The human body has a remarkable capacity to protect and heal itself, thanks in large part to the immune system. Colds and the flu can spread like wildfire, yet many people manage to escape the clutches of winter with barely a sniffle. Why is it that two people can be exposed to the same sneezing, sniffling, coughing co-worker, for example, and one person will get sick while the other remains perfectly healthy? Simply put, you are only as strong as your immune system – the body’s primary defense against disease. And your immune system is only as strong as your Natural Killer (NK) cell function, which keeps your immune system running at peak performance.
The amazingly complex network of the immune system is actually a specialized system of cells and organs that work to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, fungus and other pathogens. Most of the active components of the immune system are white blood cells, called leukocytes. Perhaps one of the body’s most important leukocytes are its Natural Killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell often referred to as the “sentinel” of the immune system, since it is the first line of defense when pathogens attempt to gain entry. NK cells have an innate or “natural” ability to recognize beneficial cells from the harmful ones, and can kill invading cells on contact. The NK cell binds to its target, and then delivers a lethal burst of chemicals that produces holes in the target cell’s membrane. When the immune system is operating at optimal level and NK cell function is high, pathogens are stopped short, before they can do damage.
T-cells are another important cell in the immunity strongbox. As the song says, “We get by with a little help from our friends,” and NK cells are no exception. T-cells, which are often referred to as “helper/inducer” cells, support NK cells and are vital in the orchestration of the entire immune system. The most important job of the T-cell is to secrete substances known as cytokines, which, in turn, encourage positive cell growth and activation, direct cellular traffic, destroy harmful target cells, and encourage macrophages.
Because it’s not a perfect world, we (and our NK cells, as well) may often find ourselves in need of additional support. Maybe you are going through a particularly stressful time at home or work, or it’s the winter season when everyone’s immune system could use an extra “health insurance policy”. That’s why many turn to specific immune-enhancing supplements. But how do you choose between the bewildering array of options out there, all making claims that they are the most effective? One of the best ways is to simply educate yourself ---check for independent studies and examine the evidence behind the claims and the advertising hype.
ImmPower™ is the ideal choice to help enhance your immune system. As the subject of over 30 published studies in peer-reviewed medical journals, research on ImmPower’s ingredient AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) stands head and shoulders above that of other immune-enhancing supplements. AHCC, is an all-natural compound made from a fermented extract of mushrooms used in traditional healing. Used for more than 20 years in Japan, AHCC distinguishes itself from other mushroom supplements by its low molecular weight (making for easier and faster absorption by the body), its unique alpha-1, 4 glucan structure, and its specific positive effect on NK cells. Since American BioSciences first introduced AHCC to the United States, it has become one of the most recommended immune-enhancing supplements.
Keep in mind, the aging process, ongoing stress, poor nutrition, illness, exposure to environmental toxins, and unhealthy lifestyle practices, all chip away at the immune system. NK cell activity plummets, and the weakened immune system becomes fertile ground for viruses and bacteria to muscle their way in and gain a toehold, resulting in illness and disease. It follows reason then, to do whatever we can to support our immune systems.
Tried and true advice includes the following: Eat ample amounts (at least 4-6 servings a day) of whole, fresh foods with an emphasis on organic fruits and vegetables, and avoid junk food, refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and most commercial baked goods. If you smoke, stop. And be sure to take precautions against exposure to second-hand smoke and other environmental toxins. Exercise on a regular basis. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of pure water. Effectively manage your stress levels. And last but not least, take ImmPower to power up your immune system.
ImmPower’s proven ability to increase NK cell function by an astonishing rate, along with stimulating T-cell and macrophage activity, makes this “superfood” the clear choice to help support your body during times of stress or illness, and give your immune system the boost it needs to keep you strong and healthy through the upcoming winter months.
For more information, as well as published studies on this remarkable supplement, go to www.americanbiosciences.com, or call 1-888-884-7770.
Vonalda Utterback, CN, is a nutritionist, writer, and editor specializing in holistic health, nutrition, and natural products.
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