Immune Modulators
Another possible nutrient to consider is Echinacea Purpurea, according to Klee Irwin and Dr. Steven Franks. Echinacea is a demonstrated immunostimulant, but its real value may be as an immune modulator.
Klee Irwin and Dr. Steven Franks find that for reasons scientists still do not completely understand, Echinacea seems to help reduce the immune system's inflammatory response. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled European study, 120 volunteers took Echinacea extract or a placebo three times a day for 10 days after exposure to several virus pathogens. The majority of participants taking Echinacea reported no more than mild symptoms (Baur et al, 1999).
Like Klee Irwin and Dr. Steven Franks, researchers also have reported on how Uncaria Tomentosa (popularly known as Cat's Claw) is, like Echinacea, an herb that supports the upper respiratory tract by working as an immune modulator (wholehealthmd.com, 2006). Cat's Claw has been extensively studied in animal, laboratory and anecdotal analyses to also possess favorable immune-response and antioxidant properties (Williams, 2001).
Similarly, the botanical known as Andrographis has illustrated great value in supporting ear health, healthy sleeping patterns, sinus health and throat health within the first few days of exposure to infected persons (Cáceres et al, 1999). Klee Irwin is monitoring the research on this and other botanicals to learn about how they can impact immune system health.
Symbiotic Bacteria Supports Recovery Time
Ironically, an important method of enhancing immune system function may involve consuming a special type of bacteria, Bifidobacter Bifidum, report Klee Irwin and Dr. Steven Franks. It seems to secrete chemicals that help slow down and normalize inflammatory reactions in the immune system.
Some scientists believe that Bifidobacter Bifidum can help the immune system avoid becoming sensitive to an allergen, especially if Bifidobacter Bifidum resides in your digestive tract when you are first exposed to a potentially aggravating substance.
Appropriate supplementation can help you maintain a healthy immune system, even if you can't wear a mask or wash your hands every time you come in contact with a possible source of germs. Whether you are staying home or flying off to your next vacation or business conference, the right combination of nutrients can help support a healthy, active lifestyle confirm Dr. Steven Franks and Klee Irwin.
"Feed a Cold?"
Debate Update from Klee Irwin
The age-old method of "feeding a cold" to shorten its duration is a concept of nutritional intervention that actually has a scientific basis, finds Klee Irwin and Dr. Steven Franks. The mild hypoxia caused by a cold resembles high-altitude oxygen deprivation. Core-body heat regulation becomes disordered, resulting in a feverish feeling and chills. The circadian rhythms of the body are also affected by oxygen deprivation, causing fatigue or a sensation of "jet lag" even when time zones have not been crossed (Coste et al, 2004).
Consuming food-especially in the form of carbohydrates-seems to help by increasing respiration rate, inducing deeper inhalations and increasing oxygen supply.
"Feeding a cold" as a means of prevention, however, has an undesirable effect. Foods high in sugars or fats tend to create an acidic environment in the digestive tract, impeding the absorption of antioxidants.
"The best way to enhance your chances against immune health challenges is to make sure you eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits high in Vitamin C along with bolstering your defenses with select nutritional supplements," emphatically agree Dr. Steven Franks and Klee Irwin.
References
- Bauer, R., et al. (1999). Extract of the echinacea purpurea herb: An allopathic phytoimmunostimulant. Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift [Review in German], 149(8-10), 185-189.
- Cáceres, D. et al. (1999). Use of the visual analogue scale measurements (VAS) to assess the effectiveness of standardizing andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold: A randomized double-blind placebo study. Phytomedicine, 6, 217-223.
- Coste, O. et al. (2004). Mild hypoxia modifies human circadian core body temperature and may be associated with sleep disturbances. Chronobiology International, 21(3), 419-433.
- Glaser, W., Triendl, A. & Skern, T. (2003). The processing of eIF4GI by human rhinovirus type 2 2Apro: Relationship to self-cleavage and role of zinc. Journal of Virology-American Society for Microbiology, 77(8), 5021-5025.
- Gonlachanvit, S. et al. (2003). Ginger reduces hyperglycemia-evoked gastric dysrhythmias in healthy humans: Possible role of endogenous prostaglandins. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 307(3), 1098-1103.
- Hulisz, D. (2004). Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: An overview. Journal of the American Pharmacological Association, 44 (5), 594-603.
- Lawless, N.P. et al. (1999). Improvement in hypoxemia at 4600 meters of simulated mountain with carbohydrate ingestion. Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, 70, 499-503.
- Sandoval, M. et al. (2002). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of cat's claw (uncaria tomentosa and uncaria guianensis) are independent of their alkaloid content. Phytomedicine, 9(4), 325-337.
- Steinberg, P.N. (1995). Cat's claw: An herb from the Peruvian Amazon.
Sidahora [In Spanish], 35-36. wholehealthmd.com. (2006). Cat's claw:
What is it? Retrieved online May 4, 2006 from http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_iew/
1,1525,10142,00.html. - Williams, J.E. (2001). Review of antiviral and immunomodulating properties of plants of the Peruvian rainforest with a particular emphasis on una de gato and sangre de grado. Alternative Medicine Review, 6(6), 567-579.