If you have done some reading on the immune system lately, you know that immunity involves a complex network of specialized cells and organs that evolved to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites. The two basic kinds or types of immunity are termed innate and acquired. Innate immunity, also known as genetic or species immunity,represents a wide range of immune protective factors that a person is born with. In contrast, acquired immunity becomes part of the host defenses by means other than heredity. Within this category, immune protection can be acquired naturally or artificially.
Natural acquired immunity is developed through the recovery from a specific infectious disease while artificial acquired immunity occurs when the host receives a vaccine or antitoxin. This category can be further subdivided by using the terms active (the host actively produces antibodies in response to a solution of antigens such as those in a vaccine) and passive (the host passively accepts preformed antibodies present in products such as an antitoxin). When our immune system malfunctions, the consequences can range from microbial infections to cancer. Many nutritional supplement ingredients are effective in supporting immune system health. Some of the more popular and scientifically substantiated ingredients include:
1. Echinacea has been shown to stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of certain immune cells and by promoting the release of cytokines (cellular communication and regulatory molecules) from these immune cells (1).
2. Elderberry contains flavonoid derivatives called anthocyanidins that appear to have immuno-modulatory effects. These compounds in elderberry extract have been found to bind to viruses and block their ability to invade host cells (2). In this way, elderberry is thought to reduce the severity of viral flu symptoms.
3. Vitamin D3 has been known for quite some time as being important in supporting bone health. However, recently Vitamin D3 has also been shown to be a key component in enhancing the immune system.
Sophisticated experiments have demonstrated that Vitamin D3 is essential for the activation of immune cells needed to seek out and destroy infectious invading microbes (3). Without this activation, infections such as influenza and the common cold appear to be more severe and longer lasting.
4. Scientific studies on ingredients such as zinc, Korean ginseng, Vitamin C, beta-glucans and arabinogalactans show that all of these enhance and improve the effectiveness of the immune system by increasing the protective activity of certain immune cells. Macrophages, neutrophils, NK (natural killer) cells and T-cells (T-lymphocytes) are responsible for attacking and neutralizing foreign, disease-causing microbes. Without the proper function of these immune cells, infectious diseases such as colds and the flu usually occur more frequently, are more severe, and have a longer duration. As a pharmacy student and during my graduate school days, I was always interested in the concepts of immunology. However, back in those days, the association of immune function and the gut was either not mentioned or was discussed very superficially. Now that we understand how important a properly functioning gut is to the immune system, I’m fascinated by reading the many excellent scientific papers on this topic. A particularly intriguing aspect focuses on how gut bacteria may influence various disease processes while being involved with their beneficial role in digestion and metabolism. In a previous Hot Topic paper, I described how the “Western diet”—high in fats and simple sugars—can reshape the gut microbial community (microbiome) and predispose humans to obesity and all of the health problems that accompany the obese state. Dietary fibers escape host digestion, but resident microbes in the distal gut (large intestine) metabolize these indigestible leftovers to yield short-chain fatty acids such as acetic, propionic and butyric acids. Not only do these acids contribute about 10% to our daily energy supply but they also impact the immune system. Gut microbe-generated acetate interacts with immune cells to quiet an overactive immune system while propionic acid appears to promote the acquired immune response by acting on T-lymphocytes (4). Butyric acid is known to serve as an important energy source for gut endothelial cells thereby enhancing innate immunity.
We’re all familiar with the benefits of the polyphenolic antioxidants. Recently, it has been found that the well-known ellagic acid, present primarily in berries and nuts, is metabolized by gut microbes to a class of compounds known as the urolithins. Specific urolithins are thought to reduce inflammation and thus protect against cancer (5). We have focused on a few important aspects of gut health as they relate to a properly functioning immune system. However, keep in mind that our gut microbes have long been known to be part of other processes such as food digestion and the production of essential micronutrients. On the downside, our gut bacteria can be directly linked to medical conditions such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, I believe that it’s imperative that we continue toward a better understanding of this huge population of microbes that live in our gastrointestinal tract and other parts of our body. Another way of looking at this situation is that we are outnumbered. Believe it or not, the vast majority of cells that make up the human body are microbial cells.
References:
1. Echinacea. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2010. p. 605.
2. Elderberry. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2010. p. 615.
3. Von Essen MR, et al. Vitamin D controls T cell antigen receptor signaling and activation of human T cells. Nature Immunology. 2010; 11(4):344-349.
4. Fukuda S, et al. Bifidobacteria can protect from enteropathogenic infection through production of acetate. Nature. 2011 Jan 27;469(7331):543-547.
5. González-Sarrías A, et al. NF-kappaB-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of urolithins, gut microbiota ellagic acid-derived metabolites, in human colonic fibroblasts. British Journal of Nutrition. 2010 Aug;104(4):503-12.
PCOS – Herbal Healing
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS for short, is an incredibly common yet little-discussed hormonal disorder, which effects just under 10% of women of childbearing age.
Many women are unaware of having the condition, due to the insidious yet ultimately life-altering symptoms. If you’ve ever found that your menstrual cycle lasts a little longer than the expected 28 days, you’ve had trouble conceiving, suffer hair loss, adult acne or even find that your weight (especially around your middle / abdomen) is harder to shift than you would hope – these are all signs that may point to you being diagnosed with PCOS.
PCOS is a distinct lack of balance between the two key hormones of your reproductive system, those being estrogen and testosterone. A woman with PCOS shows significantly more testosterone in her bloodstream than a healthy woman of a similar age. This excess of testosterone inhibits a woman’s reproductive system from functioning normally, and can cause symptoms ranging from adult acne, weight-gain, hair loss or even infertility.
Diagnosis
The actual diagnosis of PCOS includes several blood tests to check for excess testosterone, and eventually an ultrasound scan of the ovaries. This ultrasound will often reveal “dark spots” on the scan where eggs that would normally have been released during ovulation, have remained unreleased and instead become “cysts” upon the ovaries. The cysts appear to look like “a string of pearls” against the ovary.
There is at this present time, no comprehensive “cure” for PCOS, and instead health professionals suggest a number of life-style changes to help manage the symptoms of the disorder instead.
As PCOS is a hormonal disorder, it can also influence the effectiveness of your insulin, the hormone which controls the amount of sugar in the blood. Women with PCOS often develop Insulin Resistance, which results in the Insulin in the bloodstream becoming less-effective in converting blood-sugars into energy, and instead leaving the sugar to be instantly stored as body fat (as mentioned previously, especially around the central part of the body).
Therefore a diet that is low in carbohydrates, or Low GI, is insisted upon as the main life-style change for a women suffering from PCOS. A simple way to start lowering your carbohydrate intake is to substitute your use of refined sugar with a sweetner, such as Nature’s Sweet Life Xylitol, instead. It is heat stable, therefore can be used in many different recipes to keep the Glycemic Index of your food down.
Taking Control – A Herbal Helping Hand
Generally taking care of your health is of the utmost importance for PCOS suffers, and ensuring you exercise adequately, eat well, take part in smoking relapse prevention and try not to drink too much alcohol will all benefit you greatly, especially if you are trying to conceive.
Herbal products are also cited as a much-needed complimentary therapy in replacement of the lack of prescribed drugs available for dealing with PCOS.
Dong Quai is known to be a traditional ingredient in many herbal remedies aimed at women, especially dealing with their reproductive system. It is a fantastic addition to your everyday herbs, when helping to regulate your menstrual cycle. When teamed with other well-known “feminine” herbs such as Black Cohosh and Red Raspberry Root, as can be found in our “Female Comfort” supplement, these herbs can help balance your hormones to allow for a more comfortable and reliable menstrual cycle.
If you’re trying to conceive, studies have shown that taking Folic Acid before conception and in the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy will greatly aid the development of your baby and help ensure healthy growth. Giving your body and baby the right amount of folic acid can most importantly help reduce the risk of miscarriage, and also reduces the risks of your baby developing a cleft lip and palate.
As for your skin, acne can be a difficult problem to deal with even as a teenager, so having to suffer as an adult can feel even more unjustified. Keeping your skin calm and supple during stages of adult acne is very important, and products such as “Black Ointment” can help sooth angry skin. It contains a mix of herbs, and includes Vitamin E, which is renowned for it’s skin-healing properties.
Although herbal and traditional treatment cannot completely cure PCOS, taking close-care of your symptoms is an important part of your health routine. Studies have found that once a PCOS sufferer can curtail the effects of their symptoms, the disorder itself actually decreases its hold over the body. This is why a combination of herbal supplements and a healthy lifestyle is crucial in learning to live with PCOS in the long-term.
For a few months, we’ve been without one of everyone’s favorite nervous system products Distress Remedy. We know this is a product you really want, and we’re excited to bring this new formula to you. This version, a flower essence, was created by Steven Horne and contains many of the same ingredients as our old formula, including arnica, star of Bethlehem, rock rose, impatiens and cherry plum. It also features clematis and star thistle for emotional support during times of stress or tension.
Flower remedies are liquid extracts made from carefully selected flowers. They have been used for several decades to help with emotional well-being. Dr. Edward Bach, a surgeon in England in the 1930s, set out to find natural ways to address the emotional states of people. He studied English flowers and plants and developed over three dozen flower essences for a large variety of specific emotional states.
Others in this field studied flower remedies from North American sources. Now Nature’s Sunshine has its own unique line of both English and North American flower essences that feature flowers grown in certified organic gardens and pristine wildcrafted habitats. These essences were formulated by Master Herbalist and famed author and NSP lecturer, Steven Horne. He explains:
“You may have heard the term Emotional First Aid Kit. I think every home should have one. Flower essences help people get through the basic emotional imbalances we go through in our lives.
“There’s a lot of anger and fear in our nation right now. Many people are suffering losses, whether with financial situations, the market, lost homes, jobs, loved ones, etc. I believe that people really need help processing their emotions. This is a product line whose time has come. I think we all have a unique opportunity to help others as they search for help in dealing with emotional issues.
“I’ve been doing emotional work for 25 years. It’s a huge part of what I do. When you include the emotional with the physical, you get much more dramatic results, and people feel better a lot faster. These flower remedies are unique. No one else has them or anything like them.”
Steven Horne, author of The Heart’s Key to Health, Happiness and Success and developer of NSP’s new flower essences
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs in nearly one in 100 Americans, but only about 150,000 people have been diagnosed formally. It is triggered by an autoimmune response to a protein in wheat, barley and rye called gluten, and affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients in the small intestine.
Research into the causes of celiac disease indicates that this disorder develops when a person exposed to gluten also has a genetic susceptibility to celiac disease, and an unusually permeable intestinal wall. The symptoms of celiac disease were documented as early as the first century A.D. by a Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia. British physician Samuel Gee is credited as the modern father of celiac disease. Although he surmised that errors in the diet may be a cause, identification of gluten as the trigger didn’t occur until after World War II. Dutch pediatrician Willem-Karel Dicke noticed that a war-related shortage of bread in the Netherlands led to a significant drop in the death rate among children affected by celiac disease. Following this observation, other scientists discovered that gluten was the culprit in celiac disease.
Celiac disease is associated with higher rates of numerous nutritional deficiencies.B vitamin supplements were shown in a study by a team of Dutch researchers to be effective in increasing the levels of vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 in individuals with celiac disease.1 Regular supplementation with B vitamins also resulted in lower levels of plasma (blood) homocysteine.1 Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Epidemiological studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.2
Currently, gluten avoidance is recommended to eliminate symptoms of celiac disease. However, supplements to support good general digestive health are suggested.
Digestive enzymes such as protease, amylase and lipase support optimal digestion in the small intestine. Betaine HCl helps to support digestion that occurs in the stomach as well as in the small intestine by supplying diluted hydrochloric acid. The stomach manufactures hydrochloric acid required for digestion. However, hydrochloric acid levels often decline with age. Supplementing with HCl helps maintain optimal digestion.
By the time food reaches the large intestine, it is mostly composed of indigestible material and water. Here excess water and any residual minerals are absorbed.Fiber aids this process by promoting the movement of the remaining debris through the intestine and easing the passage of waste also known as stool. In addition to promoting elimination, fiber also helps to support friendly bacteria.
About 100 trillion bacteria reside in the digestive system. Friendly bacteria, or probiotics, perform several essential functions. They promote good digestion, support the immune system, inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, and produce vitamins such as vitamin K and biotin. Research by Dr. Alessio Fasano, director of the Mucosal Biology Research Center and the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, indicates that the microbiome, or the community of bacteria living in the digestive tract may have an effect on gluten sensitivity and intolerance.3 Future research may determine which probiotics are involved in delaying the onset of celiac disease. Until then, supplementing with probiotic products is a wise choice for supporting digestive health.
References:
- Hadithi M, Mulder CJJ, Stam F, Azizi J, Crusius JBA, Peña AS, Stehouwer CDA, Smulders YM. Effect of B vitamin supplementation on plasma homocysteine levels in celiac disease. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15(8): 955-960.
- American Heart Association. Available at:http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=535
- Scientific American. Available at:http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=celiac-disease-insights
May is National Arthritis Month. Spearheaded by the Arthritis Foundation, it’s a time to increase awareness of this leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. By the year 2030, 67 million (25%) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. Arthritis comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions the joints. Other frequently occurring forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and gout. Although arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, people of all ages (including children) can be affected.
Joint supporting nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and devil’s claw help support optimal structural health. Joint support products. Glucosamine is an amino sugar required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, carbohydrate-containing compounds that are the major structural components of cartilage.1 Studies demonstrate that glucosamine is also capable of protecting connective tissues, relieving pain and reversing the progression of joint degeneration.1,2 MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. Sulfur is required for the production and repair of cartilage.3 MSM is also thought to have soothing and pain-reducing properties.4 Although MSM is found in many fresh foods, it is easily destroyed in cooking and processing. Thus, it makes sense to supplement the diet with MSM to ensure an adequate supply in the body. Chondroitin is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is important in maintaining the structural integrity of connective tissue. Chondroitin sulfate is produced by chondrocytes and performs the important function of attracting fluid into the cartilage.1 This gives cartilage its spongy-like form, making it a good shock absorber. Evidence suggests that chondroitin sulfate protects cartilage and helps prevent cartilage breakdown.1,5 Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA or hyaluronan) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan that occurs naturally throughout the body.6 It is found most abundantly in the skin, cartilage, synovial fluid, and eyes.1 Hyaluronic acid plays a major role in joint lubrication and is critical in maintaining joint health. Research indicates that hyaluronic acid may prevent joint inflammation and the breakdown of cartilage.7,8 Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is named for the tiny hooks that cover its fruit. Devil’s claw root has been used for thousands of years in Africa for pain reduction.9 Devils claw root contains phytochemicals known as iridoid glycosides, including harpagoside, that have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.1 Studies show that taking devil’s claw root significantly reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with joint pain.9 References:
- Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 9th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2007.
- Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, Lee RL, Lejeune E, Bruyere O, Giacovelli G, Henrotin Y, Dacre JE, Gossett C. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):251-6.
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Sulfur. 2007. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sulfur-000328.htm Accessed April 20, 2010.
- Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94. Epub 2005 Nov 23.
- Baici A, Bradamante P. Interaction between human leukocyte elastase and chondroitin sulfate. Chem Biol Interact. 1984 Sep 1;51(1):1-11.
- Laurent TC, Laurent UB, and Fraser JR. The structure and function of hyaluronan: an overview. Immunol Cell Biol 74:A1-A7, 1996.
- Balazs E: The physical properties of synovial fluid and the specific role of hyaluronic acid. Disorders of the Knee. Edited by Helfet AJ. Philadelphia: J B Lippincott; 61-74, 1982.
- Dougados M. Sodium hyaluronate therapy in osteoarthritis: arguments for a potential beneficial structural effect. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Oct;30(2 Suppl 1):19-25.
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Devil’s Claw. 2007. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/devils-claw-000237.htm Accessed April 20, 2010
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