Your supplement arsenal to protect yourself against colds and flu!
BY STEVE BORN
Staying healthy is always essential all year long; that's a no-brainer. Now, however, as we're smack in the middle of fall and as we start the slow but sure transition to winter—this portion of the year being prime time for getting sick—it's time to boost the functioning of your body’s immune system.
There are several proactive steps you can take to help ensure your immune system is working optimally, starting with supplying your body with nutrients that support strong immunity:
No, that's not a typo! Hammer Nutrition's Clear Day—though primarily known for helping protect you from allergy occurrences and alleviating allergy symptoms—contains four nutrients that many nutritional experts consider immune system "superstars."
- Olive Leaf Extract is one of the most potent antioxidants, with an astounding oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of 7,608. Its main component is a chemical compound called oleuropein (pronounced oh-lee-OR-oh-peen), with another chemical compound—elenolic acid—found within oleuropein. This dynamic combination has been shown to have several beneficial properties for the immune system. Regarding olive leaf extract's potent effects, Dr. Lisa Weinrib states, "It's the missing link that functions as an antiviral and antiretroviral agent by slowing down the organism's reproductive cycle. A slowdown...allows the patient's immune system to go on the attack."
- Quercetin (pronounced KWAIR-seh-tin) is a compound in various fruits and vegetables. In addition to its antihistaminic properties, quercetin is well known for its beneficial effects against aches and soreness, which is why it's in Tissue Rejuvenator and Vegan Tissue Rejuvenator. It's a potent antioxidant and powerful protector of the lungs and cardiovascular system, and research reveals it has extraordinary properties for resisting infection.
- Bromelain (pronounced BRO-muh-lane), derived from pineapples, is the perfect complement to quercetin, as it has similar anti-irritation/soreness properties and significantly increases the absorption of quercetin. Research suggests that helping alleviate bronchitis and sinusitis symptoms is among bromelain's most potent effects.
- Resveratrol (pronounced rez-VAIR-ruh-trahl), found in red grape skins, berries, and the Japanese Knotweed plant, is one of the most studied compounds to date and may have the broadest range of health benefits of any researched compound. Its antioxidant and immune system-boosting properties are without peer. According to research, “The effects of this biologically active compound on the immune system are associated with widespread health benefits for different autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.”
1) Not one, but three forms of vitamin C.
- Calcium Ascorbate, known as "neutral C," "buffered C," or "non-acidic C," with a pH of 7.0-7.4. (Unlike "regular" Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is highly acidic and may cause gastric distress).
- Ascorbyl Palmitate is a highly bioavailable, non-acidic, fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that can reach specific tissue areas that standard vitamin C cannot. Thus, ascorbyl palmitate can neutralize specific free radicals that water-soluble vitamin C can't.
- Rose Hips (Rosa canina). A natural source of Vitamin C, rose hips are a rich source of antioxidant carotenoids and polyphenols.
2) Multiple citrus bioflavonoids. While not strictly vitamins, bioflavonoids have impressive vitamin-like properties, which is why this group of compounds is known as Vitamin P. Citrus fruits contain several bioflavonoids, such as diosmin and naringin tangeretin, diosmetin, marirutin, neohesperidin, nobiletin, and others. These bioflavonoids work synergistically with vitamin C to support the immune system with antioxidant properties. Citrus bioflavonoids also enhance circulation, reduce aches and soreness, and help support joint health.
3) Hesperidin 95% HPLC is a major bioflavonoid found primarily in lemons, oranges, and tangerines. Hesperidin possesses potent antioxidant properties for supporting vital immune system function, but it can also help blood vessels function better, thus promoting optimal circulatory and cardiovascular health. Additionally, hesperidin helps reduce aches and soreness, supports insulin sensitivity, and may also help protect cognitive health.
4) Quercetin, also found in Clear Day, has extraordinary antioxidant properties, making it a top nutrient for immune system health. Quercetin and vitamin C are two perfectly complementary nutrients, as they work together to optimize each other's absorption.
The dynamic duo of Vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 in EnDuro D is best known for their positive effect on bone health—vitamin D3 directs the absorption of calcium from your intestines into the blood, where vitamin K2 directs that calcium into the bones. Both D & K provide many more benefits than that, including providing powerful support for your immune system. Research has shown that vitamin D is “crucial to activating our immune defenses and that without sufficient intake of the vitamin—the killer cells of the immune system, T cells—will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body.” Dr. Richard Mellanby writes: "Low vitamin D status has long been implicated as a significant risk factor for the development of several autoimmune diseases. Our study reveals one way in which vitamin D metabolites can dramatically influence the immune system."
Regarding vitamin K, research “points to vitamin K’s role in the modulation of the cell signaling complex, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB). This major transcription factor helps regulate genes responsible for both the innate and adaptive immune response. Vitamin K can regulate the activation of the NF-kB pathway, modulating the immune and inflammatory responses.”
A wealth of research, far too numerous to list here, shows that antioxidants “contribute to maintain an effective immune response.” You’ll find numerous antioxidants in many Hammer Nutrition products; we selected AO Booster for the Super Immunity Booster Kit because it contains some unique and ultra-potent antioxidants rarely found in other formulas. See AO Booster is Back in a BIG Way! for more.
Summary
One site states it perfectly: “The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defends the body against infection while protecting the body's cells. The immune system records every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated so it can recognize and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again. Abnormalities of the immune system can lead to allergic diseases, immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune disorders.”
Your immune system never rests—working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We can take numerous steps to maintain a strong immune system, with daily use of the Super Immunity Booster Kit at or near the top of that list! See Keep Your Immune System Strong! for more recommendations to help keep your immune system strong.
REFERENCES:
1. Choi HJ, Song JH, Park KS, Kwon DH. Inhibitory effects of quercetin 3-rhamnoside on influenza A virus replication. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2009 Jun 28;37(3-4):329-33.
2. Ganesan S, Faris AN, Comstock AT, et al. Quercetin inhibits rhinovirus replication in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral Res. 2012 Mar 23.
3. https://www.spandidos-publications.com/br/5/3/283?text=fulltext
4. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/946/htm
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm
6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00600/full
7. Ghosh S, Dass JFP. “Study of pathway cross-talk interactions with NF-κB leading to its activation via ubiquitination or phosphorylation: A brief review.” Gene. 2016;584(1):97-109.
8. Rossol M et al. “LPS-induced cytokine production in human monocytes and macrophages.” Crit Rev Immunol. 2011;31(5):379-446.
9. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH: Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007, 51 (4): 301-23. 10.1159/000107673.
10. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system
1 comment
Excellent article-thanks for the invaluable information!
Does Hamer make a calcium supplement I can read about and order?
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Hammer Nutrition replied:
Hi Dianne. Thank you for the positive feedback on the article… it’s greatly appreciated! Calcium is found in our multivitamin/mineral supplement, Premium Insurance Caps (~ 57mg per capsule), and as part of the calcium ascorbate component in Endurance C (30mg per capsule). We do not offer a stand-alone calcium supplement.The reason for that is because research is showing more and more that too much calcium from supplements causes at least some of that calcium to accumulate in the arteries (where you don’t want it) instead of in the bones (where you do want it). To prevent that from happening, we should obtain most of our calcium from food sources, and consume lesser amounts—such as those found in the above-listed products—from supplements.While calcium and other nutrients are definitely involved in bone health, it is magnesium that is clearly the most important of all. We discuss this in the article “Magnesium: The Most Important Mineral for Bone Health” at https://hammernutrition.com/blogs/back-catalog/magnesium-the-most-important-mineral?pos=9&psq=magn&ss=e&v=1.0, and offer Essential Mg (https://hammernutrition.com/collections/supplements/products/essential-mg?variant=42811323777259) to help cover your all-important magnesium requirements.—- Steve B.