OPTIMIZING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 6 - OCTOBER 2020

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Now that fall is here, and the weather is cooler, it's that time of year, especially in these unusual times, when we need to return our focus to optimizing our immune system. In our April 2020 newsletter, we discussed several activities we can undertake to optimize our immune system, such as washing our hands, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting adequate good quality sleep, and managing stress levels. This month, I'm focusing on some of the supplements we offer that can help you optimize your immune system.

There are a number of supplements that would help you to maximize your immune system. You can find information about these products and purchase them in our online store.

Vitamin D3

You may be aware that vitamin D3 is important for bone health, but it has several other beneficial functions. Research shows that it plays a significant role in immune function. And a deficiency in vitamin D3 has been shown to increase your susceptibility to influenza and other viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Clearly, this is relevant to the current pandemic. There are preliminary indications that vitamin D3 reduces the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and lowers the risk of severe COVID-19.

Vitamin D3 supplementation is especially important in the wintertime when the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency rises due to a lack of sunlight exposure. Did you know 42% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient? And Canadians probably have similar levels of low vitamin D3, if not greater since we're farther north. Low levels of vitamin D can increase your risk of:

  • Impaired immunity

  • Slow wound healing

  • Fatigue

  • Depression

  • Bone loss

  • Muscle pain

Vitamin C

No doubt you know that vitamin C is recommended to maintain good health, especially if you feel like you're catching a cold or flu. Vitamin C is a proven antioxidant that has many essential functions in the body, including supporting the immune system.

Zinc

Zinc lozenges are a well-known remedy for symptoms of the common cold, but zinc is also vital for a healthy immune system, among other things. It is extremely important for overall good health. Zinc can be obtained from several foods, including beans, meat, nuts, fish and other seafood, whole grain cereals and dairy products. A supplement can also be taken.

We have an additional supplement containing zinc, available only from our office, called ACES plus Zinc. It contains vitamins A, C, E and selenium (plus zinc). These are all antioxidants and it is a great immune system optimizer.

Colostrum

Colostrum is highly concentrated in the first feeding of a nursing mother in mammals and essential to the health of newborn humans and animals. When colostrum is consumed as a supplement, the source is bovine colostrum. Benefits of colostrum:

  • Colostrum is critical to the development of the immune system.

  • It not only protects against infections but it may also help protect against allergies and asthma.

  • It reduces inflammation.

  • Colostrum is antimicrobial. Supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections in both children and adults. Its antimicrobial properties have also been shown to impact the health of the gut lining. Since 70 percent of the immune system is in the gut, this is a benefit to the immune system.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract contains a particular polyphenol called oleuropein, which is responsible for its antioxidant properties and beneficial effects on the immune system. Olive leaf extract is also anti-inflammatory and is known for benefiting cardiovascular health, as well as many other aspects of health.

Probiotic Eleven

It may not seem obvious that probiotics would help your immune system, but, as mentioned above, we now know that 70% of the immune system is in the gut. Probiotics help deal with imbalances in the gut microbiome (the community of microbes or microorganisms living in the gut), which helps improve immune function. Nature's Sunshine also sells Acidophilus - Bifidobacterium and Bifidophilus Flora Force.

Zambroza

  • A source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health.

  • A flavourful blend of 14 exotic fruit and extracts.


How It Works: Nature's Sunshine Zambroza is a combination of 14 of the most recognized healthful fruits and extracts gathered from around the world. Zambroza's ingredients are rich in bioflavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidants. Among Zambroza's key ingredients is mangosteen, a fruit found in eastern tropical countries, such as Thailand. Mangosteen fruit and its pericarp (peel) contain the greatest known supply of highly-researched, polyphenolic compounds called xanthones. Other ingredients of note are açai berry, pomegranate, blueberry, and wolfberry (goji berry).

Turmeric Curcumin

Curcumin, the main active ingredient in the spice, turmeric, has been shown to optimize immunity by reducing inflammation. Clinical trials indicate that it may help with a number of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex is recommended because it can help to reduce your stress levels and improve your mood. As I'm sure you're aware, high-stress levels have an adverse effect on the immune system.

This list of supplements may seem overwhelming, and you may not want to take that many supplements! While they are all important, I would suggest that the highest priority would be vitamin D3, vitamin C and zinc.

I would be happy to advise you on the other supplements, depending on your personal situation. Please call 613.829.0427 if you would like to book an appointment.

References:

  1. Livingston M. Vitamin D is crucial for immune health -- make sure you're getting enough. https://www.cnet.com/health/the-surprising-role-vitamin-d-plays-in-your-immune-health/ April 9, 2020. Accessed September 29, 2020.

  2. Mercola J. Vitamin D cuts SARS-CoV-2 infection rate by half. https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2020/09/28/coronavirus-infection-rate-vitamin-d.aspx?cid_source=dnl&cid_medium=email&cid_content=art1HL&cid=20200928Z1&mid=DM667062&rid=975102910 September 28, 2020. Accessed September 28, 2020.

  3. Doheny K. More vitamin D, lower risk of severe COVID-19? https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200518/more-vitamin-d-lower-risk-of-severe-covid-19 May 18, 2020. Accessed September 28, 2020.

  4. Group E. How vitamin C boosts the immune system. https://globalhealing.com/natural-health/how-vitamin-c-boosts-immune-system/ March 30, 2020. Accessed October 5, 2020.

  5. What are the health benefits of zinc? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263176 Accessed September 28, 2020.

  6. Jockers D. 6 immune benefits of colostrum. https://drjockers.com/6-immune-benefits-colostrum/ Accessed September 29, 2020.

  7. Decker C. The immune and gastrointestinal benefits of colostrum. https://todayspractitioner.com/immunity/the-immune-and-gastrointestinal-benefits-of-colostrum/#.X3OogO17nIU September 5, 2020. Accessed September 29, 2020.

  8. Melcher G. 15 benefits of olive leaf extract. https://healyourbodyholistically.com/health-benefits-of-olive-leaf-extract/ February 10, 2020. Accessed October 1, 2020.

  9. The Dr. Perlmutter Team. Benefits of probiotics for your mood, gut, and immune system. https://www.drperlmutter.com/benefits-of-probiotics-for-your-mood-gut-and-immune-system/ March 21, 2019. Accessed October 1, 2020.

  10. Gleb. Curcumin for immunity. https://supplementsinreview.com/immune/curcumin-immune/ February 14, 2017. Accessed October 2, 2020.

  11. Health benefits of taking B-Complex vitamins. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b-complex#benefits Accessed October 2, 2020.