It seems like everyone is talking about immunity, the immune system, and how to boost your immune function these days. And for a good reason: we are constantly being bombarded on all sides—from our food, air, water, home, work environments, and more—with substances, pathogens, and situations that can compromise our health. Although our bodies are built to fight, they can become overwhelmed, so providing them with some natural assistance can be a real help.
We are fortunate to have some wonderful gifts from Nature to help promote and support immune health. Each of the six natural immune-boosting remedies described here are helpful individually, but they are even more powerful when they are combined in one supplement.
Aged garlic extract
Aged garlic extract is a special type of garlic supplement that has been aged for up to 20 months. Compared with fresh garlic, aged garlic has higher amounts of antioxidants. Results of a Journal of Nutrition study noted that aged garlic extract supplements “may enhance immune cell function and may be partly responsible for the reduced severity of colds and flu.” Research also indicated that AGE helped with reducing inflammation.
Read about aged garlic extract, AGE for a healthier you
Astragalus
Astragalus is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that has long been used to manage the common cold as well as fatigue and diarrhea. The root of the plant is used for its healing powers, and scientists have identified polysaccharides as one of the main active ingredients in the root. Some research has indicates that astragalus may increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for preventing illness and disease.
Medicinal mushrooms
A combination of some of the best medicinal mushrooms can help support immune function. These include Agaricus, maitake, reishi, Poria cocos, and shiitake. All have been recognized as having a role in immune support individually and can work to provide even more assistance synergistically.
For example, scientists have found that polysaccharides extracted from reishi mushrooms have “extensive” immune-modulating effects. Shiitake mushrooms contain a high level of copper, which is essential for immune function. They also are a rich source of polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, which protect against cell damage and enhance the production of white blood cells.
Read about 6 mushrooms your immune system needs
Olive leaf extract
Extracts of olive leaves contain high amounts of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Research indicates that olive leaf extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers and can “modify healthy human immune response,” and may help in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease and prevent cardiovascular events.
Oregano
One secret of the immune-boosting power of oregano is its high level of the antioxidant vitamin C. Researchers have also found that oil of oregano has strong antibacterial properties, especially against 20 strains of Escherichia coli and 20 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are associated with many common infections.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is perhaps the best-known nutrient for the immune system. Nearly everyone, no matter their age, has probably been told to take vitamin C supplements when cold or flu symptoms appear.
Bottom line
Immune support can be a lot easier if you assist your immune system with some of Nature’s top boosters. A combination of aged garlic extract, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms, olive leaf extract, oregano, and vitamin C may be your ticket to improved immune function.
[Editor's Note: Wakunaga of America (the makers of Kyolic AGE supplements) has a formula that combines all these immune helpers in one supplement.]
