Are you suffering from the winter blues?
Natural Factors Quercetin LipoMicel Matrix is an Incredibly effective and unique antioxidant that boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation. It contains an enhanced source of quercetin used in herbal medicine to protect blood vessels and against oxidative stress. It has ten times higher absorption than regular quercetin.The Immune system comprises specialized cells, tissues, lymphatic organs and chemical messengers that work together to help you fight off perceived foreign invaders. Foreign invaders are best described as germs, bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The foreign invaders' job is to break into the immune system and take control for their survival. The immune system's role is to seek them out and destroy them before they settle in.
Your immune system is impressive and can recognize if a particular virus has tried to attack before. It can search through its database of information and produce the necessary antibodies against the virus or invader. If the invader or virus is new to your body, it can take up to fourteen days for your body to seek out the invader and create a new antibody to help get rid of it.
Your immune system is so amazingly complex that it can remember and recognize millions of enemies and produce the secretions, chemical messages, and cells required to fend off the attack. It stockpiles several different cells (lymphocytes, plasma cells, phagocytes, killer cells, T cells, etc.) with different functions. Some are trained to attack, others to eliminate, and others to rebuild. It is no coincidence that most colds and flu take up to 14 days to rid themselves!
Your immune response is influenced by your inherited genes (good or bad); it is also sparked by immunization. Your immune system can weaken due to malnutrition, autoimmune disorders, cancer, medical treatments and medications.
Chronic inflammation can cause an immune response and weaken your body's ability to fight infection. Therefore, inflammatory conditions put an extra strain on a person's immune response. Blood disorders, bowel disorders, poor digestive health and chronic stress can also contribute to a weakened immune response.
The health of the immune system also depends on a person's age. As we age, there is a natural reduction in T cells responsible for fighting infection. Did you know that even chronic stress and insomnia cause a strain on your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable?
Why Strengthen Your Immune System?
A healthy immune system plays a role in the first line of defence by creating a barrier that stops invaders or antigens from entering the body. Should a virus or invader slip by, a healthy immune system will respond quickly to increase white blood cells and other proteins and chemicals that attack the foreign substance. It will also work to find the suitable antigen or produce the right antigen before the invader can reproduce.
Supplements are an excellent way to support your immune system, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle choices such as moderate exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress.
Popular Immune Supplements
Vitamin C has remained a popular supplement because evidence supports its use to neutralize free radicals and foreign invaders before they can cause too much damage. It effectively reduces the time it takes for the immune system to find a solution to the problem and can reduce the time and severity of a cold or flu. Natural Factors BioC Gel is an excellent choice for Vitamin C because it contains a high-absorption, pH-neutral calcium ascorbate that is easy on the stomach and is enhanced with citrus bioflavonoids. This preferred form of vitamin C is enhanced with citrus bioflavonoids and the proprietary whole fruit blend BerryRich®, to provide the exceptional protection of natural fruit antioxidants.
Zinc supplements such as Natural Factors Zinc Bisglycinate are more absorbable options that support the immune system in two ways. Zinc is required to develop a specialized immune cell type, prompting critical immune cells to regenerate after damage. Natural Factors Zinc Lozenges combine the essential nutrients zinc and vitamin C, along with a full-spectrum organic echinacea extract and black elderberry extract, to help maintain immune function and soothe irritated upper airway membranes. The delicious, naturally flavoured honey blossom and cherry lozenges dissolve in the mouth to relieve cold and flu symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and mucous congestion.
Vitamin D3 comes in 1000iu and now 2500 for extra immune support. Medical experts agree if you are deficient in Vitamin D, you could be more susceptible to infection. Adequate levels of vitamin helps ward off viruses that cause upper respiratory illness, especially in the winter.
Consuming garlic has been a traditional remedy for many years for good reason. The naturally occurring sulphur in garlic helps your body absorb the trace element “zinc,” and it helps to boost those specialized immune-boosting T cells.
Medicinal mushroom blends such as Whole Earth & Sea Super Mushroom have significant immune-modulating benefits. They can help bolster and maintain the structure of your cells as well as provide antibacterial, immune-enhancing agents.
Oregano Oil is clinically proven to be effective against bacterial and viral infections, parasites, and superbugs. It provides potent antibacterial activity and is effective against multidrug- antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. It may even stop bacteria from reproducing and is suggested for bacterial infections. It offers potent antioxidant protection and immune system support and is used to help relieve various respiratory conditions and seasonal allergies.
Bee Propolis is rich in nutrients to feed the body. Its rich flavonoid profile provides antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and immunity-supporting actions.
Horseradish is more than a condiment. In a supplement form such as WHOLE EARTH & SEA, Horseradish Respiratory Relief can help stimulate white blood cell activity. Horseradish relief combines respiratory relief of horseradish with garlic, vitamin C, Echinamide( echinacea) and other unique ingredients to support the recovery of upper respiratory tract infections. It can help clear congestion and mucus production.
Echinacea has been clinically proven to increase the number of white blood cells that attack foreign invaders. Natural Factors ECHINAMIDE® Antiviral harnesses the power of nature to help you fight viruses. A proprietary blend of clinically proven ECHINAMIDE with well-researched antiviral herbs, this formula helps relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flu up to three times faster. It also effectively relieves sore, irritated throats and fights off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract.
Black Elderberry produces an anti-inflammatory response and may help with pathogens that have affected the upper respiratory system, reducing their effect and symptoms. Elderberry may also reduce the virus entry rate into a cell and, upon infection, reduce the viral transmission to other cells. Natural Factors Black Elderberry features ElderCraft® , hand-harvested in Austria and extracted using a unique solvent-free process.
Cold and flu power supplements such as Herbal Factors Lung, Bronchial & Sinus Health combine a number of unique herbs, minerals and amino acids such as NAC that work synergistically to support all parts of the respiratory system. It provides relief for sinus discomfort, respiratory congestion and cough. It can also help break down and expel mucus and relieve symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Natural Factors Super Immune formula is another immune-supportive supplement that combines seven essential nutrients to help maintain immune system function, connective tissue formation, and healthy mucous membranes. It features critical immune-enhancing co-factors such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium and Omega 3 that work harmoniously to promote immune health.
Information in this article is not meant to treat or diagnose. It is for information purposes only. Please contact your healthcare provider before taking supplements if you have a medical condition or are taking prescribed medications. Some supplements mentioned in this article may interfere with medications..
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