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Bolstering Your Immune System Naturally
By Jen Morganti, ND, NEEDS Director of Education As the dreaded flu season descends on us, you may be feeling a lot of pressure to get a flu vaccination. Television commercials, internet articles, and maybe even family and coworkers tell you it's the only way to stay healthy. Vaccines are presented as a cheap and easy way to stay healthy. You don't even need to go to your doctor to get one— they're available right at the corner drugstore, for your convenience. You know better though. You remember that just this past flu season, the flu vaccination had a dismal 23% success rate in all ages, with even lower effectiveness for seniors. If you're looking for better odds when it comes to your health, a healthier bet is to boost your immune system naturally and give your body a fighting chance. A strong immune system will not only keep the flu away, but also will enhance your overall health and longevity. The purpose of the immune system is to identify and eliminate foreign, "non-self" materials that contact or enter the body and cause illness. These foreign materials include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Not surprisingly, components of the immune system are also capable of identifying and destroying abnormal cells. A diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and sources of protein is the foundation for a healthy immune system. Getting quality sleep every night and incorporating moderate exercise in your daily routine are also required for peak immune function. Roadblocks include obesity and stress, which hinder some immune cell functions. Nutrients and herbs can add that extra boost your immune system needs during the challenging winter months. Here are a few suggestions to help you breeze through this season! Vitamin D There's an abundance of research on vitamin D showing that it's helpful for bone strength, immune function, and a slew of other benefits. One of the many published studies looked at its role in flu prevention. The focus of this 2007 study was actually to evaluate vitamin D's role in bone strength, but they also happened to track incidence of colds and flu in the participants. For the first two years of the study, participants were given either 400 IU vitamin D3/day or placebo. For the third and final year, vitamin D dosage was increased to 2,000 IU/day. At the end of the study period, 34 out of 208 participants (total) reported cold or flu symptoms; only eight were from the vitamin D group and the remaining 26 were taking the placebo. In those taking placebo, colds and flu were clustered in the winter months, while those taking vitamin D had less infections, which were scattered throughout the year. And when they took 2,000 IU of vitamin D, only one person reported having a cold or flu. Thorne's Arabinex Thorne's Arabinex (Larch arabinogalactan) is a polysaccharide powder derived from the wood of the Larch pine tree (Larix species) and comprised of approximately 98 percent arabinogalactan. Arabinogalactans are found in a variety of plants, but are more abundant in the Larch pine tree. Larch arabinogalactan is a safe and effective immune-stimulating phytochemical which has been shown to stimulate natural killer cell activity. It is also FDA-approved for use as a dietary fiber and may aid the intestinal immune system. Because of its excellent safety profile and solubility in water and juice, larch arabinogalactan is considered a safe, effective immune-supporting agent for pediatric use. The typical adult dosage is one to three tablespoons per day in divided doses; the pediatric dose is one to three teaspoons per day. The powder is usually mixed with water or juice, but can be added to food if desired. Oregano Oregano contains the active chemical rosmarinic acid, which is a potent antioxidant with immune benefits. It also contains phytochemicals that are antimicrobial and antiviral, which can help prevent respiratory problems related to the flu. You can use oregano in your cooking, and you can get a super dose in supplement form. OregaMax, a wild oregano formula, supports natural mineral intake and more. This wild oregano grows directly on rock in the Mediterranean mountains, making it rich in natural trace minerals. Unlike commercial oregano, OregaMax is undiluted. This is the crude herb of wild, high-mountain oregano in combination with Rhus Coriaria, organic garlic powder, and organic onion powder. It is the most potent wild oregano whole herb available. Immucore Immucore, from Metagenics, provides acute immune support for occasional use (as needed). It offers a threepronged approach to wellness with Ultra Potent-C® combined with zinc and a concentrated blend of mushroom extracts. Ultra Potent-C has been shown to have 18 to 25% higher uptake in white blood cells (immune cells) than plain vitamin C. Immucore is designed to provide a multiple mechanistic approach to support immune system health through enhancing functions of macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-cell subsets. It contains herbs and phytonutrients, providing specialized support when the body is run down. Mushroom extracts nourish an immune system under stress, while andrographis provides immune and respiratory support properties. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers first-response immune system support and safer nasal and sinus health support. |
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