Winter is Coming… Give Your Immune System a Boost!

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.

Supplements for Seniors

Anti-aging and alternative health products are extremely popular among senior citizens. One in ten seniors uses a dietary supplement on a daily basis. Seniors can improve their health and benefit from natural medicine including vitamins; minerals; herbs, botanicals, other plant-derived substances; amino acids and metabolites.

American Nutrition® has several supplements made specifically for seniors. These natural formulas can help improve the senior mind and body while promoting daily wellness.

These are some of the most common supplements for seniors on the market today:

Ginkgo Biloba ~ Ginkgo Biloba helps to reduce the tendency for dangerous clots or thromboses to form in the veins and arteries, aiding in recovery from heart attacks. It is also a valuable brain enhancing herb as it increases blood flow to the brain and aids in the recovery and prevention of strokes.

St. John’s wort ~ St. John’s Wort is widely known as a herbal treatment for depression.

Glucosamine ~ Glucosamine also called Chitosamine, is a natural substance found in the covering of shellfish. It is used to help relieve pain of osteoarthritis and improve joint mobility. Combined with Chondroitin, it can also improve flexability of joints and cartilage function.

Chondroitin ~ Chondroitin strengthens cartilage and improves flexability of joints.

Melatonin ~ Melatonin is produced naturally in our bodies, and is considered nature’s miracle sleep aid. Melatonin provides wonderful sleep without harmful side effects or addiction from synthetic drugs.  As we age, the ability to synthesize melatonin decreases, allowing sleep patterns to change. Melatonin also relieves anxiety, improves mood, and increases daytime energy.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) ~ DHEA also called the Mother Hormone, is produced by the adrenal glands in the adrenal cortex, testes and ovaries. It is the most abundant steroid in the bloodstream and is present at even higher levels in brain tissue. DHEA is a metabolic intermediate in the pathway for the synthesis of testosterone and estrogen. Kidney functions may be favorably influenced by daily intake of DHEA. DHEA Supplementation may help to prevent a negative nitrogen balance and the loss of lean body mass frequently associated with the aging process.

Recommended Daily Value of Dietary Intakes for Adults 50+

 Vitamin A – 900 units (men)
                    700 units (women)

Vitamin B1 – 1.2 mg per day (men)
                      1.1 mg per day (women)

Vitamin B2 – 1.3 mg per day (men)
                      1.1 mg per day (women)

Vitamin B6 – 1.7 mg per day (men)
                      1.5 mg/d (women)

Vitamin B12 – 2.4 units (men and women)

Vitamin C – 90 mg per day (men)
                     75 mg per day (women)

Vitamin D – 10-15 units (men and women)

Vitamin E – 15 mg per day (men and women)

Vitamin K – 120 units per day (men)
                      90 units per day (women)