Supplementstop for Immune Support
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SUPPLEMENTSTOP FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT Three Generation’s of Truth in Nutrition Table of Contents 3 1 Maintaining healthy immune function 6 2 Sleep and mental health 9 3 The one-two punch for pain, inflammation 11 4 Four ways to provide a virus-season boost and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota 13 5 Essential vitamins and minerals for overall good health 2 1 Maintaining healthy immune function Poor immune systems causing record work losses According to a new study published in the September 2019 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, nearly one-fifth of working adults will experience a cold each year. The study estimated 20 million annual missed workdays might be just the tip of the iceberg, because the estimates include only colds that resulted in doctor’s visits or restricted activity days. There may be as many as 70 million lost workdays due to colds, when actual missed work time is combined with lost productivity. Past flu seasons likely cost employers nationwide millions of lost workdays and billions of dollars. Nearly 111 million workdays are lost due to the flu each year, There may be as many as according to Flu.gov, costing employers approximately $7 billion per year in sick days and lost productivity. 70 million lost workdays The study also found Americans spend nearly $3 billion annually on over- due to colds, when the-counter drugs that may not provide any symptom relief. actual missed work time Since the 1940s, studies have shown the use of botanicals and nutritional supplements may both prevent and reduce the effects of common colds and is combined with lost influenza and support immune cell function and promote respiratory health.* productivity. Zinc and vitamin C Zinc plays an important role in maintaining healthy immune function. Human studies have observed even a mild zinc deficiency can elicit changes in immune status, such as defective natural killer (NK) cell function, decreased interleukin-2 production, and energy. Other studies have shown DHEA and its metabolites have powerful immune-enhancing and antiviral effects. 3 A meta-analysis determined that vitamin C was effective at supporting the health of 11,077 people who had the common cold. * Astragalus Astragalus propinquus, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is one of the In the garlic-supplemented 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. group, 24 colds were Astragalus has traditionally been used as a tonic and treatment for reported compared to colds and flu, either alone or in conjunction with other herbs. Astragalus is rich in polysaccharides, flavonoids, multiple trace minerals, and amino acids, 65 in the placebo group; all of which contribute to its immuno-supportive properties. Animal studies the treatment group demonstrated oral administration of astragalus root extract to mice infected with Japanese encephalitis virus increased survival rates by 30-40% compared to experience shorter 20% in the untreated control group. The researchers attribute this to increased duration of cold symptoms phagocytic activity. compared to placebo Astragalus may also increase the activation of natural killer cells, an important part of the body’s innate immune system.* According to Dr. Chris – 1.5 versus 5.0 days, Meletis, world-renown educator, author, and lecturer, “Astragalus stabilizes respectively. immunity in cells exposed to the influenza virus and more on killer cells and how they work in promoting the health of respiratory cells.” Astragalus contains high amounts of polysaccharides, flavonoids, multiple trace minerals, and amino acids, all of which boast immune-supporting attributes.2* Astragalus keeps immune cells healthy.* Specifically, it maintains healthy humoral and adaptive immunity, leading to effective production of antibodies, supporting an optimal CD4+/CD8+ ratio (a balanced ratio is an indication of optimal immune health), and shifting the Th1/Th2 immune response in favor of antiviral actions.* EpiCor® EpiCor® is a dried fermentate produced from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an immune-modulating baker’s yeast. * There are several good human studies showing EpiCor® acts as an antioxidant and supports a healthy immune response during exposure to colds and flus and during pollen season. “EpiCor® strengthens mucosal immunity and increases levels of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A, a substance coating mucosal surfaces that acts like a shield to stop unwanted substances from entering the body,” says Dr. Meletis. Garlic One study did evaluate an allicin-containing garlic supplement on cold incidence and duration in 146 volunteers. Subjects received one capsule daily for 12 weeks between November-February, and symptoms were assessed via a symptom diary using a five-point scale. In the garlic-supplemented group, 24 colds were reported compared to 65 in the placebo group; the treatment group experience shorter duration of cold symptoms compared to placebo – 1.5 versus 5.0 days, respectively. 4 Olive leaf extract Olive leaf extract contains phenolic compounds, specifically oleuropein, that have demonstrated potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Oleuropein and derivatives such as elenolic acid have been shown to be effective in in vitro and animal studies against numerous microorganisms, including retroviruses, coxsackie viruses, 150 influenza, and parainfluenza 3,150,151 as well as some bacteria. Berberine HCl Animal studies, cell culture experiments, and use in clinical practice suggest berberine supports a healthy inflammatory response and maintains immunity. * It promotes lung health in animals and the health of human airway cells. The economic cost of lost Citrus bioflavonoid complex productivity due to the Citrus bioflavonoids are beneficial compounds derived from such fruits as common cold approaches oranges and lemons. Citrus bioflavonoids like hesperidin are able to maintain immunity.31,32* $25 billion, of which $16.6 They work together synergistically with vitamin C to promote optimal health. * billion is attributed to on- the-job productivity loss, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant used to provide powerful support to $8 billion is attributed to the lungs and respiratory tract due to its ability to break up mucus and clear the absenteeism, and $230 respiratory passages. million is attributed to Conclusion caregiver absenteeism. The economic cost of lost productivity due to the common cold approaches $25 billion, of which $16.6 billion is attributed to on-the-job productivity loss, $8 billion is attributed to absenteeism, and $230 million is attributed to caregiver absenteeism. Influenza, although considered a preventable disease, accounts for 36,000 deaths annually in the United States. Nutritional supplementation and immune-stimulating and antiviral botanicals can support the body’s natural defenses, potentially decreasing the incidence of colds and flu, shortening the duration and decreasing the intensity of symptoms, and preventing complications. 5 2 Sleep and mental health Anxiety, depression, and Overall, Americans were sleep deprived long before the current health state bipolar disorder are most of affairs. According to Harvard Medical School, anywhere from 10-18% of commonly associated with Americans were affected by some type of chronic sleep problem last year.1 In comparison, 50-80% of those with a psychiatric condition reported having chronic sleep issues. difficulty sleeping. Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are most commonly associated with chronic sleep issues. Furthermore, anywhere from 65-90% of adults with major depression also suffer from some type of sleep disorder.1 Given such high numbers, it only makes sense for you to recommend natural sleep and mental wellness supplements to inspire sleep readiness for your patients. Sceletium tortuosom Sceletium tortuosom is a traditional herb of South Africa that has been used for millennia to support appetite, energy levels and general emotional feelings of wellbeing. Known also as kanna or kougoed (in the language Afrikaans), the small plant grows in the winter, lying close to the ground, with distinctive succulent leaves and white, yellow or pale pink flowers. The principle active constituents of the plant are mesembrine, mesembrenone and mesembrenol, alkaloids that can interact with the brain’s dopamine and serotonin receptors. Mesembrine in particular has been studied for its effects with the body’s normal regulation of monoamine release and serotonin uptake, both actions, which can have supportive effects on optimal mood and relaxation. Sceletium is not typically known to be habit forming or have unwanted cognitive side effects. In one double blind, placebo-controlled study involving healthy college aged adults, a single dose of Sceletium extract was shown to support the amygdala’s response to fearful situations, indicating that Sceletium may be able to modulate the body’s normal response to perceived stressors. Another 6 randomized, double blind three- month study in healthy adults showed that Sceletium extracts were well tolerated and safe at the doses studied. Additional studies support Scleletium’s use in promoting feelings of contentment, emotional wellness and overall neurological function. Cannabidiol Cannabidiol (CBD) is perhaps one of the most exciting, yet often misunderstood, natural alternatives to standard pharmacological treatment for sleep and mood to come along in recent years. CBD supplements have been shown to not only improve sleep and