Resolved Question

Can someone help me build a plan of supplements and natural foods to increase immune health?

Fall is coming, and like many teenagers, I'm wary of the swine flu as well as the usual flu risk. I'm in healthy shape, but I'd like to make sure my defenses are top notch. After some research I've compiled a list of substances that will supposedly be beneficial. I was just wondering if it is best to get these from natural sources or if its safe to take supplements, in what dosages, and if a combination of these substances is safe. They include -

Vitamin D - Absorbed from sun exposure but is also found in fish and available in supplements.

Resveratrol - Most highly concentrated natural source is grape skins, but some recommend taking a supplement.

Quercetin - Naturally occurring in red grapes, apples, and onions but can be taken as a supplement.

Beta Glucan - Found in oats and grains.

N-Acetyl Cysteine - Available as a supplement, clinically proven to boost resistance to influenza.

Vitamins B6 and E

Last but not least, the most popular, Vitamin C.

Are all of these safe for a teenager to take daily? If they are, what are the safe recommended dosages, and in what forms should they be consumed, be it natural or supplement forms?

Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

None of those chemicals will stop you from catching a virus. If you are healthy and in good shape as you say, you can't do any more - you can't "boost" your immune system, that is a marketing gimmick only. You will only be wasting your money. Stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid sick people and crowds, and wash your hands.

You need to further your research.

"The Vitamin Myth"
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/are-vit…

"Vitamin supplements may cut benefits of exercise"
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17…

"Dietary Supplements: Appropriate Use"
http://www.quackwatch.org/03HealthPromot…

"supplements: vitamins, minerals, herbs, & "natural" products"
http://www.skepdic.com/vitacon.html

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Other Answers (2)

• You have quite a program but are you taking too much or not enough?
  You need to get more familiar with product muscle testing.
  It's a process where your body determines how much to take and what
  it calls for. You also need lots of live enzymes and Chlorella which is a good source of chlorphyll.go to my website to gain more wisdom.
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• ==>Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. They contain necessary vitamins to maintain the immune systems function.
  ==>Drink lots of water. Dehydration will inhibit the immune system.
  ==>Be sure to get plenty of zinc, which stimulates the immune system. The normal daily requirement is around 15 mg., but you can safely take up to 30 mg./day.
  ==>Selenium is a nutrient which plays an important role in the immune system. One way selenium performs this function is by "recharging" vitamins c and e, and coenzyme q-10. Good sources of selenium include eggs, turkey, mushrooms, tuna and other seafood.
  ==>A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is a key factor to good health and a strong immune system.
  ==>Elderberry, a relative of blueberry, has been found to have powerful anti-viral properties. These anti-viral properties are partly due to the fact that elderberry inhibits neuraminidase, the enzyme used by the virus to spread infection to host cells. This is the action most anti-viral medicines take. However, elderberry has shown to have no side effects. A small study published five years ago showed that 93% of flu patients given extract were completely symptom-free within two days; those taking a placebo recovered in about six days. Elderberry has also show to powerfully increase the immune systems function. This is attributed to its hight content of flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Also, other compounds in elderberry, called anthocyanins, have an anti-inflammatory effect; this could explain the effect on aches, pains, and fever.
  ==>Red wine has been found to decrease the chances of contacting the flu by 20% in those who drink a glass of red wine daily. It is believed that this may be related to the vitamins and antioxidants, like resveratrol, present in red wine. Also, small amounts of alcohol may be beneficial. But if your under 18, don't use red wine.
  ==>Garlic has powerful anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and boosts the immune system in general. It also tends to kill parasites in the intestines.
  ==>Echinacea has a reputation as an immune booster, and research seems to validate this. A 2007 study by the university of connecticut combined findings from 14 previously-reported trials examining echinacea and concluded that echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days.
  ==>Quercetin has not only been found to have extremely high antioxidant characteristics, but it has also been found to have immune boosting capabilities, particularly when under stress, and especially when taken with vitamin c. It is also anti-viral. Sources include skins of apples (red apples have the most), red or dark grapes, sun-dried raisons, broccoli, red onions, berries (particularly blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries), citrus fruits, cherries, pears, green tea, ginkgo biloba, grapefruit seeds, black tea, leafy vegetables and beans.
  ==>Andrographis is a herb, widely available in supplements, traditionally used to treat infections and diseases, often used before antibiotics. Andrographis is also reported to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antiinflammatory, anti-snake venom, and antipyretic properties, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent. It has even recently been proven to posses anti-hiv properties.
  ==>Coconut oil contains lauric acid which has been found to posses antiviral and anti bacterial properties and monolaurin (found in lauric acid) can destroy lipid-coated viruses such as influenza.
  ==>Goldenseal contains berberine which has been found to increases blood flow to the spleen and stimulate the activity of macrophages, white blood cells that are an important part of the immune system.
  ==>Licorice is a potent antiviral herb used against a wide range of viral agents. It contains eight antiviral compounds that all inhibit as well as block viruses from penetrating the bodies cells. This is similar to the action elderberry takes.
  ==>Avoid sugary foods. They decrease immune function for up to 5 hours.
  ==>Avoid cortisone. It depresses the immune system.
  Honey contains vitamins and minerals which enhance the immune system. Raw honey is the best.
  ==>Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and immune stimulant. When taken internally, it may tent to thin blood.
  
  Good Luck!

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