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Immunity
Mark Wallace
Disclaimer
FDA

These nutrients and supplements may be useful to support immunity.



Immunity Supplements

  • Agaricus Mushroom

    • Contains beta-glucan (a polysaccharide) that may be useful in fighting infections.

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  • American Ginseng

    • Nourishes and strengthens the immune system.

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  • Andrographis

    • Exhibits antiviral activity.
    • Reduces symptoms of the common cold.
    • May enhance the production of white blood cells.

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  • Ashwagandha

    • Nourishes and strengthens the immune system.

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  • Asian Ginseng

    • Nourishes and strengthens the immune system.

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  • Beta-Glucan

    • Stimulates immune cells in the digestive system.
    • May help white blood cells combat bacteria and viruses.

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  • Cordyceps

    • Can normalize immune function.
    • May allow for increased airflow to lungs.
    • May have an anti-inflammatory effect on chronic bronchitis.
    • May alleviate phlegm.

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  • Echinacea

    • · Helps prevent and treat respiratory tract infections.
    • · Possesses antiviral effects and immunomodulatory effects that stimulate immunity.

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  • Elderberry

    • Contains vitamin C, a known immune booster.
    • May prevent flu viruses from taking hold.
    • When taken within 48 hours of infection, can reduce the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms, including easing of:
      • fever
      • headache
      • nasal congestion
      • nasal mucus discharge.

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  • Garlic / Aged Garlic Extract

    • Anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.
    • Contains sulfur, which fights viruses.
    • Contains vitamin C and zinc, both of which support immune response.
    • Offers immune-stimulating activities that can help prevent or fight a range of infections.

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  • Green Tea

    • Can enhance innate immune response.
    • May inhibit viral replication in host cells.
    • Has anti-inflammatory properties.

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  • Holy Basil

    • Nourishes and strengthens the immune system.

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  • Lion’s Mane Mushroom

    • Possesses antimicrobial benefits.
    • Increases the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects against pathogens that enter the body through the mouth or nose.

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  • Maitake Mushroom

    • Stimulates white blood cells that target bacteria.

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  • Mullein Leaf

    • Used to soothe and open airways.
    • Eases cough.
    • Has antiviral activity against influenza A.

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  • Mushroom Mycelium

    • Can increase innate immune cells for protection.
    • Can activate white blood cells for immune strength.
    • Can regulate immune cell compounds for a balanced immune response.

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  • Olive Leaf

    • Combats the free radicals that can weaken the immune system.
    • Fights bacteria.
    • May inhibit viruses in early stages of replication.
    • Gargling with olive leaf tea may help alleviate sore throat caused by a virus.
    • Increases natural killer cell function.

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  • Oyster Mushroom

    • Enhances the immune system.
    • May have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
    • May reduce the incidence of and symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

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  • Probiotics

    • Gut-friendly bacteria support healthy immune function in the digestive tract.
    • May lower risk of upper respiratory tract symptoms.

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  • Reishi Mushroom

    • Strengthens the immune system.
    • Regulates excessive immune response, as in allergies and autoimmune diseases.
    • Has antibacterial and antiviral activity to protect against cold and flu.
    • Improves oxygen utilization.

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  • Schisandra

    • Nourishes and strengthens the immune system.

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  • Shiitake Mushroom

    • Immune-supportive.

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  • Turkey Tail Mushroom

    • Boosts immune function.

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  • Vitamin A

    • Supports immunity.
    • Maintains the respiratory system’s mucous membranes and cells, which are the first physical barriers against airborne viral contagions.

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  • Vitamin C

    • Increases antiviral immune responses at the early phase of infection.
    • Stimulates production of infection-fighting white blood cells.

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  • Vitamin D3

    • Reduces the risk of acute respiratory tract infections.

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  • Xylitol Plus Grapefruit Seed Extract Nasal Spray

    • Can rinse away viral particles.
    • Shown to have potential efficacy against viral pathogens, including coronavirus.

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  • Yogurt

    • May increase natural killer cells and other immune-system markers.
    • May lower risk of upper respiratory tract symptoms.

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  • Zinc

    • Impairs the replication of a variety of viruses, including flu and SARS-coronavirus.
    • People with zinc deficiencies are more susceptible to infections.

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Sources

Adaptogens by David Winston, RH(AHG) with Steven Maimes ($19.99, Healing Arts Press, 2019)

“Aged garlic extract modifies human immunity” by S.S. Percival, Journal of Nutrition, 2/16

“Antiviral activity of some plants used in Nepalese traditional medicine” by M. Rajbhandari et al., Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

“Antiviral and immunostimulant activities of Andrographis paniculate” by O.B. Pongtuluran et al., HAYATI Journal of Biosciences, 5/15

“Association of vitamin D status . . . with COVID-19 test results” by D.O. Meltzer, JAMA Network Open, 2020

“Bioactive metabolites of Ganoderma lucidum: Factors, mechanism, and broad spectrum therapeutic potential” by C. Sharma et al., Journal of Herbal Medicine

“Controlled clinical study of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract in common cold . . .” by J. Melchior et al, Phytomedicine

“Echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications: A meta-anlysis of randomized controlled trials” by A. Schapowal et al., Advances in Therapy, 2015

“The effect of olive leaf extract on upper respiratory illness in high school athletes: A randomized control trial” by V. Somerville and A.J. Braakhuis, Nutrients, 2/19

“The effects of Sambucus nigra berry on acute respiratory viral infections: A rapid review of clinical studies” by J. Harnett et al., Advance in Integrative Medicine, 12/20

“Essential role of vitamin C and zinc in child immunity and health” by S. Maggini et al., Journal of International Medical Research

“Immunomodulatory effect of pleuran (B-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections” by M. Jesenak et al., International Immunopharmacology

“Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology” by X. Sheng et al, Food & Function Journal, 3/22/17

“Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses” by C. Krawitz et al., BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing, and Culture by Christopher Hobbs, LAc ($18.95, Botanica Press, 2003)

“The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro” by K.F. Benson et al., BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 12/2/19

“Pleuran (B-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes” by K. Bergendiova et al., Randomized Controlled Trial, 9/11

“Potential role of xylitol plus grapefruit seed extract nasal spray solution in COVID-19: Case series” by C.C. Go et al., Cureus, 11/20

“Probiotics and immune health” by F. Yen and D.B. Polk, Current Opinion Gastroenterology, 10/11

“Probiotics for preventing acute upper respiratory tract infections” by Q. Hao et al., Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, 2/3/15

“The role of adaptogens in prophylaxis and treatment of viral respiratory functions” by A. Panossian and T. Brendler, Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 9/20

“The role of zinc in antiviral immunity” by S. Read et al., Advances in Nutrition, 7/19

“Role of vitamin A in the immune system” by Z. Huang et al., Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9/18

“Stimulatory effects of B-glucans on immune cells” by H.S. Kim et al., Immune Network

“Structural characterization and immune-enhancing activity of a novel high-molecular-weight polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris” by B-L He et al., International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2/20

“Suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses by pharmacologically potent fungus Ganoderma lucidum” by N. Bhardwaj et al., Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, 2014

“Tea bioactive modulate innate immunity: In perception to COVID-19 pandemic” by P. Chowdhury and A.K. Barooah, Frontiers in Immunology, 10/28/20

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