Immune Health and Vitamin D

When our immune system malfunctions, the consequences can range from microbial infections to cancer.

Many nutritional supplement ingredients are readily available and can help improve immune system health. Some of the more popular and scientifically substantiated ingredients include:
1.     Echinacea has been shown to stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of certain immune cells and by promoting the release of cytokines (cellular communication and regulatory molecules) from these immune cells.#
2.     Elderberry contains flavonoid derivatives called anthocyanidins that appear to have immunomodulatory effects. These compounds in elderberry extract have been found to bind to viruses and block their ability to invade host cells.# In this way, elderberry is thought to reduce the severity of viral flu symptoms.
3.     Scientific studies on ingredients such as zinc, Korean ginseng, Vitamin C, beta-glucans and arabinogalactans all enhance and improve the effectiveness of the immune system by increasing the protective activity of certain immune cells. Macrophages, neutrophils, NK (natural killer) cells and T-cells (T-lymphocytes) are responsible for attacking and neutralizing foreign, disease-causing microbes. Without the proper functioning of these immune cells, infectious diseases such as colds and the flu usually occur more frequently, are more severe, and have a longer duration.
4.     Another promising avenue for natural immune support is vitamin D3. Studies now indicate that vitamin D, once only recognized for supporting bone health, may be a key nutritional component in enhancing immune function.

The following overviews of some recent studies tout the immune system benefits of vitamin D:

• A recent study showed that vitamin D signals the immune system to fight infections. Scientists discovered that T cells—white blood cells that are like soldiers who search out and destroy the targeted invaders—require vitamin D to function. The study author explains, “When a T cell is exposed to a foreign pathogen, it extends a signaling device or ‘antenna’ known as a vitamin D receptor, with which it searches for vitamin D. This means the T cell must have vitamin D or activation of the cell will cease. If the T cells cannot find enough vitamin D in the blood, they won’t even begin to mobilize.” From this study, researchers realize how crucial vitamin D is for activating the immune system. The finding could have significant implications in the fight against global epidemics. Nearly half of the world’s population has sub-optimal levels of vitamin D, a problem that’s getting worse as people spend more time indoors.
• Researchers theorized that the flu season occurs in winter months because of the lack of direct sunlight, and subsequent lower levels of protective vitamin D produced in the body. Their research indicates that influenza epidemics, and possibly even the common cold, are brought on by seasonal deficiencies in antimicrobial peptides, resulting from winter-time deficiencies in vitamin D.
• In a study of Japanese schoolchildren, vitamin D supplements taken during the winter and early spring helped prevent seasonal flu. The study found that children receiving 1,200 IU of vitamin D daily were 58 percent less likely to catch influenza A.
• People with higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 50 percent reduction in the risk of developing acute respiratory tract infections than those with lower blood levels. Additionally, of those with high vitamin D blood levels who did develop infections, there was a marked reduction in the number of days they were ill. Researchers concluded, “Maintenance of a [sufficient] 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentration should significantly reduce the incidence of acute viral respiratory tract infections and the burden of illness caused thereby, at least during the fall and winter in temperate zones.”

Source: Boosting Immune System

Increased Risk of Myocardial Infarction with Calcium Supplementation

In a study published in the British Medical Journal in July 2010, researchers at the University of Auckland conducted a meta-analysis of calcium supplement studies.  Eligible studies were randomised, placebo controlled trials of calcium supplements (>or=500mg/day), with 100 or more participants of mean age more than 40 years and study duration more than a year.  The lead authors of eligible trials supplied data.  Cardiovascular outcomes were obtained from self reports, hospital admissions, and death certificates.

The conclusion, calcium supplements (without coadministered vitamin D) are assoiciated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

When taking calcium supplementation you must have the fat soluble mineral activators vitamin D and vitamin K2 to adequately absorb calcium.

If the calcium doesn't properly absorb, it won't get where is should go, the bones, instead it will be deposited in the tendons and joints as bone spurs, as calcium oxalate kidney stones or even as calcified atherosclerotic plaques.

When purchasing calcium, the best is to look for a liquid form that includes Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Zinc, and Vitamin K2, if possible.

Note: magnesium supplementation should be in a magnesium to calcium ratio of 1:2 ratio.

Another alternative is to get your adequate amounts of calcium through what you eat.  When you eat a healthy diet rich in natural foods such as vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds, it is easy to obtain sufficient calcium. 

Researchers found that those who eat the most fruits and vegetables have denser bones.  They concluded that fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, calcium and other nutrients essential for bone health, and because they are alkaline, not acid-producing, they do not induce urinary calcium loss. (1)

Most unprocessed, natural foods contain calcium, for instance, one four-ounce serving of steamed collards or kale has about the same amount of calcium as one cup of raw milk.

Below are some unprocessed, natural foods and their approximate calcium levels:

• Broccoli, two cups................150mg
• Collard greens, two cups........600 mg
• Garbanzo beans, one cup.......100 mg
• Kale, two cups....................350 mg
• Milk (raw), one cup..............300 mg
• Orange, one........................60 mg
• Romaine lettuce, 4 cups.........150 mg
• Sesame seeds, 1/4 cup..........350 mg
• Spinach, two cups................500 mg
• Sweet potato, two cups..........150 mg
• Turnip greens, two cups........ 500 mg

Note:  Milk has a calcium absorption rate of about 32 percent, while green vegetables are rated at being over 50 percent.(2)

(1) Tucker KL, Hannan MT, Chen H, et al.  Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater mineral density in elderly men and women.  Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69(4):727-736
(2)  Weaver CM, Plawecki KL.  Dietary calcium:  adequacy of a vegetarian diet.  Am J Clin Nutr 1994;59(suppl):1238S-1241S

Shared with:  the healthy home economist

Solstic Cardio for Hypertension and Cardio Health

Nature's Sunshine Solstic Cardio is a convenient drink pack that offers daily nutrition for your cardiovascular system.

Solstic Cardio contains:
*l-arginine - 5 grams - In the body, l-arginine is converted to nitric oxide, which causes relaxation of blood vessels and regulates blood vessel tone and flexibility.
*L-citruline is added to prolong the action of l-arginine in the nitric oxide pathway.
*Resveratrol - a powerful antioxidant that supports the cardiovascular system.
*Vitamin K2 - 25 mcg - contributes to bone health and facilitates calcium absorption.
*Vitamin D3 - 2000 IU - supports immune function, mood and bone health, and helps maintain normal calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood.
*Pomegranate - may support cardiovascular function
*Amino acid blend - l-isoleucine, l-leucine, l-methionine, l-tyrosine, l-threonine, n-acetyl-cysteine, l-glutamine, acetyl l-carnitine
*Grape seed extract
*Sweetened with - natural strawberry and lemon powders, stevia leaf

Recommended Use:
Empty contents of one Solstic Cardio packet into 8-10 oz. of cold water, shake.  Take one packet daily.

Note:
Consult your health care provider prior to using if you are pregnant, nursing or have a known medical condition, including cancer, diabetes, herpes, coronary heart disease, or have had a heart attack.  Consult your health care provider before use if you take any medications including those for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions or erectile dysfunction.

Also recommended while taking Solstic Cardio:
l-Lysine - an essential amino acid (cannot be produced by the body), required by the body for the manufacture of proteins.  It helps ensure adequate absorption of calcium and the formation of collagen for bone, cartilage and connective tissue.  L-Lysine strengthens circulation and helps the immune system manufacture antibodies.

How to Order:
Order online or call Nature's Sunshine directly at 800-223-8225 
mention Acct. # 2902211  
Become a Nature's Sunshine Member and save up to 40%, receive a 1 year free membership with a $40 purchase.

Shared with: the healthy home economist