The coronavirus pandemic is a crucial reminder that our immune systems are constantly under attack. Every day, our bodies are out there fighting pathogens, free radicals, bacteria and viruses that are trying to make us sick. The best way to protect ourselves is to strengthen our immune systems.
Living a healthy lifestyle, eating a nutrient-rich diet and using the right herbs all contribute to a healthy immune system.
We're Always Fighting Infection
Our immune system contains active, disease-fighting cells. These cells, known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, are the “warrior cells” that fight diseases. To function properly, they need the right nutrition and the right herbs. Feeding them the right nutrition is an important preventative measure that will keep you from getting sick in the first place.
If you've already come down with an infection, your strong fighter cells will reduce the symptoms and help you heal faster.
Herbs Unlock the Door to Immunity Strength
The right combination of herbs and trace minerals can give your body a powerful arsenal against infections, viruses and the problems that come with aging. Most products follow a very singular approach concentrating on narrow pathways. Unfortunately, our immune system is very complex and merely “feeding it” isn’t enough. If you really want to support your immune system you need to achieve the following;
- Directly support the cellular immune system itself.
- Reduce gut inflammation as much as possible – an inflamed gut can be a huge distraction to the immune system.
- Reduce Leaky Gut – your gut is the primary point of entry for many pathogens.
- Support a healthy gut microbiome. The Gut Microbiome Immune connection is well documented. See other material Ive written on this subject.
- Provide the right combination of nutrients and minerals for the immune system to function efficiently.
Through my experience with my patients and my research, I've come up with the best combination of ingredients to help support and even strengthen your immune system.
A simple, powerful infusion of vitamin C, lysine, elderberry and zinc can:
- Increase the number of disease-fighting cells in your body.
- Support those fighting cells making them stronger and more efficient.
- Help reduce leaky gut syndrome that causes many chronic illnesses.
- Reduce dangerous inflammation all over your body and in your brain.
- Help your body hold onto important minerals like calcium and iron.
- Slow down cold and flu viruses.
The Power of Pure Herbs and Minerals
Some of the following vitamins and minerals may surprise you. Haven't they been around forever? Haven't they fallen out of favor?
The answer is no. New research shows that they have powerful immunity-boosting and disease-fighting effects. They've been around for a long time because they work, and new studies keep proving they do.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is present in all fruits, especially citrus fruits, kiwi and cantaloupe, and most vegetables.
In early centuries, sailors discovered that eating limes and lemons could prevent scurvy. Since then, this vitamin has been hailed as a cure for many things. While some of those beliefs have not held up, other claims about vitamin C have only gotten stronger. Studies have found it's especially useful to people who are under stress, and who isn't under stress these days?
If you think vitamin C isn't important, think again.
It Makes More Fighter Cells
Research shows that vitamin C increases the production of T cells, which are helper cells that boost immunity. T cells are also known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, the chief disease fighters in your body. (1)
It's a Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants fight the signs of aging, and vitamin C is one of the strongest antioxidants.
Several studies suggest that vitamin C's powerful antioxidant effects can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, especially in the brain. This can protect you against dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
A German study concluded that, “Antioxidants may prevent the onset of AD as high dietary intake of vitamin C and E were reported to be associated with lower risk of the disease.” (2)
Another study found that, "After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, education, total energy intake, and use of psychotropic medications, consumption of vitamin C supplements was associated with a lower prevalence of more severe cognitive impairment...This study suggests that vitamin C might protect against cognitive impairment.” (3)
It Helps You Keep Important Minerals
Studies have found vitamin C can help us hold on to important minerals. In one study, vitamin C supplementation alone helped children who were suffering anemia from iron deficiency. (4)
Lysine and L-Lysine
Lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is plentiful in meats and fish. Other foods high in lysine include avocados, tomatoes, pears, peppers, beans, pistachios, cashews, yogurt, cheese, quinoa and buckwheat.
It's Proven to Reduce Cold Sores and Potentially Block Viruses
Lysine supplementation has long been a popular home remedy for people who suffer from cold sores. Studies back up the anecdotal evidence that lysine reduces cold sores and prevents outbreaks.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus, and lysine works by blocking the virus's ability to replicate. Many studies have come to the same conclusion about lysine's virus-blocking ability. (5)
In another study, a cream made with lysine, herbs, vitamins and zinc cleared cold sores in three days for some people and six days for others. (6)
It Keeps Your Bones Strong
Lysine has other important health benefits. For instance, it can help your bones hold onto calcium. (7)
It May Help Fight Cancer
Medical researchers have found that lysine can help destroy tumorous cells without harming healthy cells, which is the holy grail of cancer treatment. Early signs of lysine's value as a cancer fighter are highly promising. (8)
Elderberry or Sambucus
Dark purple elderberries are common to most parts of Europe and North America. There are several varieties of this plant, but most of the medicinal berries come from the Sambucus canadensis or Sambucus nigra varieties.
People use elderberries to make syrup, juice, soda, jellies and pies, but these berries do more than taste good.
It's Been Used in Medicine for Centuries
Elderberries have long been prized for their medicinal value. Hippocrates called elderberry his “medicine chest” because he could use it to treat many different illnesses.
Elderberry is the basis of many well-known, commercially available cough and cold medications. In 1995, the government of Panama issued elderberry extract to its citizens to combat a flu epidemic.
A Powerful Remedy For Colds And Flu Symptoms
There are good reasons for this. A 2016 study concluded that elderberry extract was a powerful virus blocker and potentially even a virus killer. (9)
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted during Norway's flu season concluded that, “Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment for influenza.” (10)
A 2019 study concluded that elderberry extract works in a number of different ways to block viral action. Scientists are still trying to pinpoint all the ways it helps cure cold and flu viruses. (11)
It's High in Antioxidants
According to tests performed by the US Department of Agriculture, elderberries are higher in antioxidants than other berries. They are particularly high in the antioxidants known as anthocyandins. (12)
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element that your body needs to function properly. Because our bodies don't store zinc, the only way to get it is through food or supplements. Without enough zinc, you're prone to respiratory illnesses and problems with your digestive tract. Zinc deficiencies affect millions of people worldwide.
There is ample evidence that zinc plays an important role in keeping your gut healthy. One study concluded that, “Zinc enhancement of gastrointestinal epithelial barrier function may figure prominently in its potential therapeutic action in several gastrointestinal diseases.” (13)
Another study found that zinc supplementation could soothe symptoms in people suffering from ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It could also heal the diarrhea caused by AIDS and HIV medications. In other words, zinc improved the outcome of medication and reduced its negative side effects. (14)
It Can Help You Heal
Zinc can also help speed healing of damaged skin tissue. One study found that people who were slow to heal from skin ulcers were deficient in zinc, vitamins A and E, and carotene. (15)
A comprehensive study also found that zinc was a critical factor in wound healing. (16)
Help Your Immune System Fight for You
Nobody likes getting sick. While herbs, minerals and vitamins may not keep you safe 100% of the time, they can help your immune system take on the most common illnesses. They give your body a fighting chance against viruses, mineral loss, oxidative stress and inflammation.
Your first defense against viruses and bacteria is your own immune system. By giving your immune system more powerful weapons, you have a better chance at victory when it comes to fighting illness.
References & Disclaimers
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25157026
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22710913
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9663403
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1642785
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6262023
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15989381
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1486248.
8. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070808132019.htm
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27717933
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15080016
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464619300313?via%3Dihub
12. https://normsfarms.com/blogs/elderberry-and-your-health/what-are-antioxidants
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4231515/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19684516
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10491041
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2903966/
✝✝This noted statement is based on independent research and is not necessarily the opinion of the author