Immune Health
The immune system has two parts: the innate and the adaptive systems.
The innate system provides first-line defense. It acts as a bio-shield against pathogens. For example, if a pathogen—a virus, bacteria, mold, or fungus—enters the nose or mouth, it will meet substances that may neutralize it on the spot.
If enough of the pathogen gets past the barriers of the nose and throat and settles in the lungs, it will meet more neutralizing substances in the mucous membranes there. But if the dose is large or the mucous membranes aren’t functioning at full capacity, the adaptive immune system may be activated.
A similar process occurs for pathogens that enter via the esophagus and stomach. On the adaptive side, T-cells get the ball rolling. While attacking pathogens themselves, they simultaneously send the word out to B-cells to make antibodies.
Antibodies are customized to attach to
the specific pathogen, preventing it from infecting body cells. Other immune cells—phagocytes–are attracted to the antibody-antigen complex. They come in to scavenge the neutralized pathogens.
After the body has beaten the infection, antibodies hang around in the bloodstream for a while just in case. But they wane. That’s not a problem because T-cells and B-cells retain the memory of the pathogen they fought off. In fact, their memory is so good that they can recognize something that’s close but not exactly the same as the defeated pathogen—like a variant.
T-cell and B-cell memories last for decades.
People who survived the 1918 influenza epidemic showed B-cell memory 90 years later.
Research shows that it’s possible to prime your immune system to be better equipped to respond to unfamiliar pathogens. Certain vitamins, minerals, herbs, and probiotics have properties that can enhance the functions of the innate and adaptive immune systems.
our favorite immune enhancers
AHCC:
Mushrooms have amazing immune-boosting powers that come from polysaccharides known as alpha glucan. AHCC combines a bioavailable form alpha glucan with other micronutrients. Laboratory studies and human clinical trials have shown that AHCC enhances various immune responses by promoting the production and activity of cytokines, white blood cells, T cells, and dendritic cells.
Biocidin Throat Spray:
Your nose and throat can provide an entrance for pathogens, but they also protect your respiratory health. It makes sense to deliver support right where it’s needed with this potent antimicrobial spray that’s brimming with 18 herbs known for their preventive and antiviral properties. Bilberry, noni, Echinacea, goldenseal, garlic, grape seed, oregano oil, and more all team up in this broad-spectrum health-promoting formula.
Immune Support:
East and West unite in this potent blend of mushrooms, vitamins, and trace elements valued for their benefits to the immune system. Immune Support contains a variety of mushroom extracts that have been used in traditional Eastern medicine. Modern clinical evidence verifies the role beta-glucans, polysaccharides derived from mushrooms, play in immunity, such as enhancing natural killer cells. In the West, vitamins D, C, zinc, and selenium have been shown to enhance immunity in various ways.
Immune Resilience: Immunity, stress response, and respiratory health are interrelated, and this formula is designed to support them all. Anti-inflammatories like quercetin and green tea extract aid your body’s stress response. According to research, elderberry extract, resveratrol, and luteolin enhance immune cell responses, which make them valuable for respiratory health. Andrographis paniculata and Houttuynia cordata are herbal extracts that boost immunity by supporting T-cell activity.
Immunity Pro:
Physical and lifestyle stressors can lower your immunity. This formula gives your immune system extra support from a bioactive form of beta-glucans from baker’s yeast. It also contains a special type of fiber that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, which are important for immune functions.
Zinc Lozenges:
Research supports the effectiveness of sucking on a zinc lozenge when you feel the first tickle or sniffle that signals a respiratory illness. Many people have found that taking zinc early on can prevent a nascent cold from ever developing, so zinc lozenges are an important aid for respiratory health.
