In the last 3 posts, I have covered the common cold (rhinovirus), its underlying mechanisms of action, the immunological benefits of vitamin C/quercetin/zinc, and how they inhibit and control viral entry, replication, and inflammatory cascades. In the following sections, I will be considering vitamin D3 as another viable means of supporting the immune system. D3, […]
Read MoreAs discussed in this author’s last 2 posts, the common cold (rhinovirus) was covered as well as its negative affects upon children, adults, and cellular function. Quercetin and zinc were explored as potential interventions to help limit viral entry into cells, replication, and inflammatory cascades. In the following sections, this author will explore vitamin C […]
Read MoreAs discussed in this author’s last post, the common cold (rhinovirus) was covered as well as its negative affects upon children and adults. The prevalence of cold viruses was understood to maintain their presence throughout all seasons and accounted for 40% of time lost from jobs and approximately 30% of absenteeism from school.1 Quercetin was […]
Read MoreThe common cold affects children, on average, 6-8 times a year while adults contract 4-6 colds per year.1 Such cold viruses generally maintain their presence throughout all seasons and account for 40% of time lost from jobs and approximately 30% of absenteeism from school.1(1289) Considering absenteeism from school, work, and associated unfavorable symptoms (chills, sniffles, […]
Read MoreOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common disabling condition characterized by degenerative changes in articular cartilage and underlying bone.1 Degeneration ensues when the balance of cartilage synthesis and breakdown becomes disrupted. Left unmitigated, deeper deterioration of articulating surfaces emerges causing pain, decreased mobility, and lowered quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative to consider interventions which […]
Read MoreCancer remains a leading cause of death, worldwide, despite advances in early screening and patient care. Although systemic therapies exist, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy, toxicity and side effects from such approaches often erode their appeal to patients suffering from cancer.1 Natural therapeutic approaches, which include botanical interventions, have been used for generations to […]
Read MoreHerbal medicine has been practiced in regions of the world for generations, and continues to emerge in Westernized societies as an alternative to conventional approaches.1 Interestingly, aromatic herbs are known to exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties used both in culinary herbs and traditional remedies.1(1) One particular use for such herbs could be for […]
Read MoreAcute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) account for the most common outpatient visits in the United States each year, averaging 68 million visits per annum.1 70% of prescriptions for ARTI often include the use of antibiotics, which is effective in less than 50% of patients consuming said drug.1(183) Thus, ARTI demands more effective interventions to help […]
Read MoreThe skin is the largest organ of the body and provides a dynamic barrier against toxic chemicals, physical injury, and infectious microorganisms.1,2 The main cells of the skin layer/barrier are keratinocytes constituting approximately 95% of total tissue content.2(1) Living within the physical barrier, keratinocytes carry out critical immune functions to include synthesis and secretion of […]
Read MoreImmunotherapy is an intervention which uses an individual’s own immune system to manage diseases.1 Such is achieved by stimulating natural defenses found within the immune system to optimize an efficacious or desirable response to damaged cells, tissues, or the presence of pathogens.1,2 Within the last decade, immunotherapy has shown promise in treating immune-related conditions such […]
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