Baking Soda Might Be a Safe and Cheap Way to Fight Autoimmune Disease

A dose of baking soda every day might be able to help reduce the harmful inflammation of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers reveal some of the first evidence of how the cheap, over-the-counter antacid can encourage the spleen to promote an anti-inflammatory environment instead, which can be therapeutic in the face of inflammatory disease.¹

The researchers have demonstrated that when rats or healthy individuals consume a solution of baking soda, it becomes a trigger for the stomach to produce more acid to digest the next meal and for mesothelial cells sitting on the spleen to tell the organ that there’s no need to launch a protective immune response.

Mesothelial cells line cavities of the body, such as the cavity containing the digestive tract, and they also cover the outside of the organs to quite literally stop them from rubbing together. Mesothelial cells have little fingers called microvilli, which also offer another level of protection. The microvilli sense the environment and warn the organs they are covering when there's an invader and an immune response is required.

The spleen is part of the immune system, which functions as a big blood filter and is where some white blood cells, like macrophages, are stored. The researchers believe that drinking baking soda informs the spleen to go easy on the immune response.

After consuming water with baking soda for 2 weeks, the population of immune cells known as macrophages in the spleen, as well as the blood and kidneys, shifted from primarily those that promote inflammation (M1) to those that reduce it (M2). Macrophages, perhaps most commonly known for their capacity to consume waste in the body such as debris from dead or injured cells, are early arrivers to a call for an immune response.

One of the numerous functions of the kidneys is balancing crucial compounds such as acid, potassium, and sodium. With kidney disease, there's impaired kidney function and one of the resulting problems can be that the blood becomes too acidic. Significant consequences can include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Studies have revealed that a daily dose of baking soda can not only reduce acidity but slow kidney disease progression, and it's now a therapy provided to kidney disease patients.

  Acknowledgement: https://www.ahealthblog.com/

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How to Take Care of Acne

Acne is an inflammatory condition often brought about by sensitivity to androgen hormones in the body. The result is blackheads and blemishes which are mild cases. However, in severe cases there may be inflamed pustules and cysts.

There is a definite link between acne and stress. The reason is that with acne there may be a bacterial content present on the skin. When stressed this bacteria react to the sebum levels in the skin.

Taking care of the problem

The first reaction to acne may be to start cleaning the skin. Over cleansing the skin is a common mistake and actually leads to over stimulating the production of oil and skin dryness.

Always choose natural plant-based products for optimal healing. A gentle milky cleanser or gel is recommended and remember, never use abrasive scrubs on the skin.

Allow you skin to breathe. Fresh air and a bit of sunlight have immune-stimulating properties.

Tea tree, lavender, myrrh, chamomile and calendula are healing oils and mixed with jojoba and rosehip carrier oils it will encourage healing and also have an antibacterial effect on the skin.

Remember, even an oily skin needs oil. Most people neglect this when they have an oily skin. Plant and essential oils are strongly anti-bacterial and also promote new cell growth. Do not worry, it will not interfere with the natural oil flow of the body, as they won’t congest or block pores.

Skin grows from the inside out - therefore, make sure you have a sufficient intake of nutrients to assist with the strengthening and healing. Always eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and remember the eight glasses of water per day! Try to avoid processed foods and excess sugars.

Lastly, deal with your stress. Physical and mental stress go hand in hand.

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Danie de Villiers

Dealing with Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by a common virus, which produces a painful blister, which then turns into a sore, mostly on the lips or around the mouth. 

Cold sores are usually triggered by stress, sunburn or immune system not on par.

To avoid cold sores, or to heal one lies in taking care of yourself and strengthening your immune system.

What to do

It is imperative to increase your vitamin B levels as this will help your body to deal with daily stress. It is to your advantage to opt for a full vitamin B complex supplement.

Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables and whole-grain foods which are good sources of vitamin B. 

It is advisable to take a good antioxidant which will also help to keep the body more resistant to infection.

Essential oils of lavender, tea tree, manuka and myrrh promote antibacterial and antiviral relief. Dab one drop of any of these essential oils neat onto the cold sore.

In conclusion, cold sores are highly contagious, so extra care should be taken around people to avoid contact with the blister.

Danie de Villiers - Freelance Writer