Nutritional Supplements to boost your immune system

by Lucy Nurek, Ph.D.

Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea (and other species) has long been used effectively to treat infections. It contains a diverse range of active components affecting different aspects of immune function. Echinacea promotes nonspecific T cell activation and increases the activity of natural killer cells. Echinacea polysaccharides have also been shown to enhance macrophage phagocytosis and stimulate macrophages to produce immune-potentiating chemicals like interleukin 1, interferon, and tumor necrosis factor.

Echinacea is commonly used to reduce symptom severity and the duration of upper respiratory tract infections (common cold) and flu. It may be effective in reducing the occurrence of subsequent respiratory tract infections. In one study, use of Echinacea was associated with a 28% decreased risk of subsequent common cold in children. Echinacea extracts also were found to have antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although many studies offer onsiderable support for these claims, the outcomes from some clinical trials are inconclusive. This may be the result of investigators utilizing poorly standardized echinacea products, likely lacking sufficient quantities of active constituents necessary to exert a definitive clinical effect.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) derived from the tree Punica granatum contains anthocyanins and tannins and possesses strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Pomegranate juice has been shown to exert inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus type1 (HIV-1). The extract of P. granatum may be used as a topical antifungal agent for the treatment of candidosis associated with denture stomatitis. The results of mice studies showed the potential of pomegranate seed oil as a safe and effective chemopreventive agent against skin cancer. Data show that PFE protects against the adverse effects of UV-B radiation by inhibiting UV-B-induced modulations of cellular signaling pathways and provides a molecular basis for the photochemopreventive effects of PFE.

Green tea
Green tea has shown remarkable anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive effects in many animal tumor bioassays, cell culture systems, and epidemiological studies. Many of these biological effects are mediated by epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), the major constituent of green tea.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C concentration in the plasma rapidly declines during infections and stress. Supplementation of vitamin C was found to improve components of the human immune system such as natural killer cell activities, lymphocyte proliferation, chemotaxis, and delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Vitamin C contributes to maintaining the redox integrity of cells and thereby protects them against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during the respiratory burst and in the inflammatory response. An adequate intake of vitamin C reduces the frequency, improves symptoms, and shortens the duration of respiratory tract infections including the common cold.

Furthermore, vitamin C reduces the incidence and improves the outcome of pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea infections.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E as an antioxidant protects the cells of the immune response from peroxidative damage. Vitamin E alters cell membrane functions and cell to cell interactions. Vitamin E increases humoral and cell-mediated immunity and disease resistance. The most pronounced effect of vitamin E is on immune phagocytosis.

In its disease protection effect, vitamin E interacts with other antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A and beta carotene, which also enhance disease resistance. Vitamin E also acts as potent inhibitor against selenium deficiency induced cell death (selenium is necessary for cell proliferation and survival).

Optimal amounts of antioxidants are needed for maintenance of the immune response across all age groups. This need might be more critical, however, in aged persons. The results of clinical trials show that vitamin E supplementation significantly reduces the incidence rate of common colds and the number of subjects who acquire a cold among elderly nursing home residents.

Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral. Zinc deficiency rapidly diminishes antibody- and cellmediated responses that cause increased rates of infections of longer duration. The data clearly demonstrate that immune integrity is tightly linked to zinc status.

Lately, intranasal zinc gluconate has been recommended as a treatment for the common cold. Evidence that zinc gluconate nasal spray is effective therapy for colds is inconsistent. Recent trial data do not support this treatment. Zinc ions are toxic to olfactory epithelium. Reports of severe post treatment hyposmia (reduced ability to smell and to detect odors) and anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) have been observed.

This list is not all inclusive. Numerous other nutrients and supplements have been clinically tested and proven as effective in supporting and regulating the immune system. Garlic, Aloe vera, Elderberry, Turmeric and its component Curcumin, Bromelain obtain from pineapple or Beta-carotene from colorful fruit and vegetables, just to mention a few. In addition, Vitamin A, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, Iron, and Selenium all have immunomodulating functions and thus influence the susceptibility of a host to infectious diseases and the course and outcome of such diseases.

Dramatic increases in our understanding of the organization of the immune system and the factors that regulate immune function have demonstrated a remarkable and close concordance between host nutritional status and immunity. As you can see, there is a way you can support and nourish your body's immune engine and strengthen resistance. So why wait any longer? Start now and maintain your wellness before immune health issues develop.

Dr. Lucy Nurek is a renowned scientific researcher focusing on stronger validations of natural health remedies. For the
past 25 years, she has been an author, researcher and university instructor, and has been most recently affiliated with Purdue University in Indiana as a Visiting Professor. An advocate of alternative and complementary therapies, Dr. Nurek is also certified in Clinical Massage Therapy and Oncology Massage. She holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from Poznan University, Poland and a Masters degree in Biology and Chemistry from Wroclaw University, Poland.