| Facts About Supporting Your Immune System
Every day of our lives, our bodies are bombarded with multiple assaults from many different sources; in fact, in the last century alone, our exposure to toxins has gone up thousands of times. Only an incredibly strong immune system - the body's final line of defense against all forms of illness - can successfully handle the byproducts of each one of these toxic substances.
By combining a variety of factors and supporting the immune system from various angles, we can safely stimulate the immune system, while feeding and nourishing it at the same time. Through this multi-faceted approach, we not only increase immune response but ensure that the system remains balanced, healthy and ready for the next job that comes along.
Specific nutrients to support the immune system include:
- Vitamin C is a natural anti-pathogen and can destroy virus and bacteria on contact.
- Zinc deficiency is directly associated with impaired humoral and cellular immune response, including T Cell response and thymic hormone activity.
- Colostrum contains antibodies, immunoglobulins and other immune enhancers, which protect against attack from viruses, bacteria, allergens and other environmental toxins.
- Beta-1, 3-D glucan activates and readies macrophages for their critical function of consuming both foreign and waster matter within the body. Beta-1, 3-D glucan's other benefits include antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, protection against radiation, helping to heal ulcers, and it is one of the most powerful transfer factors presently known.
- Certain mushrooms have been used for centuries to enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms and for their ability to ward off disease. In a recent breakthrough, it has been shown that when these mushrooms are grown together on rice bran, their immuno-properties are magnified many times. Clinical studies show that this compound exercises antimicrobial activity against e. coli, staphlococcus, candida, streptococcus, and numerous other strains.
- Echinacea has historically been used in the treatment and prevention of infections and has a broad spectrum of effects upon the immune system.
- Astragalus is the cardinal herb used in Chinese medicine to tone and feed the immune system, with emphasis upon the lungs. It is also routinely used for spleen deficiency and edema.
- Pau D'Arco is known for its powerful antibiotic, antiviral killing properties.
When taken along with full spectrum nutrition, these targeted nutrients can support and nurture our bodies' immune system on many levels.
Excerpt from "Your Internal Department of Defense" by Dr. Steven Whiting, Director, Institute of
Nutritional Science
Reproduced with permission. |