You may be familiar with the phrase, “Two’s company and three’s a crowd.” That may be true for people in their relationships with other people, but it’s not necessarily the case when you talk about taking care of your health. For example, when it comes to supporting and boosting your immune system health, three natural approaches can go a long way toward achieving this goal.
Why support your immune system
Why is supporting your immune system so critical? The past few years, in particular, have shown us that focusing on protecting and boosting immune system health needs to be a priority in our lives. The truth is we face challenges to the integrity of our immune system all the time, ranging from cold and flu germs to cigarette smoke, air pollution, parasites, mold, food additives, contaminants in personal care products, alcohol, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, chronic stress, and more.
Even if you follow a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, and avoid as many immune system invaders as possible, it is still a challenge to keep your immune system operating at its best and to prevent health issues that can negatively impact your life. That’s why adding supplements to your other healthy lifestyle efforts is recommended.
Choosing immune system supplements
The array of immune system supplements on the market is vast, and choosing those that will most effectively help support immune function can be time-consuming. An essential starting point is to find supplements whose ingredients are effective in scientific research. Once that has been established, you will want to select those in a form you can take easily (tablet, capsule, powder, liquid) and are free of allergens, preservatives, and other additives.
Among the most researched and effective immune system supplements on the market are greens, aged garlic, and probiotics.
Greens for immune health
Greens have long been recognized as potent immune system supporters and among the healthiest vegetables. Dark leafy greens such as spinach, collards, beet greens, kale, mustard greens, and parsley, as well as grasses (wheat, barley), chlorella, spirulina, and kelp are among the members of this category. Their contributions to enhanced immune system function include vitamins A, C, K, and folate and the minerals calcium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. The nutrients of dark leafy greens provide antioxidant powers from carotenoids, inflammation-fighting abilities, and plant-based nitrates, which may help fight hypertension and prevent heart disease.
In a 2022 article in Experimental and Molecular Medicine, the authors noted the significant contributions of chlorella to immune health in humans and animals. For example, scientists who gave chlorella supplements to healthy individuals found that the green significantly increased levels of certain cytokine factors, suggesting the immune-stimulating effect of chlorella.
Spirulina is another green that doesn’t always get much attention because people don’t serve it on dinner plates. However, this blue-green algae contains protein and immune system-supporting vitamins such as C, B6, and E. It also has been shown to stimulate the production of antibodies and help the immune system function more efficiently and effectively.
Are you eating at least 2 cups of dark leafy greens every day? That’s the recommendation, but if you are falling short or would like to boost your immune system, then Kyo Green® Harvest Blend™ powdered greens supplement can help you achieve your goal. Its unique formula of ancient grains, spirulina, and other greens and prebiotic fiber has been designed to support normal immune system function.
Aged garlic for immune health
Garlic is a well-studied and commonly used herb known for its immune-boosting abilities, antioxidant properties, and inflammation-fighting abilities. Although regular garlic has these qualities, they are enhanced in aged garlic extract (AGE). Kyolic AGE is made from a proprietary process that starts with organically grown garlic sliced and stored in stainless steel tanks at ambient temperature for up to 20 months. The chemical changes during this time enhance the antioxidants and phytochemicals in the garlic and make it more digestible while also killing off allicin, the compound in garlic responsible for its pungent smell.
Numerous studies have noted the immune system-boosting powers of aged garlic. In one clinical trial that involved 120 healthy participants, for example, the results suggested that the use of AGE enhanced the function of immune cells and reduced the severity of colds and flu. In a more recent clinical trial, the authors reported that “AGE, taken consistently, may be beneficial in preventing the development of chronic diseases associated with low-grade inflammation in adults with obesity.”
When shopping for an aged garlic extract supplement, look no further than Kyolic Immune Formula 103. In addition to organic aged garlic extract, it also contains other immune-boosting ingredients that support the benefits of garlic, such as vitamin C, medicinal mushrooms, astragalus, and olive leaf extract. The result is a bioavailable and odorless supplement that provides immune system support and is easy on the stomach.
Probiotics for immune health
Beneficial bacteria, aka probiotics, have been studied for various health benefits, including enhancement of immune function and digestive health. It’s well known that the integrity of your gut health is critical for optimal immune function and overall health. One way to bring balance to the microbiome in your gut is by providing it with probiotics consistently.
In a 2023 article in Cell, the authors explained that probiotic bacteria interact and stimulate immune cells and microflora and have “important health-promoting and immunomodulatory properties.” These beneficial bacteria “might represent a promising approach for improving immune system activities.” Although probiotics can be obtained from foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchee, and some cheeses, probiotic supplements can supply the body with many helpful microorganisms regularly.
Scientists have identified many probiotic species and strains that can support a healthy gut microbiome and immune function. Among them are Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13, which can support gastrointestinal function and immune health; Bifidobacteriuim bifidum G9-1, which may enhance immunity by reducing inflammation; and Bifidobacterium longum, which works to regulate bowel movements. All three of these probiotics can be found in Kyo-Dophilus® Daily Probiotic. Daily use of this probiotic may help promote better immune function.
Bottom line
Are you looking for ways to enhance and support your immune function for yourself and your family? Are you searching for safe, effective ways to achieve these goals? Along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and being watchful of exposure to immune system-busting compounds like sugar, alcohol, and processed foods, consider the power of three: the addition of supplements that provide greens, aged garlic extract, and selected probiotics can help complete the picture.
