SPECIAL REPORT: Super-Charging Immunity for Less Stress
13 Jun 2016 --- Many of life’s challenges can result in stress, causing the body to react in a number of ways. As nutrient requirements increase during stressful times, NutritionInsight highlights the nutritional products on the market available to help improve our immunity.
The immune system is a network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body. The white blood cells, or leukocytes, come in two basic types: phagocytes fight foreign organisms/substances, while lymphocytes provide the body with a memory of previous foreign organisms/substances to assist with their effective future recognition and elimination. These immune system cells patrol the central nervous system (CNS) and protect against infection.
The gut contains the largest number of immune cells in the body, constituting approximately 60-70% of the entire immune system. Bacteria in the digestive system also helps protect against bad microorganism invaders, and work with good microorganisms to manage metabolism. Colonies of gut flora can increase antibodies and play a role in fighting infection as well. Therefore, a healthy gut microbiome has a direct role in optimal immune system function.
Vitamins and minerals
The immune system becomes significantly vulnerable during periods of high stress. During this time vitamins and minerals are being used at higher rates.
Vitamins often work as co-factors for immune system glutathione (GSH) production. Research shows that the powerful antioxidant GSH is essential for a proper functioning immune system.
B vitamins aid in CNS health. Vitamin C and zinc formulations also contribute to the normal function of the immune system. However, there is little data and mixed results on “mega-dosing” for vitamin C, and data is lacking on the benefits of minerals such as zinc.
A number of vitamin D receptors have been found to be expressed in immune cells. When the body is under stress, levels of the cortisol hormone increase and block absorption of vitamin D, hence the need for higher levels.
Foods and ingredients
Diet plays a big part in strengthening the immune system. Immune health ingredients are a big trend at the moment, as more consumers are turning to what they eat in an effort to maintain good health. Quality food sources for vitamin B include almost all whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Foods rich in vitamin C and zinc include spinach, asparagus and mushrooms.
Several components in our kitchens can also help. Research shows that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) provides a cost effective, readily available antioxidant food source. It can be consumed in the everyday diet to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, and therefore reduces the risk and progression of many different diseases.
Turmeric is known in the health food world as a great anti-inflammatory, due to properties of its curcumin molecule. It is often used in laboratory studies for research of possible health benefits.
Unfortunately, turmeric in the average kitchen cabinet only has 2-9% curcumin in it, and it’s not easy to find fresh turmeric.
However, natural algae are becoming more available in our grocery stores, and are recognized for a wide range of health benefits. One of these is chlorella, the single-cell emerald green algae. This natural whole food contains a spectrum of nutrients, and is the richest source of chlorophyll on earth. Chlorella only grows in fresh water, which means that unlike the better known blue-green spirulina, it contains little or no salt or iodine.
Traditionally chlorella has been used for promoting the normal function of the immune system, and the high yield of chlorophyll is thought to be a natural detox/cleanser. Spirulina is well known for its yield of fats and proteins and is considered to be good for fighting disease.
Supplements
As some people’s diets may not provide enough nutrients during stressful times, specific supplements on the market which claim to improve immunity from bacterial and viral infections can be used.
Lorna Driver-Davies, Nutritional Therapist and Technical Assistant at Wild Nutrition, which produces the Food-Grown Immune Support supplement, told NutritionInsight. “In the medical and nutrition clinic setting we are seeing a growth in autoimmune conditions. These conditions are characterized by the immune system ‘attacking’ itself and damaging healthy tissue – basically ‘immune dysregulation’.”
“Food-Grown Immune Support specifically supports the necessity to ‘regulate’ the immune system – moving away from the concept of ‘boosting’ that can potentially make immune-dysregulation much worse. The inclusion of vitamins D and two powerful medicinal mushrooms – oyster and maitake – help to support unwanted inflammation and to optimize the immune system returning to a preferred balance rather than under or over-performance.”
As well as zinc, the formula contains minerals commonly found in low amounts in the diet, such as selenium and chromium; elderberry, vitamin C and bioflavonoids are also present – which have all been used to fight infection and strengthen immunity. It also has the amino acid N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC), which helps to increase levels of GSH. “NAC also supports the lungs – especially those prone to chesty or phlegmy coughs. By using antioxidants, this also supports the body’s energy production via the mitochondria – and this may support those experiencing chronic fatigue type symptoms,“ Driver-Davies adds.
Another popular aid is Wellmune, a nutritional ingredient within Kerry’s Functional Ingredients and Actives business. “Wellmune is a proprietary bakers’ yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan with numerous published, peer reviewed clinical studies that support the natural ingredient’s ability to help safely strengthen the immune system,” Donald Cox, PhD, Senior Vice President of R&D Wellmune, explained to NutritionInsight.
The immune health benefits of this ingredient can be provided via a variety of food, beverage and supplement applications. It has received numerous food industry awards for scientific excellence, as well as regulatory approval in major markets around the world, including GRAS status in the US and novel food approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is now available in more than 60 countries. In April, US nutrition company OLLY launched a new children’s daily gummy vitamin featuring Wellmune called Kids Might Immunity.
Beverage applications
New drinks are also being developed to help improve immune function. In December 2015, New Hope Dairy Holding Co., Ltd, a leading milk manufacturer in China launched two ready-to-drink, dairy milk-based beverages featuring Wellmune for 3-12 year olds. Just two months ago, Optimum Nutrition launched a new line of intra-workout drink mixes featuring Wellmune.
Kombucha beverage – made from a sweetened tea fermented by a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast known as a SCOBY – has been shown to elevate levels of glutathione (GSH), an important immune booster, and it is gaining reputation as a health elixir.
However, Rooibos tea’s medicinal attributes have also been confirmed by scientists from around the globe. Ernest du Toit, spokesperson for the Rooibos Council in South Africa says the tea contains polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-mutagenic qualities – organic chemicals that are known for their antioxidant capabilities: “Aspalathin and nothofagin are two other vital antioxidants that Rooibos tea contains, making it a great beverage to boost your immune system and protect your body against all types of diseases and conditions,” he added.
Herbal teas are another method of getting immune-supportive herbs into the diet. Sebastian Pole, Co-Managing Director and Herbal Director of UK-based Pukka Herbs, prescribes herbs in his clinic. He told NutritionInsight: “Drinking herbal tea is a great way to get the therapeutic benefit of these herbs into our bodies, and that’s why every tea is blended not just for taste but also for wellbeing.”
Clinical tests suggest that the Japanese green tea Matcha can speed physical recovery after workouts, promote cell strength, as well as boost immunity. Pole added: “At Pukka we work with farmers across the globe to source the highest quality organic herbs, rich in natural oils. Teas such as our new Turmeric Gold and our Matcha range are packed full of immune bosting antioxidants, whilst more traditional blends like Elderberry & Echinacea and Three Ginger are great for boosting winter immunity.”
Consumers
Immune health is a desirable functional benefit that consumers want in a food or beverage, and this is reflected in the popularity of immune-improving products.
Driver-Davies sees sales of Food-Grown Immune Support across the ages and genders: “Parents may look to support teenagers feeling run down and needing to excel at school, or working professionals in their 30’s and 40’s could be supporting varying conditions but needing to keep their strength up for work and busy social lives.”
“We have seen a growth in men taking an interest in their own health more – from business men or sports enthusiasts looking to support general immunity or recovery from strenuous exercise or even injury. Older customers may be looking to support conditions such as osteoarthritis or supporting them avoiding winter cold and flu where they are more likely to feel vulnerable when unwell. We also find a great deal of new parents or those with smaller children, are keen to use the product as they can find it hard to get adequate sleep or rest time and seem to be persistently ‘run down’.”
“Practitioners also use this product to support inflammation, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal health, sports nutrition, post-operative recovery, auto immune conditions, mood health and more. “
“Immune health is important to everyone,” as Dr Cox confirms. Therefore, a broad range of consumers can use these nutritional products to improve physical health; maintain energy levels; provide immune support throughout the life-course, and help keep healthy during times of stress right through the year.
by Kerina Tull
