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Who says we have to suffer...to live a healthy happy vibrant life?

Red wine and dark chocolate... might seem decadent...but these guilty pleasures also might help us live longer...and healthier lives. Red wine and dark chocolate definitely improve an evening..but they also contain resveratrol..which lowers blood sugar. Red wine is a great source of catechins..which boost protective HDL cholesterol. Green tea? Protects your brain..helps you live longer..and soothes your spirit.

Food for Thought, the blog, is about living the good life...a life we create with our thoughts and our choices...and having fun the whole while!

I say lets make the thoughts good ones..and let the choices be healthy...exciting...and delicious! Bon Appetit!

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Iron supports a healthy immune system.


Iron is important for immune function yet it is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. Here are many reasons why you should check iron levels at your next checkup.
Iron plays an essential role in normal development of the immune system and resistance to infection. Impaired immunocompetence is associated with iron deficiency.  Ref. Ref
Iron is  necessary for immune cell production, cytokine production, ref, immune response 
  and the generation of reactive oxygen species required for killing pathogens. Ref Ref
Iron deficiency is associated with some reduced function of lymphoid organs (tissues that produce lymphocytes) and immune cells, specifically thymus degeneration, resulting in a decrease of T cells. Ref.
Iron deficiency is associated with reduced neutrophil activity against bacteria. Myeloperoxidase, an enzyme in neutrophils required for killing bacteria, needs iron to function. Ref
Neutrophil function is restored to normal with iron supplementation. Ref. Ref.
Low iron is linked to changes in immune responses that reduce the ability to fight off viral and bacterial infections. Ref.
Iron deficiency is associated with impairments in cell mediated immunity and innate immunity and may render older adults more vulnerable to infections. Ref.



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