One example of the result of macrophage activation is the appearance of gamma interferon which increases the production of nitric oxide and superoxide, directly leading to an immunological war on microorganisms.

Nothing rivals beta glucan for immune enhancement. There is no other substance man-made or natural that has the published studies, as does beta glucan, to back up it's immune system supporting ability.

And, unlike many other immune support supplements, research suggests that beta glucan does not over stimulate your immune system.

Scientific studies on animals and humans, originating from such prestigious institutions as the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, Baylor College of Medicine, Brown Medical School, Tulane University and Harvard Medical School have demonstrated the great value beta glucan has to support our immune systems

In four different published studies, performed at the University of Saskatchewan (Microbiol. Immun. 41, 1997), (Microbiological Immunity v. 42, 1997), (International Journal of Parasitology v. 27, 1999) and (FEMS Immmunology v. 35, 2003) researchers repeatedly demonstrated the amazing power beta glucan has to stimulate the immune system. Dr. Joyce Czop, at Harvard University, described the mode of action of beta glucan in stimulating the immune system: "there is a specific receptor for beta-1-3-glucan on the surface of certain cells, called macrophages that when activated, stimulate a cascade of events turning the body into "an arsenal of defense".

Recent independent experiments completed at Baylor College of Medicine in the laboratory of Professor Phil Wyde, Ph.D., also indicate the oral effectiveness of Beta-1,3-glucan in stimulating non-specific immunity. Peritoneal macrophages doubled their phagocyte activity in mice fed with Beta-1,3-glucan. This systemic effect of oral application is comparable to that achieved by injection, which makes this material a unique and very valuable oral immunostimulant.

Medical Doctors and researchers at Brown Medical School and Rhode Island hospital have discovered that beta 1,3-D glucan, binds to receptors on neutrophils, the most abundant type of immune cell in the body. The beta glucan caused the neutrophils to take a more direct path to the site of infection rather than the indirect route normally taken.

Neutrophils are attracted to the site of an infection by blood proteins called chemoattractants and are among the first cells of the body to respond to a challenge due to infection or injury. Normally, neutrophils use such chemoattractants as interleukin-8 to travel to the site of infection. However, when neutrophils were treated with beta 1,3-D glucan, the neutrophils bypassed the IL-8 and went directly to the source of infection. Beta 1,3-D appeared to accomplish this by increasing the neutrophils ability to sense complement fragments emanating from the site of an infection. As a result, beta glucan helps neutrophils locate the epicenter of the bacterial infection within tissue.

This ability to make neutrophils bypass IL-8 and go directly to the site of infection can result in a more rapid immune response.

Beta glucan is recommended before and after cancer surgery to support healing.

In general, beta glucan stimulates macrophages and improves all immune functions, including phagocytosis (ability to engulf foreign cells and particles) release of certain cytokines (intercellular hormones) IL-1, IL-6, GM-CSF, interferons, and the processing of antigens.

The macrophage stays in an alert or ready mode until the presence of "non-self" invaders are detected, at which time the macrophage is activated and becomes the first line of defense against these invaders.

Unlike many other immune support supplements, research suggests that beta glucan does not over stimulate your immune system.

In addition to serving as the hub of the body's antioxidant network, lipoic acid is the only antioxidant that can boost the level of intracellular glutathione, a cellular antioxidant of tremendous importance.

Besides being the body's primary water-soluble antioxidant and a major detoxification agent, glutathione is absolutely essential for the functioning of the immune system. Scientists have known for over two decades that maintaining a high cellular level of glutathione is critical for life and crucial for health.

Raising glutathione levels has been shown to alter the cytokine balance in favor of a Th1 immune response mode (the anti-cancer and anti-viral mode of the immune defense) (Peterson JD et al., 1998). Agents that deplete glutathione, such as ethanol, have been shown to impair the body's immune defense. TNF-a (tumor necrosis factor alpha), which increases in many diseases of aging, has been shown to be involved in depletion of cellular glutathione. and is thought to be a major factor in the immune decline associated with aging (Phelps DT et al., 1995).

People with chronic illnesses such as AIDS, cancer and autoimmune diseases generally have very low levels of glutathione. White blood cells are particularly sensitive to changes in glutathione levels, and even subtle changes may have profound effects on the immune response. It was shown that glutathione deficiency in HIV-infected individuals correlates with decreased survival (Herzenberg LA et al., 1997).

Dr. Packer and Chandan K. Sen, researchers from Finland, have described how alpha-lipoic acid regulates aspects of the immune system, and in particular, T-lymphocytes. They have discovered that ALA boosts glutathione levels in T cells, These two researchers, along with other scientists, have reported how alpha-lipoic acid may help people with HIV or other immune suppressed conditions.

In a pilot study, supplementation with 150 mg of ALA 3 times per day was shown to increase plasma ascorbate, glutathione and T-helper cells and to optimize the ratio of T-helper cells to T-suppressor cells. Other studies have demonstrated the ALA helps to inhibit HIV replication by decreasing the activity of reverse transcriptase and to delay apoptosis (programmed cell death) of Thymus cells - the immune system's number one line of defense.

The practical problem for those who wish to maintain healthful glutathione levels is that taking glutathione itself as a supplement does not boost cellular glutathione levels, since glutathione breaks down in the digestive tract before it reaches the cells. Therefore, the discovery that lipoic acid can effectively boost glutathione levels has very important implications We actually get very little Lipoic acid in our food, Broccoli (one of the best food sources) for example, contains a mere 100 micrograms per 100 gram serving. This means you would have to eat over two pounds of broccoli to get one single milligram.

ALA supplementation is the only way to get the benefits of this powerful universal antioxidant and to enjoy the resulting increase in intracellular glutathione, which may help support a healthy immune system.

TMG has got all the properties of DMG but because it has one extra methyl group, it is known to be a more efficient methyl donor than DMG. After methyl donation, it stays useful in the metabolism as DMG thus having a double benefit. This is also known as BETAINE.

DMG is an amino acid that is predominantly found in grains. It is a member of the family of nutrients that include choline, betaine (trimethyl-glycine), sarcosine (methylglycine) and glycine. This family of compounds supplies the body with an essential biochemical group (a methyl group) that allows conversions of substances in the bodies intricate biochemical pathways.

In two independent studies, researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina and at Clemson University, have both suggested that TMG supports a healthy immune system.

• The first research project, done at the Medical University of South Carolina yielded the following results. Using 120 mg. DMG for eight weeks resulted in an average of a four-fold increase in antibody production in-vivo (in the body, not a test tube) when exposed to pneumovax-SSS and a "significant" increase when exposed to streptokinase -streptodornase antigen. A third antigen, concanavalin A showed little difference in the control and DMG treated groups response. This antibody response, or humoral response, is accomplished by the B-lymphocytes. A second part of this project demonstrated the T-lymphocyte response. In normal subjects the T cell activity was increased by more than 50%. Even more important was the fact that subjects with a less than normal lymphocyte activity, in this case due to sickle cell anemia or diabetes, there was a two- to three-fold increase in lymphocyte response. As these patients are more susceptible to infections, DMG may be an especially important nutrient.
• A second study at Clemson University showed similar results. The anti-body production to typhoid and influenza antigen in rabbits increased three- to five-fold. T cell populations were also increased. Further, the study demonstrated a doubling of the interferon production of T cells.
• Other effects of DMG have been studied for over fifty years. The earliest interest in this nutrient stems from it's effect on athletes. In 1965 it was established that DMG increases the oxygen utilization within the cell. This alone will increase the amount of exercise one can perform. It also is useful for people travelling to higher elevations. Research at USC School of Medicine in 1979 showed that the amount of lactic acid buildup in muscles after exercise is decreased with the use of DMG. Lactic acid is thought to be one of the factors in muscular soreness after exercise.
• DMG causes the adrenal glands to secrete more corticosteroids, which can effect blood sugar levels, as well as the metabolism of protein and fat. It has been found to enhance liver function and to support healthy cholesterol levels by increasing synthesis and secretion of bile. The supportive effect of DMG supplementation on skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema is a hot research topic. DMG also acts as an antioxidant preventing the actions of free radicals which may damage the cells of the immune system.

We know that cow's milk provides our bodies with vitamin D and calcium, but our four-legged friends provide an even more powerful substance for our health, -- bovine colostrum. Colostrum is the nutrient-rich, pre-milk fluid that is secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals to nourish their young.

Bovine (cow) colostrum is nearly identical to human colostrum but research suggests it is four times richer in immune factors than human colostrum. Best of all, bovine colostrum may help support a healthy immune system to all mammals -- humans -- and pets as well!

Immune factors in colostrum can help balance and support a healthy immune system; which is the key to good health.

Growth factors supply the necessary building blocks for the newborn, enhancing the growth of cells, muscles, tissue, bone and cartilage. As we age, our bodies produce less and less of these vital factors, increasing signs of aging, and making it more difficult for us to fight disease.

Pollution, toxins, carcinogens, smoking, alcohol and overuse of antibiotics can lead to a decrease in our immune response, resulting in disease. Colostrum supports the body's ability to function properly in both newborns and adults, even for our pets!

Most experts agree that the majority of disease and illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract. Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungus) enter the body through our nose, ears, and mouth and can attach themselves to the lining of the bowel, where they grow and multiply, causing a huge variety of diseases. Colostrum helps inhibit the binding of pathogens to the bowel lining, so they are unable to proliferate.

All humans are exposed to these deadly invaders throughout their lives. Unfortunately, these days, they are in the air we breathe and the food we eat. When our bodies are healthy, our immune system fights off these pathogens without needing any help. However, if our immune system is compromised in any way (which is unfortunately true for most of us), colostrum can help our bodies support proper immune function.

In animal and human clinical trials, Armenian scientists have demonstrated that andrographolides are readily absorbed into the bloodstream following the oral ingestion of andrographis herb extract.

In Sweden, scientists conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of standardized andrographis extract in the treatment of upper-respiratory tract infections (the common cold). More than 200 patients participated in the clinical trial.

Russian researchers conducted a similar randomized trial of an andrographis extract preparation for the treatment of acute upper-respiratory viral infection.

Scientists in Thailand conducted a systematic review of the published literature and a meta-analysis of all randomized, controlled trials of andrographis for the symptomatic treatment of upper-respiratory tract infections. By pooling results from a number of disparate trials, they were able to arrive at an "overall estimate of effect." The studies included in their statistical analysis featured results from 433 patients.

Researchers in all of these studies have concluded that andrographis support a healthy immune system.

Vitamin C can be found in fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, lemons, limes, papaya, strawberries and cantaloupe. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids - the water soluble substances that help to protect your capillaries - are found in the white linings of these and other plants. Many vegetables also pack in vitamin C including tomatoes, broccoli, green and red bell peppers, raw lettuce and other leafy greens.

Vitamin C is absorbed by an active transport system located in the gut and then reabsorbed through the kidneys. Since the absorption mechanisms in the gut and kidneys can reach a saturation point, it is better to take multiple doses of vitamin C throughout the day than one large dose.

Vitamin C supports the immune system by stimulating the activity of antibodies and immune system cells such as phagocytes and neutrophils. As a constituent of collagen, vitamin C may contribute to our immune defenses in an even more fundamental way: our skin and the epithelial lining of the body's orifices, both of which contain collagen, serve as our first line of defense against foreign invaders. They prevent these invaders from entering the body in the first place, where the immune system would have to go to war against them.

Beyond that, vitamin C supports the body's fight against the toxic effects of environmental pollutants by stimulating liver detoxifying enzymes. It also stimulates the production of PGE1, a prostaglandin which assists lymphocytes, the defender cells in our immune system.

The immune system process called phagocytosis, in which certain cells "eat" invading bacteria, is stimulated by vitamin C. In addition, the nutrient may reduce the suppressor activity of the mononuclear leukocytes, which weakens the overall effectiveness of the immune system.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C's primary role is to neutralize free radicals. Since ascorbic acid is water soluble, it can work both inside and outside the cells to combat free radical damage. Free radicals will seek out an electron to regain their stability and Vitamin C is an excellent source of electrons; therefore, it "can donate electrons to free radicals such as hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and quench their reactivity," states Adrianne Bendich in "Antioxidant Micronutrients and Immune Responses".

Much like the immune system itself, which operates at a cellular level, the hardworking vitamin C reaches every cell of the body. The concentration of vitamin C in both blood serum and tissues is quite high.