Elevate Your Immunity

The Immune System

Your immune system is essential for your protection and survival. Imagine not being able to defend yourself against bacteria, viruses, and parasites! 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 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 various 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!

Why do our immune systems fail

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 defense by creating a barrier that stops invaders 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 nutritious diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress.

The Most Dynamic 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. Suitable For:

  • Anyone who wants to strengthen their immune system
  • People suffering from recurring colds and flu
  • Anyone wishing to promote healthy aging and manage high stress levels

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. Suitable For:

  • Individuals with blood vessel disorders and other cardiovascular risk factors
  • Individuals who are concerned about antioxidant support

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. Suitable For:

  • People with low immunity caused by zinc insufficiency
  • Vegetarians, older adults, and anyone who may have limited absorption of dietary zinc
  • Adults who want to nourish their skin, bones, and other connective tissues

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. Suitable For:

  • Anyone experiencing congestion due to a cold or flu virus
  • Individuals seeking quick relief from sore throat and cough
  • Adults who suffer from frequent viral infections
  • Anyone looking for additional antioxidant support

Vitamin D3 comes in 1000iu and now 2500 for extra immune support. Medical experts agree that if you are deficient in vitamin D, you could be more susceptible to infection. Adequate levels of vitamins help ward off viruses that cause upper respiratory illness, especially in the winter. Suitable For:

  • Individuals who have been identified as vitamin-D deficient
  • Anyone who is not receiving sufficient sun exposure, such as during the winter months
  • Individuals looking to support immune health
  • Individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis

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. Garlic has traditionally been used in herbal medicine to help relieve symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections and conditions related to inflamed mucous membranes such as nasal congestion. Suitable For:

  • People who have elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, or who want to maintain their cardiovascular health
  • Anyone with a respiratory infection, particularly if there is excessive mucous production
  • Individuals whose immune systems are compromised

Medicinal mushroom blends such as  Whole Earth & Sea Super Mushroom have significant immune-modulating benefits.

Mushrooms include naturally occurring antioxidants (substances that protect your cells from free radicals), along with beta-glucan polysaccharides. Beta-glucans are “biological response modifiers” that improve your body’s response to infection. Suitable For:

  • Anyone looking to strengthen their immune system
  • Individuals who want to increase energy and physical stamina
  • Anyone seeking adrenal support to help with mental or physical stress

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. Suitable For:

  • Adults looking for a comprehensive immune-support supplement
  • Anyone with an increased risk of exposure to infectious agents
  • People who regularly consume food and beverages with low nutritional value
  • Adults who are under stress

Cold & Immune Fighting Powerhouse Supplements

Inevitably, there will be times when pesty viruses find their way through our body's natural defense systems. Fortunately, nature has given us many of the tools we need to amp up the immune system during times of attack or underlying illness that leave you more vulnerable to illness. Immune fighting supplements can help bolster and maintain the structure of your cells as well as provide antibacterial, immune-enhancing agents.

Natural Factors 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.  Suitable For:

  • Anyone with a bacterial, fungal, yeast, or parasitic infection
  • Individuals interested in reducing free radical damage
  • Adults who want a natural antiseptic for their mouth or throat

Bee Propolis is rich in nutrients to feed the body. Its rich flavonoid profile provides antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and immunity-supporting actions. Used in traditional herbal medicine to help relieve sore throats, minor inflammations, and sores of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Natural Factors Bee Propolis is available in capsules or convenient spray. Suitable For:

  • Adults looking to support healthy immune function
  • Anyone who suffers from frequent colds, flus, or other upper respiratory tract infections
  • Adults looking for targeted relief for sore throats or mouth infections

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. Suitable For:

  • Individuals experiencing cold, cough, flu, or bronchitis symptoms
  • Anyone dealing with sinusitis
  • People who are looking for a natural antibacterial effect
  • Adults who would like additional antioxidant support

Echinacea has been clinically proven to increase the number of white blood cells that attack foreign invaders Natural Factors Echinamide Natural Factors ECHINAMIDE Fresh Herb Tincture us is used in traditional medicine to help fight infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract. I may also help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of infections.   It can be used year round or at the first sign of a cold or flu. It is available in Softgels, alcohol based and alcohol free and a specialized formula for Children! Suitable For:

  • People who want immune support
  • Individuals who need support for infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract
  • People looking for symptom relief and reduced duration of upper respiratory tract infections

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.  It is available in softgels and liquid.  Suitable For:

  • Adults looking for immune support during the cold and flu season
  • Individuals who need support for infections and who want to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections

Natural Factors ECHINAMIDE Cough & Cold Syrup is an excellent solution to help relief sore throats and cough due to colds. It  can help relieve strained throats and vocal cords and break down excess phlegm. Suitable For:

  • Adults looking for relief of throat, sinus, and bronchial irritation due to colds
  • Adults looking to support strained throat and voice due to overuse

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 lessen 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. Now available in gummies for children and adults Suitable For:

  • Anyone looking for a natural way to support immune function and respiratory health.
  • Adults and children over ten years of age who frequently suffer from cold and flu-like illness
  • Frequent flyers looking to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu-like illness

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.  Suitable For:

  • Anyone with bronchial congestion and sinus problems
  • People who work in dusty, smoky, or toxic environments
  • Individuals with occasional hay fever or other respiratory irritation
  • Anyone with respiratory diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, bronchiolitis,    respiratory distress syndrome, and sleep apnea

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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