Posts tagged with Immunity

As the leaves continue to change and the air turns brisk, we find ourselves entering flu season once again. With the threat of sickness looming, fortifying our defenses is essential. One powerful ally in our battle against the flu is often overlooked: Omega-3 supplements. 

The Omega-3 Advantage 

Immune System Support  Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a key component of the body's immune response, but it can weaken the immune system when it becomes severe. Omega-3s help regulate this response, enhancing the body’s ability to combat viruses like the flu. Reduced Inflammation Flu symptoms can become worse by excessive inflammation. Omega-3s, in their EPA and DHA forms, play a crucial role in moderating inflammatory processes within the body. By reducing inflammation, Omega-3s can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. Enhanced Respiratory Health The respiratory system is particularly vulnerable during flu season. Omega-3s have been shown to benefit lung function and reduce the severity of respiratory conditions. By maintaining healthy lung tissue and function, they create an inhospitable environment for viruses to thrive. Improved Antiviral Response Omega-3s have been found to enhance the production of specialized proteins called cytokines, which regulate the body's immune response. This means that the body is better equipped to launch a robust defense when it detects a virus, potentially shortening the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Mood and Mental Health Boost Flu season can be a trying time, not only physically, but mentally as well. According to Harvard Health Publishing, Omega-3s have been associated with improved mood and mental well-being. They can help stabilize mood swings and reduce symptoms of depression, ensuring you stay resilient during the season. Protection for Vulnerable Populations For those who are more susceptible to severe flu complications, such as the elderly or individuals with pre-existing health conditions, Omega-3 supplements can offer an extra layer of protection. Their immune-boosting properties can help fortify the body against potential threats. 

As we navigate through flu season, arm yourself with the power of Omega-3s. Focus Relief Plus® provides 1620 mg of re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) Omega-3 fatty acids per day with over 90% EPA and DHA, a higher concentration than other leading supplements. It also contains 75 mg of GLA, which when combined with EPA/DHA, can play an important role in reducing inflammation. All of this is provided in a compact and easy-to-swallow softgel! 

Fall is here, which means flu season is right around the corner. Is your immune system ready? Oftentimes people believe that they can support their immune system just by eating a healthy diet, but the reality is that there are many factors that influence immune function. The immune system is a balanced group of cells and organs that work together to defend your body against disease-causing microorganisms. In order for the immune system to work properly, it needs the right amount of nutrients and the right environment. Ways to Support a Healthy Immune System In order for not only your immune system, but your entire body to function properly, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle. There are many good habits that will help you lead a healthy lifestyle; these include but are not limited to the following: Manage Stress: There have been many studies that have found that high stress levels may negatively affect the immune system. Sometimes stress is inevitable, so try to be aware of when you are stressed and learn good coping mechanisms such as meditation. Get Enough Sleep: Research on the links between sleep and health shows that sleep and the immune system are closely connected. When the body is trying to fight a disease, sleep is negatively affected. But, when the body gets enough sleep, the immune system is strengthened. Try aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep every night and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.  Exercise Regularly:  It is no secret that being physically active is one of the best things people of all ages can do to improve their health.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has resources that provide evidence-based advice on how physical activity can promote health and reduce the risk of diseases. You can download the current Physical Activity Guidelines here. Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is one that supplies the body with the nutrients it needs to work effectively. This means that most of your calories should come from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Take Supplements: If eating a balanced diet is not accessible to you, consider taking a multivitamin that contains the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of several nutrients. Focus Vitamins recently launched an immunity line that includes multivitamin gummies. Focus Multivitamin Gummies contain the essential vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and more!

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Dietary Supplements that Support the Immune System Research shows that some ingredients may help prevent or reduce symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory tract infections. Below is a summary of some of those ingredients. Elderberry - The elderberry is a fruit of a small tree called Sambucus nigra. It contains elements that might have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and even immune-stimulating effects. Research shows that because of this, elderberry might help prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Additionally, clinic trials involving elderberry’s effects on the common cold and influenza have shown promising results. To date, there are no clinical trials that study the effects of elderberry in treating or preventing COVID-19, according to ClinicTrials.gov. Vitamin C - It is no secret that vitamin C is vital for the immune system and that is because of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. Vitamin C is normally found in many fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and more.  Vitamin C deficiency is not very common in the United States, but some people may not be able to get enough vitamin C through their diet. When there is vitamin C deficiency, the immune function becomes impaired and therefore the body becomes more susceptible to infections and diseases. Fortunately, there are dietary supplements available that can help reach the RDA. Most multivitamins contain vitamin C, but vitamin C can also be found alone or in combination with other nutrients. Focus Vitamin C comes in orange flavored gummies and has 250 mg of vitamin C. Focus Multivitamins come in orange, cherry, and strawberry flavored gummies! For a limited time get 10% off your first bottle and two free KN95 masks!

       Explore the Focus Vitamins Immunity Supplements

Vitamin D - Vitamin D comes in two forms, vitamin D-2 and D-3, and is present in fatty fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and cheese. Vitamin D is best known for its role in keeping teeth and bones healthy by increasing the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorous. If there is not enough vitamin D, the body can only absorb10% to 15% of dietary calcium, instead of the 30% to 40% that can be absorbed with enough vitamin D. The RDA for vitamin D ranges from 10 to 15 mcg for children and 15 to 20 mcg for adults. In addition to calcium absorption, vitamin D plays an essential role in immunity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) vitamin D “appears to lower viral replication rates, suppress inflammation, and increase levels of T-regulatory cells and their activity”. This means that vitamin D can help the immune system stay balanced. Studies have shown that people with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to contract COVID-19 than those who were vitamin D sufficient and that people who regularly took vitamin D supplements were less likely to develop COVID-19 than those who did not.  One of the most common ways people get vitamin D is through fortified foods, such as fortified milk and fortified cereals, and sun exposure. Because vitamin D is only present in a few foods, for most people, the best way to get vitamin D is by taking supplements. Vitamin D can be found in 2 forms. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D-2) which is the plant form of vitamin D that typically comes from yeast, and Cholecalciferol (vitamin D-3) which the body produces after being exposed to the sun and the type that can be found in certain foods. So which vitamin D supplement is best? Because our bodies metabolize vitamin D-3 more effectively, it is less likely to result in toxicity. Additionally, studies show that daily vitamin D-3 is two to three times more efficient than weekly or monthly high-dose vitamin D-2. Focus Vitamin D-3 Gummies contain 50 mcg of vitamin D-3 and can help increase bone health, boost the immune system, and support a healthy heart. 

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To view a full list of the ingredients that may help prevent or reduce symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory tract infections, click here.   Dietary Supplements and COVID-19 Although treatments and vaccines are now available, people remain curious about dietary supplements that may help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, or even prevent COVID-19. Unfortunately, there haven’t been enough studies on people with COVID-19 that show the effectiveness of various dietary supplements, but research does show that they may improve the function of the immune system. The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health has a fact sheet that discusses this topic in-depth and you can read it here. If you are not sure you are getting the RDA for specific nutrients, taking supplements can help ensure you do, but make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the options you have. Vitamin C, vitamin D-3, elderberry, and multivitamins that contain these and other essential nutrients can help assure that you get enough of the vital substances the body needs to function properly and help fight any viruses that it may be exposed to. Remember that dietary supplements should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle, they should complement each other.

Updated July 2022 You've likely heard that carrots are a great source of beta carotene, but did you know that there are other eye nutrients that will help improve your vision health? Green vegetables are an excellent source of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C that can help boost your vision health. Darker shades of green, leafy vegetables will typically have more nutrients than lighter shades of green. Vegetables with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin include the following:   broccoli brussels sproutscelery collardsgreen beanskale leaf lettucepeasspinachIf you are one of the many people who find it hard to eat green vegetables, there are other veggies that have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin C. These include: carrotschili pepperscornleekssquashsweet pepperssweet potatoestomatoesyams Including these vegetables in your diet can help you get the important nutrients your body needs, but sometimes a busy lifestyle makes it hard to keep up with food and nutrition. A multivitamin blend supplement can be added to your daily routine to help assure you are getting the nutrients you need to support immunity and an overall healthy lifestyle. Focus Multivitamin Gummies can help boost energy levels, support skin and heart health, and maintain or improve overall health.