Immune response is compromised by poor nutrition. While the relationship between nutrients and immunity is complex and not always clear, zinc, copper, iron and selenium are minerals that have been identified by research as needed for the immune system to function properly. Increasing intake of these minerals through diet and supplementing could enhance immune function.  However, one challenge is that excess amounts of these minerals can also impair immune function and create other mineral deficiencies. For example, too much zinc can lower both copper and magnesium. So how do you find the balance of nutrients that is right for you?...

Do you feel worn out, run down, low on energy?  Do you experience muscle cramps, have dry skin or nails, and cold hands and feet?  Using a daily electrolyte may help with these symptoms. Electrolytes are mineral salts carried by water that direct fluid inside and outside cells throughout your body.  Since these salts work together, think of them like a team consisting of four first string players: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium and four second string players: phosphorus, sulfur, bicarbonate and chloride.  These electrolyte salts play both offense and defense building good hydration, healthy blood pressure and circulation while...

Take a look at the list below. How many of these fit you?  Whether you identify with one or multiple, you may benefit from improving your electrolyte balance. YOU SWEAT:   Heat, exercise, sports, hot flashes.  Sweating means you’re losing electrolytes – replace them!YOU DON’T SWEAT – EVER:  Never sweat no matter how hot it is or how much you exercise? You may be missing the electrolytes necessary to cool your body. Sweating is your body’s natural way to cool down.HAVE HIGH OR LOW BLOOD PRESSURE.  Blood pressure can reflect electrolyte balance. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure.  Dehydration and low...

Your hands provide a fascinating insight into hydration, nutrition, blood flow and circulation.  Our hands are our personal work horses so when they give us trouble, it affects our quality of life.  Many of us accept cold, dry hands as normal or that wrinkles or rigid veins are just a part of aging when they are actually signs of poor circulation and potentially even more serious health concerns.  Check out the look and feel of your hands and see them in a whole new way. VEINS? Put your hand on your knee, palm down and look. Do you have raised veins showing above...

There’s a new term showing up in fitness headlines – Exercise-linked hyponatremia (EAH). EAH occurs when a person drinks so much water that sodium becomes diluted to a life threatening point. Seems some of us have taken too far the advice to drink plenty of water. A small but increasing number of athletes and recreational runners are experiencing mild or moderate EAH symptoms: lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, puffiness and weight gain during an athletic event. Golfers, yogis, or other casual athletes who drink too much water in proportion to their electrolyte intake are also susceptible.In response to these reports, a group...