Using Supplemented Support For A Stronger Immune System

  

It has become apparent, just over the last week that winter is on its way and with it, an outbreak of cold and flu.

In only the last three or four days I have come into contact with several people who are showing early signs of a possible outbreak of flu. As a personal trainer my work requires me to come into contact with many different people throughout the day. Some of which are fighting fit whilst others are presenting with runny noses and tickling throats. The gym is a hybrid for illness and it’s paramount that my immune system stays on top form to help to protect me and my business from any circulating ‘invaders’ that may pose a threat to my health.

It is for this reason I have complied a list of the following that would be of great benefit for anyone currently presenting symptoms of a cold or flu or for those who want a stronger immune system and ‘health insurance.’

The list is compiled in order of importance; however if you have the means to take them all I would strongly advise you do so.

All supplements can be ordered through the Nutritiongeeks website using the:

Username – chrishall

Password - client

Vitamin D - 5,000IU per day

A study reported in a 2010 edition of "Nature Immunology" found that vitamin D is needed to activate the killer T-cells of the immune system so they can detect and kill foreign microorganisms, potentially preventing serious infection. Dr. Marina Rode von Essen and the other researchers discovered that killer T-cells rely on vitamin D in order to be activated from their dormant state.

Vitamin C - 5,000-8,000mgs per day

Vitamin C supports numerous natural immune processes, activating the work of macrophages, T cells, B cells, and natural killer or NK cells, the body’s first line of defense. It stimulates the production of the chemical messengers that activate the body’s natural immune response and it also supports a healthy circulatory system.

Zinc - 120-240mgs per day

The presence of zinc is one of the determining factors for how many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) are present in your bloodstream. Zinc is key to lymphoid cell activation and the enzymes used in immune response. If zinc is not present in a sufficient amount, you can suffer a condition known as lymphopenia (a decreased level of white blood cells). This is a condition that occurs when the number of lymphocytes has been reduced. Lymphocytes are the cells in your body responsible for fighting foreign bacteria and viruses. A reduction in lymphocytes compromises your body's ability to fight infections much like being immunodeficient.

In cases of zinc deficiency or insufficiency, supplementation with zinc may improve immune functioning. A 1998 study in the "Journal of the American Geriatric Society" showed that zinc supplementation by elderly individuals, a population with historically low levels of zinc, raised levels of immune cells.

Glutamine - 10 grams 3-8x per day

Glutamine can help maintain a healthy immune system by providing a source of energy for immune system cells known as lymphocytes.

A further benefit of glutamine is that it can aid and help maintain a healthy gut. Glutamine can improve the barrier function of the gut and help prevent leaky gut syndrome.

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which there is increased permeability of the gut wall. In such circumstances contaminants such as toxins, undigested food and waste can pass through the wall of the intestine and affect other parts of the body placing a strain on the immune system.

Vitamin E - 400-800IU per day

Vitamin E is an efficient antioxidant and a modulator of your immune system. Vitamin E supports immunity by producing interleukin-2, a powerful protein that can destroy bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. A study reported in a 2000 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" found that vitamin E supplementation improved cell-mediated immunity and oxidative stress in Chinese men and women.

I would also recommend you void consumption of sugar, According to Fred Pescatore, M.D., author of “The Allergy and Asthma Cure,” One teaspoon of sugar suppresses the immune system by 56%, and two suppresses it by 84%. It has also been noted that the consumption of as little as 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of sugar can suppress the immune system by 4-6 hours slowing down the responsiveness of white blood cell activity.

Stay Away From Sugar!