Have you ever wondered why people take zinc lozenges at the first sign of a cold? Evidence suggests that zinc supplementation within 24 hours of symptom onset may shorten the duration of colds. Oral supplementation with zinc lozenges, capsules, or syrup is preferable to intranasal zinc, which has been linked to loss of the sense of smell in some individuals. Another function of zinc is the regulation of metabolism. Found in more than 300 enzymes, zinc is critical to digestion, including the absorption and metabolism of essential micronutrients. Zinc deficiency can lead to malnutrition, a major problem worldwide. Adequate zinc intake is especially important for children of all ages and for those who are pregnant or lactating. Deficiency of zinc during formative times could lead to retarded growth of biological systems like the gastrointestinal tract, skeletal, immune, and reproductive systems. Unlike iron, which is contained inside cellular components in your body, zinc permeates cells and tissues, performing critical structural, catalytic, and regulatory functions. This is why getting adequate zinc intake through your diet or supplementation is so important. Safeguarding against zinc deficiency means maintaining a varied diet rich in zinc-rich foods. Proteins like pasture-raised beef and poultry, and sustainably harvested, wild-caught fish and oysters are all good sources of this essential mineral. Vegetarian sources include organic cereals, beans, nuts, oats, and tofu. While adults and seniors have the same average physiologic requirements for zinc, absorption can decrease as you age. High-quality, bioavailable supplements can help ensure you meet your body's unique needs, especially during periods of increased stress or poor eating.

The timing of a short walk may matter more than its length. In a randomized crossover trial in Scientific Reports, 12 adults who walked for 10 minutes immediately after consuming glucose reached a lower peak blood sugar (164 mg/dL) than when they rested (182 mg/dL). The short walk taken right away also outperformed a longer walk started 30 minutes later. The mechanism is elegant: muscle contraction activates GLUT4 transporters that pull glucose out of the bloodstream and into your cells without requiring insulin. In principle that should help even when insulin resistance is present, though this particular trial studied healthy young adults, so I wouldn't overstate it. It is a small study, but it fits a large and consistent body of evidence on post-meal movement. You don't need a workout or a fast pace. A gentle 10-minute stroll after your largest meals is enough to meaningfully flatten the glucose curve, and it's one of the simplest metabolic habits I recommend.

Since May 1 this year, the CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis — a parasitic infection that produces severe, watery, "explosive" diarrhea that can last for weeks. Add in the probable cases still being investigated, and the number is over 7,000. That's six times higher than the same period last year. Twenty-seven times higher if you include probable cases. Thirty-four states are affected. Taco Bell has voluntarily pulled ingredients from some restaurants as a precaution. Michigan alone has reported more than 3,300 cases. Investigators in the state are pointing to lettuce and salad greens as the likely source. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that lives in contaminated water and soil. It spreads through what you eat (not person-to-person) via the fecal-oral route, meaning food and water contaminated by human waste. The symptoms: - Watery diarrhea that comes in relentless episodes - Loss of appetite - Weight loss - Bloating - Nausea - Fatigue - Sometimes, low-grade fever Left untreated, the illness can follow a waxing-and-waning course lasting weeks to over a month. About 1 in 11 confirmed cases have required hospitalization. Historical U.S. outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and lettuce. In 2018, McDonald's pulled salads from restaurants in 14 states after a Cyclospora outbreak. In 2013, imported Mexican lettuce sickened around 400 people. Now the pattern is repeating… But bigger, faster, and across more states than we've ever seen. The news is leaving something out, though, and it changes what you should do about this… No EPA-registered chemical disinfectant reliably kills Cyclospora. Not chlorine wash. Not commercial produce rinses. Not vinegar solutions. Not the antibacterial sprays your grocery store uses on the bagged salad. According to the CDC, no chemical treatment has been shown to inactivate this parasite. The only reliable kill mechanisms are:

If you haven't seen the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Movie, you need to watch it as soon as possible! It is a 16 part series of documentaries highlighting why we are so sick as a nation and what we can do about it. It reinforces everything we do here at Mind and Body and contains SO much valuable information - I have to share it with everyone I know. Watch it and share with all of your friends and loved ones! https://mahamovie.com

Beyond diet and exercise, there are safe, natural adjuncts for managing blood glucose levels. We've identified seven substances that are scientifically validated as among the best drug-free therapies for blood sugar problems. From ensuring that you get adequate amounts of critical vitamins and minerals to strategic calorie restriction, these approaches can elevate your wellness while helping to keep your glucose in check. 1. Vitamin D Vitamin D, also called calciferol, is vital for everything from building strong bones and muscles to helping the immune system fight off illness, among other crucial functions. Maintaining adequate vitamin D is essential if you are at risk of diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to insulin resistance, a key factor that marks the progression from prediabetes to an official Type 2 diagnosis. A 2019 study reported that vitamin D deficiency was found in 70% of Type 2 diabetic patients, and that individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency were 39 times more likely to have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Studies further show that correcting this deficiency through strategic supplementation results in improve glucose tolerance and beta-cell function, a marker of improved insulin secretion. Overall glycemic outcomes were measured in two separate meta-analyses published in 2018, one of which reviewed 28 controlled clinical trials involving nearly 4,000 adults who were prediabetic, overweight, or obese. Results showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly improved glycemic measures and insulin sensitivity. The other 2018 meta-analysis reviewed 37 studies and found that boosting vitamin D through strategic supplementation led to significant improvement in fasting blood glucose and improved insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetics. Vitamin D can be a safe part of a preventative strategy and may even help reduce inflammation associated with diabetes. 2. Magnesium Another nutrient that plays a key role in glucose metabolism is magnesium (Mg). Required by the pancreas for insulin production, being deficient in Mg is associated with increased risks for many diseases, including Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, higher dietary magnesium intake is associated with lower diabetes rates in some studies.