Category: Ingredient Guides

Vitamin C deficiency has been associated with frequency and duration of colds, along with immune system defects. While colds aren’t usually dangerous in themselves, they can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, especially for aging individuals. Colds can be an early indicator of gaps in immune function that could leave one vulnerable to a cascade of serious infections.

A deficiency of vitamin C broadly affects the various key aspects of immune function, which include the innate system we are born with, the adaptive system that develops from infancy to young adulthood, the cells that kill invaders, the cells that coordinate those attacks, and even the production of antibodies that fight known infections.

As a result of vitamin C’s wide-ranging impact on the immune system, a deficiency could leave us vulnerable to infections. A weakened immune system caused by low vitamin C levels can make any infection more serious. This danger becomes more ominous in older adults, in whom the phenomenon of immunosenescence (the aging of the immune system) already heightens risk.

There are multiple causes of insufficient vitamin C. Aging is one major cause of lowered vitamin C levels. The concentration of vitamin C in immune cells decreases with age, partly the result of an increasingly oxidative environment that consumes vitamin C. This can lead to damage to DNA, proteins, and fat molecules needed for normal immune function.

Stress is another major trigger for reducing vitamin C levels, leaving the affected individuals vulnerable to infection at precisely the time that stronger immune support is needed. In some remarkable human findings, low vitamin C blood levels have been associated with a number of common human diseases. The table below shows higher plasma vitamin C levels in healthy individuals compared to those with serious diseases, most notably cancer and sepsis.

One of the most important functions of vitamin C is to support and energize the body’s immune system. Immune cells have active vitamin C transporter molecules embedded in their membranes that actively pump the vitamin into the cells when more vitamin C is required.

For example, during times of inflammation or infection, those transporters ramp up their activity to provide sufficient vitamin C to the cells’ inner workings, causing cells to attain levels up to 100-fold that of the plasma level. This is why blood levels of vitamin C drop during times of disease or infection.

This can create a potentially vicious cycle in which, just when you need extra vitamin C, your body’s stores are depleted. This also makes it especially important to increase one’s intake of vitamin C when sick.

The content of vitamin C within immune cells is closely related to those cells’ activity, especially in the case of specific cells that engulf and destroy infecting organisms (phagocytes) and of those that recruit, organize, and direct other immune cells.

Fortunately, you can improve your immune system’s function by supplementing with vitamin C. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is around 90 mg per day. For optimal immune function, many experts now recommend supplementing with 1 gram (1,000 mg) of vitamin C daily in addition to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Human studies have shown that this amount of vitamin C can not only reduce the duration and severity of the common cold—but can reduce the incidence of developing a cold as well. Not all common cold studies produce consistent results. This means more than vitamin C alone is needed to combat common colds, such as using the right dose of zinc acetate lozenges as soon as cold symptoms manifest.

The immune system is responsible for a complex set of processes designed to protect the body from disease. At times, the immune system can become overactive and actually contribute to negative health outcomes. Ginger has been found in the scientific research to help balance the immune system to restore it to proper functioning. Ginger has also been found to enhance the protective functions of the immune system. You should seek the advice of a medical professional before you try to treat any medical condition with ginger.

Ginger has been found to activate T-cells, according to the 2008 “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine” article. T-cells are an important part of the immune system. They are a group of white blood cells capable of destroying cells infected by virus as well as tumor cells. Therefore, ginger supports the body’s natural defense against disease.

Ginger reduces fevers, soothes sore throats, and encourages coughing to remove mucus from the chest. The chemicals shagaols and gingerols in ginger give it that spicy kick that stimulates blood circulation and opens your sinuses. Improved circulation means that more oxygen is getting to your tissues to help remove toxins and viruses. Research from the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Japan indicated ginger has the ability to help prevent and treat flu infections.

Ginger comes to the aid when we’re sick in some powerful ways. Besides soothing a scratchy throat, it has chemicals called sesquiterpenes that target rhinoviruses — which are the most common family of cold viruses — as well as substances that help suppress coughing. Ginger is also a natural pain and fever reducer and a mild sedative so you — ll feel more comfortable and be able to rest easier. Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded gingerroot to your tea, or make ginger tea (it comes in tea bags, but you can also simmer fresh sliced ginger to make a potent brew).

Few herbs have received as much praise throughout history as ginger, the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant. Testimonials of ginger’s significant medicinal properties have been recorded as far back as ancient Greece, though it was also mentioned in the ancient literature of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The ancient healing systems of China and India particularly venerated ginger, and often prescribed it to treat fatigue, poor blood circulation and nausea.(1)

Ginger remains the world’s most widely cultivated herb, and a large number of studies confirm its numerous health benefits. Like most herbs, almost all of these benefits stem from ginger’s many bioactive compounds; it contains few vitamins or minerals in significant amounts.

While ginger root can be eaten raw, it is far more pleasant to consume in tea or powdered form. Ginger tea is an especially popular way to consume ginger and is probably the most accessible way to treat a persistent stomach complaint. Some people like to add honey or lemon to the tea to boost its stomach-settling qualities.

Cayenne pepper or capsicum is considered a strong immune enhancer. It acts positively for the body in many ways. Cayenne pepper can even help with weight loss. Containing lots of beta carotene and Vitamin C, cayenne has incredible properties. Capsaicin, the main component of the capsicum, is an antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory substance. It keeps your body strong and healthy. There is probably no cayenne pepper substitute bringing as many benefits as the cayenne itself. Taking advantage of them is quite easy. You just have to:

Replace the black pepper you usually sprinkle on your meals with capsicum. Just keep in mind that cayenne is spicier and you shouldn’t use too much at first. It goes perfect with plenty of dishes. Another way to spice up your food with cayenne pepper is during the cooking process. Whether you are grilling, marinating, boiling, baking, frying or simply making a salad, capsicum is what would make the particular meal both interesting and health-enhancing. Don’t forget to include your “secret ingredient” in as many dishes as possible! Seasoning well is the key to your well-being. Spicy red pepper makes you sweat by raising your body’s temperature, boosting the immune system.

It is not a surprise that cayenne pepper is a wonderful addition to your herbal tea. It is not only a delicious combination, but it also boosts the immunity. The taste of the tea becomes unusual: not that sweet, but still unique and worth enjoying. For even further seasoning of the tea, add a pinch of ginger and cinnamon. Lemon juice is another beneficial choice that creates an unforgettable taste. You don’t have to be afraid of trying new things.

The traditional way to prepare a tea is not the only one. It may turn out that you liked spicing the beverage up much better. You will need 1 teaspoon of red pepper placed in a mug. Pour hot water and stir the water and cayenne until the pepper is dissolved. Optionally, you can add half a lemon and other ingredients as peeled ginger. Let the tea cool for 2 minutes, and then taste it.

Capsicum is rich in Vitamin C, being used to prevent colds and other infections, many herbalists choosing it as the most beneficial herb. The recommended dosage is ¼ to 1 teaspoon three times a day, taken with juice or water at mealtime. If you prefer capsules, take 1 capsule two to three times a day or follow the doctor’s instructions.

Taking cayenne will boost the health benefits by relieving pain and allergies, stimulating the digestive tract, reducing atherosclerosis, treating psoriasis, and helping the body producing more saliva. It is a great metabolic-booster, supports weight loss, treats cluster headaches, suppress the appetite, and it has anti-fungal, anti-irritant and anti-bacterial properties. It is recommended to wash your hands and avoid touching the eyes before taking cayenne.

The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism to handle invaders. It is our body’s second line of defense, after physical barriers like the skin and the mucous membranes. The immune system is located throughout the body and includes the thymus gland, the spleen, bone marrow and a vast network of lymph nodes. It comprises many cells, proteins, tissues and organs.

Immunity is your body’s natural defense against disease causing bacteria and virus. It can considerably reduce the odds of you getting sick. Nutritionists and health experts have often pointed out how important it is to have good immunity. It’s the holy grail of health – It can fight cold, cough and chest congestion, and also helps keep you away from bigger, more serious diseases and ailments.

A healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise are all factors that strengthen your immune system but there is something else you can do to prevent your immunity dropping below the recommended levels and giving it a boost. And it’s sitting comfortably in your spice cabinet – Turmeric, a yellow colored and warm spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma plant.

According to a research published in the journal plos one, curcumin, a compound found in turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that helps boost immunity. While eating turmeric in its raw form is good, researchers explain how the body might not be absorbing the curcumin effectively.

Most curcumin in food or supplements stays in the gastrointestinal tract, and any portion that’s absorbed is metabolised quickly. Nicholas Young, a postdoctoral researcher in rheumatology and immunology at Ohio State and lead author of the study set out to investigate whether enabling widespread availability of curcumin’s biological effects to the entire body could make it useful both therapeutically and as a daily supplement to combat disease.

According to Nicholas, “This study suggests that we have identified a better and more effective way to deliver curcumin and know what diseases to use it for so that we can take advantage of its anti-inflammatory power.” In the study, curcumin powder was mixed with castor oil and polyethylene glycol in a process called nano-emulsion, creating fluid teeming with microvesicles that contain curcumin. This process allows the compound to dissolve and be more easily absorbed by the gut to enter the bloodstream and tissues.

Researchers tested their theory on mice and found that curcumin stops recruitment of specific immune cells that, when overactive, are linked to such problems as heart disease and obesity. The study also found that nano-emulsified curcumin halted the recruitment of immune cells called macrophages that “eat” invading pathogens but also contribute to inflammation by
secreting pro-inflammatory chemicals.