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Curcumin is known to be a strong anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594223) by targeting multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, and the molecular level.  Curcumin blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases.

Co-Q10 – Found in every cell of our body, CoQ10 is used to convert food into energy your body needs for cell growth and maintenance. This is due to its role in the creation of adenosine triphosate (ATP), which helps direct energy where it is needed within a cell or with the human body. Its potent antioxidant capabilities are well known – often prescribed for use by those with heart conditions because of its effectiveness at treating oxidative stress – which in turn helps protect the heart and blood vessels. It can also help increase the absorption of other vitamins.

Co-Q10 is found in many natural foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach. 

Manganese – A naturally occurring nutrient found in various plants and foods such as raspberries, beetroot, garlic, leeks, bananas, coconut, and almonds, manganese is crucial for bone health and thyroid function as well as a component of the powerful antioxidant manganese superoxide dismutase which scours the body, neutralizing cell damaging free radicals. It helps control the level of sugar in human blood by normalizing insulin synthesis and secretion; is an essential component of thyroxine (a hormone in the thyroid that is crucial to its health); displays significant anti-inflammatory benefits; and it plays a part in the regulation of the metabolism – activating enzymes that help metabolize cholesterol, amino acids, and carbohydrates. Manganese also helps with vitamin absorption in the body – vitamins like Vitamin B and E as well as minerals like magnesium rely on Manganese for the enzymatic reactions that are required to absorb and utilize the vitamins found in food.

Selenium - Selenium, discovered in the 1950’s to be nutritionally essential, plays a critical role in numerous processes regarding oxidative protection, immunity,  cardiovascular health, and brain function. One of its key benefits is its crucial role it plays in the production and proliferation of glutathione peroxidase. One of the most extensively studied protections against oxidative stress, this enzyme requires selenium for proper function. Numerous studies have shown that decreased Selenium levels lead to decreased glutathione peroxidase activity – contributing to increased oxidative damage that can impair or damage DNA, heart tissue, and brain tissue – potentially leading to heart disease, stroke-induced brain damage, as well as cancer.

Selenium also can help the immune response due to its immune-activating properties. Selenium has been shown to elevate cancer and virus-quenching T immune cell presence in addition to their critical role in neutrophils function. Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight infection by ingesting and destroying invading microorganisms.

One study found that Selenium supplementation created an increased production of interferon gamma (which inhibit viral replication and activate macrophages), an earlier peak T Cell proliferation and an increase in T helper cells. Those patients who were given the Selenium showed a faster recovery and more rapid clearance of the live virus that was injected during the study.

1. Broome CS, McArdle F, Kyle JA, et al. An increase in selenium intake improves immune function and poliovirus handling in adults with marginal selenium status.
2. Rose AH, Hoffmann PR. Selenoproteins and cardiovascular stress. Throm Haemost. 2015 Mar;113(3):494-504.
3. Mocchegiani E, Malavolta M. Role of zinc and Selenium in Oxidative Stress and Immunosenescence: Implications for Healthy Ageing and Longevity. In: Fulop T, ed. Handbook on Immunosenescence: Basic Understanding And Clinical Applications: Springer Science and Business Media; 2009:1368-88.
4. Eaton CB, Abdul Baki AR, Waring ME, Roberts MB, Lu B. The association of low selenium and renal insufficiency with coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality: NHANES III follow-up study. Atherosclerosis. 2010 Oct;212(2):689-94.
5. Richie JP, Das A, Calcagnotto AM, et al. Comparative effects of two different forms of selenium on oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy men: a randomized clinical trial. Cancer Prev Res. 2014;7(8):796-804.
6. Zachara BA, Gromadzinska J, Palus J, et al. The effect of selenium supplementation in the prevention of DNA damage in white blood cells of hemodialyzed patients: a pilot study. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2011 Sep;142(3):274-83.
7. Solana R, Tarazona R, Gayoso I, Lesur O, Dupuis G, Fulop T. Innate immunosenescence: effect of aging on cells and receptors of the innate immune system in humans. Semin Immunol. 2012 Oct;24(5):331-41.
8. Arthur JR, McKenzie RC, Beckett GJ. Selenium in the immune system. J Nutr. 2003 May;133(5 Suppl 1):1457S-9S.

Zinc – An essential nutrient required for everyday functions and optimal health – over 300 different enzymes within the human body require zinc to function normally. It ensures the proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems, helps with hormone production, growth and repair, and provides both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. Zinc is essential for proper hormone balance and immune function – even a small deficiency can increase risk of infertility or diabetes as well as increase susceptibility to infection or illness.  Its ability to stimulate white blood cell activity contributes to its ability to shorten the severity and duration of colds and other minor illnesses. Zinc has also been useful for helping obese people lose weight due to its manipulation of the ghreline hormone, which tells the body when to eat. Zinc is integral for normal muscle function and a deficiency can result in chronic fatigue.

Rhodiola Rosea – The most potent and effective member of the Adaptogen plant group, Rhodiola Rosea helps your body adapt to chemical, physical, and environmental stresses. When the body is in a state of stress, it is believed that adaptogens increase the ability of the cell to create fuel and operate more efficiently. It can also enhance our body’s tolerance to stress by its potential to influence the production of key brain chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine as well as feel-good beta-endorphins. It provides both cognitive stimulation and emotional contentment – enhancing the healing process of the nervous system and contributing to long-term maintenance of brain function.

It can increase attention to detail-oriented tasks by increasing the bioelectrical activity of the brain - improving concentration, comprehension, and memorization. A number of studies have shown that rhodiola can dramatically reduce mental fatigue under stressful conditions. In one study, forty students were selected to receive either 50 mg Rhodiola extract or placebo twice daily for a period of 20 days. The students receiving the standardised extract demonstrated significant improvements in physical fitness, psychomotor function, mental performance, and general wellbeing. Subjects receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract also reported statistically significant reductions in mental fatigue, improved sleep patterns, a reduced need for sleep, greater mood stability, and a greater motivation to study. The average exam scores between students receiving the Rhodiola rosea extract and placebo were 3.47 and 3.20, respectively.

Rhodiola also can improve strength and resiliency during particularly exhaustive or strenuous physical tasks.

In one study, the energy-boosting effect of small and medium doses of rhodiola was observed in animals during a “swim test”—a physically challenging test in which a rodent is put into a beaker of water and observed to see how long it can keep its head above water. Rhodiola-treated rats were able to swim for 25% longer before becoming exhausted, compared with animals that did not receive rhodiola. The researchers concluded that rhodiola enhances exercise capacity by activating the synthesis or re-synthesis of Adenosine triphosate (ATP), a vital energy source, as well as increasing the level of enzymes, RNA, and proteins important to muscle recovery after exhaustion.

Rhodiola may even hold benefits for those challenged with elevated blood sugar or diabetes, - significantly decreasing blood glucose, and improving levels of glutathione and the activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase in the liver.”

Olive Leaf Extract – Olive Leaf Extract exhibits multiple impressive characteristics – as an antioxidant it is more potent than Green Tea, is a powerful anti-inflammatory,  promotes healthy blood pressure levels, is a good source of anti-cancer compounds and it exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal attributes.  It differs from immune boosters because it provides its own benefits rather than stimulating the immune system and making it do all the work. It acts as a buffer for the immune system, dulling or obstructing an attack, giving your immune system time to produce antibodies and finish off the attackers before they have time to spread. It also has the ability to inactivate pathogens without harming “good” bacteria – allowing your gut to keep its beneficial bacteria content intact.

Yeast Betaglucans / Baker’s yeast – In the last 20 years since the discovery of the immunological activity of Beta Glucans, more than 6000 publications have investigated its benefits and potential. A group of natural polysaccharides, Beta Glucans are found in the cell walls of various bacteria and fungi such as baker’s yeast, shiitake mushrooms, and cereal grains. Classed as immunomodulators, Beta-Glucans regulate and/or activate the immune system – showing an increased presence of phagocytes (cells that ingest or absorb foreign particles and bacteria) as well as increased oxidative bursts (used to kill bacteria or larger parasites). Importantly, Beta-Glucans make the Immune system smarter and more efficient, but never overactive – which prevents complications in those suffering from autoimmune illnesses.

Reishi Mushroom has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for thousands of years to improve longevity, Scientists have discovered that the possible health expansion ability of reishi mushrooms may be due to their substantial polysaccharide content. These polysaccharides help boost the health of the immune system and prevent certain abnormal blood vessel formations. It has also been linked with improving liver health, which aids in ridding the body of unwanted toxins.

Cordyseps Sinesis is a nutritionally rich mushroom that is harvested in high mountain regions, Cordyseps Sinesis have been used for centuries in herbal remedies designed to help combat respiratory disorders, colds, and liver damage among other things. It can help to relax the smooth muscles of the blood vessels allowing them to expand more freely, improving blood flow and the functioning of the heart and lungs. This ability, combined with its capability to improve oxygen utilization (by up to 40%), contributes to its ability to reduce fatigue, shortness of breath, alleviate asthma symptoms, and reduce muscle soreness. It has been shown to improve Liver Function and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Several scientific studies have confirmed Cordyceps ability to significantly enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell activity in both normal as well as leukemia-stricken patients. Its impressive influence on immune functions have led to the widespread clinical use of Cordyceps products in patients with altered immune functions.

 

1. Zhu, J.S., Halpern, G.M., and Jones, K. (1998): The Scientific Rediscovery of an Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps sinensis. Part I. Journal of Alternative and complementary Medicine 4(3), pp 289-303.
2. Zhu, J.S., Halpern, G.M., and Jones, K. (1998): The Scientific Rediscovery of a Precious Ancient Chinese Herbal Regimen: Cordyceps sinensis. Part II. Journal of Alternative and complementary Medicine 4(4), pp 429-457.
3. Mizuno T. (1999): Medicinal effects and utilization of Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes) and Isaria Fr. (Mitosporic Fungi) Chinese Caterpillar Fungi, “Tochukaso” (Review). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 1 (3), pp 251-261.
4. Xiao Y., Huang X.Z., Chen G.,Wang M.B., Zhu J.S., Cooper C.B.: Increased Aerobic Capacity in Healthy Elderly Humans given fermented Cordyceps Cs-4: a Placebo controlled Trial. Ann. Meeting American College of Sports Medicine, Seattle, WA, June 3-5, 1999.

In order for your immune system to adequately protect you from illness, it must be able to recognize threats, respond to threats, and remember past threats. Once the immune system has recognized and defeated an invader, it has the ability to store the identity of the invader by creating a memory cell – which will allow the immune system to immediately recognize and quickly defeat any repeat offenders before they are able to make us sick. This is what we know as “immunity”. Immunity means we have protection – usually obtained either as a result of becoming sick or by receiving a vaccination. Another method for receiving immunity is through Transfer Factors.

Found in colustrum and eggs, they are responsible for passing immunity from the mother to the infant. Transfer Factors are molecules that are filled with memory cells complete with all the information our immune system needs to instantly recognize and defeat the numerous viral and bacterial threats that we encounter on a daily basis. The discovery of transfer factors has proven to be invaluable in bolstering the immune system of immuno-compromised patients – protecting them from illnesses that would normally render them extremely ill. They can also be used safely and with favorable results by those with Auto-Immune diseases -  who are often treated with Immune-supressing drugs, rendering them more susceptible to illness.