Our Immune System Support Friends in Nature

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Are you looking for something to help you stay healthy, especially as we maneuver cold and flu season? If you already eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, exercise and get enough sleep, you may be wondering if there is anything else you can do to protect yourself from these seasonal threats. 

Adequate micro-nutrients like vitamins and minerals are important to keep our bodies functioning properly, and electrolyte balance also plays a key role in cellular functions that keep us healthy. For a good quality electrolyte mix, I like Re-Lyte, brought to us by Redmond Real Salt. We can also utilize Mother Nature and include things like herbs and fungi that can facilitate and promote immune system activity.  When they are put together, the synergy they create makes them even more effective.

Let’s take a look at how some of them can support the immune system.

Elderberry has anti-viral properties and is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins. It helps calm inflammation and studies show it can decrease severity and duration of viral respiratory illness by inhibiting replication of viruses¹. 

Echinacea helps manage inflammation by decreasing cytokines (chemical messengers) that are involved with inflammation. This supports respiratory and mucosal health. Paired together, elderberry and echinacea can provide immune support during viral outbreaks.

Astragalus, an adaptogenic herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, promotes production of white blood cells, and enhances activity of macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells. It also supports the body in resisting respiratory infection and fights free radical damage with its many antioxidants.

Cat’s claw is a strong anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating herb from the Amazon rainforests. It can cause white blood cells to increase and improve macrophage activity. It has antiviral effects.

Finally, there is a bouquet of mushroom varieties that are very helpful for enhancing immune defense mechanisms. Reishi enhances natural killer cell function and macrophage activity. Maitake is a great source of D-fraction beta-glucans, that is, protein-bound complex carbohydrates, which provide cellular stimulation to the immune system. Maitake activate T-cells, natural killer cells and supports metabolic health and regulates blood sugar, thus indirectly supporting immune health. Lion’s mane promotes good gut bacteria, crucial for immune health, and it also has anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps encourages the production of natural killer cells, and improves respiratory function, making it helpful during cold and flu season.

Astragalus and reishi together create a synergy which supports long-term immune resistance. Cordyceps and lion’s mane work together to support energy and nervous systems, protecting the immune system against stress.

So if you are already eating a balanced diet and feel like you could use something extra to support your immune system, our Ultrimune contains these highlighted herbs, mushrooms and more. It is an excellent tool to have in your repertoire for staying healthy!

 

1. “Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials” By Jessie Hawkins ¹, Colby Baker ², Lindsey Cherry ², Elizabeth Dunne ²

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/