So here we are again. Ready for another night in my corner of the blogosphere known as Carol’s Corner. Hope your weekend is off to a good start. Today’s pictures say fun and happy all the way. I like to call today’s look Funky Casual. Just love all the color’s. Trying to think spring as much as possible. Can’t wait to see at least 60 degrees.

Totally love this FitBit band that I hadn’t gotten to wear yet. I have quite a few spring and summer clothes that this will go with.

I’m really loving all my BandCuffs too and I’m very glad I found out about them. I never have to worry about losing my FitBit, which would be a catastrophe.

So tonight we will continue on where we left off last night.

GIVE MA NATURE A TASTE OF HER OWN MEDICINE

Butterbur sounds like something that might make you sneeze, but it’s actually a herbal supplement that helps you fight allergies. Scottish researchers found that patients with grass and pollen allergies who popped 50 mg of the plant extract twice daily had 13 % better airflow than those who took a placebo. Another study published in the British Medical Journal reported that Butterbur treated seasonal allergies nearly as well as the prescription medication Zyrtec. It’s effective against all symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, itching, and conjunctivitis. Butterbur is believed to block leukotriene, a chemical that causes allergic reactions, while at the same time while controlling eosinophiles, the white blood cells that accumulate when allergic reactions take place. What’s more there’s no drowsy effect with Butterbur. You can find the supplement at most health food stores or at iherb.com.

DOWN A SPORTS DRINK

Not only will drinking Gatorade help you recover from a tough workout, but it may protect you from the latest strain of the flu. According to a study published in the International Journal Of Sport Nutrition,when 10 triathletes drank more than one cup of sports drink every 15 minutes during intense exercise, they had significantly better immune response than they did when they drank a placebo.

WINE, THEN DINE

Drinking wine with your meal, in addition to being good for your heart may help ward off food poisoning before it happens. Scientists at Oregon State University recently found that wine can put the kibosh on three common food pathogens: E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. In lab studies, the wine’s combination of ethanol, organic acids, and low ph, appeared to scramble the bug’s genetic material. All wines seem to have some effect says researchers, but red’s are the most potent.

FEEL THE BURN

Several animal and laboratory studies have shown that Capsaicin–the compound that gives chili peppers their fire–can help stop sickness before it starts. Mice in one study were given a daily dose of Capsaicin and had three times more antibody-producing cells after 3 weeks than those given no Capsaicin. More antibodies means fewer colds and infections. Results of other studies suggest that eating food containing hot components such as Capsaicin may improve immune status. The point is, it can’t hurt. At the very least, a dash or two of hot sauce may help flush out some toxins.

CHANGE YOUR NUMBERS GAME

Losing a little extra baggage will not only reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but will also help shape up your immune system. Researchers at Tufts University asked a group of slightly overweight people to cut 100 to 200 calories from their daily food intake. The result in addition to weight loss and chloresterol? Participants boosted their immune response to disease-causing microorganisms. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why, but speculate that the benefit comes from a combination of effects. One thing is certain: cutting 200 calories out of your daily diet is easy. At your next restaurant meal ditch the baked potato with sour cream and order steamed vegetables instead.

Next I will provide some links about boosting your immune system with food and other means.

http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system How to Boost Your Immune System from Harvard Health Publications

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-immune-foods. 15 Immune Boosting Foods

http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/boost-your-immunity-naturally Dr. Oz’s 14 Natural Immunity Boosters

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/08/top-12-foods-for-healthy-immune-response.aspx. Top 12 Foods For Healthy Immune System

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/immune-system-boosters. Foods that boost the immune system

There is even more that can be found, but this enough to keep you busy for awhile. I hope you will have found information useful to you in your own journey into health, wellness, and fitness. Stay strong, stay motivated, and above all believe in yourself. Till next time, God Bless .