Gut Health Archives - Dan Hammer Health LTD

Eliminating Heart Disease Naturally Thru Nitric Oxide Therapy

Archive for Gut Health

Top 5 Health Benefits of Pistachios

Posted by Dan Hammer //

03/22/2021

Of all the consumable nuts available, my favorite is pistachios. Because of this I thought I would examine the top 5 health benefits of pistachios.

Ancient history records the consumption of pistachios as far back as 7,000 BC. Both the Queen of Sheba and Nebuchadnessar, the king of ancient Babylon, considered this nut a royal food. And when you examine its nutritional profile you can see why.

(If you would prefer to view this information in a video format, then please click on my YouTube video below:)

One ounce of pistachios contains the following:

159 Calories
8 grams of Carbohydrate
3 grams of Fiber
6 grams of Protein
13 grams of Fat of which 90% are unsaturated
6% of the RDA for Potassium
28% of the RDA for Vitamin B6
21% of the RDA for Thiamine or Vitamin B1
41% of the RDA for Copper

This nutritional profile fuels the following 5 health benefits of pistachios. Read More →

Reduce Flu and Colds Naturally

Posted by Dan Hammer //

12/08/2020

As we head into the winter months, is it possible to reduce flu and colds naturally? And the answer is Yes if you know how to properly combine a prebiotic with the right probiotics.

In fact, in a recent clinical study this combination of probiotics with a prebiotic reduced flu-like illnesses by 75% and colds by 39%.

And while most of the country is focused on the CoVid19 virus, it is important to note that in the 2019-2020 flu season, 62,000 Americans died from influenza. It is estimated that 70-85% of these deaths were in people aged 65 or older.

Colds and the flu are typically treated with medications to reduce the symptoms.

These medications typically do nothing to promote immunity. Or help boost your immune system to defend your body against the invading virus.

This is were probiotics can help.

75 to 80% of your immune health is determined by your gut health. Specific probiotic strains help to balance your gut flora to improve your immune system. Especially your immune system that helps you fight off the viruses that are responsible for the flu and colds.

This means that if you consume these probiotic species on a daily basis, then you can help maintain the needed gut flora to boost your immune system.

Several studies have identified five probiotic strains that help to reduce upper respiratory tract infections. They are:

B lactis (BS01)
L plantarum (LP01)
L plantarum (LP02)
L rhamnosus (LR04)
L rhamnosus (LR05)

Now some would think that you could reduce flu and colds naturally by increasing your consumption of these five key probiotic species.

But a more effective way to increase their presence in your gut flora is to give them an ideal food source. This is where the prebiotic comes in.

Prebiotics are indigestible plant fibers to you. But they are an ideal food source for your probiotic species. One class of prebiotics called galactooligosaccharides, provide plant sugars that remain in your colon. They then feed and promote the growth of these beneficial gut microbes to enhance your immune system.

In a randomized, double-blind study of 250 healthy adult volunteers these five probiotc strains were combined with the prebiotic galactooligosaccharides. The study lasted for 90 day and was conducted during the flu season. These volunteers were given either a placebo or this probiotic-prebiotic blend. And the following results were observed:

75% reduction in flu-like respiratory illnesses
39% reduction in the number of colds

And for those who did develop the flu or cold, the following was observed:

37% reduction in flu symptom severity
19% reduction in cold symptom severity
An average one-day reduction in the duration of the cold
A three-day reduction in the duration of coughs
And a 1.5-day reduction in the duration of all acute respiratory tract infections

I’ve written numerous articles on the importance of improving your gut health to improve your immune system. Here is another reminder that you can reduce flu and colds naturally, if you take the time to feed your gut with the right ingredients.

Blessing Lives Through Nitric Oxide Therapy!

Dan Hammer

5 Key Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper!

Posted by Dan Hammer //

10/15/2020

I was talking with one of my long-standing clients and he reminded me of the health benefits of cayenne pepper. He uses this ingredient to help him with both digestive and cardiovascular health concerns.

And he believes that cayenne pepper has been a key ingredient for a long and healthy life.

He is not the only person who believe in the health benefits of cayenne pepper. Many consider this herb to be the “King of Medicinal Herbs.” For example:

“If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other.” – Dr. Schulze

“Cayenne pepper – prized for thousands of years for its healing power. Folklore from around the world recounts amazing results using cayenne pepper in simple healing and in baffling health problems. But cayenne pepper is not just a healer from ancient history. Recent clinical studies have been conducted on many of the old-time health applications for this miracle herb. Again and again, the therapeutic value of cayenne pepper has been medically validated.” – Dr. Patrick Quillin from The Healing Power of Cayenne Pepper.

Of these two quotes. Dr. Patrick Quillin is the more recognizable name. Dr. Quillin served from 1990 to 2000 as the Vice President of Nutrition for Cancer Treatment Centers of America. His 15 books have sold over 1 million copies and include the best sellers Healing Nutrients and Beating Cancer with Nutrition.

Before we look at the 5 key health benefit of cayenne pepper, it’s important to note its nutritional value. One tablespoon or 5 grams contains the following:

44% of the RDI for Vitamin A

8% of the RDI for Vitamin E

7% of the RDI for Vitamin C

6% of the RDI for Vitamin B6

5% of the RDI for Vitamin K

5% of the RDI for Manganese

3% of the RDI for Potassium

3% of the RDI for Riboflavin

And the active ingredient that gives cayenne pepper its potency as a medicinal herb is capsaicin. This ingredient also gives this herb its hot taste. The higher the amount of capsaicin, the hotter the taste.

Which is one of the reasons why people do not use cayenne pepper as part of their daily food intake. However, there are ways around this. But before we discuss this, let’s look at the following health benefits of cayenne peppers: Read More →

Health Benefits of Onions

Posted by Dan Hammer //

10/01/2020

Today we’re going to look at the health benefits of onions. Just as there are multiple layers to this vegetable, with multiple ways you can cook it, there are also multiple health benefits of onions.

Onions belong to the allium family of vegetables, which include garlic, shallots, chives, and leeks. This means they are a good source of sulfur, which help in both detoxification and protein formation. But they also have important antibacterial and immune-boosting properties.

And while modern day medicine is beginning to acknowledge these health benefits, onions have been used since the beginning of recorded history as key to treating a wide range of health concerns.

Nutrient Dense

A medium onion is only 44 calories but packed with key vitamins and minerals. It is high in vitamin C, which is a key nutrient in helping to regulate your immune system. And as a powerful antioxidant, it helps to protect you from free radical damage. This means that it can aid in reducing cellular membrane damage and inflammation.

Onions are also a good source of both B6 and B9, which aid in regulating your immune system. Plus these two B vitamins play a key role in metabolism, nerve function, and the production of red blood cells.

And like bananas, they are a good source of potassium, which is key for proper muscle relaxation.

Heart Health

As already noted onions help to fight inflammation. Inflammation is at the heart of almost all cardiovascular health issues.

A key antioxidant found in onions is the flavonoid quercetin, which has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to reduce heart disease risk factors. One of which is helping to reduce cholesterol levels.

Antioxidant Powerhouse

As I’ve shared many times in my health articles, antioxidants protect you from free radical damage. Plus they inhibit oxidation. It is oxidized LDL cholesterol that typically starts plaque formation in the vascular system.

Onions contain over 25 different flavonoid compounds, which all act as excellent sources of antioxidants.

Particular to red onions is the flavonoid called anthocyanins. There are multiple population studies that show how a diet rich in anthocyanins can lower the risk of a heart attack in men by 14% and for women by 32%. Read More →

Beta Glucans and Your Immune System

Posted by Dan Hammer //

08/22/2020

Today we’re going to look at beta glucans and your immune system. If you’re interested in optimal health, then you need to supplement your diet with beta glucans.

But before we talk about beta glucans and your immune system, you need to understand that your body does not produce this natural compound. It can only be attained through diet or supplementation. If you choose to use diet as your source for beta glucans, then the following are your best choices:

Baker’s yeast
Mushrooms such as Maitake and Reishi
Cereal Grains such as Oats, Bran, Wheat, and Barley

Beta glucans are natural polysaccharides that are also soluble fibers. As a soluble fiber it aids in slowing down digestion while helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

There are excellent research studies slowing how beta glucans benefit heart health. One such study conducted by the US Department of Agriculture’s Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, showed how a diet rich in beta glucans can significantly lower total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol).

This is significant because oxidized LDL cholesterol causes vascular inflammation that leads to plaque formation and atherosclerosis.

But since this article is about beta glucans and your immune system let’s focus on this area of improving your health.

When it comes to your immune system, beta glucans are classified as Immuno-Modulators. This means that beta glucans help to make positive improvements in your immune system.

Specifically, they stimulate the activity of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that ingest and help destroy invading pathogens. Macrophages also stimulate other components of your immune system, which aid in attacking these disease causing pathogens. Read More →

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted by Dan Hammer //

03/15/2020

I’ve had several clients ask me if nitric oxide therapy is one of the natural remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis. And the answer is “No” because it doesn’t address the root cause.

Nitric oxide helps to improve blood flow and circulation. This can be helpful. But if you really want to address this health challenge, then you need to understand the following statement.

The root cause is chronic inflammation cause by your immune system, which mistakenly attacks your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis targets the lining of your joints. Initially this causes swelling. And over time it results in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Currently, there is no know cure for this condition. However, there are some natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that can help to less its impact.

In this article I’m going to give you my suggestions on how to address this issue. However, before I get started I want you to know that I’m not a doctor. And what I share is not intended to cure or treat anyone. My background is biology and exercise physiology. So I’m going to use my background to give you my thoughts on this issue.

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis – Two Keys

As stated earlier the root cause is chronic inflammation caused by your immune system attacking your joints. This helps us to clearly identify the two areas that need to be addressed. They are:

Chronic Inflammation
Your Immune System

Now, what I have to say next is really important to understand. Read More →

Zinc Benefits Your Immune System

Posted by Dan Hammer //

03/08/2020

The reason why I titled this article zinc benefits your immune system is because this trace mineral is absolutely essential to a healthy immune system.

Currently our world is going through a major health scare due to COVID-19, which is a coronavirus. This is a new strain that seems to have originated out of China.

Now it’s important to note a couple of things before we get back to how zinc benefits your immune system.

Item #1 – Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that include the common cold. Some of these viruses are extremely deadly like the MERS-Cov and SARS-CoV. At least initially because people have not build up an immunity to them. This is why COVID-19 has had such an effect on the health of people. It’s a new strain that the human body is not used to, and doesn’t have an immunity to it. Which leads to the next item.

Item #2 – COVID-19 has been deadliest to older adults who have a compromised immune system. This is not to say that those with a good immune system will not get sick. But those who are younger, and have a more vibrant and active immune system, usually respond well to treatment.

So what does this have to do with how zinc benefits your immune system?

Well, as people age they suffer what is called “micronutrient malnutrition.” Micronutrient malnutrition is when a person lacks essential vitamins and trace minerals. This situation is common in older adults because they tend to eat less. And they have less variety in their diet.

Add to this the fact that today’s food supply is sorely lacing in trace minerals, and you can understand why the immune system of older adults are compromised.

A good example of this is a 2007 study of adults aged 55 to 87 who had lower plasma zinc levels when compared to younger adults. These older adults also had higher oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. This group of older adults were split so that half took a zinc supplement and the other half took a placebo.

After 12 months they were retested. The zinc group had a significantly lower rate of respiratory infections. And their markers for inflammation and oxidative stress were also lower.

More recently, a 2017 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated how zinc benefits your immune system. In this study they gave zinc-deficient nursing home residents either a zinc supplement or a placebo. After three months, the zinc group had an increase in their T cell numbers as well as an increase in their serum zinc.

Zinc Benefits Your Immune System – The Basics Read More →

Dangers of Belly Fat

Posted by Dan Hammer //

09/01/2019

Several new research studies now clearly show the dangers of belly fat. Belly fat is not the same as the subcutaneous fat that pads our thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. While this fat might be less than pleasant to look it, it doesn’t present any health issues.

But belly fat is different. Sometimes called visceral fat, this is the fat that accumulates beneath the abdominal wall and around your abdominal organs. It is metabolically active. And it acts like an endocrine organ secreting hormones and other chemicals that are now clearly linked to a wide range of health issues.

One such “hormone” is retinol-binding protein 4 or RBP4, which contributes to insulin resistance that can lead to Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Belly fat also secretes these harmful substances:

Angiotensinogen – Which raises blood pressure.

Resistin – Which leads to high blood sugar levels.

Adiponectin – Which slows the metabolization of lipids and glucose.

Interleukin 6 – Which is associated with inflammation of arteries and heart attacks.

All contributing to a series of health issues called Metabolic Syndrome.

Currently, the adult obesity rate in America now exceeds 35% in seven states, 30% in 29 states, and 25% in 48 states. When you add overweight statistics to the mix, approximately 67% of America is now overweight or obese.

This means that for every 100 people you meet today, almost 70 of them will be either overweight or obese.

And if you want to know if you are a candidate for the dangers of belly fat, then get out a soft tape to measure your girth. The easiest way to measure this is find your belly button and take your measurement.

For women if your measurement is 35 inches or more, then you are carrying potentially dangerous belly fat. For men the measurement is 40 inches or more. Read More →

Healthy Life Expectancy – Do You Want to Add 12 to 14 Years to Your Life?

Posted by Dan Hammer //

07/15/2019

Do you know what your healthy life expectancy is? Do you know you can actually estimate this?

Today I’m going to help you answer these two questions.

Research clearly shows there are 5 keys to your life expectancy. These 5 keys are listed below.

They have the potential to add 12 to 14 years to your life!

However, before you look at these 5 keys I’d like to encourage you to use an online tool for estimating the potential years you have left. It’s called the Healthy Life Expectancy Calculator. It was developed by the Goldenson Center at the University of Connecticut.

This calculator will take you less than 1 minute to complete, and will give you some valuable feedback on what you can do to increase your life expectancy.

Click Here for the Healthy Life Expectancy Calculator.

My Healthy Life Expectancy Results Using This Calculator

I used this tool to see what my life expectancy is. Here are my results: Read More →

How Digestive Enzymes Factor in an Anti Aging Strategy

Posted by Dan Hammer //

06/22/2019

With over 100 different enzymes in the body, of which 22 are digestive enzymes, I won’t have the time or the space to discuss each one. But I want to give you an overview on how important enzymes are to your health.

Enzymes are proteins that act like catalysts by binding to an initial substance and converting it into something else. They are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in your body. No mineral, vitamin or hormone can do any significant work without enzymes.

Because of this, they are critical to your overall health and wellness and play an important role in how you age. That’s why digestive enzymes are need for an effective anti aging strategy.

Think in 3’s!

There are 3 classes of enzymes:

Metabolic – which run our bodies.
Digestive – which digest our food.
Food – which come from raw foods and start food digestion.

There are 3 types of digestive enzymes and they have 3 main jobs:

Proteases are enzymes that digest proteins.
Amylases are enzymes that digest carbohydrates.
Lipases are enzymes that digest fats.

Some say, “You Are What You Eat” but I say, “You Are What You Digest!”

The Digestive Process and How Digestive Enzymes Fit In

Enzymes from raw foods start the digestive process. They help break down complex foods into simple structures. That’s why the chewing process is so important. Read More →