Taste for Life caught up recently with Nathan Jones, founder and CEO of Xlear, a manufacturer of xylitol products, to talk about nasal care during cold and flu season.

Questions for Nate Jones

How might using xylitol and saline nasal sprays as part of a personal hygiene regimen be beneficial?

Not enough people are aware of the need for better nasal hygiene. It took almost 150 years for handwashing and oral hygiene habits, like brushing teeth, to become standard.

Nasal hygiene should also be a “habit” everyone learns. The concept is similar to washing your hands. Washing bacteria, viruses, and allergens off your hands prevents them from entering your body.

Once you are sick, nasal hygiene products lose some efficacy beyond physically reducing the bacterial/viral/allergenic load in the upper airway.

Studies at Vanderbilt University Medical Center showed saline irrigation significantly reduced symptoms and shortened the duration of illness. A 2021 study showed that using a xylitol nasal spray three times a day reduced COVID infections by 62 percent compared to a saline spray.

Could you explain some of the benefits of xylitol (a natural sugar alcohol found in plants)?

One of the great things xylitol does is break up biofilms. People with chronic respiratory issues likely have biofilm buildup in the upper airway. Antibiotics, steroids, and decongestants don’t break up biofilms and can sometimes make them worse. Xylitol helps disrupt biofilms.

It’s common for people with chronic issues to experience slightly increased congestion for two to four days after starting to use a xylitol nasal spray.

Some think this means it’s not working, but it’s a sign that it is working. The biofilms are breaking apart and clearing out. Keep using it, and within a day or two, it resolves.

What are your thoughts about using a neti pot versus a nasal spray?

High-volume irrigation products, like neti pots or large rinse bottles, are overly effective—they clean out the entire protective mucosal layer. This layer is a vital part of our defense system, trapping pathogens and irritants.

Cleaning it entirely leaves underlying tissue exposed for hours until the body rebuilds it. A better option might be using a spray that hydrates the mucosal layer, thins it, and makes it easier for cilia to move it along naturally.

Use Xlear Nasal Spray with Xylitol to wash your nose and help filter out the contaminants you breathe in each day.

With colds, flu, and COVID-19 kicking up this time of year, we all want to know how to bolster our immune systems and what to do at the first tickle of trouble. Here are some first-line herbs and supplements to consider keeping on hand.

Managing Cold & Flu Season

First things first: If you feel an infection coming on, the old standbys matter most:

• plenty of rest interspersed with gentle movement
• ample fluids (especially hot fluids including tea, broth, or soup)
• good hygiene, to prevent spreading the infection to others

You may also consider testing to find out if you’re positive for COVID-19 or the flu.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most people experience day-to-day respiratory infections without needing medical care, nothing—including herbs, vaccines, or pharmaceuticals—guarantees an illness outcome. Every body is unique. If you’re at high risk for serious outcomes, talk with your healthcare provider.

If you experience potentially life-threatening symptoms, including the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty Breathing
• Shortness of Breath
• Lips or Face Turning Blue
• Chest Pains or Pressure
• Fainting or Sudden Dizziness or Weakness
• Confusion
• Difficulty Speaking
• Uncontrolled Bleeding
• Severe or Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea

Supplements for Cold & Flu

• Elderberry

  Both traditional use and scientific evidence supports this berry’s ability to reduce the severity of viral infections. Viruses hijack your cells and reprogram them to make more viruses, which allows the virus to spread more virulently. Elderberry works at least in part by binding to cell receptor sites to block viruses, including the common cold, flu, and non-COVID-19 coronavirus species.

  This herb has a long history of use for infection, particularly bacterial infections and sepsis (a life-threatening state that warrants immediate medical care). It has many immune actions including mobilizing white blood cells to fight infections more aggressively and modulating and reducing inflammation as well as helping the body clear infectious debris in the lymphatic system. Though herbalists most often think of echinacea as an immune mobilizer at the first sign of infection, it also offers benefits for prevention.

• Echinacea

  A 2022 study tested the preventative benefits of 2,400 milligrams of echinacea extract along with additional acute support versus a control group with no treatment. The echinacea group fared better against viruses, including COVID-19.

  One review of 231 studies concluded that people were 55 percent more likely to experience a cold when taking a placebo versus echinacea. An early study on ginger and echinacea in combination suggested benefits at COVID-19 infection onset (described below).

  Herbalists prefer high doses of fresh echinacea tincture—ideally the root or a mix of the root with aerial parts—taken every waking hour or two from the first tickle of an infection until it passes. Echinacea extract numbs the tongue, doesn’t taste great, may cause a flareup of autoimmune disease, and occasionally causes allergies in people who react to other daisy family plants.

• Ginger

  One of the most recognized home remedies worldwide for everyday infections, ginger shows promise in preliminary studies for COVID-19 support.

  In an Iranian clinical trial early in the pandemic of 100 suspected COVID-19 outpatients, those taking a combination of ginger and echinacea had greater improvement in coughing, shortness of breath, and muscle pain compared to the group that took hydroxychloroquine. Two percent of the herb group required hospitalization compared to 6 percent in the drug group—which was not statistically significant.

  Ginger has anti-inflammatory, sweat-inducing, fever-breaking, blood-thinning, and antiviral activity. The fresh-grated or juiced ginger root in tea, broth, syrup, or juice may be more effective than dried root for viral infections. It’s popular in tea alongside fresh lemon and honey and also blends well with elderberry and hibiscus, cinnamon, or thyme.

• Resveratrol

  Several studies support the likelihood of this phytochemical to assist in various stages of COVID-19. It’s found in red grapes but more typically extracted from Japanese knotweed roots. It’s also known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood-thinning, immune-regulatory, and antimicrobial herb popular in anti-aging, pain, cognition, diabetes, chronic and acute Lyme, cardiovascular, and other protocols.

  A 2022 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on 105 outpatients ages 45 and older with mild COVID-19 found that those taking two 500 milligram capsules of trans-resveratrol twice daily for 7 to 15 days had 2 percent hospitalization versus 6 percent in the placebo group.

  Herbal clinicians anecdotally report that resveratrol supplementation during COVID-19 resolution seems to relieve or reduce fatigue in the later stages of infection and post-infection.

• More Options

  Additional herbs and supplements worth considering include:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Quercetin
  • Zinc
  • Turmeric
  • Nigella
  • Black Cumin
  • Black Seed
  • Tulsi
  • Ashwagandha
  • Raw Garlic
  • Fire Cider
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas
  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Because COVID-19 is relatively new and research takes time and funding, only a handful of clinical trials have been conducted thus far, mostly on traditional Asian medicine formulas. However, more herbal clinical trials for COVID-19 are in progress.

Over the past couple of years or so, our nation has gained a better understanding of why it is so important to maintain a healthy immune system. As a result, dietary supplements known to support immune response—like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc—have had fairly brisk sales.

Many people have chosen to support their immunity with dietary supplements. If asked, however, they can’t always tell you the role these supplements actually play in their immune health.

This article will help to explain the roles of these supplements and other nutraceuticals found in Twinlab Daily Immune Support, Advanced Immune Support, C-1000 Caps, Mega D3 Dots, and Zinc Caps.

TwinLabs Ingredients for Immunity

• Vitamin C

  Vitamin C affects various components of the human immune response, including antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities, and lymphocyte (white blood cell) proliferation. Supplementation with 500 milligrams (mg) daily has been shown to promote immune/respiratory health and increase the lymphocyte activity of SOD and catalase (powerful antioxidants).

• Zinc

  Zinc is integral to the immune system, affecting multiple immune activities from lymphocyte gene regulation to the skin barrier, and decreasing oxidative stress markers. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells.

• Selenium

  Selenium helps synthesize the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which influences the immune system and provides protection against free radicals and other damaging reactive oxygen species. Supplementation with selenium has also been shown to provide effective support for a healthy immune response.

• Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan

  Beta glucan, a component of yeast, helps prime and strengthen the function of predominant immune cells known as neutrophils. Multiple studies demonstrate that supplementation promotes immune respiratory health.

• Echinacea

  This granddaddy of all immune-enhancing herbs supports the immune system through the activation of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), and by increasing the number of T cells.

• Vitamin D

  Vitamin D promotes the function of multiple immune cells, including B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells.

Conclusion

• Twinlab Daily Immune Support provides clinically relevant doses of vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D.
• Advanced Immune Support provides these in addition to Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan and Echinacea.
• Twinlab C-1000 Caps, Mega D3 Dots, and Zinc Caps provide significant doses of these individual immune-support nutrients.

Individually, or in various combination, these Twinlab products support a healthy immune system.

Keeping your immune system healthy has become a vital public health concern over the past couple of years. When you consider that immune response declines as a result of stress and a poor diet (especially an overabundance of sugar intake), the need for supporting immune health is even more critical. Twinlab Advanced Immune Support and Reserveage Resveratrol 1000 mg can help provide that support.

Twinlab Advanced Immune Support

Twinlab Advanced Immune Support contains the following nutraceuticals which provide critical immune support as indicated.

• Vitamin C

  Vitamin C promotes the activity of various immune cells and increased the SOD and catalase activities (powerful antioxidants) of immune cells known as lymphocytes.

• Zinc

  Zinc affects multiple immune activities, from gene regulation within lymphocytes to the barrier of the skin, and decreasing oxidative stress markers and generation of inflammatory cytokines.

• Selenium

  Selenium is helps form the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidases, which influences the immune system and provides protection against free radicals and other damaging reactive oxygen species.

• Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan

  Beta 1,3/1,6 glucan helps prime and strengthen the key immune function of neutrophils that now move throughout the body—and neutrophils account for 40-60% of all immune cells.

• Echinacea

  Echinacea supports the immune system through the activation of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), and by increasing the number of T cells.

• Vitamin D

  Vitamin D promotes the function of multiple immune cells, including B cells, T cells and antigen presenting cells.

​Reserveage Resveratrol 1000 mg

Reserveage Resveratrol 1000 mg provides 1,000 mg of trans-resveratrol per serving.

In human clinical research, this dosage significantly increased the numbers of circulating gamma delta T cells (functioning as a first line of defense and a bridge between innate and adaptive responses) and regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

Twinlab Advanced Immune Support and Reserveage Resveratrol 1000 mg can help support healthy immune function, which is a vital modern concern.

Several recent studies have determined that the health of the human gut has a significant impact on outcomes of COVID-19 infections. The gut microbiome—those bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other microbes that live by the trillions in our digestive tract—can help or hinder recovery from viruses.

Yogurt: Packed with Probiotics

One food that significantly alters the microbiome in a positive way is yogurt. It’s rich in probiotic bacteria, which are vital for a robust immune system. These bacteria are abundant in many yogurt brands, but make sure the label gives assurance that the product contains live cultures.

A Healthy Gut Boosts Immunity

“Given the fact that the gut is heavily linked to immunity, inflammatory status, and the ability to challenge pathogens, it is worthwhile to consider dietary intervention of the gut microbiota as means of potentially challenging the viral outcome,” wrote the authors of a COVID-19 study published July 28 in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Probiotic bacteria are also abundant in kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods.

COVID Connections

Earlier this year, researchers examined the digestive tracts of 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. They found that several strains of healthful bacteria were in short supply. Lower amounts of those bacteria were linked to more severe cases of the disease.

• Speed Recovery

  Additional research concluded that improving the microbiome might help speed recovery from the virus and may counter effects of “long COVID.”

• Reduce Severe Disease Risk

  Another study determined that the most severe cases of COVID-19 are often linked to underlying health conditions, “which are intriguingly characterized also by unhealthy microbiome status.”

Vitamins and Nutrients for Immunity

Supplements for Immunity

• Maitake mushroom extract has been shown to stimulate the immune system.
• Vitamins C, D, and E support immunity. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.
• Elderberry extract is rich in vitamin C.
• Zinc is essential for immune-cell function.

Nutrition for Immunity

• Garlic enhances immune function to protect against infection and contains other substances (vitamin C, zinc) that support the immune response.
• Oranges and other citrus fruits offer plenty of vitamin C.
• Salmon is a rich source of vitamin D, which supports cells that battle viruses.
• Almonds provide a natural dose of vitamin E.
• Green tea offers many health benefits, including immune support.

Our immune system is our first responder, defining and protecting us from potentially disruptive, harmful invaders. Our overall immunity determines how we will weather any onslaught of bacteria, mold, fund, virus, parasites, heavy metals, and chemicals.

Additionally, our immunity is subject to highly inflammatory lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in processed and refined carbohydrates, a high intake of sugar and grains, stress, lack of sleep, reduced exercise, unexpected trauma, and physical challenge and change as we advance through life. We are more at risk for autoimmune conditions and infections when our toxic burden “runneth over,” and the immune system is unable to function in the way it was designed to perform.

Seven Rules for Longevity

In my new book, Radical Longevity, I unpack my seven new rules for radical longevity.

• Immunity is everything
• Take on toxic overload
• Stop AGEs (advanced glycation end products)
• Free up fascia for youthful movement
• Activate cellular rejuvenation
• Mind your minerals
• Optimize the gut-brain connection.

The reason the rules work together, much as the systems in your body, is that every day your DNA is being damaged. A healthy person replaces or repairs their damaged DNA at about the same rate that it was damaged. This is why it is so critical to address our overall health as we age, so that we are advancing our healing, repair, and restoration, not relaxing into “normal” decline over the years.

When your hair starts to gray, skin starts to sag, or memory starts to fade, these are signs your body is not able to do all the DNA repair it needs, and oxidative damage is accumulating. Think of these as calls to action rather than an inevitable trajectory of your life and health.

Natural Steps for Longevity

I suggest you begin your approach in the following ways.

• Invest in Yourself

  Begin thinking about your life holistically—body, mind, spirit, and environment. All are intricately connected, and each affects the others. Your time, money, and energy are your resources to use and rely on as you make decisions about how you will invest in your wellbeing. Be vigilant and take action.

  Don’t wait to start taking corrective steps, believing, “It will get better.” That is outdated thinking. Repair is our best defense, and early action can greatly reduce recovery time from any challenge or injury.

• Every Effort Counts

  Be they small or large, inexpensive or more costly, your efforts count and either add to, or subtract from, vibrant health. Don’t ever think that one simple action a day won’t make a difference.

• Upgrade and Update

  New science is always emerging. Don’t get stuck on any one remedy; be open to trying something new or at another level.

• Be Your Own Laboratory

  Notice results as you make changes. Keep a diary or create a checklist of desired and expected outcomes you want to see and at what level and frequency.

  If you don’t take notice of the effects of your efforts, you’re missing a chance to fine-tune what you need. Your healthcare practitioner is reliant on your compliance with follow-through and your ability to articulate what is going on as a result.

  Everybody is different; you are always going to know more about your body and experience than anyone else.

The year 2020 has been an investigative year for scientists, virologists, and health officials everywhere. Understanding current health challenges has been a rollercoaster of new information and adaptations within society as a whole. While science has helped us over the years to better understand the immune system, a wave of fear and uncertainty has unavoidably spread to people all over the world who are now searching more than ever for new and concrete information to ease concerns in relation to health, wellness, and immune function.

Health Benefits of Andrographis 

While there does not seem to be any consistent science regarding herbs and nutrition to fully support the new challenges, the benefits of many herbs have been studied for decades as supporting agents for the human immune system. Among the most impressive is the bitter herb known as Andrographis paniculata, which is very popular outside of the US. It is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic practices. It is known as Kalmegh or “King of the Bitters” in English. Bitter herbs in general are well-known to help activate bitter taste receptors in the body that can provoke healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and detoxification—all actions that support overall wellness and immune function.

In addition to its bitter properties, the traditional use of Andrographis is well documented with a wide variety of indications. In the world of science, the studies are equally as numerous and indicate many advantageous uses for this plant.

Clinical Research of Andrographis 

In a 2007 Pharmacognosy Review of Andrographis, the plant is established to have quite a large portfolio of both historical use and modern applications outside of the US, from gastrointestinal to immuno-stimulating support. For instance, a clinically controlled double-blind study related to the common cold was carried out in 1992 using a standardized Andrographis paniculata extract. In this pilot trial with 50 patients at the Health Center, Hallehälsan, Sweden, both subjective symptoms as well as duration of symptoms were significantly reduced (Melchior, Palm & Wikman, 1997).

This study is only one of many, and scholarly articles are in no shortage for this plant. Some studies branch out to specific chemical constituents within the plant. The characteristic secondary metabolites in the plant have considerably enhanced its importance in the arena of medicinal plants and medicines (Mishra, Sangwan & Sangwan, 2007).

Bioactive Properties of Andrographis

Among the single compounds extracted from A. paniculata, andrographolide is the major one in terms of bioactive properties and abundance (Chao & Lin, 2010). The highest concentrate of this compound is found in the leaves and is usually most potent during the fall harvest.

Andrographolides have been studied extensively for a copious amount of health-related subjects, one of them being the immune system. Andrographolides are thought to enhance immune system functions such as production of white blood cells (scavengers of bacteria and other foreign matter), release of interferon, and activity of the lymph system (Mishra, Sangwan & Sangwan, 2007). Other compounds help contribute to the beneficial properties as well.

With so many beneficial chemical constituents and potential uses, Andrographis is high on a list of immune-supporting plants and only one of many fresh new herbs coming to light in the US for the upcoming year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we want to do everything we possibly can to boost our immunity. Here are four simple tips to boost your immunity.

How to Support Your Immune System with Healthy Gut Bacteria

• Eat Clean

  Our gut is the largest immunological organ in our body. Eighty percent of our immunity is created in our digestive system. That’s why a balanced gut holds the key to immunity.

  Our bodies are under constant attack from environmental toxins, agricultural toxins, food additives and medication that stretch our body’s ability to combat viruses and bacteria. We may not be able to control our environment, but we can control what we eat and drink.

  Artificial ingredients destroy the good bacteria and cause unbalance (dysbiosis) in the gut microbiota. Many plant-based yogurts contain artificial thickeners and emulsifiers, such as food gums (gellan, xanthan, guar, locust bean gum), pectin, and industrial phosphates that are foreign to our bodies and compromise gut health.

  When developing Hälsa, it was essential to us to never use a single artificial ingredient or chemical during the process or in our recipes. We want to maximize the impact of gut-loving pre- and probiotics.

  Study labels carefully and leave products containing artificial ingredients on the shelf.

• Eat Foods That Help Probiotics Survive

  Probiotics are fragile. They are destroyed by stomach acid, heat, and time. Many supplements and beverages that tout ‘billions and billions’ of probiotics end up doing nothing for our health because they never get past the acidic environment of our stomach.

  Probiotics have to be carefully protected, which is why how you enjoy probiotics and which foods you eat them with is often more important than the amount. One billion active probiotics is enough per day.

  We developed Hälsa oatgurt to be an ideal environment for probiotics to survive. We use organic whole-grain oats in their natural, unprocessed form. That’s because whole-grain oats help neutralize acids so beneficial bacteria can survive long enough to fully benefit your digestive tract.

• Eat Fiber-Rich Foods

  Fiber is prebiotic, which means it feeds the good bacteria in the gut. Unlike probiotics, fiber is not destroyed by stomach acid or heat.

  Including enough fiber in your diet will help you maintain healthy gut flora. Vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are all good sources of fiber. Be sure to choose organic so you don’t introduce harmful pesticides into your body.

  Most plant-based yogurts are made in a chemical-heavy process that removes fiber, thus eliminating prebiotic benefits.

  Hälsa yogurt is different. With its fiber-rich whole grain oat formula, it’s both pre- and probiotic and helps gut-loving bacteria survive and thrive.

• Go Organic

  Conventional foods may contain traces of pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture.

  “Non-GMO certification” is not enough to protect you. For example, oat products can get a non-GMO certification even though they may have been sprayed with glyphosate (RoundUp weed killer). A recent study by Environmental Working Group found that 43 of the 45 samples of oat products tested showed traces of glyphosate.

  Eating organic is your best bet against harmful pesticides. Look for the USDA certified organic label.

  Every ingredient in Hälsa oatmilk yogurt is organic. We import our whole grain oats from Scandinavia to make sure they are the cleanest available.

  We work hard to deliver yogurt that’s clean, healthy, and packed with probiotics your body can actually use. All you have to do is enjoy it!

What Is NAC?

Since the 1960s, the antioxidant n-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is found abundantly in onions—and to a lesser extent in other members of the allium family—has known popularity as an antidote to certain poisons and as a mucus-thinning substance. The World Health Organization includes it in a list of essential medicines.

As with any supplement you are considering, check with your healthcare provider first. Don’t take more than the recommended dosage.

Why Is NAC Becoming More Popular?

With COVID-19, which has both a longer incubation period and a higher mortality rate than influenza, many wonder whether particular nutrients can help protect them and their loved ones.

One supplement that is being mentioned is NAC.

Is NAC Effective Against Coronavirus?

• Not Tested Against COVID-19

  There is as yet no research on NAC’s effect on the virus that causes COVID-19. One flu study showed “significantly fewer influenza-like episodes and days of bed confinement” for a group that had taken 600 milligrams (mg) of NAC twice a day for six months, as opposed to a placebo group.

• Shown to Reduce Apparent A/H1N1

  Authors of research on NAC’s effectiveness against another viral illness, A/H1N1, concluded that long-term administration of NAC did not prevent infection, but it did reduce the incidence of “clinically apparent disease.”

NAC Helps Protect Lungs in Pneumonia Patients

Antioxidants, including NAC, have been found to help alleviate lung injury.

Recent studies that added 1,200-1,500 milligrams a day of NAC to conventional treatment for pneumonia, including COVID-associated pneumonia, resulted in reduced inflammation and lung damage and increased blood oxygen saturation.