Immune health and supplements

Rather than relying on an immune-boosting supplement, a simpler and more economical way to boost your immune system is to eat ample fruits and vegetables, minimize consumption of sugar and other simple carbohydrates, aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night and drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water per day. Consuming beneficial bacteria in your diet is also helpful to defend your immune system against harmful bacteria invaders. One of best sources of "probiotics" is  plain, cultured yogurt. All of these wellness practices will not only boost your immune system, they'll also benefit your overall health.

I take Juice Plus, concentrated essence of a whole serving of 15 fruits and vegs with the fiber of 2 whole grains in capsules and chewables. It's the only nutritional product backed up by 14 gold-standard clinical studies conducted in universities world wide.

I recommend it ongoing to make up for what we miss in our diet. U.S. Dietary Guidelines were revised in 2005 to advise 8-10 servings of fruits and vegs daily for maximum protection against disease. This is based on the results of many long-term nutritional studies spanning 10-30 years.

Juice Plus is actually a lot less expensive than eating that much produce daily, even if anyone was willing to do that. It won't make up for a poor diet, but it will fill in the gaps of good, but less than ideal eating.

 

Carolyn - All good stuff. Thanks. I actually wrote up some similar thoughts recently.

Thanks for the input. 

Verna - where can you get Juice Plus?   Thanks.

I am a firm believer in boosting the immune system via juicing fresh organic veggies with fruit  and WOW its like a jolt and POPEYE!  But on other lazy days I take a daily dose of a dark green juice of barley grass sold as Green Magma in health food stores or Barley LIFE at AIM INTERNATIONAL online. .  THis I have beeen doing since 1986 and what a push ahead it does for your health strength and stamina! 

Thanks mzeatright. I've thought about trying some wheatgrass or barley grass.

Right now I take an EpiCor supplement (a yeast culture ingredient) that does really well with my allergy/cold/flu experience. Sounds like I continually need to re-up on on my fruit and veggie commitment.  My wife and I have talked about getting a good juicer some day. That's the problem...it's always 'someday.'

The major regulating nutrient in the immune system, is zinc. Because it is used by liver for detoxification, it low particularly in those who use drugs or alcohol but I also find that nearly 90% of my clients are deficient.  Zinc is a nutrient which you can perceive via taste.  When you are deficient in Zinc,  liquid zinc tester will have no taste, when at adequate zinc levels, it will taste very strongly metalic.  I use a chelated zinc orate with my clients for maximum bioavailability.  The key is to take sufficient amount which vary by person but too little will never restore your zinc levels.  The zinc I use, and the liquid tester, are Poliquin brand. 

I also instruct clients to avoid fruit juices during illness as research has shown that both sucrose and fructose can supress the immune system for hours.  

In addition to the stomach suggestions listed earlier, I would also suggest testing your HCL levels as low hydrocholic acid in your stomach may prevent adequate absorbtion of many nutrients including zinc,  thus setting up a chronic deficiency. 

Thanks Jim. Great blog, by the way.