Shaun Klomp, pharmacy technician, Spence’s Pharmacy
YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM is a multifaceted, complex system that protects you from internal and external harmful substances. Your immune system differentiates pathogens and foreign substances from your own cells and helps
to destroy or inactivate these substances. Maintaining a healthy immune system is not just a matter of taking vitamins or supplements. You require a comprehensive plan of proper diet, rest, stress management, exercise, and nutritional support to keep your immune system operating at its best. However, even with the best of lifestyles, your immune system can be challenged.
Your body faces its greatest immune system challenge during cold and flu season, or when it is subjected to other viral infections. At these times, nutritional supplements such as the potent immune system enhancer Epigallocatechin (EGCg) can help to stimulate your natural immune function.
Articles in medical literature have noted the viral inhibitive effects of EGCg in influenza, Hepatitis B and C, and even Ebola, to name a few. Not only has EGCg been recognized for its immune enhancement capabilities with viral infections, but it has also been shown to be beneficial in minimizing cancer risk and as a valuable option in anti-aging medicine.
Synergistic and powerful blends of immune stimulants have been shown to provide a boost when the immune system is being challenged. Such a product is Immuno-DMG Chewable, a combination of Vitamin D3, black elderberry, larch tree, beta-1- 3 glucan, astragalus root, and maitake mushroom fraction. This combination can be used at the
first sign of immune challenge, and the product can be dosed from children all the way up to adults.
Two other combination products, Immune Health Support and Echinacea and Goldenseal, will also help to enhance immune response when the immune response is being challenged. Zinc is a critical component of proper immune function. When coming down with a cold, Zinc lozenges can shorten the duration of a cold and actually prevent a cold from occurring. Using Zinc lozenges while traveling on an airplane can reduce your chances of getting an infection from other passengers. For immune enhancement, use Zinc lozenges every two hours while awake.
Even with the best of lifestyles, the immune system can be challenged. Nutritional supplements that support and encourage the immune system, such as Green Tea-70, Immuno-DMG Chewable, Immune Health Support, Vitamin
D 5000 IU, and Zinc lozenges are all excellent recommendations. Utilization of these supplements during cold and flu season, or at times of high stress, will help to improve the function of your immune system.
Compounding pharmacies are also able to compound a nasal ointment nicknamed Fly Safe that contains EGCg, Deoxy-D-Glucose, Vitamin C and D, and L-Lysine. Typically, you will swab a small amount into each nostril two to three times a day before traveling or during your daily activities. This formula contains multiple ingredients, each with research on antiviral, antimicrobial, and even antiviral properties. Call your local pharmacy to inquire about how to boost your immune system
