Nutraceuticals

Role of Nutraceuticals for Immune Enhancement

By Dr. Saurabh AroraAug 30, 2022

Is the food you eat enough to provide the required nutrition and immunity ? We might look at someone and say that the person looks healthy but unfortunately our food, lifestyle and environment is such that vitamin deficiencies are found in a major percentage of people beyond gender age and geographical location. However, there is a paradox here as people either rely too much on health supplements instead of maintaining a holistic health or they are not bothered at all. In the long run both ways lead to weakened immunity. The ideal way is to create a fine balance in diet, supplements, sleep and exercise.

Our immune system is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. The immune system is the network of cells, tissues and organs that work together to protect the body from infection. Our body provides an ideal environment for many microbes such as viruses , bacteria , fungi, parasites and the immune system prevents and limits their entry and growth to maintain an optimal health.

Highlights:

What are Nutraceuticals?

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine almost 2500 years back, stated the relation of food and its importance in the treatment of various ailments.

The term “nutraceutical” was coined in 1989 by Stephen De Felice, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, an American organization which encourages medical health research.

He defined a nutraceutical as a “food, or parts of a food, that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease”.

What causes a weak immune system ?

Sleep deprivation can cause excessive activation of the innate immune cells that decreases antiviral activities. Research shows that those who have higher stress levels also have reduced antibody responses to even vaccinations.
Improper lifestyle
Eating disorders
Lack of exercise

Why is there a spike in consumption and demand of Nutraceuticals?

Apparently there is a sudden spike in chronic diseases which has increased the preference of nutraceuticals for the treatment and prevention of several ailments. This has also increased the awareness among people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The bioactive ingredients in nutraceutical products such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, proteins (including enzymes), probiotics (including prebiotics and synbiotics) and amino acids helps in the prevention and management of diseases including hereditary problems,pathological conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, obesity, allergy and nutritional disease.

The global nutraceuticals market is expected to grow by $180.38 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 9% during this period, according to a report. An ASSOCHAM report of 2018 predicted the Indian nutraceuticals market to grow from $4 billion in 2017 to $18 billion in 2025.

A glance at some of the herbs, vitamins, and minerals used as food as well as medicine during infection or as preventive to boost the immune system or even in several other illnesses;

Triphala

It has been reported to be good for health and is used for its therapeutic actions. Researchers have regarded it to be an extraordinary preparation with huge benefits such as adaptogenic and immunomodulation.

Turmeric(Curcumin)

This curry ingredient is active against various types of bacteria, fungus, virus, and also parasites. Curcumin, an orange-yellow spice extracted from turmeric plants, is a powerful antioxidant with a number of research backed health benefits. Research over the past few decades suggests that curcumin can support cardiovascular health, brain function, mental health and immune system function.

Ginseng (Ashwagandha)

It is a great immunity booster effective in neurological disorders. It is a powerful adaptation that enhances the body's resilience to stress. It also improves the body's defense against disease by improving cell mediated immunity. It also possesses potent antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. It is anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, antimicrobial antistress, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective.Ningen Ashwagandha Oil Capsules is a proven age-old herb to reduce anxiety and stress. It helps brain functioning and it also improves stamina, energy, strength & immunity.

Omega 3-6-9

It helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, keep skin healthy, improve mood, enhance brain function, maintain cardiovascular health and support healthy growth and development. Ningen Omega 3-6-9 Fish Oil Capsules has antioxidant properties. It supports heart, brain , skin, eye & joint health. It helps reduce blood triglycerides levels, regulates cardiovascular activity and helps overcome premature aging.

Co-Enzyme Q10

Co-Enzyme Q10 Oil Capsule serves as an antioxidant which may protect cells from damage and prevent premature aging. It supports mitochondrial & cardiovascular functions thereby reducing headaches, heart failure, diabetes, and high blood pressure.Buy Ningen Co-Enzyme Q10 Oil Capsules for better health.

Vitamin C

It affects various components of human immune response including antimicrobial activities and lymphocyte proliferation, Vitamin C supports the production of interferons. They are produced when the presence of pathogens like viruses are detected. They facilitate the ability of the cells to initiate protective cellular defenses. Vitamin C enhances the function of phagocytes, a kind of white blood cell that surrounds pathogens and other dangerous particles.

Zinc

It is a bluish white lustrous metallic element essential for integrity of the immune system and inadequate zinc intake has many adverse effects. Zinc deficiency has been associated with an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases including viral infections.

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What do studies reflect?

Studies have shown that a major portion of the Indian adult population is deficient in vitamin D. What is of more concern is that most of the Indian women have iron deficiency too, leading to anemia. Studies published in prominent journals also indicate a grave concern that adult Indian men and women are increasingly deficient in vitamin B12.

Bioavailability of Micronutrients

Numerous studies report that micronutrients are found in limited quantities in vegetarian food however age-old cooking practices and certain food combinations together improve the bioavailability of micronutrients.
Household processing like sprouting and fermentation increases the bioavailability of iron and carotene from plant foods.
Amchur (dry mango powder) and lime enhance the bioavailability of iron, zinc and beta-carotene (a carotenoid vital for vision, immunity), as do onion, garlic, red and black pepper, as well as ginger.
Fruits such as mango provide higher amounts of bioavailable beta-carotene when it is consumed with milk.

What Is the Immune System?

We can't deny the fact that we are constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes. Our immune system protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action.

A quick look at two types of immunity;

Innate immunity is a first-line defense from pathogens that try to enter our bodies, achieved through protective barriers. These barriers include:

Skin that keeps out the majority of pathogens
Mucus that traps pathogens
Stomach acid that destroys pathogens
Enzymes in our sweat and tears that help create antibacterial compounds
Immune system cells that attack all foreign cells entering the body.

Adaptive or acquired immunity is a system that learns to recognize a pathogen. It is regulated by cells and organs in our body like the spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. When a foreign substance enters the body, these cells and organs create antibodies and lead to multiplication of immune cells (including different types of white blood cells) that are specific to that harmful substance and attack and destroy it.

What are the conditions that lead to an immune response?

Antigens are substances that the body labels as foreign and harmful, which triggers immune cell activity. Allergens are one type of antigen and include grass pollen, dust, food components, or pet hair.
Inflammation is an important, normal step in the body’s innate immune response. When pathogens attack healthy cells and tissue, a type of immune cell called mast cells counterattack and release proteins called histamines, which cause inflammation. Inflammation may generate pain, swelling, and a release of fluids to help flush out the pathogens.
Autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or type 1 diabetes are partly hereditary and cause hypersensitivity in which immune cells attack and destroy healthy cells.
Immunodeficiency disorders can depress or completely disable the immune system, and may be genetic or acquired. Acquired forms are more common and include AIDS and cancers like leukemia and multiple myeloma. In these cases, the body’s defenses are so reduced that a person becomes highly susceptible to illness from invading pathogens or antigens.

What are the factors that gravely affect your immune system?

As we age, our internal organs may become less efficient; immune-related organs like the thymus or bone marrow produce less immune cells needed to fight off infections.
Environmental toxins (smoke and other particles contributing to air pollution, excessive alcohol): These substances can suppress the normal activity of immune cells.
Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Fat tissue produces adipocytokines that can promote inflammatory processes.
Research has identified that obesity is an independent risk factor for the influenza virus, possibly due to the impaired function of T-cells, a type of white blood cell.
Malnutrition or improper diet can impair the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies.
Chronic diseases.
Chronic mental stress.

How to take an immune boosting diet?

The fact is that each stage of the body’s immune response relies on the presence of many micro nutrients. The nutrients vital for proper growth and function of immune cells include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein (including the amino acid glutamine).Eating ultra processed foods can hamper our immune system gradually.

The diet plays a pivotal role in determining what kinds of microbes live in our intestines. A high-fiber plant-rich diet with ample fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes support the growth and maintenance of beneficial microbes.

How Nutraceutical can improve your immune system?

A deficiency of nutrients can alter the body’s immune response. These nutrients help the immune system in several ways: working as an antioxidant to protect healthy cells, supporting growth and activity of immune cells, and producing antibodies. There is no substitute for a healthy diet however when your nutrients need is not fulfilled by the food you eat then the best way is to include vitamin supplements in your diet.

What are the common factors which boost your immune system?

It is important to eat a well balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of water.
Take sound sleep of 7 to 8 hours.
Remove stress from your life by doing meditation and mindful practices.
Practice cleanliness and hygiene.

Does an Immune-Boosting Diet Exist?

Good health is a continuous journey,if you want to stay healthy and fit as a fiddle then Nutracuticals help you in keeping numerous issues at bay.

The diet plays a large role in determining what kinds of microbes live in our intestines. A high-fiber plant-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes appear to support the growth and maintenance of beneficial microbes. Make sure your diet is rich in the below mentioned vitamins;

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can be a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection. To get your vitamin E, high-fat plant foods intake is beneficial such as Almonds,Peanuts/peanut butter,Sunflower seeds.Oils such as sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil.Hazelnuts. You can also buy Ningen Vitamin E capsules.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a major role in protecting you from infections. It is found in fish, meat and dairy or from plant carotenoids. Tuna is a great source of preformed vitamin A. Include carrots.sweet potatoes,pumpkin,butternut,squash,cantaloupe,and dark green leafy vegetables in your diet.

3.Folate/folic acid

Folate is the natural form and folic acid is the synthetic form, often added to foods because of its health benefits. To get more folate, add more beans and lentils to your plate on a regular basis, as well as leafy green vegetables. Avocado is another tasty source. You can also get folic acid in fortified foods.

Iron

It plays a vital role in carrying oxygen to cells. Research indicates that your body can easily absorb iron from animal products such as chicken, turkey, canned sardines,Oysters, red meat etc however If you're a vegetarian you can include a good portion of beans.broccoli,kale and iron-fortified cereals in your diet.