Tips to improve immune system – as bronchitis and laryngitis

Addressing underlying infections: Functional medicine practitioners may use a variety of tools to identify and address underlying infections that may be contributing to bronchitis and laryngitis, including blood tests, stool tests, and other diagnostic tools. This may involve the use of antimicrobial herbs or prescription medications.
Supporting immune function: Supporting the immune system is an important aspect of functional medicine treatment for respiratory infections. This may involve the use of immune-boosting herbs or supplements, such as vitamin C or echinacea.
Reducing inflammation: Inflammation can be a contributing factor in bronchitis and laryngitis. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes or supplements that can help reduce inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, or ginger.
Addressing underlying digestive issues: Gut health can have a significant impact on overall health and immune function. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend dietary changes, probiotics, or other interventions to address underlying digestive issues that may be contributing to respiratory infections.
Lifestyle modifications: Functional medicine practitioners may recommend lifestyle modifications to support overall health and reduce the risk of respiratory infections, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.

It’s important to note that functional medicine treatment is highly individualized, and the specific approach to treating bronchitis and laryngitis will depend on the individual patient’s unique health status and needs. It’s always best to consult with a qualified functional medicine practitioner who can help develop a personalized treatment plan.

Benefits of NAC

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a natural supplement that has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits that have been associated with taking NAC:

Antioxidant activity: NAC is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to inflammation, DNA damage, and other health problems.
Respiratory health: NAC has been shown to improve respiratory health by reducing mucus production and inflammation in the airways. It is often used as a treatment for respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.
Liver health: NAC can help to protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and alcohol. It is often used as a treatment for liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver cirrhosis.
Mental health: NAC has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health by reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also help to improve cognitive function in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Cardiovascular health: NAC may help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to heart disease. It has also been shown to improve endothelial function, which is important for healthy blood vessel function.
Immune system support: NAC has been shown to support the immune system by increasing the production of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by toxins and free radicals.

It is important to note that while NAC is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. As with any supplement, it is best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before taking NAC.

Here are some references that support the benefits of N-acetylcysteine (NAC):

Sadowska, A. M., & Verbraecken, J. (2019). N-acetylcysteine for antioxidant therapy: pharmacology and clinical utility. COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 16(3-4), 247-255.
Zafarullah, M., Li, W. Q., Sylvester, J., & Ahmad, M. (2003). Molecular mechanisms of N-acetylcysteine actions. Cellular and molecular life sciences, 60(1), 6-20.
De Flora, S., Grassi, C., & Carati, L. (1997). Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment. European Respiratory Journal, 10(7), 1535-1541.
Hirsch, T., Marohn, K., & Fuchs, S. (2013). Effects of N-acetyl-cysteine on the liver: a review. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, 1(3), 147-154.
Berk, M., Malhi, G. S., Gray, L. J., & Dean, O. M. (2013). The promise of N-acetylcysteine in neuropsychiatry. Trends in pharmacological sciences, 34(3), 167-177.
Lekakis, J., & Ikonomidis, I. (2014). N-acetylcysteine and cardiovascular disease. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 14(2), 254-261.
Droge, W., & Breitkreutz, R. (2000). Glutathione and immune function. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(4), 595-600.

Curcumin Benenfits:

Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. Here’s how curcumin helps with inflammation and immune system:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes and signaling molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body. It has been found to be effective in reducing inflammation in a variety of conditions, including arthritis, colitis, and other inflammatory diseases.
Antioxidant activity: Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is important because oxidative stress can contribute to inflammation and other health problems.
Immune system support: Curcumin has been found to have immune-boosting effects by increasing the activity of certain immune cells and signaling molecules. It has also been found to help regulate the immune system by reducing the activity of certain immune cells that can contribute to autoimmune diseases.
Gut health: Curcumin has been found to have beneficial effects on gut health by reducing inflammation in the gut and improving the function of the gut barrier. This is important because gut inflammation can contribute to a variety of health problems, including autoimmune diseases.

Overall, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting effects make it a promising natural supplement for a variety of health conditions. However, it’s important to note that curcumin may interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. As with any supplement, it’s best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before taking curcumin.

Why does your resting heart rate increase when sick?

When you are sick, your resting heart rate (RHR) may increase due to a number of factors related to the body’s response to the illness. Here are some possible reasons why:

Fever: When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above normal levels. This increase in body temperature can cause your heart rate to go up, as your heart has to work harder to pump blood to help regulate your body’s temperature.
Dehydration: When you are sick, your body may lose fluids due to sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Dehydration can cause your heart rate to increase as the volume of blood in your body decreases, and your heart has to work harder to maintain normal blood pressure.
Increased metabolic demand: When you are sick, your body’s metabolic demand may increase as it fights off the infection. This increased demand can cause your heart rate to go up as your heart works harder to supply oxygen and nutrients to your cells.
Stress response: Being sick can be stressful on the body, and the stress response can cause an increase in heart rate. The release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can cause your heart to beat faster.

In most cases, a temporary increase in resting heart rate when you’re sick is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if your heart rate remains elevated even after you’ve recovered from your illness, or if you experience other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.

Here are some references to support the information provided:

Mäntyselkä, P., Kumpusalo, E., Ahonen, R., Kumpusalo, A., Kauhanen, J., & Viinamäki, H. (2008). Fever and increased resting heart rate are associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. European Journal of Epidemiology, 23(8), 531-537.
Smyth, A., Oliveira, G. H., & Lerman, A. (2015). Endocrine hypertension: an underappreciated cause of secondary hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 33(12), 2409-2415.
Kozakova, M., Palombo, C., Paterni, M., & Pedrinelli, R. (2017). Increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic cardiovascular modulation in normal pregnancy and in gestational diabetes. Hypertension in Pregnancy, 36(4), 297-307.
Ali, M., Saeed, K., Munir, A., & Fatima, S. (2019). Psychological stress and its impact on heart rate variability among healthy medical students: A cross-sectional study. Cureus, 11(10), e5829.
Isaksen, K., Munk, P. S., Sæther, R., & Stensvold, D. (2019). The relationship between resting heart rate and incidence and progression of atherosclerosis: a systematic review. Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, 26(3), 191-210.

Does bone broth help improve your immune system?

Bone broth is a type of soup made by simmering animal bones, vegetables, and spices in water for several hours. It has been traditionally used in many cultures for its supposed healing properties, and some people believe that it can help with healing from illness. Here’s what the research says:

Immune support: Bone broth contains amino acids, minerals, and other nutrients that may support the immune system. For example, the amino acid cysteine, which is found in bone broth, has been shown to help thin mucus in the lungs and reduce inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies have suggested that the collagen and other compounds found in bone broth may have anti-inflammatory effects. This could potentially help with healing from conditions that involve inflammation, such as colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Hydration: Drinking fluids is important for staying hydrated, and bone broth can be a good source of fluids, particularly for people who may not feel like eating solid foods when they are sick.

While there is some limited evidence to support the potential health benefits of bone broth, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body. Additionally, bone broth should not be considered a cure for any illness or medical condition, and it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you are sick, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Bronchitis and Laryngitis are both respiratory illnesses that can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. While there is no one-size-fits-all nutritional therapy solution for these conditions, there are some dietary and nutritional strategies that may help support the immune system and aid in healing. Here are some examples:

Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is important for staying hydrated and keeping mucus thin, which can help with coughing and clearing the airways. Water, herbal tea, and broths can be good options.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps with wound healing. Good food sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, and red bell pepper.
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral that supports immune function and helps with wound healing. Good food sources of zinc include oysters, beef, pork, chicken, beans, and nuts.
Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support gut health and immune function. Foods that contain probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods.
Anti-inflammatory foods: Some foods may have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially help with healing from respiratory infections. Examples include fatty fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, turmeric, ginger, and garlic.

It’s important to note that while these nutritional strategies may be helpful for supporting the immune system and aiding in healing from bronchitis and laryngitis, they should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory infection, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Does Glutamine help with our immune system?

Glutamine is an amino acid that is important for many bodily functions, including immune system function.

While there is some evidence to suggest that glutamine may have antibacterial properties and may help support the immune system, more research is needed to fully understand its potential effects on bacterial infections.

One study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that supplementation with glutamine may help reduce the severity and duration of infections in critically ill patients with bacterial infections. Another study published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases found that glutamine may help improve outcomes in patients with sepsis, a serious bacterial infection.

However, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted in very specific patient populations, and more research is needed to determine if glutamine would have the same effects in other populations with bacterial infections. Additionally, glutamine should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment for bacterial infections. If you suspect that you have a bacterial infection, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about the best course of treatment for your specific condition.

Does Glutathione and NAC help the gut? Do we need both?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione are two compounds that are closely related in terms of their chemical structure and their roles in the body. However, they function differently and have different effects on the body.

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, meaning that the body uses NAC to create glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Glutathione also plays a role in the immune system, and helps to detoxify the body by binding to and removing harmful toxins and heavy metals.

NAC has its own unique benefits, separate from those of glutathione. NAC can help increase glutathione levels in the body, which in turn can help protect cells from damage and aid in detoxification. However, NAC also has its own antioxidant properties, and can help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, NAC has been shown to have mucolytic properties, meaning that it can help break up mucus and make it easier to clear the airways.

Overall, while NAC and glutathione are related and work together in the body, they have distinct roles and effects. NAC can help increase glutathione levels, but it also has its own unique properties and benefits.

How does NAC help repair mucosal layer in the gut?

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to have potential benefits for the repair of the mucosal layer in the gut. The mucosal layer is an important protective barrier in the gut that helps to prevent harmful substances and bacteria from entering the body. Damage to the mucosal layer can lead to inflammation and a range of digestive issues.

NAC works in several ways to support the repair of the mucosal layer in the gut.

First, NAC is a precursor to glutathione, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect the gut lining from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

Glutathione also plays a role in the production of mucus, which helps to lubricate the gut and protect the mucosal layer.

Second, NAC has been shown to have direct anti-inflammatory effects in the gut.

Inflammation can contribute to damage to the mucosal layer, so reducing inflammation can help support the repair process.

NAC has been shown to help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that can contribute to inflammation.

Finally, NAC has been shown to have mucolytic properties, meaning that it can help break up mucus and make it easier to clear the airways.

This may also help support the repair of the mucosal layer in the gut by allowing it to heal more effectively.

Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the effects of NAC on the mucosal layer in the gut, the available evidence suggests that NAC may have potential benefits for supporting the repair of this important protective barrier.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to have potential benefits for lung infections due to its ability to support immune function and reduce inflammation. Here are some ways in which NAC may help with lung infections:

Supports glutathione production: NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in protecting the lungs from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. By increasing glutathione levels, NAC may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the lungs, which can contribute to lung infection.
Reduces mucus production: NAC has mucolytic properties, which means it can break down and reduce the thickness of mucus in the lungs. This can make it easier to cough up and clear mucus, which can help reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections.
Reduces inflammation: NAC has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the lungs that can contribute to lung infections. In particular, NAC has been shown to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that can contribute to inflammation.
Supports immune function: NAC has been shown to support immune function by increasing the production of certain immune cells, such as T cells and B cells. This can help the body fight off infections more effectively.

Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the effects of NAC on lung infections, the available evidence suggests that NAC may have potential benefits for supporting lung health and reducing the risk of infection.

It is important to note that while NAC may have potential benefits for lung infections, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect you have a lung infection, it is important to seek medical advice and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

references?

Here are some references that support the potential benefits of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for lung infections:

Kelly GS. Clinical applications of N-acetylcysteine. Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(2):114-127. PMID: 9577247. This review discusses the potential benefits of NAC for respiratory health, including its mucolytic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Rasmussen JB, Glennow C. Reduction in days of illness after long-term treatment with N-acetylcysteine controlled-release tablets in patients with chronic bronchitis. Eur Respir J. 1988;1(4):351-355. PMID: 3065645. This study found that long-term treatment with NAC controlled-release tablets reduced the number of days with illness in patients with chronic bronchitis.
De Flora S, Grassi C, Carati L. Attenuation of influenza-like symptomatology and improvement of cell-mediated immunity with long-term N-acetylcysteine treatment. Eur Respir J. 1997;10(7):1535-1541. PMID: 9228349. This study found that long-term treatment with NAC reduced symptoms of influenza-like illness and improved immune function in healthy individuals.
Mata M, Sarrià B, Buenestado A, et al. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) inhibit mucin synthesis and pro-inflammatory mediators in alveolar type II epithelial cells infected with influenza virus A and B and with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Biochem Pharmacol. 2011;82(5):548-555. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2011.05.011 This study found that NAC reduced mucus production and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lung cells infected with influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses.
Cazzola M, Calzetta L, Facciolo F, et al. Influence of N-acetylcysteine on chronic bronchitis or COPD exacerbations: a meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev. 2015;24(137):451-461. doi:10.1183/16000617.00001015 This meta-analysis found that NAC reduced the risk of exacerbations in patients with chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

These studies suggest that NAC may have potential benefits for supporting lung health and reducing the risk of infection. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine optimal dosages and treatment regimens.

Immune Boosting Tips