care and maintenance paramount to your ongoing health.

Fortunately, there are a number of natural substances that support a health respiratory tract and can help you breath no matter the season. Four of them include Sinus Support, Histablock, ALJ and Lung Support, which are featured below:

Related Post: 13 Herbs that Support the Respiratory System

Sinus Support

• Provides practical and safe support
• Supports nasal passages
• Supplies nutrients for proper respiratory function
• Features synephrine

Histablock

• Provides nutrients to support healthy respiratory function
• Offers support against seasonal airborne substances
• Works to help reduce the swelling of mucous membranes

ALJ

• Supports healthy lung function
• Provides a soothing effect
• Offers cleansing and stimulating properties

Lung Support

• Supports the respiratory system
• Works with the immune system
• Supports smooth muscles like mullein does

Note: This article is being reproduced for its educational value only. It is not intended to promote a particular manufacturer or brand of dietary supplement.

All month long we're paying special attention to the respiratory system. Today’s topic is asthma, which affects more than 20-34 million Americans, including about 7 million children, and drains the economy of $16.1 Billion each year, according to the American Lung Association.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition where normal respiratory airways feel restricted and breathing becomes labored.

The bronchial tubes become inflamed with increased production of sticky secretions. It is often accompanied by wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, and a feeling of chest constriction. For some, it can be life threatening.

But what many may not know, is there are natural remedies that can support asthma and healthy lung funtion. Some of those things are readily available at your grocery store. The right diet might be one of the best ways to help support asthma symptoms. Some of those include:  

Related blog post: 13 Herbs that Support Respiratory Function 

9 Foods That Affect Asthma

Experts have studied asthma and diet to see if any correlation might help sufferers avoid certain challenges or reap health benefits. Results and opinions are a bit mixed, but these findings may interest you:

1. Food allergies: Food allergies can trigger asthma symptoms. Avoid known food allergens to help steer clear of asthma attacks.

2. Antioxidants and carotenoids: Consumption of an antioxidant-rich diet led to improvements in both lung capacity and longer times for an asthmatic attack to worsen, according to findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. People with diets that are higher in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids have lower rates of asthma. Antioxidants are known to protect cells from free-radical damage.

3. Fruit and omega-3s: Teens who eat poorly are more likely to have asthma symptoms. Eating plenty of fruits and foods with vitamins C and E and omega-3 fatty acids appears to promote lung function. 

4. Mediterranean diet: Children who ate a Mediterranean diet while growing up—high in nuts and fruits like grapes, apples and tomatoes—are less likely to have asthma-like symptoms as adults. (2007 study)

5. Vegetables: A study comparing the diets of city-dwelling kids and rural children found that asthma was three times more prevalent in the city kids, even after they adjusted for pollution. Researchers learned that children who ate the most vegetables and milk were 2-3 times less likely to develop asthma or allergies than kids who ate the most.

6. Apples: A British study of adults found that eating apples helped to reduce asthma symptoms. The vitamins in produce, especially A, C and E, act as antioxidants, and researchers theorize that these may help to reduce airway stress and tissue damage.

7. Watch the meat: The Nutrition Journal published research that suggests that eating more meat, poultry and seafood is associated with a higher risk of asthma and hayfever in adults. Richard Rosenkranz from the University of Western Sydney headed up the study, which examined 150,000 Australian adults.

8. Sweet potatoes: According to Kathleen Riggs of the Spectrum, sweet potatoes are a great good source because of a high amount of antioxidants that work in the body to prevent inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis and gout. Just don't counteract the positive health benefits by smothering it in butter, sugar and marshmallows. 

9. Vitamin D: Food sources include eggs, fish and dairy products -- and the sun if you want to argue that soaking up the sun's rays counts as nutrition. Vitamin D is the new "it" vitamin. A new review article in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is making its case for vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of asthma. The review says it "blocks the cascade of inflammation-causing proteins in the lung, as well as increasing production of the protein interleukin-10, which has anti-infammatory effects." 

Resources

www.webmd.com/asthma

www.parents.com

www.foodnavigator.com

www.thespectrum.com/article/20121016/LIFESTYLE/310160012/Sweet-potatoes-rich-nutritional-value?nclick_check=1

November is Respiratory Month, and it's good timing as we head into cold and flu season, which is soon followed by allergy season.

This time of year can wreck havoc on our immune and respiratory system, whether it's the sinuses, bronchial tubes or the lungs. The air we breath has been heavily polluted by car exhaust, chemical byproducts, industrial emissions, dust mites, mold, mildew, and chemicals.

And even indoors we're not safe -- indoor air has been found to be up to six times as dangerous as outdoor air.

"Indoor air quality is the number one environmental health problem in the United States," according to the EPA.

The American College of Allergies reports that half of all illness today results from indoor, not outdoor, pollution. One study reports that a baby crawling over a section of an average carpet inhales the toxic equivalent of four cigarettes per day.  

The respiratory system is the first line of defense to many diseases and pollutants. However, in today's day and age, people who should have perfect lungs can suffer from many maladies because they've been breathing in toxins since the day they were born. As such, if you take care of the respiratory system, you might have a better chance to ward off various ailments. 

And lung cleansing may help.

There are many herbs that have been traditionally used to help the respiratory system's natural way of cleansing itself, and effectively support its function. Below are 13 of those herbs, which are all contained in Nature's Sunshine Products' ALJ and Sinus Support EF®, which are all on sale through Nov. 15: 

Related Post: 23 Facts about the Immune System and 14 Ways to Strengthen it

13 Herbs That Support Healthy Respiratory Function

Herbs in ALJ

ALJ helps soothe irritated tissues and encourages the entire respiratory tract to gently cleanse itself. It also assists the body in neutralizing allergens by nutritional means. The ingredients include:

• Boneset aerial parts: Used by Indians in seasonal times when the body needed extra nutritional support.
• Fennel seeds: Traditionally used as a cleansing herb and is often used after eating.
• Fenugreek seeds: Contains mucilage, which causes the herbs to swell in water and provide a soothing effect.
• Horseradish root: Has a stimulating effect on the respiratory system. Eat a small amount of the herb and you'll quickly understand.
• Mullein leaves extract: Also contains mucilage, a viscous, fibrous substance that provides a soothing effect. 

Why ALJ?

When airborne particles, viruses or bacteria enter the respiratory system, the body turns on its cleansing mechanisms and the immune system is put into action. Inhaled irritants can challenge how the body tries to rid itself of foreign invaders on its own. The herbal formula in ALJ helps support that function by balancing the natural eliminative functions of the respiratory system.

Herbs in Sinus Support EF®

Sinus Support EF supports the respiratory system, encourages proper nasal function, helps maintain nasal tissues, and is ephedra free. Ingredients include:

• Capsicum fruit
• Burdock root
• Goldenseal root
• Parlsley herb
• Horehound herb
• Althea root
• Bitter orange fruit
• Yerba santa herb

The immune defense system is the most diverse and fascinating of all the body systems. It's extremely complex and intricate. To help support your immune system, it's important to understand first how it works and the natural ways your body fights off disease and foreign invaders.

This is a recap of our webinar we had earlier this month, which goes into detail about how the immune system works, how some common diseases attach the body, and some ways in which you can help support your immune system. To view those slides, click below:

The Immune System Basic Function

The immune system gathers information on pathogens and disease, and then produces ammunition to isolate, neutralize and destroy invaders. The tonsils, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes work as a team to protect the body.

Tonsils 
The tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissue and produce lymphocytes that trap and kill bacteria entering the mouth and throat to gaurd the respiratory and digestive systems.

Thymus 
A lymphatic mass functioning in the programming of lymphocytes. It Produces and converts the B-cells into T-cells which are specialized to meet a particular enemy. The thymus produces a hormone called thymosin and acts as an incubator for the maturation of T lymphocytes. Stress shrinks the thymus.

Bone Marrow
Resides in the skull, ribs, shoulder blades, vertebrae, breastbone, and hip bones. It generates stem cells crucial to our immunity. Various stem cell types assist in regeneration and repair throughout our bodies. 

Lymph Fluid
Lymph is a colorless blood serum derived from plasma that has leaked from the bloodstream into the tissue spaces and is recovered by a network of tiny vessels that separate it from the bloodstream. This fluid brings with it tissue toxins, excess fluid, dead cells, and microbes, removing them from the body.  

Lymph Vessels
Tiny, thin-walled vessels made up of one-way valves that pump lymph fluid along by the contraction of nearby muscles during activity. Since muscle contractions serve to pump the plasma, we must exercise if we want to maintain the lymphatic highway or our immune system.

Our Immune Defense Fortress

Our defense system is set up like an army: protective barriers, specialised soldiers, manufacturing stations, transportation systems, storage areas and clean-up crews. The immune system's job is to defend the body. It's activated by invading organisms. Most respiratory symptoms are caused by the immune system. These symptoms are helpful, even essential, in overcoming an illness. 

Protective Barriers
Our skin is the outer wall of the fortress. The eyes, nose, and mouth are protected by mucous that captures harmful attackers. In the Nose are cilia, which are tiny hairs that trap particles. In the stomach, intruders pass through stomach acid that will destroy most of them.

Helpful Immune System Defense
Coughing is a natural reflex that expels disease-causing germs from the lower respiratory tract. It clears the lungs and bronchi of excess mucus, helping prevent pneumonia.

Sneezing
Sneezing is a convulsive explosion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. It is a protective reflex that clears the upper airway of germs, irritants, and mucus.

Fever
Fever kills invading organisms and “pasteurizes” the blood. It speeds metabolism and enhances delivery of oxygen and nutrients to sites of infection. It hastens removal of cellular debris and toxins.

Cause of Poor Immunity

Stress and the immune system
According to the CDC, as much as 90% of all illness can be directly tied to stress, because it breaks down the defenses of the immune system and opens the doorway to a host of injurious invaders.

• Chemicals 
• Cleaning agents
• Mold
• Pollutants
• Pesticides 

Toxic Exposure
It is estimated that 85% of all debilitating diseases are closely related to toxin-related pollution present in the environment. Some include:

The Roles of Antibiotics

Life-saving in some cases, but definitely overused in the U.S. Overuse produces antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” and is a world-wide public health problem. It's effective only for bacterial infections—not viral or fungal infections. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria and good bacteria, including friendly bacteria, probiotics in the gut. 

Concern: No New Antibiotic Development
“Research and development of new antibiotics isn't keeping up with development of resistance. If we don't do something about it we'll end up with a situation where all the old drugs have resistance and we don't have any new ones,“ said Dr. Kathleen Holloway of the World Health Organization. In some parts of the world there is already antibiotic resistance to TB, Dysentery and Pneumonia.

Concern: Challenging Viruses
There is an increased concern about viral invaders, and it seems we are frequently being warned of a new ominous virus. Although new vaccines are being developed; they  only target several strains of viruses and side effects are a concern

Viruses

Viruses need a host cell because they do not reproduce on their own. They seize control of a cell, and often the cell is destroyed during this process. Viruses include:

The Common Cold


One of the most common illnesses worldwide and c

aused by one of more than hundreds of types of viruses. 

Symptoms of the cold include s

ore throat, low-grade fever, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, coughing, sneezing.

 

Respiratory System Diseases

There are numerous problems and diseases. They can include colds, bronchitis, croup, sinusitis, pneumonia and influenza.

Bronchitis Symptoms
Short-lived inflammation of trachea and large and small bronchi. Caused by viral or bacterial infection. Often follows cold or flu. Coughing is persisitent in its attempt to clear the mucus. Other symptoms include hoarseness, fever, wheezing and dull chest pain. 




Croup Symptoms

 

 

Viral infection causing swelling of vocal cords. It's most common in children younger than 6 years of age. Symptoms include barking cough and trouble breathing, and narrowing of airways may necessitate emergency intervention.


Sinusitis Symptoms

Infection or inflammation of sinuses caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include headaches, sinus pain and pressure, swollen nasal passages, fever, cough, post nasal drip
Bad breath, cough, fever, and nasal congestion will often be present.


Pneumonia Symptoms
Inflammation of the lung or lungs caused by infection from bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include fever, chest tightness and discomfort, difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Over 3 million people develop pneumonia annually in the United States. It is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. Most people who develop pneumonia initially have an upper respiratory infection.
  
Influenza or Flu Sympoms

Caused by a number of viruses. Symptoms similar to those of common cold but typically have sudden onset and are more severe. Can be life-threatening in the ill, the elderly, and the very young. It enters the body by breathing the air of someone with the flu who coughed or sneezed. The virus has an enzyme which enables it to penetrate the mucus lining in the respiratory tract and make a home there. The infection nests in cells lining the air passage and spreads to other cells.  

Nature's Sunshine Supplements that Support Immunity

The Immune System Pack contains VS-C TCM, Elderberry D3fense and Immune Stimulator. 

VS-C, TCM

This proprietary Chinese formula helps create a healthy internal environment. It supports general detoxification and respiratory functions


Elderberry D3fence
Strengthens and strongly protects our body’s immune system and includes: Olive leaf; Royal Jelly-nutritive food; and Echinacea


Immune Stimulator
Stimulates the body’s natural defenses. It delivers immunoglobulin proteins to the intestinal tract, promotes immune response by stimulating macrophage and T-cell activity. It contains colostrum, cordyceps, reishi, and maitake.

Respiratory System Pack

The Respiratory System Pack contains ALJ, Bronchial Formula, and Lung Support, TCM

ALJ
Soothes irritated tissues, encourages respiratory to cleanse itself. This formula aids and builds the entire respiratory tract, lung function and supports healthy lung function, especially during seasonal changes.



Bronchial Formula
Dilates the bronchioles and strengthens mucus membranes to promote a healthy inflammation response. Designed to nourish the lungs and bronchi and to offer general protection to the respiratory tract.


Lung Support, TCM
Its Chinese name fu lei can be translated as “strengthen the weak and thin.” Acts as a tonic for the respiratory system and maintains the viability of tissue surfaces by moistening and nourishing the respiratory tract.


Silver Shield and Immunity

Silver Shield is a colloidal silver product that supports the immune system. Provides 90 mcg silver per serving. Does not harm the beneficial probiotic population in the gut. Silver Shield Gel is made with food-grade ingredients, contains no alcohol, is safe for children and acts as a skin moisturizer. 

Building Your Immune Defense

Life style changes cost you nothing and can yield a large return! Identify the lifestyle habits you want to improve, such as:

1. Drink plenty of pure water
2. Exercise regularly
3. Sleep 8 Hours per night
4. Relax daily
5. Stop negative thought patterns
6. Lighten your toxic burden
7. Eat nutrient-dense foods

Nutritional Support that’s Easy to Swallow

Like co-founder Gene Hughes, we know the nutritive power of herbs, and the benefits of putting certain herb powders inside capsules for palatability. But some people have a difficult time swallowing anything in pill form.

With these individuals in mind, Nature’s Sunshine offers a terrific line of liquid herb extracts to support numerous body systems and help make getting herbal support as easy as one or two swallows. Most NSP liquid herbs come in a glycerin base for a naturally sweet taste. Unlike tablets or capsules that require greater digestion, liquid herbs are readily absorbed into the body and can offer rapid support.

ALJ® for Respiratory Support

ALJ is NSP’s top herbal combination for respiratory support. This system relies on proper nutrition to function well. ALJ Liquid is a blend of boneset aerial parts, fenugreek seeds, horseradish root, mullein leaves and fennel seeds in vegetable glycerin. These herbs are used traditionally to nourish the respiratory tract. Fenugreek and mullein support respiratory tissues. Horseradish has a stimulating effect on the system. Fennel offers cleansing properties. Boneset provides nutritional support. Together, these herbs assist the body in maintaining health by nutritional means and encourage the entire respiratory tract to gently cleanse itself. For kids too!

Lymphatic Drainage Boosts the Immune System

The lymph system helps remove waste products from the body, and it transports vital nutrients throughout the body. The herbs in this formula synergize to help disperse lymphatic fluid and improve nutrient absorption. These two steps lead to enhanced immune function. Lymphatic Drainage also supports the circulatory and immune systems. This formula contains cleavers aerial parts, red clover tops, stillingia root and prickly ash bark in vegetable glycerin.

VS-C®—Chinese Wisdom Takes Liquid Form

VS-C is one of NSP’s most popular immune system products. Chinese herbalists call this formula “metalenhancing.” VS-C contains dandelion root, purslane tops, indigo leaves and root, thlaspi whole plant, bupleurum root, scute root, typhonium rhizome, ginseng root, cinnamon twig and licorice root in vegetable glycerin. These herbs create a favorable environment for microbial balance and overall health, support detoxification and promote a healthy respiratory tract. For kids too!

Black Walnut Provides Intestinal Support

Black walnut has been used for thousands of years to support the intestinal system and the skin. Known as an astringent herb, black walnut is rich in tannins, which have beneficial toning properties. Black Walnut hulls (in liquid extract) are cleansing to the body.

Maintain Proper Flow with Kidney Drainage

The kidneys work incredibly hard to filter the blood night and day. Kidney Drainage provides added nutritional support to keep these organs working in top form. Kidney Drainage is comprised of asparagus tops, plantain leaves, juniper berries and goldenrod aerial parts in vegetable glycerin. These herbs help to increase urine production, promote elimination of fluid and maintain proper fluid balance.

Echinacea/Golden Seal Helps Strengthen the Immune System

This liquid herb formula combines the powerful, immune-supporting Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia root with golden seal root. Echinacea species are hugely popular for their immune-system benefits and golden seal root has gained popularity in the past decade or two for its ability to help the body maintain immunity. It also offers digestive and circulatory benefits. This combination Echinacea/Golden Seal Liquid has a banana–orange flavor in a glycerin base. (Not for pregnant or lactating women.)

Stress-J—Natural Help for Frazzled Nerves

Many customers find needed nervous system support in one of our Stress-J formulas. This particular combination helps provide relief for occasional stress. It contains passion flower aerial parts, fennel seeds, feverfew aerial parts, hops flowers, chamomile flowers and marshmallow root. For kids too!

Choose from 23 liquid herb formulas available, including extracts of:

• Capsicum
• Blue Vervain
• Dulse
• Hawthorn Berries
• Licorice Root
• Oregon Grape
• Pau D’Arco
• Red Raspberry
• Ultimate Echinacea and more.

See our complete line of liquid herbs.