For the immune system, things like Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc, Elderberry, Vitamin D, etc. is common knowledge. But there is much more that can also help the immune system work efficiently.

Here are 4 other ways to support the immune system. They include supplements that help the lymphatic system, thyroid, spleen, and something else that helps stimulate the immune system into action by producing macrophage, T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells and cytokines. 

Lymphomax

Lymphomax is a blend of reported blood-purifying, cleansing and supporting herbs for the respiratory and lymphatic systems. Mullein helps promote natural respiratory function. Lobelia contains lobeline, an ingredient that helps stimulate the respiratory system, which supports breathing function. Plantain may help protect the liver against cellular damage due to its antioxidant effects, and it helps maintain the lymphatic system. Cleavers (also known as clivers) has reported diuretic, astringent and tonic effects. This herb is used historically to cleanse the lymphatic and other glandular systems. Red root is traditionally used for supporting the lymph system. It contains components that help make the body environment more acceptable to microorganic balance.

Ingredients:

Mullein leaves, bayberry root bark, clivers aerial parts, plantain leaves, alfalfa aerial parts, chamomile flowers, echinacea root, yarrow aerial parts, garlic bulb, red root, lobelia aerial parts and chlorophyll.

Thyroid Support

Thyroid Support is a blend of nutritional and herbal supplements specially designed to nourish the thyroid gland and to support the actions of the thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones regulate many body functions, including oxygen use, basal metabolic rate, cellular metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature.

Ingredients:

Vitamin B6, zinc, copper, manganese, l-tyrosine, kelp leaves and stems, thyroid substance, nettle leaves, protease blend, pituitary substance and hypothalamus substance.

Immune Stimulator

Immune Stimulator provides powerful support for the immune system. Beta-glucans stimulate the immune system into action. By tricking the body into thinking it's being attacked, they increase the production of macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells and cytokines, all of which strengthens the body’s natural defense system.

Arabinogalactan stimulates natural killer cell and macrophage activity. It also helps increase Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus flora, two beneficial types of bacteria. Rich in protein and immune-enhancing transfer factors, colostrum supports the immune system of the newborn. It also helps protect beneficial microorganisms in the intestinal tract to bolster defenses. Reishi and maitake mushroom are thought to boost immune activity, increase the activation of natural killer cells and activate macrophages. Cordyceps increases T-cell and B-cell activity, important to immune response.

Ingredients:

Beta-glucans, arabinogalactan, colostrum, cordyceps mycelia, reishi mushroom mycelia and maitake whole mushroom.

Spleen Activator

When you want to restore strength to the body, the best place to start is with the digestive and circulatory systems. Proper nutrient absorption and an efficient transport system allow the whole body to be more easily strengthened. Spleen Activator is based on the remarkable effects of both ginseng root and licorice root. Both are considered key glandular nutrients. Ginseng is world renowned as an anti-aging supplement, and licorice aids both digestion and adrenal function. These two plants are favored more than any other in the entire Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia. Fifteen other herbs support these functions and add their own benefits to magnify or balance all others in the formula.

Ingredients:

Concentrated extract of ginseng root, astragalus root, atractylodes rhizome, hoelen sclerotium, dioscorea rhizome, lotus seed, chaenomeles fruit, citrus peel, galangal rhizome, ginger rhizome, hyacinth bean, licorice root, magnolia bark, tang-kuei root, typhonium rhizome, cardamon fruit and zanthoxylum hull of seed.

The immune defense system is the most diverse and fascinating of all the body systems. It's extremely complex and intricate. To help support your immune system, it's important to understand first how it works and the natural ways your body fights off disease and foreign invaders.

This is a recap of our webinar we had earlier this month, which goes into detail about how the immune system works, how some common diseases attach the body, and some ways in which you can help support your immune system. To view those slides, click below:

The Immune System Basic Function

The immune system gathers information on pathogens and disease, and then produces ammunition to isolate, neutralize and destroy invaders. The tonsils, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and lymph nodes work as a team to protect the body.

Tonsils 
The tonsils are masses of lymphatic tissue and produce lymphocytes that trap and kill bacteria entering the mouth and throat to gaurd the respiratory and digestive systems.

Thymus 
A lymphatic mass functioning in the programming of lymphocytes. It Produces and converts the B-cells into T-cells which are specialized to meet a particular enemy. The thymus produces a hormone called thymosin and acts as an incubator for the maturation of T lymphocytes. Stress shrinks the thymus.

Bone Marrow
Resides in the skull, ribs, shoulder blades, vertebrae, breastbone, and hip bones. It generates stem cells crucial to our immunity. Various stem cell types assist in regeneration and repair throughout our bodies. 

Lymph Fluid
Lymph is a colorless blood serum derived from plasma that has leaked from the bloodstream into the tissue spaces and is recovered by a network of tiny vessels that separate it from the bloodstream. This fluid brings with it tissue toxins, excess fluid, dead cells, and microbes, removing them from the body.  

Lymph Vessels
Tiny, thin-walled vessels made up of one-way valves that pump lymph fluid along by the contraction of nearby muscles during activity. Since muscle contractions serve to pump the plasma, we must exercise if we want to maintain the lymphatic highway or our immune system.

Our Immune Defense Fortress

Our defense system is set up like an army: protective barriers, specialised soldiers, manufacturing stations, transportation systems, storage areas and clean-up crews. The immune system's job is to defend the body. It's activated by invading organisms. Most respiratory symptoms are caused by the immune system. These symptoms are helpful, even essential, in overcoming an illness. 

Protective Barriers
Our skin is the outer wall of the fortress. The eyes, nose, and mouth are protected by mucous that captures harmful attackers. In the Nose are cilia, which are tiny hairs that trap particles. In the stomach, intruders pass through stomach acid that will destroy most of them.

Helpful Immune System Defense
Coughing is a natural reflex that expels disease-causing germs from the lower respiratory tract. It clears the lungs and bronchi of excess mucus, helping prevent pneumonia.

Sneezing
Sneezing is a convulsive explosion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. It is a protective reflex that clears the upper airway of germs, irritants, and mucus.

Fever
Fever kills invading organisms and “pasteurizes” the blood. It speeds metabolism and enhances delivery of oxygen and nutrients to sites of infection. It hastens removal of cellular debris and toxins.

Cause of Poor Immunity

Stress and the immune system
According to the CDC, as much as 90% of all illness can be directly tied to stress, because it breaks down the defenses of the immune system and opens the doorway to a host of injurious invaders.

• Chemicals 
• Cleaning agents
• Mold
• Pollutants
• Pesticides 

Toxic Exposure
It is estimated that 85% of all debilitating diseases are closely related to toxin-related pollution present in the environment. Some include:

The Roles of Antibiotics

Life-saving in some cases, but definitely overused in the U.S. Overuse produces antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” and is a world-wide public health problem. It's effective only for bacterial infections—not viral or fungal infections. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria and good bacteria, including friendly bacteria, probiotics in the gut. 

Concern: No New Antibiotic Development
“Research and development of new antibiotics isn't keeping up with development of resistance. If we don't do something about it we'll end up with a situation where all the old drugs have resistance and we don't have any new ones,“ said Dr. Kathleen Holloway of the World Health Organization. In some parts of the world there is already antibiotic resistance to TB, Dysentery and Pneumonia.

Concern: Challenging Viruses
There is an increased concern about viral invaders, and it seems we are frequently being warned of a new ominous virus. Although new vaccines are being developed; they  only target several strains of viruses and side effects are a concern

Viruses

Viruses need a host cell because they do not reproduce on their own. They seize control of a cell, and often the cell is destroyed during this process. Viruses include:

The Common Cold


One of the most common illnesses worldwide and c

aused by one of more than hundreds of types of viruses. 

Symptoms of the cold include s

ore throat, low-grade fever, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, coughing, sneezing.

 

Respiratory System Diseases

There are numerous problems and diseases. They can include colds, bronchitis, croup, sinusitis, pneumonia and influenza.

Bronchitis Symptoms
Short-lived inflammation of trachea and large and small bronchi. Caused by viral or bacterial infection. Often follows cold or flu. Coughing is persisitent in its attempt to clear the mucus. Other symptoms include hoarseness, fever, wheezing and dull chest pain. 




Croup Symptoms

 

 

Viral infection causing swelling of vocal cords. It's most common in children younger than 6 years of age. Symptoms include barking cough and trouble breathing, and narrowing of airways may necessitate emergency intervention.


Sinusitis Symptoms

Infection or inflammation of sinuses caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include headaches, sinus pain and pressure, swollen nasal passages, fever, cough, post nasal drip
Bad breath, cough, fever, and nasal congestion will often be present.


Pneumonia Symptoms
Inflammation of the lung or lungs caused by infection from bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include fever, chest tightness and discomfort, difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing. Over 3 million people develop pneumonia annually in the United States. It is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. Most people who develop pneumonia initially have an upper respiratory infection.
  
Influenza or Flu Sympoms

Caused by a number of viruses. Symptoms similar to those of common cold but typically have sudden onset and are more severe. Can be life-threatening in the ill, the elderly, and the very young. It enters the body by breathing the air of someone with the flu who coughed or sneezed. The virus has an enzyme which enables it to penetrate the mucus lining in the respiratory tract and make a home there. The infection nests in cells lining the air passage and spreads to other cells.  

Nature's Sunshine Supplements that Support Immunity

The Immune System Pack contains VS-C TCM, Elderberry D3fense and Immune Stimulator. 

VS-C, TCM

This proprietary Chinese formula helps create a healthy internal environment. It supports general detoxification and respiratory functions


Elderberry D3fence
Strengthens and strongly protects our body’s immune system and includes: Olive leaf; Royal Jelly-nutritive food; and Echinacea


Immune Stimulator
Stimulates the body’s natural defenses. It delivers immunoglobulin proteins to the intestinal tract, promotes immune response by stimulating macrophage and T-cell activity. It contains colostrum, cordyceps, reishi, and maitake.

Respiratory System Pack

The Respiratory System Pack contains ALJ, Bronchial Formula, and Lung Support, TCM

ALJ
Soothes irritated tissues, encourages respiratory to cleanse itself. This formula aids and builds the entire respiratory tract, lung function and supports healthy lung function, especially during seasonal changes.



Bronchial Formula
Dilates the bronchioles and strengthens mucus membranes to promote a healthy inflammation response. Designed to nourish the lungs and bronchi and to offer general protection to the respiratory tract.


Lung Support, TCM
Its Chinese name fu lei can be translated as “strengthen the weak and thin.” Acts as a tonic for the respiratory system and maintains the viability of tissue surfaces by moistening and nourishing the respiratory tract.


Silver Shield and Immunity

Silver Shield is a colloidal silver product that supports the immune system. Provides 90 mcg silver per serving. Does not harm the beneficial probiotic population in the gut. Silver Shield Gel is made with food-grade ingredients, contains no alcohol, is safe for children and acts as a skin moisturizer. 

Building Your Immune Defense

Life style changes cost you nothing and can yield a large return! Identify the lifestyle habits you want to improve, such as:

1. Drink plenty of pure water
2. Exercise regularly
3. Sleep 8 Hours per night
4. Relax daily
5. Stop negative thought patterns
6. Lighten your toxic burden
7. Eat nutrient-dense foods

Natural homeopathic medicine in quick-dissolving lozenges!

Just as the seasons change to fall and winter, the flu season begins while our bodies go into immune-battle mode to fight germs and stay healthy. Almost invariably we begin searching for the best cold and flu remedies as many of us catch a cold and experience sore throat, stuffy nose and coughing.

Minimize your cold and flu “down time” with Zinc Cold & Flu lozenges. The mineral zinc is an effective cold and flu treatment because it boosts the immune system. It also coats the mouth and throat, preventing some germs from taking up residence there. When unwanted invaders can’t get a strong foothold in the mouth or throat, they often struggle to proliferate, and you come off conqueror.

Zinc Cold & Flu homeopathic lozenges feature zinc gluconate and zinc acetate (2x). They dissolve quickly and are easy for children to take. For best results, use at the first signs of cold and flu symptoms to help reduce duration, severity and minor discomfort of cold symptoms.

Colloidal silver benefits include reducing exposure to disease-causing agents and can be used as an internal remedy for immune system support. Silver Shield, a colloidal silver product, has been proven to effectively combat health issues caused by anthrax, yeast, food poisoning, fungal infections of the skin, bacterial infections of the skin, respiratory infections, pink eye and more.

Proven by in vitro testing, the colloidal silver in Silver Shield helps rid the body of invasive microorganisms. This is done when the colloidal silver ingredients disable the enzymes that are metabolizing oxygen for harmful bacteria and viruses.

Many turn to antibiotics to combat invasive microorganisms attacking the immune system. Antibiotics often solve the problem, but can prove harmful in other areas. Most antibiotics attack all bacteria, both good and bad, minimizing the good bacteria found in the colon required for healthy digestion and adequate immune support.

The colloidal silver in Silver Shield benefits the immune system in similar ways antibiotics do. However, because Silver Shield is processed in the kidneys it is likely that it does not affect the population of beneficial bacteria in the colon—keeping the immune and digestive system strong and healthy.

Silver Shield has been tested for safety and effectiveness. It is non-toxic and does not contain any heavy metal contamination that many other colloidal silver supplements do. Nature’s Sunshine observes a strict quality control process to verify the atomic absorption of Silver Shield. As a result, the product delivers fine, particle-sized silver colloids with 99% bioavailability. Many other popular colloidal silver products were tested and deliver only 15-65% colloids with bioavailability.

Boost your immune system with colloidal silver. The quality of Nature’s Sunshine’s Silver Shield product surpasses the market standard for colloidal silver supplements. Give your body the strength it needs to combat the harmful bacteria and viruses we face every day.

Garlic has been present in many cultures for thousands of years in more ways than just as a flavoring for a tasty pasta dish. Roman soldiers used to gobble down cloves of garlic before battle in hopes that its power would give them the heroic strength to conquer. Damsels in distress used to arm themselves with garlic to keep vampires away. We know that the Egyptians used garlic as a means of commerce with fifteen bulbs matching the price of a slave.

Aside from these more frivolous uses of garlic, there is one ancient use that still holds true today—garlic’s ability to strengthen the immune system. Sanskrit records show that garlic was used for medicinal purposes as far back as 3000 BCE. Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, recommended garlic as a remedy for infections, digestive disorders and even cancer.
 
Until Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928, garlic was a treatment for many illnesses. But Flemmings discovery brought on what some may call the antibiotic binge of the 20th century medical field, quickly pushing garlic to the ranks of the “poor man’s” medicine. However, as the public looks for more natural ways to boost the immune system, garlic is creeping back into the forefront of immune system strengtheners.

This member of the onion family contains three particular organosulfur compounds that act as antioxidants, reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent blood clots. Clinical studies show that they even strengthen our immune system’s cancer-fighting abilities.

From fighting off the common cold to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, you can’t go wrong with garlic. As garlic is known as the “stinky rose,” most are aware of the detrimental effects garlic breath can have on our social life. So you’ll be happy to hear that there are many ways to receive all of the health benefits garlic has to offer in more subtle ways—garlic supplements. Give your immune system the help it needs with an added boost of garlic strength. And don’t forget to check out our list of garlic supplements:

Capsicum & Garlic w/ Parsley (100 caps)
Garlic (100 caps)
Garlic Oil (60 softgel caps) 
Garlic, High Potency, SynerPro (60 tabs)

Because the world lacked the understanding of the immune system, until Hippocrates, civilization believed the causes of illness were the results of angry gods, bad karma or even magic. Hippocrates turned away from these superstitious notions for answers moving us closer to identifying the immune system. He hypothesized people get sick because of an imbalance of bodily fluids such as blood and phlegm.

However, the enlightenment of the Renaissance brought more curious minds to attempt another scientific explanation of the causes of illness. Paracelsus, a Renaissance man known for his research regarding these causes, concluded that many factors play a part in making people feel “under the weather.”  He explained that the environment, poisoning, genealogical inheritance, emotions and a person’s spiritual state could all be factors making people sick, thus taking us strides closer to what we now know about the immune system.

Since Paracelsus’ time we’ve come a long way in understanding the cause of both infectious and non-infectious diseases. We know that infectious diseases are contagious as they are contracted from an external source. Non-infectious diseases can stem from genetics, lifestyle or even harmful chemicals and are not contagious. We also know much more about what the body needs to combat these illnesses. For example, we know that without a healthy immune system, our bodies can fall victim to every type of disease.

The immune system is made up of several components—both external and internal. Starting with the skin, nose, eyes and mouth, the body puts up a thick guard against outside invaders. Moving inside, the body is armed with anti-bacterial tears, mucus and saliva—all ready to kill outsiders.

Even with the body’s heavily armed defense system, we still seem to suffer the effects of disease. That’s because immune systems cannot fully function without our help. We need to make sure we get lots of rest, stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and most importantly, give our body all of the vitamins and minerals it needs—especially immune boosting vitamins. Next time you get sick, or better yet, before you get sick again, consider what you’re doing to help your immune system stay strong.