Posted tagged ‘boost immune system’

Winter is Coming… Give Your Immune System a Boost!

November 9, 2010

Flavonoids are potent antioxidants that protect the body and fight silent inflammation – the leading cause of many chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia and others. Flavonoid-rich foods include vegetables, tea, red wine and dark chocolate.

There are more than 5,000 flavonoids, but one of the most powerful is Quercetin. It’s one of nature’s best immune boosters and antihistamines – and among the most abundant flavonoids found in food.

Quercetin fights free radicals that can damage cells. But what really makes quercetin unique is that it protects you in three ways. It’s contains antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory power. It stops your body from boosting histamine levels when you get sick, which can reduce symptoms like a stuffy nose, congestion and more.

One recent study by The American Journal of Physiology found that quercetin can protect against the flu for immune systems under stress. Another study put Quercetin’s healing powers to the test against the common cold, when University of Michigan researchers tested Quercetin on cells infected with the rhinovirus. Quercetin stopped the virus from replicating and prevented excess inflammation.

In a study to test the strength of Quercetin and vitamin C for fighting free radicals, Quercetin was a more effective antioxidant than vitamin C. So the next time you come down with a bug, treat it with 10 mg of quercetin daily.

The easiest way to get enough Quercetin is to eat dark, leafy, greens, or other dark-colored vegetables like red onions, scallions and kale. Even capers have Quercetin. But, what you may not know is that if you cook those veggies, they lose Quercetin. So it’s best to eat them washed and raw. A good way to remember which fruits have the most Quercetin is that they have it in the skin. That means blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, and, of course, apples.

You can also try supplementing. American Nutrition carries a variety of dosages of Quercetin – along with several other rare and naturalimmune-boosting herbs and nutrients.


EpiCor Plus Immunity Supplement – NEW! from NOW Foods

September 14, 2010
  • Healthy Immune Support
  • Supports Balanced Immune Response
  • Supports Healthy Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity*
  • Vitamin C, Vitamin D-3, Zinc, Selenium & Olive Leaf Extract

Maintaining healthy immune system function and optimal wellness is a difficult task, especially for those who live life on the go.

EpiCor® is an innovative ingredient that is derived through a proprietary process from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a common single cell microorganism. EpiCor® has been shown in scientific studies to support the body’s ability to initiate the proper immune response at the appropriate time, thereby helping to maintain a healthy immune system and balanced inflammatory response.

NOW® EpiCor® Plus Immunity contains Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin D-3 and Vitamin C, which synergize with the free radical quenching properties of EpiCor®, as well as its ability to support healthy immune system response. So whether you are always on the go or just taking it easy, EpiCor® Plus Immunity is the ideal supplement to help you keep your body in balance.*

Click Here for More Information on EpiCor Plus Immunity Supplement.

*These statements have not been evaluated byt he FDA.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Cold & Flu Season is Here, Time to Boost Your Immune System!

September 14, 2010

Your defense against the flu is only as strong as the state of your immune system. Get all the flu shots you like; but if your immune system isn’t prepared, you’ll still be vulnerable to the flu.

Take every step necessary to strengthen your immune system. Try a natural immune system booster to help you stay well, they can also help you bounce back when you’re laid low.

During this season that puts us in contact with so many people while socializing or shopping, it’s inevitable that many people are going to come down with the flu or another virus that causes colds and digestive “bugs” which are easily passed around.

There are three natural agents: Vitamin C, Grapefruit Seed Extract, and Olive Leaf Extract that might also help provide protection against colds and the flu or be useful as treatments once the virus has set in. At the fist sign of muscle aches, sore throat, coughing or any other symptoms of flu (or cold, or other infections), you should take a large dose of vitamin C 2,500-3,000mg, and then follow that with 1,000 mg (one gram) every hour until symptoms recede.

Sometimes the vitamin C alone will do the trick, but when more is needed, Olive Leaf Extract and Grapefruit Seed Extract may be added. Olive Leaf Extract is simple to work with, as its concentration is not a problem. 500-1000 milligrams every few hours, with or without the Vitamin C, depending on the situation.

Normally, for straight oral use, the Vitamin C and Olive Leaf Extract are a great pair by themselves (the Olive Leaf Extract lowers the needed amount of vitamin C, which can get into very high amounts for a serious flu attack). As for Grapefruit Seed Extract, the full-strength liquid is very bitter and must be diluted. It comes in different forms available, such as throat spray, ear drops, topical, etc. Extensive research has been conducted on the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of this amazing effects of Grapefruit Seed Extract.

There are also other natural remedies to help increase your immunity and help you fight off colds and the flu. Proteolytic Enzymes may also help with the flu. Adding some acidophilus culture (also called probiotics) to the mix, during and for a few days after the use of Olive Leaf Extract.

Olive Leaf Extract is such a good antibacterial that it can also kill the “good guy” bacteria that we need in our gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. A capsule or so of acidophilus (probiotics) before meals should be adequate insurance for keeping these beneficial organisms established.

With all the rush and deadline pressure that comes with the holidays, we often forget to take the time to maintain optimum immune system health. Please follow the few simple items below to ensure you at your healthiest this Holiday Season:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat nutritious foods (preferably fresh, whole foods)
  • Manage stress levels
  • Get the right amount of sleep

Click here for more natural immune system booster information.