Thrive - Spring 2014

Page 13

Thrive Magazine / Issue 1 - Spring 2014

Apple power... Apples contain pectin that can regulate inflammatory cytokines, pectin is also an immunomodulation, which binds to toxins, providing greater immunity and greater recovery after exercise. Apples alter the probiotic mix of the bacteria within the intestine. Consuming apples also impacts the friendly bacteria in the stomach. Having increased amounts of certain bacteria may improve intestinal health. Reseach also suggests that consuming 2 apples a day for a period of 2 weeks will increase the bifidobacteria levels which may have been decreased as a result of antibacterial use. Adding a probiotic supplement to the apples, as additional

Apples are loaded with pectin, which may help keep blood cholesterol levels in check. When it dissolves in water, pectin creates a gel-like substance that binds bile acids and draws cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Pectins stickiness also slows the absorption of carbohydrates, keeping blood sugar levels on an even keel.

support can help prevent pathogenic bacterial growth.

Inflammation support... Stewed apples and probiotics for breakfast can aid the reduction inflammatory states. The flavonoid compounds in the apples can lead to reduced CRP levels and also protects intestinal tissue from inflammation

Our digestive system is more important

mindfulness have been proven to combat

damage. The probiotics and cinnamon

to our health than just breaking down our

stress. Try taking just 10 minutes each day

added to the stewed apples can

food, it has a key function in our immune

sitting in peace.

encourage the anti-inflammatory state.

and a number of other key health

Antibiotics...

Therefore the common saying of an apple

functions. Therefore maintaining this

Continual antibiotic use can also affect

a day keeps the doctor away may actually

delicate system is vital for good immune

the micro flora in the gut. Antibiotics can

be true in the long term.

health. In this article, we tackle some of

decrease the length of chain fatty acids

our everyday actions that can negatively

which causes an electrolyte imbalance in

influence our digestive system and a few

the colon and is a possible cause of

tips on how to combat them.

constipation.

health, balancing inflammatory responses

Stress...

Antibiotics are essential in some

The effect of continuous physiological and

cases, but try

psychological stress can also have a direct

boosting your

negative effect on the microflora of the gut.

immune system

High stress can lead to a decrease in

by drinking fresh

serum and can also lead to an increase in

green juices and

cortisol through its activation in response

getting yourself

to chronic stress. This response can have

outside to give your

a negative effect as it can lead to poor

body some sunlight.

immunity. The practice of meditation and 11


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