Carrie Decker, ND
Part 1: Melatonin, Immune Function, and Inflammation
A look at the physiological role of melatonin beyond its sleep-supportive and antioxidant effects. Melatonin and Respiratory Health Melatonin has been shown to improve various markers of lung function and/or reduce pulmonary inflammation in numerous settings not having a primary infectious etiology. Although we typically think of melatonin as aRead
The Immune and Gastrointestinal Benefits of Colostrum
From Top-Notch Athletes to the Critically Ill, this Colostral “First Milk” Provides Nutritional Protection What’s the nutritional superfood almost all of us have had at some time in our life, and new mothers, dairy farmers, and Ob/Gyn’s know best? It’s colostrum, the first milk that comes at birth. Colostrum isRead
The Immune Enhancing Effects of Alpha-Tocopherol and the Tocotrienol Family
We all are familiar with the antioxidant principles of the vitamin E family, their importance as an essential nutrient, and the protection they provide against lipid peroxidation.[1],[2] However, many are less aware of their importance for healthy immune system function, particular with age. Although severe vitamin E deficiency is uncommonRead
Part 2: Melatonin, Respiratory Health, and Infections
In Part 1, we take a look at the mechanisms by which melatonin may impact immune function and inflammation. Herein, we take a look at its impact on respiratory health in general and its anti-infective effects. Melatonin and Respiratory Health Melatonin has been shown to improve various markers of lungRead
Hemicellulose as an Immune Enhancing Tool
The Impact of Hemicellulose from Plants and Mushroom-Derived Polysaccharides on Immune Function Hemicellulose isn’t a new thing. In fact, it is as timeless as the plants and fungi that cover the face of our planet. Hemicellulose differs from cellulose in that it is a polysaccharide comprised of various sugars includingRead
The Berrylicious Benefits of Black Elderberry
Pleasant-Tasting Purple Berries that Provide Powerful Immune Protection Let’s face it, we all have days when the burden of remembering to take our supplements or swallowing another pill just becomes too much to endure. “Just give me something that tastes good!” – the inner 5-year old demands. Compliance is aRead
From Snakebites to Seasonal Sniffles, the Many Reasons to Turn to Echinacea
The modern data supporting echinacea, the Indigenous American botanical Perhaps you know it for its distinct flower – a pronounced brown central cone, surrounded by delicate purple petals – and its common botanical name, purple coneflower. Or maybe, you know it as a natural remedy to take for protection againstRead
The Performance Enhancing Effects of Molecular Hydrogen
In addition to its potential application for conditions ranging from treatment-resistant psoriasis to Parkinson’s disease, [1,2] the ability of this small molecule with substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential to easily traverse cellular membranes and biological barriers make it potentially applicable as a therapy not only for nearly every human diseaseRead
Hydrogen Supports Healing of Metabolic Disease and its Consequences
Molecular hydrogen is a novel tool that also may be useful in the fight against metabolic disease and its consequences, each of which continue to increase in incidence. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a condition that was estimated to affect 120 million people worldwide in 2000, [1] has quadrupled in globalRead
Hydrogen as a Tool in the Fight to Reduce Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Clinical studies suggest hydrogen may improve side effects of radiation and chemotherapy as clinicians work to reduce cancer treatment side effects. One area in which all medical providers exercise a great level of caution with dietary supplement use is in individuals undergoing treatment for malignancy. As both radiation and chemotherapyRead
