Cold and Flu Season

Everywhere we see signs that the cold and flu season is upon us. Already we have heard about or experienced the effects of early virus' making their way around our area. Everybody knows that good nutrition is vital to maintaining an immune system strong enough to ward off nasty invaders. Nutritional supplementation can also help.

Many nutritional supplement ingredients are effective in supporting immune system health. Here are a few popular ones that are scientifically supported.

Echinacea has been shown to stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of certain immune cells.

1. Elderberry appears to have immunomodulatory (helps to balance the immune system, keeping it from being overactive or under active) effects. The compounds in elderberry extract have been found to bind to viruses and block their ability to invade host cells. In this way elderberry is thought to reduce the severity of viral flu symptoms.
2. Scientific studies on ingredients such as zinc, Korean ginseng, Vitamin C, betaglucans and arabinogalactans all enhance and improve the effectiveness of the immune system by increasing the protective activity of certain immune cells. Without proper functioning of these immune cells, infectious diseases usually occur more frequently, are more severe and have a longer duration.
3. Vitamin D3 studies indicate that vitamin D may be a key nutritional component in enhancing immune function. Recent studies show the following about Vitamin D:
   1. Vitamin D signals the immune system to fight infections by being there to enable T-Cells (the fighter cells) to function.
   2. Lower levels of Vitamin D are produced in the body during the winter months because of lack of exposure to direct sunlight.
   3. A study of Japanese schoolchildren found that those receiving 1,200 IU of vitamin D daily were 58 percent less likely to catch influenza A.
   4. People with higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 50% reduction in the risk of developing acute respiratory tract infections than those with lower blood levels. Additionally for those with the higher Vitamin D level who did develop infections there was a marked reduction in the number of days they were ill.

Check out the  Elderberry Immune & Elderberry Plus formulas from Nature's Sunshine.

For more information on the products mentioned above please go to www.herbsnwheystore.com.

This information is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your medical professional if a medical condition exists or when taking medication before using any supplement.