A Stronger Immune System This Christmas

With the end of Thanksgiving, everyone is now bracing for the coming of further holidays, like Christmas and New Year. This only means we have only a few days left to prepare everything - from our itineraries in going home to the presents we need to buy for loved ones. With the cold winter air, snow arriving earlier this year and increased stress levels with all the activities, everyone will surely be susceptible to feeling weak, or worse, getting sick. You better stock up on vitamin and herbal supplements like American ginseng to stay healthy and keep your immune system strong enough to keep with the hectic season.

So, one of the keys to keeping sane and stress-free health-wise is to keep your immune system in check. Since Christmas is also related to lots of eating, you might want to see if these foods are included in your menu. Consuming this stuff are said to boost your immune system. 

 

Oats

These are whole grains that are good for the body.  It contains beta-glucan which is a type of fiber that has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.  It helps speed up wound healing, boosts immunity and it aids antibiotics to be more effective when taken.

Chicken soup

This is said to be the cure-all and the best cure for bodies that are feeling under the weather. Studies have shown that it blocked the migration of inflammatory white blood cells.  The amino acid cysteine, which is released from cooked chickens closely resemble a bronchitis drug.  The salty broth thins out the mucus which cough syrups also do.  For a more immunity-powered soup, you can add more spices and herbs.

Garlic

This relative of the onion has potent antibacterial properties. Its active ingredient, allicin, is the reason why it this plant is very effective in fighting the common cold. There are a lot of studies that have come out proving the effectiveness of this plant. 

Sweet potatoes

This root crop is essential in keeping our body’s largest organ, the skin, to be in tiptop shape.  Vitamin A has a pivotal role in the production of connective tissues which is the key component of our skin. This beta-carotene rich root crop is one way to increase Vitamin A consumption.

Mushrooms

This has been used by people for centuries to help boost the immune system. They help increase the production and activity of white blood cells which is a key component in beefing the body’s immune system.

American ginseng

This is already a proven herb that has a lot of medicinal properties including helping to boost the body’s immune system. The ginsenosides that it has in its roots are the reason why this is miracle herb that a lot of people are now appreciating.

Be ready in coping with the stressful holiday season and emerge healthier than ever, thanks to these foods. Make sure to have some American ginseng tea as well, as it doesn’t only help your immune system, but it also makes you less stressed and more calm and energetic.

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A Gout-less Christmas

During the holidays, we tend to do three things: shop for presents, party ‘til we drop, and eat anything like there’s no tomorrow. But then, while eating with abandon is supposed to be in tune with the spirit of the season, extra caution should be exercised. After all, some kinds of food may be dangerous to your health. So, as much as you would like to binge on some yummy goodies at every dinner you eat from now until New Year’s it would be more advisable to have a cup of American ginseng tea to keep your metabolism in check.

Moreover, eating too much of some things can, at worse, cause diseases. One of the conditions that can be aggravated with consumption of some kinds of food is gout. Simply put, gout is a kind of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in some joints.

For gout sufferers, here are some kinds of food that you should avoid during these festive holidays:

Herring

You in all instances refrain from ingesting a lot of this food because of its severe high-purine levels.  This is the reason why you should definitely avoid this kind of food. Its high purine levels will dramatically increase your risk for gout. 

Scallops

Seafood is on top of the list for those foods that should be avoided by those suffering from gout.  Scallops are another kind of food that has high levels of purine.  It is the accumulation of uric acid that makes your body suffers from gout.  It’s not necessary to cut this off from one’s diet but consumption should be kept to a minimum level.

Red meat

Although taken in small quantities, red meat is alright to consume by people suffering from gout. But if given the choice, white meat is the better option for your body’s daily protein requirements. 

Asparagus

This is one vegetable that has high purine levels so this should be taken in minimum quantities. Taking in American ginseng can help control uric acid levels.

Liver

Organs like liver, kidneys and other offal’s are a no-no for people suffering from gout because it can increase uric acid levels in the body.

Beer

Beer should be crossed out from the list of drinks because it increases the body’s uric acid levels and the alcohol in the beer makes it difficult for the body to flush it out from the body. 

Soda

Drinks that are high in sugar is a no-no, especially those that have HFCS or high fructose corn syrup listed as one of its ingredients. The sugar will help stimulate the body to produce more uric acid so downing in a can of soda will definitely increase its levels right away.

Ultimately, gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Thus, stay away from foods that contain uric acid, as well as sugar. If you can’t avoid them, try supplements like American ginseng.

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