Baking Spice ARMS Your Immune System

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

Living with an autoimmune disease like arthritis or psoriasis is not only painful, it’s downright bizarre.

It’s almost like you have two warring armies battling it out in your body.

One is on high alert and wants to protect you from disease, and the other wants to do as much damage as possible.

In the end, it leaves you exhausted and sick.

But now there’s something that can help.

A new study has found that this simple baking spice could be the peace treaty for the war in your body.

And it’s easy as pie to get started.

If you’re a big baker, you probably have an overflowing spice cabinet. And if you’re not, you’ll want to make sure you add this to your pantry…

Ginger.

A new study from Michigan Medicine discovered that the main compound of ginger root (6-gingerol) can powerfully counteract the mechanism that fuels certain autoimmune diseases.

In order to test the power of ginger, the researchers gave the compound to mice who were afflicted by lupus.

And they found something interesting.

The researchers point to a feature of the immune system called neutrophil extracellular traps (or NETs). NETs are dangerous cells that can cause damage like blood clotting or worse.

But when the mice were given 6-gingerol, the number of NETs plummeted.

Since the ginger reduced NETs, one of the researchers even suggested it could eventually help autoimmune disease patients get off blood thinners.

As I’ve said before, blood thinners are not only dangerous, but in some cases, they’re unnecessary.

Ginger is a great place to start if you have an autoimmune disease, but I would recommend teaming it up with some other steps to get even more immune-boosting power. And to do that, you want to focus on your gut.

Here’s how to get started:

  • This is your easiest path to a healthy digestive system. I prefer a probiotic product that contains a fiber prebiotic alongside good bacteria.
  • Eat enough fiber. This not only helps with regular bowel movements, it also helps stimulate healthy bacterial growth. I always suggest people choose both water-soluble and water-insoluble fiber. One of my favorite fibers is ground flax seeds.
  • Throw away junk food, trans fats, processed, and chemical foods. All processed foods, trans fatty acids, artificial sweeteners, and alcohol harm gut bacteria. Do what you can to limit these non-foods in your diet.
  • It doesn’t seem like the first place you would turn to help your digestive tract, but it has been shown to help encourage a healthy gut.

 

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit

Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...

Read This

Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED

While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...

Read This

Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!

I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...

Read This

5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!

Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...

Read This

Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?

“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...

Read This

“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk

If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...

Read This

Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)

Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...

Read This

Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer

If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...

Read This

WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”

When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...

Read This

Separating Diet Fact from Fad

We’ve all been there, scrolling through social media, bombarded by images of perfectly arranged açai bowls and bulletproof coffee, wondering if this is the secret to optimal health. In a world of juice cleanses, paleo, gluten-free, and acai-topped everything, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the latest and greatest diet trends. But...

Read This