Top 3 Vitamins & Top 12 Tonic Herbs for Immunity.

Main Systems of the body involved in Immune Function

Throughout the body all systems at some point or another are working to supporting each other to keep the body healthy and maintain homeostasis (balanced). Along with the nervous system (our own internal postal system sending messages / feedback around the body), the immune system is key to maintaining homeostasis by defending the body from being compromised. The following organs and systems are those directly responsible and related to a healthy Immune system:

The Lymphatic System
A network of vessels that transport the lymph fluid (similar to blood) that contains infection fighting white blood cells. The lymphatic system also contains organs and structures that filter toxins, waste and unwanted debris.

White Blood Cells (WBC / Leukocytes)
Leukocytes refer to all WBC involved in Innate and Adaptive Immunity.
A sub group called Lymphocytes (found mainly in the lymphatic system) are those involved only in adaptive immunity, these guys seek and destroy pathogens (antigens) and there are 3 main types:

• B-Cells, made in the bone marrow, they form antibodies, proteins produced to fight foreign substances known as antigens. Each B cell makes a specific antibody to matches an antigen in the same way that a key matches a lock, marking it for destruction.
• T-Cells, pre t-cells are made in the bone marrow and sent to the thymus to make different types of T-cells which are sent out to attack invading viruses, cancer cells, transplanted tissue cells, etc.
• Natural Killer Cells, attack wide variety of infectious microbes and certain spontaneously arising tumor cells.

The Spleen
This little guy stores white blood cells, filters blood, recycles old blood cells and helps fight certain bacteria.

The Respiratory System
Airways of the respiratory system are coated in mucous which captures pathogens and particles that we don’t really want getting in. (As well as the obvious filtering and provision of oxygen for all cells in the body to function).

The Integumentary System (the skin)
The skin is the bodes largest organ, serving as a barrier to the outside and keeping all our insides, inside. It also contains an estimated 20billion T-cells (lymphocytes), which control skin microbes and send feedback to the the immune system.

The Digestive System / Gastrointestinal Tract / Gut
60% of the immune system resides in the GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue) with the intestines lined with mast cells, which are immune cells that activate and coordinate the nerves system and immune systems response. The Gut also contains a multitude of bacteria that supports the regulation of inflammation, helps kill bad bacteria and perpetuate good bacteria, it has a pH balance that creates a barrier against microbes, it fights pathogens and it produces anti-microbial substances - not to mention it makes around 90% of the bodies serotonin (a neurotransmitter that impacts mood).

TOP 3 Vitamins

If you're eating all the right things and want an inexpensive easy way to boost your immune system a little further, then vitamins can be a great option. We recommend the following top 3:

• Vitamin C is integral to Immune defence by supporting cellular function of both the innate and adaptive immune system, if deficient your more susceptible to infection. (Load up, its easy and risk free, as you pee out any excess).
• Vitamin D help modulate the innate and adaptive immune system, it plays a role in the optimal function of the immune system, if deficient your more susceptible to infection. (Excess can also be harmful, so don’t overdo it).*
• Zinc helps keep the immune system strong, helps healing and normal growth. If deficient you are more susceptible to pathogens. (But again don’t overdo it).

*NOTE We recommend that you have regular blood tests, either annually or every 6 months to determine you levels of things like Cholesterol, Vitamin D and Zinc. This will prevent overdoing it or being deficient, and enable you to better understand and manage your health.

TOP 3 Medicinal Plants

These plants have been shown to help modulate and enhance the immune system as well as potentially improve the white blood cells NK (natural killer) cell response to infection and help to reduce inflammation.

• Olive Leaf Extract
  Made from from the leaves of the olive plant, its active ingredient, oleuropein,has been shown to potentially help; reduce inflammation, oxidation and pain, as well as support the digestive, nervous and immune systems. This 2019 study found that it may help reduce the overall number of days of sickness (Study)
• Curcumin
  Curcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric with multiple health benefits (2018 Analysis).
• Astaxanthin
  Astaxanthin is the reddish coloured carotenoid that you see in salmon, lobster, shrimp and other seafoods, and comes from a specific type of algae that they eat. It has been shown to be a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory (2018 Analysis).
• Astragalus
  A root used mostly within Traditional Chinese Medicine and Russian Medicine. Is has been shown to be an Immunomodulator, supporting balance and proper immune function by enhancing WBC production, NK cell activity and weight management. (2019 Study)
• Spirulina
  Truely Natures Multi-vitamin, supporting our entire system. In 1992 WHO has declared Spirulina as “Best food for future” to redress malnutrition especially in children. (2018 Study)
• Echinacea
• Eleuthero  
  Another product used within Traditional Chinese Medicine and Russian Medicine, Eleuthero, also know as Siberian Ginseng, as with most ginsengs it has been shown to help support proper immune function. (2019 Analysis)
• Schisandra
  Another product used within Traditional Chinese Medicine and Russian Medicine for 1000's of years. Research has found that Schisandra helps promote Immune function through the production of WBC, NK cells and by nourishing the thymus and spleen. (2018 Study) (see products for links to research).
• Medicinal Mushrooms 
  Used for centuries across multiple cultures, fungi have some extraordinary benefits, each with their own uniquity, such as: Reishi (Immune, Sleep), Chaga (Immune) and Cordyceps (Anti-viral, Immune). (see products for links to research).
• Amla 
  Among other things, contains one of the highest sources of Vitamin C, which is important for immune function. (see product for more research).
• Tulsi 
  Also known as holy basil is another wonder herb that not only supports your respiratory system but also nourishes your nervous system and aids in stress reduction by caring for the adrenals. (see product for more research)
• Ashwagandha
  Also known as Indian Ginseng is an extraordinary root used within Ayurveda for centuries. Shown to help build the system when its compromised and also promote WBC production it makes it a great addition to supporting the immune system. (see product for more research)