Protect Your Immune System with Dietary Supplements
By Patsy Hamilton | Submitted by public | Nutrition | Rating:
There is mounting scientific evidence that certain immune system dietary supplements can help strengthen and protect your immune system. Here we take a look at some of the natural, herbal and botanicals that are being used, as well as the research supporting their use.
More and more people are taking health supplements worldwide. A recent survey in Canada reported that some of the most commonly used are immune system dietary supplements. Making an effort to protect your immune system is always a good idea, but is particularly important as the cold and flu season approaches.
Natural products that support healthy immune system function are popular for good reasons. Many of these immune system dietary supplements have been scientifically proven to improve white blood cell counts, increase the body's resistance to infection and speed recovery when infection does occur. Some feel that herbal and botanical products may pose less risk of side effects than vaccinations and anti-viral medications.
The basis for the study of immune system dietary supplements is traditional medicine and native or folk remedies. The theory is that plants used historically to treat influenza, the common cold and other viral infections can protect your immune system. Scientists investigating immune system supplements have found that some are safer than others, some are more effective than others and some are less likely to interact with prescription or over the counter medications that a person may be taking. An herbalist can advise you about possible drug interactions, but the ones mentioned here are safe and not believed to interact with prescription or over the counter medications.
Andrographis Paniculata (AP) is an ancient medicinal herb and is an ingredient in some immune system dietary supplements. Scientific studies have shown that AP can protect your immune system by increasing white blood cell counts and interfering with a virus' ability to reproduce itself. In one controlled study, people who were given AP missed less work and developed infections less frequently than those who were given a placebo. The same study concluded that those who were given AP and became infected with the flu developed fewer complications and were less likely to be hospitalized than those who caught the flu and had been taking a placebo.
AP has been evaluated for side effects and safety and was found that even when very large doses were given to animals there were no toxic effects on the liver, kidneys or other organs of the body. Some popular supplements are believed to be toxic to the liver if taken for extended periods of time. Studies of AP for extended have revealed no unwanted side effects, but herbalists warn that it should not be used by pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnant. It was used historically as a contraceptive by some native peoples.
Extract of the olive leaf is another ingredient in some immune system dietary supplements and has been shown in scientific studies to have anti-viral properties. Numerous studies of the health benefits of green tea indicate that it may help protect your immune system. It is important to remember that nutrition plays a big role in the function of a healthy immune system, as well as the healthy function of all the systems of the body. Because nutrition is so important, some immune system supplements contain basic vitamins, like C, and essential minerals like magnesium, manganese and zinc. Even a daily multi-vitamin is important, particularly when the typical diet may not contain enough plant foods.
Research concerning natural immune system dietary supplements indicates that plant foods contain elements essential to white blood cells, the body's primary infection fighters. Beta-glucan, found in the cell walls of algae, oats, barley, yeast, edible mushrooms and other plants, is one element that scientists believe can help protect your immune system.
Article Source: Health Guidance
Patsy Hamilton
Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
By Patsy Hamilton | Submitted by public | Nutrition | Rating:
There is mounting scientific evidence that certain immune system dietary supplements can help strengthen and protect your immune system. Here we take a look at some of the natural, herbal and botanicals that are being used, as well as the research supporting their use.
More and more people are taking health supplements worldwide. A recent survey in Canada reported that some of the most commonly used are immune system dietary supplements. Making an effort to protect your immune system is always a good idea, but is particularly important as the cold and flu season approaches.
Natural products that support healthy immune system function are popular for good reasons. Many of these immune system dietary supplements have been scientifically proven to improve white blood cell counts, increase the body's resistance to infection and speed recovery when infection does occur. Some feel that herbal and botanical products may pose less risk of side effects than vaccinations and anti-viral medications.
The basis for the study of immune system dietary supplements is traditional medicine and native or folk remedies. The theory is that plants used historically to treat influenza, the common cold and other viral infections can protect your immune system. Scientists investigating immune system supplements have found that some are safer than others, some are more effective than others and some are less likely to interact with prescription or over the counter medications that a person may be taking. An herbalist can advise you about possible drug interactions, but the ones mentioned here are safe and not believed to interact with prescription or over the counter medications.
Andrographis Paniculata (AP) is an ancient medicinal herb and is an ingredient in some immune system dietary supplements. Scientific studies have shown that AP can protect your immune system by increasing white blood cell counts and interfering with a virus' ability to reproduce itself. In one controlled study, people who were given AP missed less work and developed infections less frequently than those who were given a placebo. The same study concluded that those who were given AP and became infected with the flu developed fewer complications and were less likely to be hospitalized than those who caught the flu and had been taking a placebo.
AP has been evaluated for side effects and safety and was found that even when very large doses were given to animals there were no toxic effects on the liver, kidneys or other organs of the body. Some popular supplements are believed to be toxic to the liver if taken for extended periods of time. Studies of AP for extended have revealed no unwanted side effects, but herbalists warn that it should not be used by pregnant women or those who wish to become pregnant. It was used historically as a contraceptive by some native peoples.
Extract of the olive leaf is another ingredient in some immune system dietary supplements and has been shown in scientific studies to have anti-viral properties. Numerous studies of the health benefits of green tea indicate that it may help protect your immune system. It is important to remember that nutrition plays a big role in the function of a healthy immune system, as well as the healthy function of all the systems of the body. Because nutrition is so important, some immune system supplements contain basic vitamins, like C, and essential minerals like magnesium, manganese and zinc. Even a daily multi-vitamin is important, particularly when the typical diet may not contain enough plant foods.
Research concerning natural immune system dietary supplements indicates that plant foods contain elements essential to white blood cells, the body's primary infection fighters. Beta-glucan, found in the cell walls of algae, oats, barley, yeast, edible mushrooms and other plants, is one element that scientists believe can help protect your immune system.
Article Source: Health Guidance
Patsy Hamilton
Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
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