Struggling With Dark Or Cracked Lips? Here's What It Reveals About Your Health

Every disease in the world is identified in different ways. Some require medical tests for diagnosis, while others can be detected by examining the tongue, pulse, or eyes. But did you know that your lips can also indicate underlying health issues? Yes, the condition and colour of your lips can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.

Dietitian Khushboo Sharma from Diet for Delight Clinic, Noida, shares insights about what health issues lips can indicate, what causes chapped or dry lips, which vitamin deficiencies lead to lip problems, and what foods can help.

According to Sharma, many people rely on expensive medicines to treat lip-related problems, but these treatments can sometimes cause side effects. Instead, natural remedies and dietary changes can be more effective. She further explains a few lip problems and their easy solutions:

Dry Lips: According to expert, dry lips indicate dehydration. If your lips are constantly dry, increase your water intake to keep your body hydrated.

Cracked Lips: If your lips are cracking frequently, it may be due to an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. To combat this, include walnuts in your diet.

Side Cracks in Lips: Cracks appearing at the corners of the mouth could signal a vitamin B2 deficiency. In such cases, consuming mushrooms can be beneficial.

Pale Lips: If your lips have lost their natural colour and appear pale, it might be a sign of iron deficiency. To restore iron levels, add spinach to your diet.

Dark Lips: Many people experience darkening of the lips, which could be due to excess melanin production. If you notice this, consuming amla (Indian gooseberry) may help regulate melanin levels.

Say Goodbye To Yellow Teeth With These Easy Home Remedies

 Nowadays, dietary habits and changing lifestyles contribute to various bodily effects, including the yellowing of teeth. Teeth are crucial not only for eating and drinking but also for enhancing our personality. Clean, bright teeth boost confidence. While numerous toothpastes and dental products flood the market, natural remedies offer highly effective alternatives. Here are a few natural remedies you can use at home to whiten your teeth.

Natural Remedies To Whiten Teeth:

White vinegar acts as an excellent natural cleanser, effectively removing dirt from teeth. Mix one teaspoon of white vinegar into half a glass of water and use this solution to rinse daily. Within days, the yellowing of teeth will begin to diminish.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain natural acids that enhance the shine of teeth. Mash a few strawberries and add a small amount of baking soda. Apply this paste to your teeth with a brush, rubbing gently. Use this remedy two to three times a week.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil possesses antibacterial properties that help maintain white, healthy teeth. Every morning, on an empty stomach, swirl one teaspoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–15 minutes. Then, spit it out and rinse with lukewarm water. Visible results can be noticed within a few weeks.

Arjuna Bark

In Ayurveda, Arjuna bark is considered a natural toothpaste. Dry the bark and grind it into a fine powder. Use this powder daily as a toothpaste. It not only removes yellowing but also strengthens the gums.

Ginger and Rock Salt

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to cleaner teeth. Extract fresh ginger juice and mix in a small amount of rock salt. Rub this mixture gently on your teeth to enhance their shine within a few days.

Mustard Oil and Black Salt

This age-old remedy has been used for centuries in dental care. Mix a small amount of black salt into a teaspoon of mustard oil. Rub this mixture lightly on your teeth using a finger or a brush. Regular use will gradually reduce yellowing.

These simple, effective home remedies offer a cost-effective way to achieve brighter teeth without relying on expensive products.

Boost Your Collagen: Tips To Reduce Wrinkles And Joint Pain

 

Are wrinkles increasing in your skin or are you feeling pain in the joints? The reason for this may be a lack of collagen. Collagen is an essential protein in our body, which gives strength and flexibility to the skin, bones and joints. With ageing, its quantity starts decreasing, due to which the skin becomes loose and the joints start getting weak. However, with the right diet and some important measures, you can overcome the deficiency of collagen. Know the ways to increase collagen, benefits and important tips, which will keep you young and fit for a long time.

What Is collagen?

Collagen is made up of amino acids, which mainly contain proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. The body also needs vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese to make it. If we talk about its function, it helps in creating new skin cells. It helps in removing dead skin cells, giving flexibility and strength to the skin, strengthening joints and bones, preventing blood clotting and protecting internal organs.

Types Of Collagen

According to Clevelandclinic, 28 types of collagen have been identified so far, of which the main five types are these: The first type, which makes up 90% of the collagen in the body, provides structure to the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. The second type is found in elastic cartilage, which keeps the joints strong. The third type is found in muscles, arteries and organs, while the fourth type is present in the layers of the skin. The fifth type is found in the cornea of the eyes, hair, some layers of skin and the tissues of the placenta.

Decrease In collagen With Age

As age increases, collagen production in the body starts decreasing. In women, collagen production decreases rapidly after menopause. Its level decreases significantly after the age of 60.

Symptoms Of Collagen Deficiency

• Wrinkles Looseness and dryness in the skin
• Hollowness around the eyes and face
• Muscle weakness and pain
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Digestive system problems
• Obstruction in blood flow

Habits That Damage Collagen

• Smoking reduces collagen production and the skin starts looking old quickly.
• Excessive sugar and processed carbs make collagen weak and brittle.
• Sun rays slow down collagen production, which increases wrinkles.
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, damage collagen.

How To Overcome Collagen Deficiency?

Collagen, directly ingested, is not absorbed, but if the nutrients that produce collagen are included in the diet, it can have a positive effect.

Vitamin C: Orange, strawberry, capsicum, broccoli etc.

Proline: Mushroom, cabbage, peanuts, egg white, meat etc.

Glycine: Red meat, chicken, turkey, peanuts, granola etc.

Copper: Oysters, walnuts, green leafy vegetables, dark chocolate etc.

Zinc: Red meat, pulses, nuts, green vegetables, milk products etc.

Are collagen supplements Beneficial?

Some studies have found the possibility of improving skin moisture and elasticity and relieving joint pain with collagen supplements. However, it cannot be controlled where the body will use it.

Other Ways To Increase Collagen

• Apply sunscreen every day.
• Avoid smoking and eating too much sweets.
• Eat a balanced diet, which contains proteins, vitamins and minerals.
• Do yoga and exercise, which increases blood circulation.

Holistic Approaches to Healthy Skin with Nutrition Fact

 

Nutrition is important for health. An unhealthy diet can damage your metabolism, cause weight gain, and even damage organs, such as your heart and liver.

What you eat also affects another organ — your skin.

As scientists learn more about diet and the body, it’s increasingly clear that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin.

This article takes a look at 12 of the best foods for keeping your skin healthy.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring, are excellent foods for healthy skin. They’re rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized. In fact, an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause dry skin.

The omega-3 fats in fish reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. They can even make your skin less sensitiveTrusted Source to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Some studies Trusted Source show that fish oil supplements may help fight inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting your skin, such as psoriasis and lupus.

Fatty fish is also a source of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for your skin. Getting enough vitamin E is essential for helping protect your skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation.

Avocados

Avocados are high in healthy fats. These fats benefit many functions in your body, including the health of your skin.

A 2022 pilot study
Trusted Source involved healthy women consuming one avocado daily for 8 weeks. The researchers found that daily avocado consumption may may lead to enhanced elasticity and firmness of facial skin.

Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin E through their diet.

Vitamin C is also essential for healthy skin. Your skin needs it to create collagen, which is the main structural protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy.

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun and the environment, which can lead to signs of aging.

Walnuts

Walnuts have many characteristics that make them an excellent food for healthy skin.

They’re a good source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that your body cannot make itself.

ALA, omega-3 fats, magnesium, and the amino acid argentine — all of which are found in walnuts — may also decrease inflammation Trusted Source in your body, including your skin.

Sunflower seeds

In general, nuts and seeds are good sources of skin-boosting nutrients.

Sunflower seeds are an excellent example. They contain high levels of both monounsaturated and
omega-6 fats, and may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels.

Sweet potatoes

Beta carotene is a nutrient found in plants. It functions as provitamin A, which means it can be converted into vitamin A in your body.

Beta carotene is found in oranges and vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source — one 1/2-cup (100-gram) serving of baked sweet potato contains enough beta carotene to provide more than six times the DV of vitamin A.

Carotenoids like beta carotene help keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. When consumed, this antioxidant is incorporated into your skin and helps protect your skin cells from sun exposure. This may help prevent sunburn, cell death, and dry, wrinkled skin.

Red or yellow bell peppers

Like sweet potatoes, bell peppers are an excellent source of beta carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.

One cup (149 grams) of chopped red bell pepper contains the equivalent of 156% of the DV for vitamin A.

They’re also one of the best sources of vitamin C. This vitamin is necessary for creating the protein collagen, which keeps skin firm and strong.

Broccoli

Broccoli is full of many vitamins and minerals important for skin health, including zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

It also contains lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta carotene. Lutein helps protect your skin from oxidative damage, which can cause your skin to become dry and wrinkled.

Broccoli florets also pack a special compound called sulforaphane, which boasts some impressive potential benefits. It may even have anti-cancer effects.

Sulforaphane is likewise a powerful protective agent against sun damage. It works in two ways: neutralizing harmful free radicals and switching on other protective systems in your body.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C and contain all of the major carotenoids, including lycopene.

Beta carotene, lutein, and lycopene have been shown to protect your skin against damage from the sun. They may also help prevent wrinkling.

Because tomatoes are rich in carotenoids, they’re an excellent food for maintaining healthy skin.

Consider pairing carotenoid-rich foods like tomatoes with a source of fat, such as cheese or olive oil. Fat increases your absorption of carotenoids.

Dark chocolate

If you need another reason to eat chocolate, here it is: the effects of cocoa on your skin are pretty phenomenal.

After 6–12 weeks of consuming a cocoa powder high in antioxidants each day, participants in one study experienced thicker, more hydrated skin.

Their skin was also less rough and scaly, less sensitive to sunburn, and had better blood flow — which brings more nutrients to your skin.

Another study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning, compared with eating low-antioxidant chocolate.

Several other studies have observed similar results, including improvements in the appearance of wrinkles. However, keep in mind that at least one study didn’t find significant effects.

Make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to maximize the benefits and keep added sugar to a minimum.

Green tea

Green tea may help protect your skin from damage and aging.

The powerful compounds found in green tea are called catechins and work to improve the health of your skin in several ways.

Like several other antioxidant-containing foods, green tea can help protect your skin against sun damage.

While green tea is a great choice for healthy skin, you may want to avoid drinking your tea with milk, as there’s evidence that milk could reduce the effect of green tea’s antioxidants.

Red grapes

Red grapes are famous for containing resveratrol, a compound that comes from the grapes’ skin.

Resveratrol is credited with a wide range of health benefits, among them is reducing the effects of aging.

Test-tube studies suggest it may also help slow the production of harmful free radicals, which damage skin cells and cause signs of aging.

This beneficial compound is also found in red wine. Unfortunately, there’s not much evidence that the amount of resveratrol you get from a glass of red wine is enough to affect your skin.

And since red wine is an alcoholic beverage, there are negative effects to drinking it in excess.

It’s not recommended to start drinking red wine just because of its potential health benefits. Instead, you should increase your intake of red grapes and berries.

The takeaway

What you eat can significantly affect your skin health.

Make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients to protect your skin. The foods on this list are great options to keep your skin healthy, strong, and attractive.

Vitamin C Serum Is Not The Miracle Agent You Think It Is, Say Dermatologists

Everyone desires to maintain a youthful appearance throughout their life, using various products on their skin to prevent wrinkles. Recently, the popularity of vitamin C serums has surged, with many people turning to this skincare product in hopes of keeping their skin youthful.

The general belief is that consistent use of vitamin C serum will prevent visible signs of ageing. As a result, people are purchasing different types of vitamin C serums online. But is this serum truly a miracle for the skin?

Dr Yugal Rajput, Assistant Professor and Dermatologist at GSVM Medical College in Kanpur, told News18 that while vitamin C serum is often used for its anti-ageing properties, it is a mild agent with limited impact on the skin. If someone is using it with the expectation that it will keep their skin youthful for years, they may be misguided, he added. The serum does give the skin a temporary glow, but this effect fades, and the skin soon returns to its natural state.

Dr Rajput also advised against purchasing vitamin C serums from the internet without proper knowledge, as they come in various concentrations. Misusing this serum can harm the skin. People prone to pimples should be especially cautious, as the serum could exacerbate this issue. Those with oily skin should consult a doctor before using it, as improper use could lead to skin damage or other complications.

For those with sensitive skin, Dr Rajput recommended seeking expert advice before using vitamin C serum. Additionally, people over 35 may not see significant benefits from this serum, as it has limited effects at that age. However, if someone still wishes to try it, they should opt for a serum with the correct concentration suited to their skin type. While it doesn’t typically cause serious side effects, it’s best to use the serum sparingly.

Broccoli Benefits For Skin: Protects Against Sun Damage, Reduces Acne, Fights Premature Aging

Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable loaded with health benefits. Commonly used in dishes like stir-fries, fried rice, soups, salads, juices, and smoothies, it is a green vegetable that promotes overall well-being.

Interestingly, broccoli also has significant advantages for skin health due to its rich content of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Here are the skin benefits of broccoli:

1. Anti-ageing Properties: Broccoli can help prevent early signs of ageing. It is high in vitamin C, which boosts collagen production, keeping the skin youthful and firm.
2. Hydration and Moisture: Consuming broccoli helps maintain skin hydration due to its high water content. It also contains vitamins E and K, which preserve skin moisture and keep it soft.
3. Acne Prevention: Broccoli’s anti-inflammatory compounds reduce acne occurrences. It has vitamin A and zinc that regulate oil production, preventing itching, irritation, and acne breakouts.
4. Sun Protection: In the summer, the skin can suffer from harmful UV rays, leading to tanning and damage. The elements in broccoli protect the skin from sun damage, preventing signs of ageing, sunburn, and even reducing the risk of skin cancer.
5. Natural Cleanser: Broccoli acts as a natural cleanser, removing toxins from the body and thereby purifying the skin. Its fibre content supports a healthy digestive system, which directly impacts skin health. A well-functioning digestive system helps prevent issues like acne, pimples, wrinkles, and dullness.

Chopsticks, Partitioned Plates, Small Bowls: Tricks To Prevent Overeating

Obesity is a growing concern. While it was once associated with affluence, it’s now recognised as a health issue affecting millions in India alone. Shedding excess weight can feel like a daunting task, with many resorting to strenuous exercise and restrictive diets. However, achieving a healthy weight isn’t about deprivation but rather adopting mindful eating habits.

Dietician Mamta Singh explains that mindful eating involves consuming food thoughtfully and strategically. It’s about breaking free from emotional eating and focusing on nourishment. Contrary to popular belief, mindful eating doesn’t involve going hungry. Instead, it encourages individuals to savour each bite and make conscious food choices. Consider including these tips and tricks for better weight management.

In Asian countries like Japan, China, and South Korea, chopsticks are the preferred eating utensils. This cultural practice offers a surprisingly effective approach to weight management. While manoeuvring chopsticks can initially seem tricky, consuming food like rice, salad, or noodles with them naturally slows down the eating process. Smaller bites and a reduced pace help prevent overeating.

Portion Control With Partitioned Plates

Partitioned plates, commonly used in community kitchens, are readily available and present a practical solution for weight loss. These plates encourage smaller portions of various food items, allowing individuals to visually monitor their intake. This approach ensures adequate food consumption while preventing overindulgence and unnecessary calorie intake.

Serve In Small Bowls

Hospitals often serve patient meals in small bowls, and restaurants use them for individual portions of dishes. Incorporating these smaller bowls into your daily routine can significantly impact portion control and weight management. When compared to larger plates or bowls, smaller ones naturally guide us towards consuming appropriate portions, preventing overconsumption.

Make Food Appealing

We naturally gravitate towards visually appealing things. When hunger strikes, instead of reaching for unhealthy fast food, consider preparing vegetables like bottle gourd, zucchini, or cucumber.

To enhance their appeal, experiment with spices and presentation. By making healthier options visually enticing and flavourful, we nourish both body and mind. Enhancing the appeal of the food we consume is a significant factor as satisfaction with our meals contributes to overall well-being and reduces stress levels.

How healthy are you: Test your body in 5 minutes

Staying healthy is not just about feeling good; it's also about identifying early signs of deficiencies before they turn into bigger health problems. You don’t always need a doctor’s visit to assess your health—your body gives plenty of signals. In just five minutes, a person can test themselves and learn if their body lacks essential nutrients. Let’s get started!

Do your joints make a crackling sound?

Try bending your knees or rotating your wrists. Do you hear a cracking or popping sound? While occasional cracking is normal, frequent or loud sounds could indicate calcium deficiency. Calcium is essential for strong bones and joints, and a lack of it can lead to osteoporosis over time. Include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and sesame seeds in your diet to strengthen your bones.

Bleeding Gums Causes

Check your mouth for ulcers or bleeding gums

Look in the mirror and inspect your mouth. Are there frequent ulcers, or do your gums bleed when brushing? This could be a sign of Vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C helps in collagen formation, which is crucial for healthy gums and healing wounds quickly. Eat more citrus fruits, bell peppers, and amla to boost your vitamin C levels.

Are your nails brittle and your hair falling prematurely?

If your nails are chipping easily or your hair is dry and falling out too soon, you might be lacking biotin (Vitamin B7). Biotin plays a major role in strengthening hair and nails. Adding eggs, nuts, seeds, and sweet potatoes to your diet can help prevent these issues.

Weak muscles

Do you have white nails, fatigue, or weak muscles?

Turn your nails toward the light. Do they appear pale or have white spots? Are you feeling constantly tired or experiencing weak muscles? This could indicate a zinc deficiency. Zinc is vital for immune function and muscle recovery. Increase your intake of pumpkin seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

Are your heels cracked or lips ulcerated?

Cracked heels and ulcers at the corners of your lips could be warning signs of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency. Riboflavin is necessary for skin repair and energy production. Add dairy, lean meats, and green leafy vegetables to your diet.

How high cholesterol affects the nails

Are your nails turning brownish?

 If your nails have a brownish tint, this might be due to a Vitamin B12 deficiency. This vitamin is essential for red blood cell formation and nerve function. Include more dairy, fish, and eggs in your meals to maintain adequate B12 levels.

Do you have body pain and anxiety for no reason?

Frequent body aches, unexplained anxiety, or mood swings may indicate a Vitamin B deficiency. B vitamins help manage stress and energy levels. Whole grains, bananas, and lean meats can help replenish your Vitamin B levels.

Pale skin

Is your skin pale and lips losing colour?

If you notice pale skin, white nails, or your lips losing their natural pinkish colour, you might have iron deficiency. Iron is essential for red blood cell production. Boost your intake of spinach, lentils, and red meat to prevent anaemia.

Are your eyebrows thinning or do you have puffy eyes?

Thinning eyebrows and puffiness around the eyes could indicate an iodine deficiency. Iodine is crucial for thyroid function. Generally, iodised salt can help maintain proper iodine levels.

Do you experience frequent body cramps?

If you get cramps often, especially in your legs, you might have a Vitamin E deficiency. This vitamin helps in muscle function and blood circulation. Nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are great sources of Vitamin E.

Top 5 Worst Food Ingredients for Your Immune System

 

Top 5 Worst Food Ingredients for Your Immune System

It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in our meals, which is why we’re presenting the 5 worst foods for immune system functioning:

1. Refined Sugars

Refined sugars are processed sugars that have been stripped of their natural nutrients and minerals.

They are commonly found in products like soda, candy, and pastries, and are added to many processed foods to enhance flavor and extend shelf life.

Refined sugars include:

• White sugar
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• High-fructose corn syrup

Refined Sugars and Your Immune System

Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to inflammation, making your body more susceptible to infections.

Additionally, excessive sugar intake can hinder the functioning of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off pathogens.

It’s also important to note that refined sugars contribute to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, all of which can weaken your immune system. 

Do This, Not That

To reduce the negative impact of refined sugars on your immune system, opt for healthier alternatives like natural sweeteners. Raw honey, maple syrup, and stevia are some options that provide sweetness without the harmful effects of refined sugars.

2. Trans Fats

Trans fats are created through a chemical process called hydrogenation. This process involves adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils, turning them into solid fats at room temperature.

Trans fats are found in many processed foods, including margarine, packaged snacks, baked goods, and fried foods, as they help extend shelf life and enhance flavor.

Trans Fats and Your Immune System

Trans fats are detrimental to your immune system for several reasons. They increase inflammation in the body, making it harder for your immune system to respond effectively to threats.

Trans fats also contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease, a condition that weakens the immune system. 

Do This, Not That

Swap out the trans fats in your diet for healthy fats including salmon, nuts, nut butter, seeds, avocados, and coconut oil.

3. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that are used to sweeten foods and beverages without the added calories of natural sugars.

They are commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and many low-calorie or “light” products.

Some popular artificial sweeteners include:

• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Saccharin

Artificial Sweeteners and Your Immune System

While artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, they can have negative effects on your immune system. Research has shown that artificial sweeteners can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system.

Additionally, some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may increase inflammation and even lead to insulin resistance, both of which can weaken your immune response. 

Do This, Not That

To minimize the impact of artificial sweeteners on your immune system, consider natural alternatives such as stevia, raw honey, and maple syrup.

4. Processed Meats

Processed meats are animal-based products that have been altered through various methods like smoking, curing, salting, or adding chemical preservatives.

Examples of processed meats include:

• Hot dogs
• Sausages
• Bacon
• Deli meats
• Canned meats

These products are often high in sodium, fat, and additives, which can have negative health effects.

Processed Meats and Your Immune System

The high sodium content can lead to inflammation and high blood pressure, which may compromise your immune response.

Moreover, many processed meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which have been linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of certain cancers.

Additionally, the high saturated fat content in some processed meats can contribute to obesity and related health issues that can weaken the immune system. 

Do This, Not That

Choose unprocessed meats like chicken, turkey, or lean cuts of beef and pork. Be sure to trim any visible fat and cook using methods like grilling or baking to minimize added fats.

5. Pesticide Residues

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to protect plants from pests, diseases, and weeds, ensuring a higher yield and better-quality produce.

However, the residual chemicals from these pesticides can remain on the fruits, vegetables, and grains that we consume, even after washing and cooking.

Pesticide Residues and Your Immune System

While pesticides are designed to target pests and not humans, their residual presence on our food can still impact our immune system.

Some studies have linked pesticide exposure to disruptions in the immune system, such as altered white blood cell function and increased inflammation.

Long-term exposure to certain pesticides may also increase the risk of certain cancers and other health issues, which can further weaken the immune system. 

Do This, Not That

Whenever possible, choose organic produce, which is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. Keep in mind that organic food may still contain some natural pesticide residues, but these are generally considered to be less harmful.

Avoid the Worst Food Ingredient for Immune System Function

Navigating the world of nutrition can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Our expert nutritionists are here to help you create a personalized nutrition plan that prioritizes your immune health and suits your unique needs.

Schedule a free consultation with our staff to start your journey toward a healthier, more resilient immune system today.

References

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2. Okamura T, Hashimoto Y, Majima S, Senmaru T, Ushigome E, Nakanishi N, Asano M, Yamazaki M, Takakuwa H, Hamaguchi M, Fukui M. Trans Fatty Acid Intake Induces Intestinal Inflammation and Impaired Glucose Tolerance. Front Immunol. 2021 Apr 29;12:669672. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669672. PMID: 33995404; PMCID: PMC8117213.
3. Rosales-Gómez CA, Martínez-Carrillo BE, Reséndiz-Albor AA, Ramírez-Durán N, Valdés-Ramos R, Mondragón-Velásquez T, Escoto-Herrera JA. Chronic Consumption of Sweeteners and Its Effect on Glycaemia, Cytokines, Hormones, and Lymphocytes of GALT in CD1 Mice. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1345282. doi: 10.1155/2018/1345282. PMID: 29854725; PMCID: PMC5941818.
4. Rasmussen NF, Rubin KH, Stougaard M, Tjønneland A, Stenager E, Lund Hetland M, Glintborg B, Bygum A, Andersen V. Impact of red meat, processed meat and fibre intake on risk of late-onset chronic inflammatory diseases: prospective cohort study on lifestyle factors using the Danish ‘Diet, Cancer and Health’ cohort (PROCID-DCH): protocol. BMJ Open. 2019 Mar 30;9(3):e024555. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024555. PMID: 30928934; PMCID: PMC6475359.
5. Lee GH, Choi KC. Adverse effects of pesticides on the functions of immune system. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2020 Sep;235:108789. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108789. Epub 2020 May 3. PMID: 32376494.