By Lisa Goehringer, Nature Gal Naturals

Healthy development of the immune system depends on good nutrition to provide the body with the essential building blocks needed for the defense system.

Proteins are essential as a source of the amino acids needed as building blocks for the immune tissue and organs and for antibody production.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are especially important to a healthy immune system. They are crucial to the normal function of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies. They are used to build a healthy, functional cell membrane around every cell in the body, they are needed as building blocks for endocrine hormones as well as tissue prostaglandins, and they are also necessary for healthy functioning of the heart, kidneys, blood and nervous system including brain function.

Vitamin A is vital in the production of T and B white blood cells which are the main antibody-producing white blood cells. Vitamin A is needed for healthy lymph tissue and lymphatic function and for building a strong thymus and spleen.

Beta-carotene, which is found in orange, yellow and green vegetables, is a powerful antioxidant and important in immune function and mucous membrane health.

Vitamin B6 is necessary for healthy mucous membranes, a key line of defense against the external environment. B6 is also used by the immune system to produce B and T lymphocytes. B6 requires the presence of zinc, a cofactor which helps the vitamin to be utilized by the body and to have a full effect on mucous membrane health.

Vitamin C acts as a nutrient as well as a strong antioxidant in the body, quieting the breakdown of body tissue. It plays a big part in defending the body from bacteria and viruses, stimulates macrophage activity to eat up invading microorganisms and encourages antibody response and T killer-cell production.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that reduces cell damage by reducing free radical activity and maintaining homeostasis in the white blood cells. It enhances the production of antibodies and macrophages and aids in enhancing the immune system's resistance to viruses. The mineral selenium seems to enhance the effects of vitamin E.

Magnesium is a key mineral in the metabolism of EFAs into prostaglandins, a hormone like substance which helps to regulate the activity of white blood cells. Diets which are high in preserved, refined foods and artificial substances tend to be deficient in magnesium.

Zinc is probably the most vital mineral to a healthy immune system. It is involved in T-cell production, in tissue healing and repair and has strong antiviral activity. It plays an important role in the utilization of B6 in immune health. Zinc gets into our food from the soil; thus poor quality soil and artificial fertilizers lower the zinc level in many fruits and vegetables. Diets which are high in milk and cheese are often low in zinc.

Selenium is a micro mineral which acts as an antioxidant in the body, reducing free radical activity and eliminating heavy metals such as lead and mercury from the body. Selenium enhances the activity of macrophages, increases the production of antibodies and increases T-cell ability to destroy bacteria.

Bioflavonoid Compounds are found in green plants and many fruits. They enhance the effects of vitamin C as a therapeutic agent, have antiviral activity, stabilize mast cells and prevent free radical damage to muscles, joints, blood vessels and many other organs.

Coenzyme Q10 is recognized as an immune boosting agent, important in fighting infection. It enhances the energy produced in the immune cells, increasing immune activity. CoQ10 provides antioxidant activity against free radical damage. This nutrient is found in broccoli, spinach, sardines, mackerel and eggs.

Nature Gal Naturals can help you boost your immune system with:

For those who cannot stimulate the immune system, due to an autoimmune disease for instance, the Nature Gal Naturals Immune Balance will modulate or balance the immune system without stimulating it.

🌿 Immune Balance

Benefits: Immune Balance hosts a blend of herbs which may:

• Balance and modulate the immune system.*
• Reduce inflammation throughout the body.*
• Calm*

https://naturegalnaturals.com/products/immune-balance

🌿 Immune Support 

Benefits: Immune Support features a blend of herbs which may support:

• Antioxidants and vitamins that may support the immune system*
• Reducing inflammation*
• Reducing stress and ease cold and flu symptoms*
• Diuretic action.*

https://naturegalnaturals.com/products/immune-support