Tagged with 'influenza'

If you want a fighting chance to create a natural resistance to invading bacteria and viruses, your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental and nutritional assaults.

Here are 5 major factors that suppress your immune system:

#1 Age

The aging process somehow leads to a reduction of immune response capability, which in turn contributes to infections, more inflammatory diseases, and more cancer. There seems to be a connection between nutrition and imunity in the elderly, specifically regarding a deficiency in certain micronutrients.

#2 Stress

The closely linked relationship between mind and body makes scientists suspect chronic stress takes a toll on the immune system.

#3 Low Quality Diet

Research has long recognized that people who live in poverty and are malnourished are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Important micronutrients for immune response are zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E. 

If you suspect your diet is not providing you with all your micronutrient needs — maybe you don't like vegetables or you choose white bread over whole grains — taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement brings health benefits of many types, including immunity benefits.

#4 Stuck Indoors

When it's cold outside and you're spending more time indoors, you're typically in closer contact with other people who can pass on their germs. This certainly increases your risk of catching a cold. 

#5 Inadequate Exercise

Just like a healthy diet, exercise can contribute to general good health and therefore to a healthy immune system. It may contribute even more directly by promoting good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently.

What if your immune system is being effected by any of these 5 major factors? Start by ensure your immune system gets the specific nutrients it needs, which includes both long- and short-term support.

THE ULTIMATE COLD-KICKING COMBINATION

Immuno Comp

• Proactive support for everyday immune system strength and resiliency.

• Excellent for acute immune challenges by taking high doses in a short period of time.

Liposomal Vitamin C

• The liposomal form is highly absorbable and delivers more vitamin C to tissues and cells compared to other forms of vitamin C.

• Take daily for powerful long-term immune support.

• Take higher doses for acute infections.

Glycophagen

• Supports immune issues originating from the GI tract.

• 70% of the immune system is in your gut, which makes the gut a first line defense against foreign substances.

• Take daily for long-term general immunity. 

VRL Shield

• Pair with Immuno Comp, Liposomal Vitamin C and Glycophagen when extra “oomph” is needed to fight off acute infections.

• Excellent for those experiencing a chronic viral challenges, such as hepatitis and cold sores. 

Use this comprehensive group of products to maximize your body’s immunity EVERYDAY!

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Live Superfoods

Reference:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

The flu virus wreaks the most havoc in the winter and declines in the summer months.

Influenza risk factors

Influenza is most common in winter, a time when:

• Solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) doses are low.
• The weather is cold. This prevents white blood cells from reaching the lining of the respiratory tract and fighting the virus.
• The humidity is low. Dry air allows the virus to live longer outside of the body.

Vitamin D and influenza risk

Vitamin D3, the true form of vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin produced in the skin when skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Vitamin D is also found in food and dietary supplements. High levels of vitamin D may prevent or lower the risk of influenza. Vitamin D may also reduce symptoms of influenza and reduce the risk of developing pneumonia following influenza.

Two randomized controlled trials found reduced incidence of influenza for those taking higher doses of vitamin D. A study involving African-American postmenopausal women in New York found a 60% reduced risk of colds and influenza for those taking 800 international units IU/d vitamin D3 and 90% reduced risk for those taking 2000 IU/d.

Another study in Japan, involving school children taking 1200 IU/d vitamin D3 vs. 200 IU/d, found a 67% reduction in Type A influenza, but no effect for Type B influenza. Type A influenza includes H1N1 varieties, which was the type involved in the 2009 “swine flu” infections.

How vitamin D boosts the immune system

To enhance the body’s immune system, vitamin D:

• Produces cathelicidin and defensins—These proteins have antiviral effects to combat viruses.
• Reduces inflammation—As a result, body temperature does not rise as much, and the lining of the lungs is less disturbed. This makes it harder for bacteria to give rise to pneumonia.

Optimal Vitamin D level

Based on several studies, raising vitamin D blood levels to 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/l) may reduce the risk of influenza. For most people, this involves taking 1000–5000 IU per day of vitamin D during the influenza season. On average, 2000-5000 IU/day vitamin D3 may provide protection against influenza. 

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

William B. Grant, Ph.D. Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center (SUNARC) P.O. Box 641603 San Francisco, CA 94164-1603, USA www.sunarc.org

Vitamin D Council. Influenza. March 2014.