Our immune system is essential for our survival. Without an immune system, our bodies would be open to attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. It is our immune system that keeps us healthy as we drift through a sea of pathogens. This vast network of cells and tissues is constantly on the lookout for invaders, and once an enemy is spotted, a complex attack is mounted.
The immune system is spread throughout the body and involves many types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues. Crucially, it can distinguish our tissue from foreign tissue — self from non-self. Dead and faulty cells are also recognized and cleared away by the immune system.
If the immune system encounters a pathogen, for instance, a bacterium, virus, or parasite, it mounts a so-called immune response.
There are many factors that can challenge a healthy immune system including, stress, exposure to toxic compounds, allergies, bacteria, viruses, irregular sleeping patterns and a poor diet. The immune system is very complicated and is comprised of many highly specialized immune cells, each of which play various roles in maintaining and regulating normal, healthy immune function. †
Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle.
According to Harvard School of Medicine(ie: Harvard Health Publishing), some healthy ways to strengthen your immune system include following general good-health guidelines. This is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:
- Don't smoke.
- Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation (best to cut it out).
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
- Try to minimize stress.
According to Harvard School of Medicine (ie: Harvard Health Publishing), There appears to be a connection between nutrition and immunity in the elderly. A form of malnutrition that is surprisingly common even in affluent countries is known as "micronutrient malnutrition." Micronutrient malnutrition, in which a person is deficient in some essential vitamins and trace minerals that are obtained from or supplemented by diet, can happen in the elderly. Older people tend to eat less and often have less variety in their diets. There is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies — for example, deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E — alter immune responses in animals, as measured in the test tube. However, the impact of these immune system changes on the health of animals is less clear, and the effect of similar deficiencies on the human immune response has yet to be assessed. So, what can you do? If you suspect your diet is not providing you with all your micronutrient needs — maybe, for instance, you don't like vegetables — taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement may bring other health benefits, beyond any possibly beneficial effects on the immune system.
Dr. Kenawy’s Immune Support formula is a comprehensive formula which provides essential vitamins and minerals for general nutritional support, and a generous supply of specialty agents specifically implicated in immune wellness. The synergistic combination of ingredients in Immune Support helps provide an ideal environment for optimal immune function.†
Features:
- Provides European standardized herbs, which are the most clinically studied botanicals on the market today.
- Featuring European standardized echinacea and astragalus extract.
- Standardized European echinacea extract has been clinically studied since the early 20th century.
- Premium mushroom extracts not found in other immune formulas including, Maitake Mushroom (TD fraction), Shitake and Reishi Mushroom.
- L-OptiZinc® is the most clinically studied form of zinc available and is the only patented form of methionine-bound zinc.
- Vitamins A, C, B-6, Folic Acid, B-12 and Pantothenic Acid.
†Benefits:
- Echinacea helps “activate” the immune system and stimulate certain immune cells that are critical to maintaining overall health.†
- Echinacea helps keep the respiratory system healthy when challenged, particularly during winter months.†
- Maitake, shiitake and reishi mushrooms all contain polysaccharide compounds that effectively stimulate important immune cells.†
- L-OptiZinc® a patented form of the essential trace mineral required for proper growth and function of many types of immune cells. It is also critical to the health of the thymus gland; location where immune cells known as T-cells are made.†
- Quercetin is a strong antioxidant and helps provide support for healthy levels of histamine; a chemical involved in cold and allergy-related symptoms.†
- Goldenseal contains the immunostimulatory compound berberine and garlic’s sulfur-containing compounds both provide added immune support.†
- Ligustrum is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in supporting a healthy immune system.†
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.