Essential Supplements

We all know that our immune system protects our bodies from sickness and disease, but have you ever wondered exactly how it works. What can weaken  the immune system? Or what it is made up of? In this article we will answer those questions and more.

What is the Immune System?
Let’s start off with the definition of the immune system. According to Merriam Webster dictionary, the immune system is the body’s system that defends itself from foreign substances, cells and tissues. It works by creating an immune response in many areas of the body, such as the lymphatic system, tissues and cells.


What is the Immune System made up of?
That is a complex question because many organs, tissues and internal fluids work together to defend itself from invasion of foreign or harmful microbes.


Skin is our bodies first line of defense against penetration from harmful bacteria microbes. The skin secretes substances that discourage accumulation of pathogens. However, when the skin is pierced that protection is compromised. Once the skin is penetrated a wound forms, which is an additional line of defense to bar passage of disease carrying microbes entry into the body.


Mucus Membrane Lining coats and covers most of our body’s cavities, canals and major systems such as the respiratory and the digestive systems. The various forms of the mucous membrane are designed to endure abrasions. It is well suited for secretions and absorption. The name mucus comes from the fact that it secretes mucus that acts as a lubricant and defense against foreign bacteria. The bacteria is trapped in the mucus membrane preventing entry into the body.


White Blood Cells
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, rush into action when it detects bacterial microbes, viruses or any foreign unwelcome cells. They surround and entrap invaders that flow through the bloodstream. White blood cells are manufactured in the bone’s marrow and account for only 1% of the body’s blood. The white cells are stored in the blood and lymph tissues and since they have a very short life span of a day or two the bone marrow is always busy in the reproduction of these cells. There are various types of white blood cells that have different jobs in the fight to defend your bloodstream for attack.


Respiratory Tract
The air that we breathe can contain disease carrying entities. The respiratory system has to act fast to protect our bodies from developing disease. Sensor cells send out an alert which triggers secondary responses to the lymph cells. Natural killer cells and tissue-resident memory T cells trigger continuous responses that results in the expulsion of the foreign particles.
The urogenital tract flushes toxins by way of urine passing from the bladder. The vaginal epithelium contains an acid called lactobacillus acidophilus. This evolves into lactic acid, which prevents growth of microorganisms.


The parts of the complex immune system listed above are only a few of the body’s mechanisms of immune defense. However, poor diet habits, obesity, lack of exercise and other unhealthy habits can inhibit the body’s immune system to work at its optimal best. Sometimes, foods viewed as healthy eaten in large quantities can have hidden dangers. Lectins and polyphenols are proteins that are in legumes such as beans, peanuts, squash, etc. These proteins block the absorption of life saving nutrients. It is recommended to have a limited intake of foods containing these proteins. In short, our body has an outstanding multi-layered system of self-preservation. The immune system wards off viruses, disease and infections. We can boost our body’s ability to defend itself by establishing good habits such as regular exercise, moderate eating habits and being aware of proper nutrition.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin Devoto is an avid outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer. He enjoys writing about sustainability, eco friendly behaviors and local travel. He has traveled all over the world but has taken a particular interest in our great National Parks. He also loves to study health and the human body. He has a fascination for how to eat and stay healthy and nutritious.

Vitamins to boost your Immune system

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To get support and help from the Youngevity community.
Youngevity Social Hub

NewsUSA) – It seems pretty simple -; you cough, you take some cough medicine. But even over-the counter drugs can cause serious side effects, so it’s important to select your medication carefully and read all labels thoroughly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when seeking relief for cold and flu symptoms:

* Make sure not to exceed the recommended dosage. The FDA advisory panel recommended a significant reduction in dosing for acetaminophen, the most popular over-the-counter drug for pain relief and fever reduction. This is because even small overdoses of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Acetaminophen can be found in Tylenol products, as well as many multi-symptom cold and flu medicines, such as DayQuil, NyQuil and Theraflu.
* Do not take drugs longer than recommended. The drug found in most medicated over-the-counter nasal sprays, oxymetazoline, should not be used for more than three days. Longer use could
lead to rebound effect, which causes more congestion. This drug is found in brands such as Afrin, Vicks Sinex and Zicam.
* Never use over-the-counter pediatric cough and cold drugs in kids younger than four. Drug manufacturers voluntarily changed the label of pediatric cough and cold medicines after consulting with the FDA, which had been reviewing the safety of these drugs in children.
* Consider use of the growing number of natural or non-medicated alternatives with clinically proven effectiveness.
– Studies have shown that capsaicin nasal sprays safely and effectively relieve nasal congestion, sinus pressure and headache. One brand, Sinus Buster Nasal Spray (www.BusterBrands.com), has been clinically shown to break up congestion and start providing sinus relief in under one minute. The study also confirmed Sinus Buster’s safety; no rebound effect or loss of smell was associated with its use.
– Honey may offer a safe and effective way to relieve coughs -; a study revealed that children taking honey before bed slept better than children taking cough medicine.
– Black elderberry extract has been clinically shown to shorten the duration of the flu if taken when symptoms first appear. In one clinical study, Sambucol, a brand of elderberry extract, reduced flu duration by four days.
– Neti-pots effectively rinse the nasal passage with a salt-water solution that helps flush out the allergens, irritants and excess mucus that can lead to sinus problems and pain.

​The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body for long periods of time and generally pose a greater risk for toxicity when consumed in excess than water-soluble vitamins. Eating a normal, well-balanced diet will not lead to toxicity in otherwise healthy individuals. However, taking vitamin supplements that contain megadoses of vitamins A, D, E and K may lead to toxicity. The body only needs small amounts of any vitamin. While diseases caused by a lack of fat soluble vitamins are rare, symptoms of mild deficiency can develop without adequate amounts of vitamins in the diet. Additionally, some health problems may decrease the absorption of fat, and in turn, decrease the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. Consult a medical professional about any potential health problems that may interfere with vitamin absorption.


RETINOL

Vitamin A, also called retinol, has many functions in the body. In addition to helping the eyes adjust to light changes, vitamin A plays an important role in bone growth, tooth development, reproduction, cell division, gene expression, and regulation of the immune system. The skin, eyes, and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs depend on vitamin A to remain moist. Vitamin A is also an important antioxidant that may play a role in the prevention of certain cancers.

Food Sources for Vitamin A

Eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to ensure that the body gets enough vitamin A. The retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid forms of vitamin A are supplied primarily by foods of animal origin such as dairy products, fish and liver. Some foods of plant origin contain the antioxidant, betacarotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Beta-carotene, comes from fruits and vegetables, especially those that are orange or dark green in color. Vitamin A sources also include carrots, pumpkin, winter squash, dark green leafy vegetables and apricots, all of which are rich in beta-carotene.

How much Vitamin A

The recommendation for vitamin A intake is expressed as micrograms (mcg) of retinol activity equivalents (RAE). Retinol activity equivalents account for the fact that the body converts only a portion of betacarotene to retinol. One RAE equals 1 mcg of retinol or 12 mcg of beta-carotene. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A is 900 mcg/ day for adult males and 700 mcg/ day for adult females. Compared to vitamin A, it takes twice the amount of carotene rich foods to meet the body’s vitamin A requirements, so one may need to increase consumption of carotene containing plant foods. Recent studies indicate that vitamin A requirements may be increased due to hyperthyroidism, fever, infection, cold, and exposure to excessive amounts of sunlight. Those that consume excess alcohol or have renal disease should also increase intake of vitamin A.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is rare, but the disease that results is known as xerophthalmia. It most commonly occurs in developing nations usually due to malnutrition. Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, it may take up to 2 years for signs of deficiency to appear. Night blindness and very dry, rough skin may indicate a lack of vitamin A. Other signs of possible vitamin A deficiency include decreased resistance to infections, faulty tooth development, and slower bone growth.

Turmeric is an Indian spice that offers such a potent host of health benefits that you can now find it in supplement form. This bright yellow spice, which is derived from the root of the turmeric plant, is used in traditional Indian cooking, dyes, and ancient ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin is the active anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric — you may see turmeric supplements labeled as curcumin. While it’s always best to check with your doctor before changing or discontinuing your medication, turmeric supplements offer a non-drug alternative to pain and other anti-inflammatory medications.
Our quick guide includes everything you need to consider when navigating the explosion of turmeric supplements available on the market, and we’ve included our recommendations for the best.

Our top pick is from Divine Bounty, a potent curcumin formula that contains black pepper for optimal absorption.

Considerations when choosing turmeric supplements
How turmeric supplements work

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, helps diminish pain and stiffness by calming inflammation in the body. Digestive issues, inflammatory skin issues (including acne), arthritis, fatigue, menstrual cramps, and respiratory issues are all thought to be helped by the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric supplements.

Forms

Capsules are the most common type of turmeric supplement. Gummies, tablets, and even liquid forms of turmeric are available from some manufacturers for people who have a hard time swallowing bigger pills.

Potency

Supplements range from 500 to 1,500 milligrams of turmeric per dose. Typically, one to two capsules are taken once or twice daily. Always follow the recommended dose on the label or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.  

Quantity

A bottle of turmeric capsules, tablets, or gummies range in quantity between 30 and 120 count.

Features of turmeric supplements
Added ingredients

Black pepper extract (bioperine) is an ingredient you’ll often seen added to turmeric formulas that is thought to increase the absorption of curcumin into the body. Other ingredients may include ginger (also anti-inflammatory) or probiotics that aid digestion.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free.
If you’re on a restricted diet such as veganism or have food allergies, high-quality turmeric supplements are often free of soy, gluten, dairy, and animal products. They may also be non-GMO and free of artificial ingredients.

Price

Turmeric supplements range in price from $7 to $30 a bottle.
For those who are on a budget or who are trying out these supplements for the first time, you can find inexpensive, less potent turmeric pills for $7 to $10 a bottle.
You can find good quality supplements from $10 to $20 a bottle, which may include extra-strength options.
Expect to pay somewhere between $20 to $30 for top-quality turmeric supplements. These include high potency doses, so you may not need to take as many pills.

FAQ

Q. Should I take turmeric supplements with food? A. Yes. The spice doesn’t absorb well into the body’s bloodstream, which is why many formulas add black pepper to increase absorption. Also, taking the supplement with healthy fats such as a spoonful of coconut oil or lean meat may enhance absorption. Alternatively, taking it with flavonoid-rich fruit, like dark berries or grapes, may enhance absorption.
Q. Is there anyone who shouldn’t take turmeric supplements?
A. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t take turmeric. Curcumin is also a phytoestrogen and can mimic estrogen, so people with hormonal issues may want to avoid it. Curcumin can raise your blood sugar, which may cause problems for diabetes. It may also aggravate GERD or acid reflux symptoms.

Turmeric supplements we recommend

Best of the best: Divine Bounty Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine Black Pepper Extract
Our take: A potent and easily absorbable curcumin supplement.
What we like: Bottle contains a high capsule count. Only one pill a day is needed for maximum effectiveness. Formula free of GMOs and allergens.
What we dislike: Causes upset stomach in some people, a side effect linked to turmeric.

Best bang for your buck: Vimerson Health Turmeric Curcumin
Our take: An affordable and effective curcumin supplement.
What we like: Contains black pepper extract for optimal absorption. Users experience pain relief and help with skin inflammation.
What we dislike: Pills are too large for some.

Choice 3: Garden of Life Extra Strength Turmeric
Our take: Pure-quality, organic curcumin tablet.
What we like: Contains added ginger, probiotics, and black pepper. Vegan and non-GMO, not to mention organic. Effective on stiffness and joint pain.
What we dislike: Tablets only contain 100 mg of turmeric.

Ana Sanchez is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Melatonin, a natural occurring hormone in the brain, is released to promote sleep at night. Unfortunately, as we age, environmental factors, such as artificial light reduce the Melatonin our bodies are able to produce, resulting in lack of sleep.
Our Sleep Support Spray is combined with a special blend of CBD, Melatonin & nutrients such as Valerian Root to help promote long and restful sleep.
This product is great for those experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep. Simply spray two sprays under your tongue before bed and within minutes you will feel your body relax and your mind quiet as you drift off to sleep.
Scientifically tested to be safe and effective!

Natural Sleep Support Supplements

How do you know if the omega-3 fish oil you are using is safe?  A lot is being said about fish oil oxidation and the oil turning rancid. Three major areas of concern regarding the quality of fish oil sup­plements are: the actual omega-3 content, contaminants and stability. How the fish oil is processed and distributed makes a big difference. The less time the oil is exposed to oxygen, heat and light, the better.

According to some studies Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in brain function, reducing inflammation and deficiencies have been linked to a variety of health problems,  So finding and taking a quality omega-3 supplement may be important for your health. 
Their is a way that can help determine if the fish oil you are taking is of good quality.

The International Fish Oil Standards™ (IFOS™) Program is the only third party testing and certification program for fish oils. IFOS sets the world's highest standards for purity, potency and freshness.  This is a voluntary third party certification program that distributors
can get for individual batches/lots of their product.  Results are displayed on the IFOS website, removing any doubt in the consumer’s mind that the product is truly IFOS certified, safe and pure.  Two quality fish oil supplements we found using the testing results shown on their website were (Carlson Laboratories) ECOSmart Omega-3 (squid) and Ultimate EFA from Youngevity.
Here is a link you can use to find testing results for these and other brands.
http://consumer.nutrasource.ca/ifos/product-reports

Natural pet supplements designed for dogs and cats.  People have become more aware of the risks associated with exposing pets to toxins in their food and in their environment.  Pet owners are now turning to natural pet products and supplements to support their pets health.  Natural pet supplements provide the nutrients, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that are essential to pet health.  Multivitamins are available for dogs and cats to provide the essential nutrients they need. As pets age, their connective tissues and ligaments lose flex and lubrication just as humans do.  Supplements for joint health can help restore proper lubrication, reduce inflammation and optimize flexibility.   Natural pet products are available as chewable tablets, liquids and some are available as flavored treats.