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Boosting Your Immune System

Boosting Your Immune System

 

The immune system is a vast network of cells, proteins, organs and vessels situated throughout your body to protect you from pathogens and organisms compromise the immune system. Each part of this system works with the others to act as barriers, such as specialized cells that can neutralize toxins, cells that activate proteins to kill bacteria or even some that tag a toxin for destruction by a killer cell, or T Cell.

Sometimes the immune system becomes compromised due to autoimmune disorders, genetic abnormalities or even stress. For this reason, it is important to take care of ourselves with a wholesome diet and exercise, both of which naturally support a healthy immune system. During times of stress, we can add more support with extra nutrition like vitamin C, zinc or herbs like elderberry. And the more support we give, the better is can function.

Your Two Immune Systems

The immune system is divided into two main types of immune responses; the innate immune response (or system), and the adaptive immune response (or system). Ideally, both of these systems work together to protect your body and keep you healthy.

  • The innate immune system consists of nonspecific defense mechanisms that jump into play when antigens invade your body. Sometimes known as barriers to disease, certain parts of this immune system include skin, blood chemicals and cells that are specific to the immune system. These are responsible for limiting the spread of bacteria, viruses, parasites and other antigens as they travel through your body. We are born with this natural immunity and it is the first line of defense.
  • The adaptive immune system is another response system that defends you against pathogens. As the name implies, it is adaptive. When certain bacteria or other antigens invade, it can create more immunity to the specific invader and ensure its destruction if infected again.

This immune system consists of specialized cells and processes that can neutralize, eliminate or prevent the growth of antigens that can harm your health. It is also known as the acquired immune system because it adapts to changes in the environment to protect your body from future challenges. This helps defend you against recurrent weakened immune states, leading to long-lasting and stronger defense.

What Inhibits Immunity

Stress can have an impact and weaken our immunity in a couple of ways. It may lead to unhealthy coping strategies, like poor food choices and drinking alcohol, which can leave us more susceptible to sickness. It can also increase stress hormones like cortisol, which also may contribute to suppressing the immune system. Stress can also contribute to internal inflammation and other changes in the body, which also suppress the immune system.

Poor diet can also affect the immune system. Consuming too much processed meat, saturated fats and sugar all play a roll in how well we respond to pathogens that can lead to illness. Too much of the above foods can lead to a state of internal inflammation, which is linked to several health issues. In addition, certain substances in excess, like sugar or unhealthy fats, may also suppress the immune system. At the same time, these types of foods do not contribute nutrients that support health.

Medications like TNF inhibitors and corticosteroids may increase the chance of contracting a fungal infection as they suppress the immune system. These should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Alcohol has a direct impact on the microbiome of your digestive tract and disrupting it can lead to digestive issues. In fact, alcohol consumption can disrupt the barrier and allow excess bacteria to cross into your bloodstream, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Avoiding excess alcohol is key during times of heightened immune stress to ensure your body is able to protect itself from outside attack.

How to Boost Your Immune System, Naturally

Direct evidence or research about how to naturally boost the immune system is difficult to find. This is because the immune system is just that; a system that includes a lot of parts from many types of cells and organs. To understand how any component would affect the immune system would require a study of how the component works with each cell and organ of the immune system as well as the lymph vessels that are also part of this vast system. Because of this, any approach to strengthening the immune system should be a holistic one to ensure your entire being is healthy.

Sleep

Getting a proper night’s sleep allows your body to rejuvenate and restore all of your bodily systems, including the immune system. Not getting enough sleep may suppress your immunity and leave you more susceptible. A sufficient night’s rest is imperative so your body can make the proteins your body needs to fight invaders, heal and restore full function to any areas that may be weakened.

Daily Hygiene

Protecting your health is just as important as boosting your immunity. Seemingly little things like washing your hands with soap and water throughout the day, or avoiding close contact with those who may be ill play big roles in keeping you healthy. And if you do have to work in close quarters with others, wash your hands more frequently and wipe down keyboards or other workplace machinery you share with others.

Healthy Diet

There are no particular foods that are linked to boosting immunity, but we do know [studies show] that certain vitamins do help by supporting your immune system. Vitamin C, for example, is widely acknowledge as a potent antioxidant that may contribute to immune defense support. We do know that deficiencies are linked to an increased susceptibility immune compromise, so getting your daily dose is important. (2)

Avoid junk foods like the plague, for these can use up your storage of nutrients as your body attempts to digest these highly processed foods. This means your body is left depleted and more susceptible to illness or infections.

The best diet to support your immune system should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce provides an abundance of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals that help support your body and maintain a healthy immune system. We know that vitamins and minerals are catalysts that can help our bodies stay strong, but phytonutrients also help as they can aid in the creation of healthy cells to replace sick or damaged ones.

Exercise

Exercise aids in overall health by keeping your body weight in control and ensuring your muscles remain strong. But it also helps by increasing circulation and oxygen supply to the blood stream. This means your body is more able to carry out waste, that can weaken the body. At the same time, better circulation increases the ability to move oxygen and nutrients to all areas of your body, including the organs that are involved with a healthy immune system.

Stress Management

Stress is known to wreak havoc on the body in a number of ways, including curbing immunity. Using techniques like yoga or biofeedback can help get stress under control. Taking care of your body with healthy food, proper rest and exercise also help lower stress levels, so you remain stronger to tackle the daily battle of the germs.

Supplement Your Nutrition

As lifestyles have become increasingly busy, many people don’t find time to eat a healthy diet the way they’d like to. In this case, certain supplements might help fill the nutritional gap. Here are just some that might help.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is found naturally throughout the body. It can also be found in many foods such as oysters, crab, some poultry and red meats and certain dairy products. Some people have a difficult time getting enough zinc, including vegetarians, those with digestive issues and those who consume too much alcohol.

A deficiency of this mineral is known to slow growth in adolescents or can lead to hair loss or wound healing issues. At the same time, there are some studies that show it may reduce symptoms of the common cold if taken in an appropriate amount of time. For this reason, many home remedies include zinc supplementation.

Elderberry

Elderberries are a fruit from the Sambucus tree and have long been used by native people as a remedy for sickness. Believed to fight colds and flus, it has been used in juices and tinctures, along with other herbs or vitamins, and as a home remedy to support one’s health during times of stress.

Some small studies show that lozenges containing elderberry seemed to help improve the bodies responses to cellular attack. (3) Elderberries do contain nutrients like vitamins C, A and even potassium and folate and so contribute to overall health.

Supplements like elderberry contain natural substances called flavonoids. These substances play a role in reducing inflammation and the supporting the immune system. Some people believe they help with other types of immune attacks as well. Most companies boost this herb with zinc and vitamin C to provide all around protection and immune support. And supplementing with herbs and nutrients can fill in the nutrition gap for people on the go or those who have less than adequate diets.

Vitamin C

While easy to consume vitamin C through certain fruits, it is also easy to miss if you are too busy. At the same time, stress can deplete our nutrient preserve, so taking supplements may be a way to support our health during times of heightened immune distress.

For this reason, many people take a vitamin C supplement to ensure they get what they need. Some studies do show that having adequate levels of this vitamin can help optimize cell function and play a role in supporting the immune system. Along with helping you stay healthy, this vitamin can promote healthy skin and protect your cells from oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Boosting your immune system requires a holistic approach that anyone can easily incorporate into their lifestyles. Being proactive in your health can help you avoid the downtime and may even help you avoid the emergency room.

Daily practices like a healthy diet, proper rest, and exercise all work together to ensure you remain healthy and do your best to support your immune system. And when life gets stressed or too busy, using supplementation can provide extra support.

References

1 Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections. (2017, January 25). Retrieved January 21, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections/immune-system.html

2 Maggini S., Wintergerst E.S., Beveridge S., Hornig D.H. Selected vitamins and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. Br. J. Nutr. 2007;98:S29–S35. doi: 10.1017/S0007114507832971

3 Zakay-Rones, Z., et al. “Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections.” Journal of International Medical Research, Apr. 2004, pp. 132–140, doi:10.1177/147323000403200205.

Elderberry Vitamin C and Zinc ECZ Immune Support Drops

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Cindy Papp

Cindy Papp

Author

Body Cleanse and Detoxification Specialist with over 22 years experience; BSc in Holistic Nutrition, C.C.T. Colon Hydrotherapist, Cert. Holistic Health Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Energy Work, Reiki, Author, Holistic Health Researcher

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/ 

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Power Your Immune System with Elderberry, Zinc and Vitamin C

Elderberry Zinc and Vitamin C for immune wellness and immune support
Elderberry Zinc and Vitamin C for immune wellness and immune support

Power Your Immune System with Elderberry, Zinc and Vitamin C

Nutritional and herbal supplements have been used for centuries to ward off illness and boost the immune system. Elderberry is one such herb, as it contains a high amount vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide relief from seasonal challenges. Many believe this to be one of the most powerful plants available for relief at the first sign of immune system weakening. Zinc and vitamin C are popular supplements for overall immune benefits and when taken with elderberry, make a powerful combination for those looking to boost their natural immunity.

Our immune system transports white blood cells throughout the body where they work hard to protect us. The many macrophages, leukocytes and other immune cells destroy and ingest invaders that may lead to weakening of the immune system, if left unchecked. While many of us are aware that the immune system is responsible for fighting invaders, it does a lot more than that. A strong immune system can fight a number of foreign invaders that can wreak havoc on your health.

Unfortunately, our immune systems can become compromised for many reasons. For example, a busy lifestyle can interrupt sleep patterns or create excess stress, leaving you susceptible. While our lifestyles might limit us from taking care of ourselves to the fullest, there are some things that we can do to help strengthen immune function and take more control over our health. The immune benefits of elderberry, zinc and Vitamin C offer a strong, nutritional combination that can help us play a proactive role in our health.

Vitamin C is the most common go-to vitamin for immune building. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals that can damage DNA and skin, making C an effective healthy-aging nutrient. And it’s an essential part of our immune system.

With a weakened immune response or stress, Vitamin C in the blood plasma declines, which can lead to less than optimal immune response or the inability to heal properly. A busy lifestyle can create excess stress and sap energy, which also lowers immunity. But sometimes it’s not easy to consume the amount of fruits and vegetables to maintain healthy levels, especially during winter.

Fortunately, at least one study showed increased activity of natural killer cells when 14 young men supplemented with dietary Vitamin C for four weeks, while other research showed it can increase the body’s ability to clear waste from infections. (1) But Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient; meaning your body doesn’t store it. Therefore, consuming adequate amounts of this important nutrient can ensure your body has what it needs to enjoy healthy immune function, especially when taken with zinc. (2)

Zinc is a mineral found in meat, poultry and shellfish, and in many cells throughout the human body. It aids in immune recovery and helps us heal from injury. At the same time, zinc helps the immune system fight foreign invaders by activating T-cells that attack invaders and regulate immune response. (3)

On the other hand, zinc deficiency can lead to severe immune dysfunctions and have a negative effect on the function of T-cells. Clinically, zinc deficiency is characterized by loss of appetite, skin lesions and impaired immunity. If you lack zinc, you could have a higher risk, as it is crucial for healthy function of cells that regulate your immune system. (4)

So, who’s at risk for zinc deficiency? You might be surprised. Sources of zinc include beef, shellfish, certain types of cheese, poultry, and milk. This means vegetarians and vegans could be at a higher risk of deficiency. Digestive issues, intestinal problems and surgeries can all interfere with absorption of this nutrient, as well as over-consumption of alcohol.

Elderberry is a native American plant that has long been used during times of immune weakening. It is packed with amygdalin, or B17, that protects the body. Flavonoids are abundant in the berries, which makes them a powerful ally to protect the body. It is often paired with Vitamin C in traditional remedies.

Research with elderberry extract has shown it is effective, therefore it is believed that this herb has a positive impact on the immune system. Those who travel will be happy to hear that in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, airline passengers had positive benefits when given elderberry extract before and after traveling. Of those who experienced a weakening of the immune response, the group that took elderberry experienced less severe weakening and for a shorter duration. (5)

Elderberry, Zinc and Vitamin C make a powerful combination with immune benefits that can protect against a wide range of pathogens. The triple protection can pick up where stress or poor diets leave off, adding extra nutrition to help strengthen the body’s natural immunity. Along with protection from the foreign invaders, this combination can help safeguard your body and aid in healthy aging.

The evidence shows that each of these ingredients can strengthen your body with positive immune benefits. In today’s modern stressful and hectic environment, nutritional support is a principle part of any health regimen, and prevention. Added with a healthy diet and exercise, this supplement combination can power up your immune system during the winter season or any time you need support.

References:

1 Sharma, P.; Raghavan, S.A.; Saini, R.; Dikshit, M. Ascorbate-mediated enhancement of reactive oxygen species generation from polymorphonuclear leukocytes: Modulatory effect of nitric oxide. J. Leukoc. Biol. 2004, 75, 1070–1078.

2 Wintergerst, E. S., Maggini, S., & Hornig, D. H. (2005, December 21). Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Retrieved October 23, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373990.

3 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. (2009, July 31). Got Zinc? New Zinc Research Suggests Novel Therapeutic Targets. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 21, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730103740.htm

4 Prasad AS. Zinc in human health: effect of zinc on immune cells. Mol Med. 2008;14(5-6):353–357. doi:10.2119/2008-00033.Prasad

5 Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182. Published 2016 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/nu8040182

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Cindy Papp

Cindy Papp

Author

Body Cleanse and Detoxification Specialist with over 22 years experience; Bach.Science in Holistic Nutrition, C.C.T. Colon Hydrotherapist, Cert. Holistic Health Practitioner, Spiritual Guide, Energy Work, Reiki, Author, Holistic Health Researcher

For more information on Cindy visit https://www.springclean-cleanse.com/