Do You Really "Catch" a Cold?, Asa Andrew
	Food for Thought, Jasmine Tea
	The PLP Perspective, Dr. Joe Morgan, DO
	Coach's Corner
	Recipe of the Week, Garden Stuffed Cucumbers
	Deal of the Week, Osteo Balance

 

 

The most common way cold viruses or bacteria are spread is not from being around coughing or sneezing, or walking barefoot in the rain, but rather from direct contact. For instance, someone with a cold blows their nose then shakes your hand or touches surfaces that you also touch. Cold viruses and bacteria can live on any surface we interact with on a daily basis for hours, so it's easy to come into contact with such viruses or bacteria during daily life. However, the key to remember is that just being exposed to a cold virus does not have to mean that you'll "catch" a cold. If your immune system is operating at its peak, it should actually be quite easy for you to fend off the virus or bacteria without ever getting sick.

It's All About The Immune System

If your immune system is impaired, on the other hand, it's as if you have an open-door policy for viruses and bacteria; they'll easily take hold in your body. So the simple and short answer is, you "catch" a cold due to impairment in your immune system.

There are many ways this can result, but the more common contributing factors are:

1. Eating too much sugar and too many grains
2. Not getting enough rest
3. Using insufficient strategies to address emotional stressors in your life
4. Vitamin D deficiency
5. High Cortisol Levels

Vitamin D Deficiency

It's estimated that the average U.S. adult typically has two to four colds each year, while children may have up to twelve! One reason for the widespread prevalence may be that vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common in the United States, especially during the winter months when cold viruses and bacteria are at their peak. Research has confirmed that "catching" these infections may actually be a symptom of an underlying vitamin D deficiency creating a weak immune system. Studies show that less than optimal vitamin D levels may significantly impair your immune response and make you more susceptible to contracting colds, influenza, and other respiratory infections. In the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date, involving about 19,000 Americans, people with the lowest vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds -- and the risk was even greater for those with chronic respiratory disorders like asthma or COPD. But the research is very clear, the higher your vitamin D level, the lower your risk of contracting colds and other respiratory tract infections. It's not surprising, then, that the average American gets so many colds each year, as current guidelines for optimal intake and normal vitamin D levels are far too low -- and since most people do not get adequate sun exposure on a daily basis (which is what produces vitamin D in your skin) many are deficient. It is believed strongly that many people could avoid colds and viruses by maintaining proper vitamin D levels in the optimal range. ... Read Full Article»

 

Provides Stress Relief
The soothing effect of jasmine tea is very beneficial for stress relief. It helps relieve anxiety and tension. It can also reduce symptoms of pain, headaches and muscle aches. Some studies have shown that the scent of jasmine can lower heart rates and produce a calming, serene effect on the senses.

Potential to Reduce Cholesterol
Jasmine tea has been shown to potentially reduce the accumulation of cholesterol and unhealthy fats in our bodies. It also prevents the formation of bad (LDL) cholesterol. This reduces the chances of heart disease and strokes.

Helps in Weight Loss
Some studies have shown a link between the consumption of jasmine tea and the reduction of fat cells in the body. This may help people in achieving their weight loss goals faster. In addition, jasmine tea helps maintain body weight, if accompanied by a proper diet.

Reduces Chances of Colds and Flu
Jasmine tea has some antiviral and antibacterial properties that help in the prevention of colds, viruses, and bacteria. It is widely believed that gargling with jasmine tea may help prevent some forms of everyday illness and boost the immune system. Consumption of jasmine tea can also result in an earlier recovery from such ailments.

Fights Bacteria
In addition to fighting bacteria, jasmine tea is beneficial to the formation of good bacteria that aid our bodies in several important tasks like digestion. Because of this, jasmine tea improves intestinal strength and also helps in the prevention of ailments such as diarrhea, gastric ailments, cholera and ulcers.

Regulates Circulation
Jasmine tea is beneficial for the improvement of blood circulation. It therefore helps prevent some conditions such as blood clots, arterial blocks, brain damage, thrombosis, high blood pressure and strokes.

Educate your doctor about the great health benefits of Jasmine tea!

Need a way to fix the last of your fresh Summer veggies? Try this colorful, crunchy delight!

• 3 cucumbers
• 1 small zucchini
• 2-3 scallions
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil herb (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 cups celery
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 ripe tomato
• Garnish: Parsley

Clean all veggies. Peel cucumbers & cut in half lengthwise. Gently remove seeds with a spoon and discard. Place remaining ingredients in a blender with basil and chop until fine. Blend in 1/2 cup of organic almond butter. Stuff cucumbers. Top with minced parsley. May be eaten right away or chilled,if preferred.

 

 

NYNY PIZZA Did I ever mention Gluten-Free pizza is one of my favorite foods? It is, and gluten free doesn't mean eating boring, it just means eating smarter! If you want the best in gluten-free pizza, you should visit my good friends at New York - New York Pizza at the Providence Center in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. They only use the freshest, natural ingredients. Fresh garlic, herbs & even goat cheese and coming soon, gluten free pasta! When it comes to your health, you are what you eat, so think fresh, think healthy, think New York - New York Pizza at the Providence Center in Mt. Juliet, TN. Please call them today at 615.754.6969. This wil be the best pizza you've ever had! - Asa Andrew

 

 

Steve from Texas writes: I'm 32 years young and I am struggling with losing these last fifteen pounds. I follow your Anti-Inflammatory Diet and exercise five days per week. What do you suggest I do to lose the weight?

Great question Steve. Many times we feel like we are doing everything right, but can't seem to lose those unwanted last ten to fifteen pounds. Usually in this situation it comes down to deficiencies and hormones. Getting a good nutritional blood work panel done with your doctor is a great way to find the secret to those last few pounds. Nutritional deficiencies may also be the culprit in these situations, so make sure you do the research to have all your Foundational 4 areas covered. If you plan on checking your blood work, research suggests that it may be important to ask your doctor check B12, B6, iron, testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone, and the thyroid. Most doctors are able to check the blood work and evaluate appropriately whether you have insurance or not. And don't forget about considering supplementing an already healthy diet to get the edge. There is great research on supplements such as Lean Balance, Adrenal Balance, and TH-2 Balance which has been shown to drop body fat in studies by up to 6 percent! Keep up the great lifestyle choices with eating well and exercising! You are on your way to reaching your goals! We are so proud of you!

 The PLP Perspective,  Dr. Joe Morgan, DO

Dr. Joe Morgan, DO is a Natural Preferred Local Provider (PLP) and has been in practice for over 35 years. He has served as medical director and has practiced in some of the most prestigious clinics and hospitals in the country. He currently emphasizes natural primary care and integrative medicine with continual research in medical- based nutrition. His goal is to treat the whole person toward wellness. For more information or to contact Dr. Joe please visit MyPLPNetwork.com

 

 

 

 

Success Story

of the Week

Submitted by: Nell:

"My story is combined with my husband's story. He had congestive heart failure at the age of 53. I was convinced that the something was wrong when the heart doctors said he would never get better but I was at a loss as to how to accomplish this. I had told him from the outset that I would make whatever changes in my lifestyle that he needed to, making radical changes with him. I wanted to be his cheerleader and support. After all, "misery loves company" right? We stumbled along for about two years with him getting better and having some hope, and then getting pneumonia. That's when I read Dr. Asa's book, Empowering Your Health and decided we needed the kind of preventative type help that he talked about. We needed someone to look at the entire picture from a lifestyle - based perspective. When we started this journey I weighed 202 pounds. I had lost some weight ten years before but had gained it all back and then some with my last two pregnancies. (I am the mother of eleven living children!) We've been very faithful to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet and we feel better than we ever have. I eat as much as I feel like eating and am never hungry, unless I'm doing a partial-day fast. I have not only lost 40 pounds but feel so much better and have renewed sense of well-being! I have more energy and am amazed, as are others, that I don't look drawn or wrinkled with all the weight loss- at 54 years young, it's amazing that I can even lose weight. Obviously, my story is not done as I have about the same amount to lose but I praise God that I've come this far. My husband has lost at least 5 pounds and is doing a whole lot better. Through extensive testing with his new cardiologist,he is beginning to get off of one of the two medications that he is on and has more energy than he has had in 4 or 5 years! Thank you for all the great lifestyle information that you give us and for partnering with other "Lifestyle Providers" that can give us the help that we need!"

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