About Me

Matt Murray is co-owner and manager for GreenAcres Market in Wichita, Kansas. From 1996 until 2002 Matt was co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, HealthTalk with Shannon and Matt. Current activities involve writing health-related articles for local magazines and newspapers, seminars and speaking engagements.

Active in lobbying for the natural products industry in Washington, D.C., Matt was president of Rocky Mountain Nutritional Foods Association and a member of the national board for NNfA from 2002 through 2006.

Consumer education, advertising and promotions are the key elements for store growth so he spends time on newsletter development and in-store activities.

Immune Support Another Use for Probiotics!

Probiotics substances that help grow beneficial digestive microorganisms shortened the duration and reduced the severity of colds, according to new research. The double-blind study included almost 500 participants who took daily vitamins and minerals with or without a probiotic supplement for at least three months. Colds in the probiotic group lasted about two days, or 22%, less than the nine-day average in the non-probiotic group.

The probiotics group also reported that coughing, fever, headaches, and sneezing were 25% less severe than in the non-probiotics group. Fever in the probiotics group lasted an average of six hours compared to 24 hours in the non-probiotics group.

Researchers presented the September, 2005, report at the identified two types of T-cells helper and suppressor that are designed to specifically prepare,

European Influenza Conference in Malta, and concluded that probiotics play an important role in immune system health.

Doctors believe that probiotics activate white blood cells, one of the key defense mechanisms of the immune system. Two weeks into the study, researchers found higher levels of T-cells a type of white blood cell in a sub-group of probiotics users. Researchers target, and destroy cells infected with tumors and viruses. The probiotic supplements in the study included Lactobacillus gasseri, which appears to be the most prevalent beneficial bacteria in the stomach and intestines, Bifidobacterium (B.) longum, which blocks harmful bacteria and keeps the digestive system running smoothly, and B. bifidum, which stimulates the immune system.

Reference: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics; 2005, Vol. 43, No. 7, 318-26.