Immune Health

Now more than ever, you need to look after your immune health. Clinical studies have identified numerous supplements and foods which reinforce your body’s natural ability to fight off disease. Below is a list of ingredients to keep an eye out for.

1. 1. Echinacea – Echinacea is an herb that is native to areas east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. It is also grown in western States, as well as in Canada and Europe. Several species of the echinacea plant are used to make medicine from its leaves, flower, and root. Echinacea was used in traditional herbal remedies by the Great Plains Indian tribes. Later, settlers followed the Indians’ example and began using echinacea for medicinal purposes as well. For a time, echinacea enjoyed official status as a result of being listed in the US National Formulary from 1916-1950. However, the use of echinacea fell out of favor in the United States with the discovery of antibiotics. But now, people are becoming interested in echinacea again because some antibiotics don’t work as well as they used to against certain bacteriaEchinacea is most commonly used for the common cold and other infections. Commercially available echinacea products come in many forms including tablets, juice, and tea. There are concerns about the quality of some echinacea products on the market. Echinacea products are frequently mislabeled, and some may not even contain echinacea, despite label claims. Don’t be fooled by the term “standardized.” It doesn’t necessarily indicate accurate labeling. Also, some echinacea products have been contaminated with selenium, arsenic, and lead)
   2. Milk Thistle – Milk thistle is sometimes used as a natural treatment for liver These liver problems include cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders)
      1. Some claim milk thistle may also:
         ∙ Provide heart benefits by lowering cholesterol levels
         ∙ Help diabetes in people who have type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis
   3. Ligustrum – Ligustrum plants, also known as privets, tolerate a wide range of conditions and are among the easiest shrubs and small trees to grow. Because of their versatility and undemanding nature, they are used extensively in home landscapes. Plant them as hedges, foundation plants, patio trees or in shrub borders. Let’s learn more about planting ligustrum shrubs and their care. Read more at Gardening Know How.
   4. Barberry Powder –
      ∙ Traditional blood purifier
      ∙ Supports healthy liver & gallbladder
      ∙ Bitter digestive tonic
      1. Barberry provides exceptional herbal support for liver and gallbladder health. It promotes body cleansing action and encourages proper digestion.
      2. Barberry is in the same class of herbs as the popular Goldenseal and Oregon Grape. Why? They all contain the plant compound, Berberine – recognized for its outstanding ability to enhance the body’s natural resistance.
   5. Dandelion – Dandelion is an herb that is native to Europe. It is also found throughout mild climates of the northern hemisphere. People use dandelion for conditions such as swelling (inflammation) of the tonsils (tonsillitis), infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs), and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
   6. Juniper berry – The juniper tree, Juniperus communis, is an evergreen shrub that grows in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia (Trusted Source)They have a tart, pine-like flavor and are commonly used in small amounts as a spice or flavoring agent. These small berries have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since ancient times, and current research suggests that they may offer various health benefits. Here are 5 emerging benefits of juniper berries.
      1. High in nutrients and powerful plant compounds
      2. Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
      3. May have anti-diabetic properties
      4. Could promote heart health
      5. Antibacterial and antifungal activity

Vitamins associated with Immune Health

• Vitamin A – (plays an important role in cellular growth and development. It also promotes healthy skin, hair, nails, gums, glands, bones and teeth; prevents night blindness and may help prevent lung cancer, Where to get Vitamin A: Salmon, other cold-water fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products)

• Vitamin D – (aids calcium absorption, and builds and maintains strong bones and teeth, Where to get Vitamin D: Fortified milk, fortified soy/rice beverages, butter, egg yolks, fatty fish, fish-liver oil; made by the body when exposed to the sun)

• Vitamin E – (protects fatty acids; maintains muscles and red blood cells; and serves as an important antioxidant, Where to get Vitamin D: Where to get Vitamin E: Eggs, vegetable oils, margarine, mayonnaise; nuts, seeds, fortified cereals)

• Vitamin K – (is an essential vitamin for your body. Your body needs it for proper blood clotting, Where to get Vitamin K: spinach, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, liver)

• Vitamin C – (found in citrus fruits, is an essential vitamin and important for your body, Strengthens blood vessel walls; promotes wound healing and iron absorption; helps prevent atherosclerosis; supports immunity; serves as a key antioxidant. Where to get Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, juices, melons, berries, peppers, broccoli, potatoes)

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – (is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism. It also helps maintain normal digestion, appetite and proper nerve function. Where to get Vitamin B1: Pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, fortified cereals, grains.)

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – (is essential for energy metabolism. It also aids adrenal function, supports normal vision and helps maintain healthy skin. Where to get Vitamin B2: Fortified cereals, grains, lean meat, poultry, dairy products, fortified soy/rice beverages, raw mushrooms)

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – (is important for the body. It’s used to metabolize energy and promote normal growth. In large doses, Vitamin B3 can also lower cholesterol. Where to get Vitamin B3: Lean meats, poultry, seafood, milk; eggs, legumes, fortified breads, and cereals)

• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) – (Aids energy metabolism and normalizes blood sugar levels. Where to get Vitamin B5: Almost all foods contain Vitamin B5)

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) – (is an essential vitamin for good health. It promotes protein metabolism, metabolism of carbohydrates and the release of energy. It also plays a role in proper nerve function and the synthesis of red blood cells. Where to get Vitamin B6: Meat, fish, poultry, grains, cereals, bananas, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, soybeans.)

• Vitamin B7 (Biotin) – (is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Where to get Vitamin B7: Egg yolks, soybeans, whole grains, nuts, yeast)

• Vitamin B9 (Folate, Folic Acid) – (is an essential vitamin, and is especially important for pregnant women. Where to get Vitamin B9: Liver, yeast, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, orange juice, fortified flour, avocados; legumes)

• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) – (To make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, and myelin for nerve fibers. Where to get Vitamin B12: All animal products)