Your saliva test can check body’s immunity

Y Researchers from the University of Birmingham have found that antibody levels in saliva are linked to those in blood serum, suggesting a new method for assessment of protection against bacterial infections. The study was published in the journal Biomarkers. They found that in general, higher antibody concentrations in serum were associated with higher concentrations in saliva, with the strongest relationships observed for IgA antibodies. “Protection against bacterial infection is usually inferred by measuring antibody levels in blood serum,” said lead study author Dr Jennifer Heaney. “But taking blood samples…

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Take a holiday, boost your immunity

Take a holiday, boost your immunity (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images) Altering Living Space Makes White Blood Cells Better Prepared To Fight Infections. Going on a two-week holiday could boost our immune system and help fight infection, suggest scientists, who found that alterations to living space of mice dramatically changed their white blood cells and made them more prone to having a protective inflammatory effect. The research at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) provides the first evidence that an enriched environment influences the function of T-cells -a type of white blood…

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4 Magical Foods That Could Help Boost Your Immunity

The onset of monsoon season brings about a host of infections, allergies, cold and flu with it. The body is most susceptible to infection if it is weak and in a state of imbalance. Hard to digest foods or unhealthy eating habits compromise immunity and health. Building a healthy immune system is not rocket science, in fact, a lot of it is common sense.So how do we support robust immunity? Here are some essential tips to remember – 1. Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle.…

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Eating Cranberries May Promote Heart Health and Stronger Immunity: Experts

Cranberry could protect the gut microbiota — a complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals — and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions that benefit the cardiovascular system, metabolism and immune function, revealed a new study. Not just promoting urinary tract health, but the researchers found that cranberry juice, dried cranberries and various cranberry extracts possess whole body health benefits. “It has been established that cranberries rank high among the berry fruits that are rich in health-promoting polyphenols (antioxidant),” said Jeffrey Blumberg, researcher…

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Cranberries can ‘juice up’ your immunity

Cranberries can ‘juice up’ your immunity (Getty Images) An old wives’ tale might be held up by modern science as a new study has found that cranberry juice is effective at preventing bacterial infections. A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has characterized the role of compounds in cranberry juice that block the critical first step in bacterial infections. The results open a potential new area of focus for antibiotic drug development. “With the emergence of new superbugs that are resistant to current…

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Boost your immunity with probiotics and ayurveda

Too many late nights in a row, stressful environments, hurried meals and fast food binges could harm your immune system. Experts in ayurveda say that the demands of a hectic lifestyle create an imbalance in the digestive system causing accumulation of toxins — ama. And with this, comes constipation, diarrhoea, gas problems, fatigue and lack of immunity. Ayurveda to the rescue Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest medical systems aims at the protection of aayu or life, through therapeutics, meditation and other measures for enhancing the physical, mental, social and…

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