Touchstone Essentials

How Toxins Cripple Your Immune System

How Toxins Cripple Your Immune System

Your immune system works around the clock—day and night. It constantly monitors your body for microbes, prevents you from getting sick, and if you do get ill, your immune system adapts to fight off the infection. That’s why it’s essential to keep your immune system strong, so it can keep you healthy, no matter what.

Immune support strategies include taking immunomodulating mushrooms, managing stress levels and getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-rich superfoods, and getting plenty of vitamin D.

But research suggests that these strategies are incomplete. In order to ensure your immune system is in optimal shape, it’s also important to take exposure to toxic environmental air pollutants into consideration.

Air pollution is a catch-all term that covers particulate matter, gasses, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals found in the air (1). These toxins can accumulate in the body over time, impacting your health in serious ways.

And it’s no small issue. A report by the American Lung Association puts a spotlight on how widespread this health risk is, finding that almost half of the United States, or 150 million people, are breathing polluted air (2).

So, what are all of the toxins in air doing to your immune system? Research shows the damage to your immune system can be extensive.

Toxins and Your Immune System

Evidence shows that toxins in air pollution can have substantial negative effects on the immune system thanks to a toxic brew of ozone, particulate matter, VOCs and heavy metals such as lead.

In the book Free Radical Biology and Medicine, the authors explain that “air pollutants can affect different immune cell types such as particle-clearing macrophages, inflammatory neutrophils, dendritic cells that orchestrate adaptive immune responses and lymphocytes that enact those responses” (3).

This simply means that air pollution can weaken a wide variety of immune cells. But that’s not all. These toxins can also cause inflammation, and make the body more susceptible to viruses.

One recent study looked at exposure to airborne brake dust, a common pollutant, and found that brake dust reduced the ability of immune cells to kill harmful bacteria or viruses (4).

This may be due to the toxic heavy metals found in brakes and tires. Researchers in Sweden showed that brake linings and tire tread emissions were a significant source of heavy metals in the air, releasing toxic cadmium, lead, and antimony, among others (5).

Yet another common air pollutant is diesel exhaust, which studies have found may alter the immune system, making you more susceptible to seasonal allergies (6). Animal studies also show the particulate matter in diesel exhaust may worsen autoimmune conditions (7).

While toxins in air pollution affect the entire immune system, experts have learned that airborne pollution hits the respiratory system particularly hard.

Toxic Air Pollution and Respiratory Immunity

Air pollution may make respiratory issues more likely and more severe. These toxins impact immunity in a way that makes it harder for cells to clean up debris in the lungs, impacting respiratory health (3).

As toxins pass through the respiratory system, they can trigger oxidative stress and cause cell damage. Studies have found that people exposed to the toxins in air pollution are more likely to develop respiratory issues such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma (8).

Toxins in air pollution increase both the risk of infection, and the severity of certain respiratory infections (9). To make matters worse, infections that affect the respiratory system are more dangerous with preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma.

This compounding effect could explain why a recent Harvard study found a correlation between exposure to air pollution and a 15% increased death rate with COVID-19 infections (10).

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Toxins

Even if you’re stuck in a highly polluted area, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to the effects of toxins and air pollution. The human body is incredibly resilient. You just need to give it the support it needs to stay healthy. Here are five ways you can protect yourself from toxins in the air:

1. Reduce Indoor Pollution

Indoor air can be just as polluted as outdoor air, due to volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Take steps to reduce toxins in the home, make sure to use toxin-free household cleaners, add air-cleaning house plants, and consider a home air purifier to breathe cleaner air.

2. Boost Your Vitamin D

Getting plenty of vitamin D can enhance immune function (11). There’s also evidence that vitamin D supplementation can counteract the immune-compromising effects of air pollution (12).

3. Plan Your Outside Time

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, try to avoid being outside during the times of rush hour when pollution tends to be at its worst. As an added bonus, the sunshine will give you a vitamin D boost.

4. Get Plenty of Antioxidants

Antioxidants can protect the body from oxidative damage caused by harmful compounds such as those found in air pollution. It’s best to get your antioxidants by eating plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and berries. If you’re not getting 7-9 servings a day, a superfood green juice powder will give you all the goodness of organic veggies in a simple and fast way.

5. Detox with Natural Zeolite

Many of the toxins found in air pollution can accumulate in your body over the years and become a serious threat. Detoxification is vital to remove the toxic heavy metals and pollutants that can cripple your immune system.

Natural mineral zeolite is a master detoxifier. The negative charge of the zeolite acts as a magnet to pull positively-charged toxins from the body, where they can no longer cause you harm. A nanosized zeolite offers the deepest detox, reaching throughout the body for a cellular cleanse.

The Bottom Line

Evidence suggests that toxins in air pollution can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick. Moreover, air pollution can increase the risks of developing respiratory issues, which put you at greater risk when facing an infection.

Almost 1 in 2 Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. The good news is, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from the effects of toxic air pollution. This includes getting plenty of antioxidants, taking vitamin D, and detoxing with natural zeolite.
By djgriffiths, ago

6 Big Health Benefits of Zeolite

Zeolite is a volcanic mineral that can profoundly transform your health. And by no means is that an exaggeration. Mounting scientific evidence shows that zeolite can provide life-changing benefits to your health—from detoxing to strengthening your immune system.

Zeolite is also the only substance in the world that can effectively cleanse a wide range of toxins from your body. As far as supplements go, it’s a game-changer.

To give you a better idea of just how powerful zeolite is, here are the top 6 health benefits of taking a high-quality zeolite supplement, all backed by science.

1. Master Detoxifier

Toxins are found everywhere. From the air you breathe, to the food you eat. Over time, these toxins build up in your body and wreak havoc on your health.

Never-ending fatigue, brain fog, a weak immune system, and countless health issues are common side effects when these toxins build up. That’s why it’s essential to cleanse your body from toxins.

Fortunately, zeolite is the Jedi master of detoxification. All thanks to its unique honeycomb-like crystalline structure.

You see, each chamber within zeolite’s honeycomb-like structure has a negative charge. This negative charge attracts positively-charged toxins like lead, mercury, or nitrosamines (1).

In many ways, it’s like a magnet for toxins. So, when you take a properly cleansed zeolite supplement, it travels through your body trapping toxins in its “magnetized” honeycomb cage.

And since your body doesn’t store zeolite, your body just excretes it once it’s bound to a toxin. That’s why zeolite is exceptionally effective at removing built-up toxins in your body.

2. Alkalizes the Body

Another well-known benefit of zeolite is its ability to help the body balance pH by providing alkalizing minerals AND supporting kidney function.

Many foods (think white bread, rice, or any processed foods) are acid-forming in the body, while most green veggies are alkalizing to the body. Alcohol, pesticides, pollution, and even chronic stress also add to acidity.

An overly acidic body shows signs of strain such as headaches, chronic inflammation, mood disorders, persistent fatigue, and much more.

Alkalizing minerals help to buffer acid in the body. In a properly-cleansed zeolite, the alkalizing minerals calcium, potassium and magnesium are inside the honeycomb cages. The zeolite cage gives the body the beneficial mineral and takes the bad toxin in exchange.

The biggest role zeolite plays in alkalizing the body relates to how it helps the kidneys. Your kidneys maintain your internal pH. Yet many heavy metals impair kidney function (2).

Since zeolite can help your body get rid of heavy metals, it supports optimal kidney health, so your kidneys can efficiently balance your body’s pH.

3. Strengthens the Immune System

Evidence suggests that the zeolite clinoptilolite can also bolster and regulate your immune system.

This zeolite has specifically been shown to increase T-cell activity and increase the number of macrophages in the body—two cells essential for a healthy immune function.

But the immune benefits don’t end there. Heavy metals can suppress your immune system, making your body vulnerable to pathogens and prone to autoimmune issues (2)(3).

This means zeolite can both increase the effectiveness of your immune system while simultaneously protecting it from heavy metals.

4. Supports a Healthy Gut

Leaky gut occurs when the lining of your intestinal wall has an increased permeability. This allows unwanted toxins and microbes to leak from your intestines into the bloodstream.

The result is a weakened immune system, excessive fatigue, autoimmune issues, skin rashes, depression, and intense cravings for sugar or carbohydrates.

And these symptoms only get worse over time if your leaky gut isn’t healed. The positive news is, evidence suggests that zeolite can support a healthy gut.

One study found that just 12 weeks of zeolite supplementation can significantly increase the integrity of the intestinal wall (4).

5. May Improve Mood

When heavy metals such as lead and mercury accumulate in your body, they can also negatively affect your mood.

One study, for example, found that the mercury from amalgam dental fillings can result in depression, excessive anger, and problems with anxiety (5).

Many times, these issues are dismissed as resulting from “a stressful life” or a chemical imbalance instead of heavy metals. That’s because many signs of heavy metal accumulation are vague and can be mistaken for something else.

Life can be stressful enough without heavy metals bringing you down. By helping to reduce the build-up of heavy metals, zeolites can support positive mood.

6. Protects the Body from Harmful Microbes

Along with improving your immune health, zeolite is a powerful antimicrobial. This means it can fight potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

In fact, zeolites are so effective that they have been used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dental plaque formations. Both of which are caused by pathogenic microbes.

Another study found that zeolite has antiviral properties (6) due to its potential ability to absorb viral particles within the zeolite cages.

Studies even suggest zeolite can reduce pathogenic bacteria (7). What makes zeolite even better is that it doesn’t have a negative effect on the beneficial microbes in your gut.

Why Detoxing is Absolutely Essential

Have you ever played the game whack-a-mole at an arcade? Well, toxins are a bit like that. No matter how many times you manage to eliminate a toxin from your life, another seems to pop up in its place. That’s because toxins are practically everywhere. They can be found in:

  • Food (pesticides, herbicides, chemical additives)
  • The air you breathe (pollutants)
  • Household items (couches, chairs, beds, paint, keys)
  • Water (a common source of heavy metals)

The problem is, since there are so many ways you can get exposed to toxins, they build up in the body over time. That’s when even bigger problems arise.

Even in small amounts, these toxins can impair memory, negatively affect your gut health, plummet your energy levels, and make it hard to lose weight.

While it’s definitely a good idea to avoid toxins as best you can, it’s downright impossible to avoid them all. That’s why cleansing these toxins from your body is essential. A zeolite supplement will help you cleanse with ease.

Why supplement? Well, zeolite is not a mineral found in food. But you can’t just pick any ordinary zeolite supplement. Otherwise, you risk wasting your hard-earned money.

Make sure to seek out one with zeolite that has been properly cleansed so it can capture toxins, and is sized so it can be absorbed in the bloodstream, otherwise it will just pass through without picking up many toxins.

The Bottom Line

Zeolite is a highly effective natural supplement to bolster your health. Along with its ability to remove toxins from the body, it can alkalize, improve mood, strengthen the immune system, and even protect against harmful microbes.

Since we live in a world that’s riddled with toxins everywhere we go, zeolite is needed more than ever. But not any zeolite will do.

To get the health benefits of zeolite, seek out a high-quality source that is properly cleansed and sized for absorption. When you do, you may notice yourself experiencing a new level of sustained energy and vibrant health.
By djgriffiths, ago

The Potential Dangers of 5G

5G, the next generation of cellular networks, is just around the corner. Mobile, tech, and communications giants promise that 2020 is the year 5G really starts to roll out (1). Even world-renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk has big plans for making 5G a global reality. His company SpaceX has received approval to launch 12,000 low-orbiting satellites to implement worldwide 5G (2).

This next generation of wireless will mean much faster downloads and better connectivity, in major cities where 5G is first introduced and eventually, all over the world. It’s every tech lover’s dream.

However, many experts warn the widespread introduction of 5G is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Dr. Trevor Marshall, director of the Autoimmunity Research Foundation in California cautions, “The new 5G wireless technology involves millimeter waves (extremely high frequencies) producing photons of much greater energy than even 4G and Wi-Fi. Allowing this technology to be used without proving its safety is reckless in the extreme, as the millimeter waves are known to have a profound effect on all parts of the human body” (3).

But what exactly is 5G and what kind of profound effects could it have on your body? And should you be worried about 5G or is it all blown out of proportion?

What Exactly is 5G Anyways?

5G stands for fifth-generation wireless technology. 5G uses millimeter waves at frequencies that are between 10 and 100 times higher than the radio waves used for 4G (4). These are the same waves used to generate high resolution images in airport body scanners (5).

Not to be confused with ionizing radiation (like in X-rays), millimeter waves generate radiation that is non-ionizing, which is not as destructive. Still, non-ionizing radiation can heat molecules (6). These waves are a class of frequencies called electromagnetic frequencies or EMFs.

Compared to its predecessors (2G, 3G, and 4G), 5G emits a substantially higher energy signal. These high-energy frequencies allow faster download speeds for wireless devices.

But this increase in speed has a downfall: the range of 5G is much shorter compared to its older relatives. Due to the shorter range, setting up a 5G infrastructure requires a massive number of small transmitters dispersed throughout populated areas.

So, instead of a lesser number of tall cellphone towers, 5G requires a much greater number of small towers, with cell sites positioned as close as 100 meters apart. Once 5G infrastructure is established, people in that area will be awash in these electromagnetic frequencies.

So why is this an issue?

The Potential Dangers of 5G

Back in 2015, more than 230 scientists studied the biological effects of EMFs like Wi-Fi, and wireless technology similar to 5G (7). Shockingly, they discovered evidence that EMFs like 5G may…

  • Cause oxidative damage: this can lead to many issues including chronic inflammation, chronic disease, and premature aging (8).
  • Damage DNA: this is a concern because your DNA serves as the instructions for everything that’s made in your body—so when this gets damaged, health issues can easily develop.
  • Cause reproductive harm: there’s evidence that the EMFs from smartphones and millimeter waves like 5G can damage sperm and therefore reduce male fertility (9, 10).
  • Produce learning and memory deficits: EMFs like 5G may induce brain fog and compromise your ability to think clearly.
  • Suppress the immune system: scientists found that just one day of exposure to EMFs like 5G decreased the activity of certain immune cells in mice by 50% (11).
  • Possibly increase the risk of cancer: Scientists at the National Toxicology Program found a link between cellphone radiation and brain cancer in male rats (12).

Keep in mind that most of the possible side effects of EMFs like 5G are not instant, and some people are more sensitive to this type of radiation than others. These symptoms can take years to manifest. But how can EMFs like 5G cause this much damage?

Your Body Runs on Electricity

Whether you realize it or not, your body heavily relies on different voltages and specific frequencies to carry out a variety of basic biological functions (13). Many of these functions are essential for a healthy mind and body.

This is where EMFs like 5G come into play. EMFs may interfere with the body’s natural bioelectric frequencies.

For example, scientists have found that EMFs can activate voltage-gated calcium channels located on the surface of your cells (14). This means that 5G could cause damage by affecting the electrical charge of cells. In doing so, it can result in a wide range of issues such as inflammation, cellular damage, and fatigue (from damaged mitochondria).

Since there are a limited number of studies on this topic, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how 5G truly affects human biology.

Protecting Yourself from the Effects of 5G

Completely avoiding exposure to EMFs like 5G is impossible—especially as telecommunications companies develop their 5G infrastructure, and more 5G enabled phones come on the market. But the good news is, you can take several steps to minimize the risks of 5G exposure.

First and foremost, make sure that you don’t sleep with your phone anywhere near your bed. Ideally, your phone should charge overnight in another room. That way your body isn’t exposed to as much 5G (or any EMFs for that matter) as your body is regenerating through the night. This is when it’s the most vulnerable to the effects of 5G.

You may also want to avoid keeping your phone in your pocket or close to your body as much as possible. As a general rule of thumb, the less your phone is touching you or near you, the better.

Increasing your consumption of antioxidants and sulforaphane from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can help control the inflammation and protect your body from the oxidative stress caused by 5G. For the best results, consider consuming organic berries on a daily basis, or consuming an organic green juice powder that’s rich in antioxidants.

Exercise is another theorized way to protect yourself from the effects of 5G and EMF. Studies have found that exercise can restore your levels of glutathione which is an incredibly potent antioxidant that your body naturally makes (15). This, in turn, could help reduce the amount of oxidative stress caused by 5G and other environmental factors.

Along with getting enough antioxidants, and regular exercise, make sure you’re getting enough magnesium in your diet. Remember, EMFs like 5G activate calcium channels when they shouldn’t be, and magnesium is a natural calcium blocker (16). And since most people are deficient in magnesium, eating more magnesium-rich foods is a smart move.

The Bottom Line

5G is coming and soon will be widespread, along with 5G phones. While this new technology will bring faster speeds and connectivity, it comes with potential health risks that are not fully understood. Until further research is conducted, it makes sense to take precautionary steps to protect yourself from excessive exposure to millimeter wave EMFs.
By djgriffiths, ago

8 Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy

When you think about it, the lungs are incredible organs. From the moment of birth, they never stop working. In adulthood, the average person takes anywhere between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. That’s over 17,000 breaths per day. Each inhale brings in precious oxygen that gets transported to almost every single cell of the body.

Despite how important the lungs are, it’s easy to take them for granted, until something goes wrong or a respiratory illness puts them at risk.

While one of the most obvious ways to take good care of your lungs is to not smoke or vape, there are many ways you can support and maintain lung function so that your lungs can support you through a long and healthy life.

1. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is one of the best strategies to keep your lungs healthy and strong. When you exercise, your cells require more oxygen to produce energy in the form of ATP. To deal with the increased demand for oxygen, you breathe faster and your heart rate increases.

Regular exercise gradually causes your lungs and cardiovascular system to adapt. The lungs get better at expanding and muscles that help you breathe get stronger (1). In turn, these changes make your lungs more efficient at taking in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide.

And you don’t have to be a top athlete to reap these benefits, any activity that gets you moving and elevates your heart rate will make a difference.

2. Get More Food-Based Antioxidants

Oxidative stress is a nemesis of good health. It plays a large role in nearly every disease, accelerates physical aging, degrades healthy cells, and it can trigger cell mutations. What does this have to do with lung health?

Unknowingly, you constantly inhale invisible environmental pollutants present in the air outside and in your home. Many of these pollutants cause oxidative damage when they come into contact with your lung cells (2).

As such, it’s essential that you keep oxidative damage under control. Getting plenty of antioxidants in your diet is one of the best ways to protect your lungs from oxidative damage. This means you should eat a wide variety of organic fruits, veggies and herbs.

If you find you have a difficult time getting 7 to 9 servings of organic vegetables every day, a green juice powder can give you a much-needed boost.

3. Practice Breathing Exercises

Similar to regular physical activity, breathing exercises can dramatically improve the efficiency of your lungs. While there are many types of breathing exercises out there, diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, is a good place to start.

This exercise specifically engages and trains the diaphragm, the primary muscle that allows you to breathe. Practicing this technique can improve how much air you move per breath (3). To get started, follow these steps:

  • Relax your shoulders and sit somewhere that’s comfortable.
  • Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
  • Inhale deeply through your nose for 2-3 seconds. Feel the air move into your lungs and pay close attention to the expansion of your stomach. The goal here is to get your stomach to expand more than your chest.
  • Breathe out for 2-3 seconds through pursed lips while pressing on your abdomen. Do a set of ten of these breaths.

For more advanced breathing exercises, especially if you are facing an infection, you can follow the recommendations of this emergency room doctor from the UK for getting more air into the base of your lungs.

4. Detoxify Your Body

Not only do toxins trigger oxidative damage as they travel through the body, toxic heavy metals can increase your risk of heart disease, impair memory and cognitive function, and damage your immune system.

But that’s not all. Researchers have found that long-term exposure to toxins in air pollution can impact lung health, increasing your risk for respiratory inflammation, asthma, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia (4).

It’s one of many reasons why it’s important to detoxify your body and remove toxins that have accumulated over the years. One of the easiest and most effective ways to detoxify the whole body is to use natural mineral zeolite.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

Most experts recommend you should drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day (8 x 8). When you’re physically active or outside in hot temperatures you may need to drink even more.

Your body needs water for countless physiologic functions, including proper lung function. Drinking enough water helps encourage a moist environment in your respiratory system.

And more importantly, water prevents lung surfactant and mucus from becoming too thick (5, 6). When these substances are too thick, it can make breathing more labored and difficult.

6. Consider Lung-Friendly Herbs

Studies have found that there are several herbs capable of improving respiratory health, including astragalus, peppermint and thyme.

Astragalus is used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It may help prevent respiratory infections and act as an expectorant, meaning it can help clear mucus from the lungs (7).

Research suggests that peppermint may improve the ability of your lungs to inhale and exhale greater volumes of air. (8). And the herb thyme as been shown in animal studies to improve mucus clearance from airways and help the airways relax, which improves airflow to the lungs (9).

7. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is full of antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols. One of the polyphenols in green tea is called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which evidence suggests is protective of lung cells (10).

Green tea also contains a compound called theophylline. This compound acts as a bronchodilator, meaning it opens up the airways (11). The caffeine found in green tea is also suggested to provide a similar effect (12).

So, adding green tea to your morning ritual, or using an organic green tea supplement is a good strategy to support your respiratory health.

8. Clean Your Home’s Air

Most indoor air is saturated with toxins. That’s because furniture, upholstery, and carpeting may all contain toxic particles which degrade and break down over time. They become a part of your home’s dust and circulate in the air, irritating lung tissue and causing oxidative damage.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to take steps to improve the quality of your home’s air, including considering a home air filter. You can also place plants throughout the house. They are both decorative and cleanse the air of certain toxins such as formaldehyde (13).

If you live in an area with clean outdoor air, open up your windows from time to time and let some fresh air in. And avoid chemical air fresheners as these often contain toxic chemicals that disrupt hormones, cause oxidative damage, and damage cells (14). Instead, opt for an essential oil diffuser.

8 Tips to Support Lung Health

The Bottom Line

With every breath you take, you rely on your lungs to bring vital oxygen throughout the body. Fortunately, there are a variety of steps you can take to support healthy lungs. From staying active and doing breathing exercises, to detoxifying the body and eating antioxidant-rich foods, you can optimize your respiratory well-being and breathe easier.
By djgriffiths, ago

Berry Good Immunity Smoothie

Power up your immune system with this mouthwatering berry-licious smoothie. Each refreshing sip delivers plant-based vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to nourish your cells fast. In just minutes you’ll feel rehydrated and reenergized with essential superfoods that support your natural immunity. Enjoy!

The main immunity infusion comes from the berries and the 44 organic superfoods in every scoop of Super Green Juice. If you don’t have some of the other ingredients, get creative with whatever’s in your pantry. No avocados at home? Double the banana or vice versa.

Berry Good Immunity Smoothie

  • 1 cup of nut or plant-based milk
  • 1 cup organic frozen mixed berries
  • ½ banana (makes it thick and creamy)
  • ¼ avocado (even a slice adds extra fluffiness)
  • Splash of unsweetened cranberry juice
  • 1 scoop organic Super Green Juice

Instructions

Blend everything together until smooth. Enjoy!

Whether you’re staying at home or out doing essential work, your body needs superfood goodness to stay strong. Easy to make and effortlessly delicious, this smoothie is a natural revitalizer to keep you going.

Recipe by Jen Hulett. Touchstone Essentials’ Chief Creative Officer takes her creativity into the kitchen to create tasty recipes full of goodness.

By djgriffiths, ago

Using CBD Oil for Anxiety: Does It Work?

Overview

Early research shows promising signs that a product made from cannabis known as cannabidiol (CBD) oil may help relieve anxiety. CBD is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in marijuana and hemp plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis. Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD oil for anxiety, and whether it could be a treatment option for you.

How CBD oil can help anxiety

CBD oil is thought to work with a brain receptor called CB1. Receptors are tiny proteins attached to your cells that receive chemical signals from different stimuli and help your cells respond.

The exact way CBD affects CB1 is not fully understood. However, it’s thought that it alters serotonin signals. Serotonin is one of your body’s chemicals and plays a role in your mental health. Low serotonin levels are common in depression. Not having enough serotonin can also cause anxiety in some people.

The conventional treatment for low serotonin is prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Zoloft and Prozac are both SSRIs. CBD, for some people, may be an alternative to SSRIs for anxiety management. However, you should talk to your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.

Research and evidence

Several studies point to the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety. For generalized anxiety, the National Institute on Drug Abuse says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animal studies. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate, also improved.

Studies have also shown some benefits for other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD may also help treat anxiety-induced insomnia.

In 2011, a human study on CBD and its effects on SAD was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Participants were given either an oral dose of 400 milligrams of CBD or a placebo. The results showed that those who took the CBD dose experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

On the other hand, a 2017 comprehensive review of CBD studies in psychiatric disorders found inconclusive results. According to the authors, there isn’t enough evidence to claim CBD as a treatment for depression. However, the authors do note positive results for anxiety disorders. Based on their review, more human tests are needed to better understand how it works, what ideal dosages should be, and if there are potential side effects or hazards.

CBD has also been studied in other neurological disorders. A 2016 study found some antipsychotic benefits of CBD in schizophrenia. The authors indicated a preference for CBD over antipsychotic drugs, which are known to cause significant debilitating side effects.

By djgriffiths, ago

6 Superfoods for Detox

With all the toxins we are exposed to every day, detoxing is a must.

There’s arsenic in rice, lead in water, mercury in fish, and new research shows there is more weed killer than certain vitamins in kids’ cereal.

Our bodies need help handling this daily onslaught of toxic chemicals. The good news is you can support detox starting in the kitchen.

Add these detox superfoods to meals or smoothies and boost your health…

THE BEST SUPER FOODS FOR DETOX

These superfoods either bind to the toxin so it can be removed, or they support the function of your liver, so it can efficiently act as a toxin filter.

And your body needs the help. Testing shows that the average person has over 200 toxic chemicals in their blood.
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Detoxing can give you more energy, support your heart, clear out the brain fog and set you up for a long, healthy life.

Start with a few of these superfoods and you’ll be on the right track

SUPER FOODS THAT SUPPORT DETOX

By djgriffiths, ago

Dark Chocolate Almond Smoothie

Too many smoothies try to trick you with sky high sugar content and questionable ingredients, but not this amazing chocolate almond smoothie.

Hidden inside this decadent chocolate shake are all the healthy superfoods you need for energy to conquer your day.

It’s secretly packed with good-for-you greens. But you’ll never be able to tell because all you’ll taste is velvety chocolate with a hint of nutty flavor.

Dark Chocolate Almond Smoothie > Free Recipe

Have kids who won’t eat their greens? This delicious smoothie will trick their taste buds, making greens a tasty treat. They’ll never know.

And it’s free of toxic pesticides, GMOs or anything artificial. It’s just pure goodness in every chocolatey sip. Enjoy!

By djgriffiths, ago

Zeolite: Powder vs. Liquid?

With every breath we take, and in countless ways throughout each day, we are exposed to toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can have devastating consequences for our health.

It’s no wonder that health gurus and medical professionals recommend detoxing the body. And zeolite is a master detoxifier of toxins.

But I’m often asked which is better, liquid zeolite or powdered zeolite? So, we’ve put together all the ways liquid zeolite is the best choice.

The benefits of ridding your body of toxins are vast and life changing. You can experience more energy, better sleep, clean out brain fog and much more.

5 Reasons Why Liquid Zeolite is Better…A Must Read

But none of these results are possible if you don’t take the right kind of zeolite for detoxing. See the difference between powdered and liquid zeolite here…

Comparison of Liquid and Powdered Zeolite…See the Results

By djgriffiths, ago

Breast Cancer Prevention

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Prevention

With up to 1 in 8 women expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lives, very few families are unaffected by its destructive wake.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to honor those affected. This includes creating awareness on how people can reduce their risk.

In honor of ‘Pink October’ we’re sharing a simple method you can use or teach your loved ones to decrease the risk of breast cancer.

Studies show that getting enough of this one vitamin can mean up to an 80% lower risk of breast cancer…

An Essential Vitamin for Breast Health…

Remarkably, this vitamin doesn’t just play a role in reducing risk, it may also increase the likelihood of surviving breast cancer.

Research also shows that women with high levels of this vitamin were twice as likely to survive as women with low levels of the vitamin.

See which vitamin is essential in the fight against breast cancer, along with tips to make sure you’re getting enough…

The Most Important Vitamin for Breast Health…

By djgriffiths, ago