Tag - prebiotic

22 May

Whole Foods Spotlight – Asparagus

 

Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy thin, tender, flavorful stalks of asparagus! This vegetable has long been consumed and valued for its nutritional properties. An Egyptian frieze dating at around 3000 BC pictures asparagus as an offering and it’s name comes from a Persian word meaning stalk or shoot. During Roman times, Emperor Augustus coined the phrase “faster than cooking asparagus” for quick action, as the vegetable is best when lightly and quickly steamed, broiled or sauteed. The thickness of the stem indicates the age of the plant and newer, slender stalks are the most tender. The stalks of older plants can be woody but can be peeled or easily snapped off.

While we typically think of asparagus as green, there are white and purple varieties of the vegetable as well. Purple asparagus grows naturally and has a fruitier flavor that makes the purple variety a great choice for eating raw. White asparagus has no chlorophyll to give it its green color as it’s grown underground or under plastic domes, completely shaded. Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally balanced vegetables. It’s low in calories and sodium, has no cholesterol and is a great source of fiber. It’s also loaded with minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc as well as vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B9 (folate), C, E and K.

The abundance of B vitamins, including folate, helps to maintain healthy levels of homocysteine, produced by the blood when amino acids break down. A deficiency of B vitamins will elevate these homocysteine levels leading to ailments such as damaged blood vessels, venous thrombosis which is the clotting of blood in the veins and other cardiac disorders. Folate is also linked to preventing neural health disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. It’s also crucial for a developing fetus and women who are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant are strongly encouraged to increase their intake of folate.

Asparagus supports kidney health as well. A known diuretic, it helps to flush out excess salt and fluids from the body and helps to prevent toxins from building up in the kidneys and the formation of kidney stones. However, if you have uric acid kidney stones, your physician may tell you to avoid the vegetable to keep your urine from getting too acidic and worsening your condition. If you’ve ever noticed that eating a lot of asparagus causes urine to smell strong, this is because it’s the only food to contain a chemical called asparagusic acid. During digestion, this acid breaks down into compounds which contain sulfur which leads to the strong scent that everyone produces but only a small percentage of people can smell.

In addition, the high fiber content of asparagus and it’s prebiotic nature which acts as a food source for good gut bacteria makes it a fantastic choice for good digestive health. It also helps to support the immune system, provides protection for the thyroid gland and has anti-inflammatory benefits as well. All great reasons to pick up a bundle the next time you are at the farmer’s market or grocery store!

 

Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes

Asparagus Egg and Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

Grilled Sriracha Meatball Skewers with Coconut Rice and Asparagus

Diet, Digestive Health, Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition , , , , , , 0 Comments Read more...
16 Jan

Eczema – Natural Remedies and Link to Gut Health

Eczema is a chronic and irritating problem for many people. It’s a type of inflammation of the skin called dermatitis that causes redness, scaling, swelling, itching and bleeding. An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from one form or another of the condition. Seventy percent of cases develop in children prior to age five and over half of infants who have eczema will continue to have symptoms into adulthood. There are three forms; atopic, contact and seborrhoic dermatitis. The latter, seborrhoic dermatitis is also known as cradle crap or dandruff, causing dry or oily scaling of the scalp. Contact dermatitis is the result of contact with different types of allergens and irritants found in creams, foods, plants and some metals. Atopic dermatitis is the result of allergies like hay fever and typically makes itself known at an early age on the face, scalp, neck, inside elbows and behind the knees.

There are several triggers of eczema, including what’s happening in the digestive system. Infants who are bottle fed are more likely to develop eczema as they are not getting enough essential fatty acids that they would receive from breast milk. Other people have trouble converting linoleic acid to anti-inflammatory hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Much research is now being done on the connection between gut health, emotions and skin. Emotional stress results in a depletion of digestive enzymes and digestive and skin issues emerge. Or in cases of “leaky gut syndrome” the intestines become porous allowing bits of undigested food to enter the bloodstream which can cause allergic reactions. Candida, a form of yeast is also linked to skin irritations such as eczema.

So what to do if you are suffering from a form of eczema? We’ve got some suggestions for you including things to avoid and foods to eat. . .

Re:iimmune

Hydration is extremely important when it comes to maintaining a healthy intestinal tract. The L-Glutamine in our intestinal support formula works to rebuild the delicate tissue of the intestinal lining, while ginger aids in decreasing inflammation and zinc which benefits the skin’s ability to heal. re:iimmune also combines a variety of probiotic strains as well as one essential prebiotic which acts as food for the probiotics to thrive. These probiotics allow the body to produce the beneficial bacteria your digestive system needs to function properly.

Get the right nutrients in your diet

A diet rich in essential fatty acids, zinc, Vitamins A and B6, and beta-carotene is key. Some good choices are bananas, bone broths, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green onions, buckwheat, rice milk and mung beans. 

Skin Soothers and Relievers

  • Calendula is considered one of the best topical treatments for eczema
  • Aloe Vera Gel – cooling and soothing
  • St. John’s Wort gel
  • Vitamin E and goldenseal are effective in relieving itching
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Honey
  • Coconut Oil
  • Oatmeal
  • Witch Hazel
Chronic Illness, Digestive Health, Health Condition, Inflammation, L-Glutamine , , , , , , , , 1 Comment Read more...
08 Nov

Digestive Health – Why you need both probiotics and prebiotics

What are probiotics and prebiotics and how do they affect digestive health?

The human digestive system is full of both good and bad bacteria and when all is working well, the good bacteria help to keep the bad at bay! Inside the digestive tract there are trillions of microorganisms working to keep the balance and keep the entire body healthy. An imbalance doesn’t just cause gastrointestinal and digestive issues. Our gut health is connected to brain function and mood, skin health and our immune system.

Probiotics are living bacteria and yeast which live in the intestines and help balance out bad bacteria in the digestive system. We ingest probiotics through foods like yogurt, kefir and aged cheeses such as bleu, gouda and cheddar. You can also get probiotics through soybean products and brined and fermented foods like pickles and sauerkraut.

However, all on their own probiotics can only have a limited effect because they are easily destroyed in our system. Probiotics must have particular sources of food in order to flourish and that’s where prebiotics lend a helping hand in digestive health! Prebiotics are not living bacteria, they are forms of fiber which act as food for probiotics. Legumes, beans, bananas, berries and vegetables like tomatoes, onions, asparagus, and greens are all good sources of prebiotics to add to your diet.

Often a good diet is not enough to keep a good balance of probiotics and prebiotics in our systems and a supplement can be of enormous benefit. Especially if one has been taking antibiotics which can kill off a number of good bacteria, if one has contracted food poisoning or is recovering from an illness. The latter was one of the driving forces in the creation of re:iimmune. We want to help people get better, better and two of the best things you can do for your digestive health when your system has been thrown out of whack for whatever reason is to stay hydrated and keep your gut in good health!  

Digestive Health, Illness Recovery, Immunity Boost, Prebiotics, Probiotics , , , , , , , , Comments Off on Digestive Health – Why you need both probiotics and prebiotics Read more...
24 Aug

Why would you NOT re:iimmune?

Why Wednesday

Paula_Thompson

“A better question is “Why would you Not re:iimmune?”

I have suffered from IBS since I was a teenager, I know how important “gut health” is so when I heard about re:iimmune I knew I had to try it.  I have used it for a couple years and I love it.  Every morning I drink a full glass of it, so it helps rehydrate me and the probiotics keep my gut in check. Since starting on re:iimmune I have not had any IBS issues, even in situations that would otherwise cause a flare up. I also have shared the product on numerous occasions with my elderly parents when they have had the flu and or have to take antibiotics and it has helped them recover faster and like me, my Dad thinks the salty flavor is great.  So, why re:iimmune…because it is all about taking care of yourself, being healthier, and living an active life style with NO side effects.”  –Paula T.

IBS is one of many gut related disorders that make life miserable for countless individuals, in fact IBS affects between 25 and 45 million people in the U.S. and that’s just one gut related disorder among many. There are diet regimes and medications that help alleviate the daily discomfort that goes along with most of these digestive disorders, while re:iimmune® is here to help boost your progress, and pitch in some extra aid on the especially challenging days. Hydration is a key component in maintaining a healthy intestinal tract, so naturally the Clinical Strength Hydration™ found in a glass of re:iimmune®, combined with its intestinal immune support formula, provide a safe and easy way for you to get better, better™! The L-Glutamine in our intestinal immune support formula works to rebuild the delicate tissue specifically found in your intestinal lining, while the ginger root extract soothes nausea and aids in decreasing inflammation. One of the most important things you can do for your body when you’re dealing with a digestion upset is to add a pre and probiotic blend to your diet, re:iimmune® combines 14 different probiotic strains with one essential prebiotic (food for the probiotics to live off of). Probiotics will allow your body to produce the good bacteria your digestive system requires in order to function properly.

We love hearing each persons story! You may picture a large customer service center with employees filtering through emails, then discarding them after skimming over each one, but the truth is; our CEO reads each email and customer inquiry that flow through our website or social media pages. We’re still a small team at this point, but we have big ideas, and knowing that re:iimmune® is changing lives is the motivation that keeps driving us forward. This is Dr. Miller’s passion, this is our passion as a team- to Make People Better and to continue hearing stories of how re:iimmune® is aiding this mission in a safe and sustainable way! If you have a story you’d like to share with us, or a questions and comments- please feel free to reach out to us on any of our social media platforms, or email us at info@makepeoplebetter.com We want to know your WHY!

Digestive Health, Ginger Root, Health, Hydration, IBS, L-Glutamine, Prebiotic Supplement, Testimonial, Why Wednesday , , , , , , , Comments Off on Why would you NOT re:iimmune? Read more...
08 Aug

Why You Need a Prebiotic

But Wait There’s More…

ingrediant_stock

It seems as though ingredient lists keep growing in length on the backs of boxes that we pick up in the grocery store, littered with words containing too many syllables and disguised names. We have all heard disturbing stories detailing the gory process most of our food endures before it hits our plates, and then there’s the gobs of sugars, fake coloring’s, toxins and harmful chemicals a number of our over the counter medicines are sneaking into our system. In a world where “Hydroxytoluene” is a real and unfriendly chemical found in most of our pantries, it’s nice to know there’s a product on the market that wants you to know the ins and outs of each ingredient it contains and why they’re good for you.

When Dr. Kerri Miller set out to create re:iimmune®, she approached it with one goal in mind: to help Make People Better. Every single ingredient in re:iimmune® serves a purpose and was considered carefully for it’s quality and purity. That’s why we’d like to take you deeper into the story behind our ingredient list by dedicating a series of blogs to the “more”. More transparency from us, more education for you, and more value than just hydration and probiotics. Hydrobiotic® is the hot, new advancement that combines Clinical Strength Hydration® with  probiotics. re:iimmune® then takes this concept and uses it as the foundation for an even more powerful formula with many moving parts. We’ll call this; Part One.

If you’ve had an antibiotic prescribed to you within the last few years, you’ve probably been suggested by your healthcare provider to also take a probiotic in order to relieve the potential digestive unbalance a run of antibiotics typically leaves your body struggling with. Probiotics alone are a tricky concept, each body responds differently to different strains of these live cultures. That’s why it’s important to choose a product that has several, diverse probiotic strains that cover a broad spectrum, BUT did you know that probiotics require a special type of food to survive and populate all the way through your intestinal tract? This food is called a prebiotic and there are several different sources and forms of this nondigestible food ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines.

Just as it is the case with probiotics, there are several naturally accuring food sources that contain prebiotics. For instance, prebiotics are naturally occurring in: garlic, chicory root, raw asparagus, almonds, raw onion, and raw leeks. The prebiotic chosen to pair with re:iimmune®’s 14 strain probiotic blend is derived from organic agave plants, and is a fructan called Agave Inulin. To speak technically for a moment, this prebiotic is a short chain fatty acid that is not digestible, which means it does not increase the amount of glucose or insulin in the blood, making it direimuneabout2abetic friendly. This particular prebiotic is special because it remains viable as it makes its way through the entire digestive tract, all the while feeding the good bacteria that your gut needs to balance itself out and keep you healthy.

 

Fun Fact: Dr. Kerri Miller the founder of Make People Better and creator of re:iimmune® harvested our agave herself and here’s a picture to prove it!

We’ve just begun the journey of exposing re:iimmune® for what it really is, so stay tuned, share this blog if you found it interesting, and get better, better™!

 

Hydration , , , Comments Off on Why You Need a Prebiotic Read more...
14 Jul

Sports Drinks are for Sports

Sports drinks, re:iimmune for illness recoverySports drinks are for sports, and re:iimmune® is the first oral hydration product created specifically for illness recovery. We could end this discussion right here, but let’s discuss WHY sports drinks shouldn’t be suggested to a person who is recovering from any type of illness. The average sports drink on the market is loaded with sugar, around 14 grams a serving in most cases, and not just table sugar- but highly processed, heavily refined sucrose syrups that are difficult for your body to process. Sugar alone weakens your immune system. Studies have shown that sugar causes a fifty percent drop in the ability of white blood cells to engulf harmful bacteria, not to mention the toll processed sugars take on your digestive system.

Sports drinks have their place, if you are a runner extra sugar turns into fuel and spikes your energy levels, but when you’re body is facing trauma, or an illness, re:iimmune® fills in the gap where sports drinks are lacking. When referring to hydration, a healthcare provider would reference a thing called osmolality to define the potency of a solutions ability to draw hydration into cells. Many sports drinks on the market would be referred to as “hypertonic osmolality”, there’s a lot of big words used to explain this term, but simply put, hypertonic would not be a healthy way for your cells to receive hydration on a daily basis. re:iimmune® is considered an “isotonic osmolality” (the same type of osmolality as the human body) which is also the most natural way for your body to receive hydration. This makes re:iimmune® safe to use on a daily basis.

The next time you or someone you care for is beginning a recovery journey, whether it be from the common flu, or a more severe illness, set down the sugary sports drink that’s loaded with artificial ingredients, and pick up the hydration pack that was created specifically for illness recovery. While the sugar and added chemicals in your favorite sports drink wreak havoc on your intestinal track, re:iimmune® works to rebuild your intestinal well being with its multi strain pre and probiotic blend that builds up the good bacteria in your intestines. The Clinical Strength Hydration® formula in re:iimmune® is 100% sugar free making it diabetic friendly and the perfect way to get better, better™ at home!

If you found this blog helpful or interesting, please feel free to share it on your favorite social media platform!

Hydration, Sports Drink , , , , , , , Comments Off on Sports Drinks are for Sports Read more...
29 Jun

Emotional Immunity

Why Wednesday

My gut has nevnicole.per been in optimal shape. Due to being born via C-section and pumped full of loads of antibiotics during my first few weeks of life, I got off to a rough start.

7 months ago, my Dad was in a major car accident, after months of hospitals and rehab, we found out he had stage 4 cancer. I began to struggle even more with stomach issues through this process. re:iimmune has been a huge help in keeping my tummy in shape and a necessity to my overall health. I won’t travel without it and hate to run out!

I re:iimmune after a restless night, I re:iimmune  the second I begin to feel any illness coming on, I re:iimmune when I need a boost of energy, I re:iimmune when I’m working hard and feeling drained and dehydrated. I feel like this product is extremely beneficial to my gut and I also LOVE the way it tastes! Cheers! -Nicole

Truth be told, our gut health affects nearly every function in our body, but the functionality of our gut health is also easily disrupted by internal forces. When stress is introduced, whether it be positive or negative, our immune system and intestinal balance are affected in significant ways. Stress affects your digestive health (sometimes going as far as to produce stomach ulcers). Stress is known to raise blood pressure- which in turn lowers your immune system and causes circulatory complications, as well as impaired brain function and sleep patterns. The list goes on!

We commonly think to beef up our immune system when our sleep schedule is thrown off, flu season kicks in, or someone uses the same hand they just coughed into to shake your own- but do you think to take extra precautions for your healths sake when faced with an emotionally taxing crisis? Studies show that simple laughter strengthens your immune system, so imagine the strain your physical body feels after hours, days or months of chronic stress or trauma. Next time you’re faced with a “nervous stomach”, reach for a packet of re:iimmune® and get better, better™!

Antibiotics, Digestive Health, Disease, Electrolytes, Healthcare, Healthy Lifestyle, Hydration, Hydration Supplement, Illness Recovery, Immunity Boost, Nausea, Stress , , , , Comments Off on Emotional Immunity Read more...
15 Jun

Shake it Off!

Why Wednesday 

lezley_Dhonau“After a 4 month run of colds, flu, stomach ache and sickness- I felt unable to shake off the last of it each time to be able to fully recover. I then got hit with oral thrush which really told me my guts were not in a good way and I suspected I was chronically dehydrated too. With just the first few mouthfuls of re:iimmune I feel uplifted and more energized. It’s like drinking a fresh coconut…you know it is good – it feels like it is instantly boosting your health!  I changed the food I eat to clean out my system, but the re:iimmune has been a key part of recovering fully and resetting my gut to a healthier state, and no cramping. I am passionate about only putting natural foods in my body and re:iimmune fits this need for me. It is now a firm addition to my medical kit.” -L. Dhonau
Those first few hints of a cold or flu normally send you running for the medicine cabinet with determination. You tell yourself “I will not let this slow me down!” If you begin to fight it early on, you just might be fortunate enough to kick the infection before it’s got you stuck to your bed for a week or so. Although, when an infection does take up roots, it may send you on a downward spiral that can last weeks, or months before you fully recover. When you eventually do recover, you are often left with a compromised immune system, and the after effects that most common symptom relievers leave behind. Chronic illness patients can attest to the fact that feeling ill for long periods of time can feel discouraging, but don’t give up. After you’ve conquered an illness, it’s important to remember that your immune system has taken a hit and will be left more vulnerable to further infection even after your symptoms have cleared up.
The illness recovery formula in re:iimmune® contains just what your body needs in order to shake off an infection, or infections. Hydration is a key component to your body’s ability to create healthy cells and a strong immune system. Often times, when you’re experiencing cold and flu symptoms, drinking fluids is easier said than done, and your hydration levels drop as a result. The ginger root in re:iimmune® helps to soothe an upset stomach as the Clinical Strength Hydration® Formula, and multi strain pre and probiotic blend, get to balancing out your body’s hydration and intestinal immune support needs. Since re:iimmune® is sugar free, and doesn’t contain toxic coloring agents, your body won’t have to spend it’s energy figuring out what to protect itself against and what to use to heal itself. Since nearly 70% of your body’s immune system is located in  your intestines, our intestinal immune support formula boosts the very core of your immune system while helping you get back up on your feet.
Take a tip from our friend in the U.K.- keep re:iimmune® as a firm addition to your medical kit, and get better, better™!
Cold, Dehydration, Diabetic Friendly, Digestion, Digestive Health, Flu, Ginger Root, Health, Health Condition, Healthcare, Healthy Lifestyle, Hydration, Hydration Supplement, Illness, Illness Recovery, Immunity, Immunity Boost, Medication, Natural, Nausea, Nauseous, Prebiotic Supplement, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Side Effects, Sugar Free , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Comments Off on Shake it Off! Read more...
06 Jun

Take Your Medication

If you’re anything like me, you become a little leery when you’re prescribed a new medication. What are the side effects, and the long term consequences of this medication? Are these consequences worth the foreseeable benefits? Is it even the right medication for your unique condition? Is it worth the financial cost, or is it covered by your insurance? These are all common questions, especially for those of us who aren’t use to taking prescription medications on a regular basis.

There is a lot that goes into making sure you get the most out of your prescribed medication. First, and most obviously, getting your prescription actually filled is step one, taking your medication on time, and then making sure you have a good understanding of the directions you’ve been given. It’s important to ask your healthcare provider the correct questions and honestly voice your reasons for hesitation. Often times when we choose to take our medication choices into our own hands without consulting our doctor, we wind up adding greater complications to our illness and in turn, create for ourselves a lower quality of life.

As intimidating as a new medication can appear, it’s vital that you communicate with your health care provider, and do everything you can to reach a mutual agreement on a plan that works both for your lifestyle and your condition, which supports medication adherence. The statistics speak for themselves, medication non-adherence has been found to lead to nearly 20% of preventable adverse drug events in the community setting, and 25% of premature nursing home admissions. Not only that, but it can easily lead to the progression of diseases that would otherwise be preventable, extra doctors visits, and the possibility of premature death.

If you don’t know where to start, or how to keep yourself on track with your medication, here are a few tips from us to you:

Organize– Pick up a pill organizer from your local pharmacy to eliminate any missed or doubled doses.

organize your medication

Ask– Make sure you are taking the best medication for you by doing research on your own, and then taking any questions you have to your trusted physician.

consult your doctor about your medication

 

Record– If you feel like you are experiencing adverse reactions or side effects to your new medication, write them down as they come up so that you can accurately consult your doctor.

record your medication

Remind– Set a reminder on your phone or clock to take your medication at the designated time each day.

set reminders to take your medication

 

Accountability– Talk about your medication use with the people closest to you. Let your significant other, your care giver, or your house mates know about your medication and ask someone you trust to check in with you regularly.

caregivers and medication

re:iimmune®– Ultimately, most medications do in fact take some type of toll on your body’s hydration and intestinal health. Make sure you pair a daily dose of re:iimmune® with your new medication to help ease any possible side effects. Between the ginger for nausea reduction, zinc for immune boosting strength, pre and probiotic blend for intestinal health, and the Clinical Strength hydration formula, you’re sure to feel better, better!

reiimmune with medication

Antibiotics, Dehydration, Diabetes, Diabetic Friendly, Digestive Health, Electrolytes, Ginger Root, Health, Hydration, Hydration Supplement, Illness, Immunity Boost, L-Glutamine, Medication, Medication Adherence, Natural, Natural Health, Nauseous, Nutrition, Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Prebiotic Supplement, Prebiotics, Prescription, Probiotics, Senior Care, Side Effects, Sugar Free , , , , , , , , 0 Comments Read more...
25 May

What Keeps You Going?

Why Wednesday

When your system is run down, your full life has you spinning in circles, and you have been granted the important task of keeping your children healthy, what keeps you going? Jeanne’ lets us in on her secret weapon!

jeanne.final

 

“re:iimmune has become a necessity for me! As a grad student, and mom, my immune system has to be in tip top shape to fight off germs and keep me going! It is the perfect recovery drink after a hot day at the beach! I never ever go on vacation without a daily supply of re:iimmune! It has been a life-saver in helping my kiddos recover from being sick or dehydrated from summer camp, and they even love the taste!” -Jeanne’

Diabetic Friendly, Digestion, Humanitarian, Hydration, Illness, Immunity, Immunity Boost, Nutrition, Prebiotics, Probiotics, Sugar Free, Travel, Vacation , , , , , , , , Comments Off on What Keeps You Going? Read more...