Stay Healthy with The Most Effective Immunity-Boosting Nutrients

You buy healthy food, you plan workouts into your day, you take care of yourself and you’re doing everything right – then you get a cold! How could you be putting in so much work to reach all of your fitness and performance goals, yet still get sick like everyone else?! Intense exercise damages tissue (and your body needs that damage – it forces you to adapt and grow), but what if your immune system stops you in your tracks? You may be missing some key ingredients in your stack that help lay the foundation for a healthy body and healthy progress. In this article we’re going explain how to stay healthy with the most effective immune boosting nutrients!

Each of us are exposed to various pathogens without ever seeing or feeling them and it is up to us to be as prepared as possible, inside and out. Pathogens are viruses, bacteria or microorganisms that cause illness like the common cold, influenza (a.k.a. the flu) and the virus that causes COVID19. Pathogens are much harder to fight off when your immunity is compromised and sometimes you don’t even know your immune system isn’t 100%.

You can see the effects when you look at the increased susceptibility of the elderly to infections and illnesses. Ageing causes physiological systems to become less efficient including a reduced effective immune system. If we’re lacking the nutrients that we need to arm our immune system, we’re asking for trouble. For the most of us, the standard precautions like avoiding large gatherings, wearing PPE and washing our hands are effective enough but what are we to do when our healthy habits are compromised as well? How can you make sure you get everything you need and what are the consequences if you don’t?

Your Immune System and Performance

The gym can be a minefield of pathogens that live and breed on many surfaces, no matter how much you clean them!^{9, 14, 34}  You can clean surfaces with spray bottles and wipes but ultimately, it’s the effect that a lack of certain nutrients can have on your immune system that can make the biggest difference. It doesn’t just stop at general health – the negative effects of having a less-than-optimal immune system extend well beyond temporary illness and encroach on performance in the gym and recovery afterwards.

For instance, did you know that without the protective shield of a thriving immune system, full recovery from demanding training can take much longer to achieve? You know this already – you’ve most likely experienced many of the symptoms. A really intense training session that you are not fully adapted to can leave you feeling less energetic, compromise your digestion, lead to infections, reduce your ability to repair wounds quickly, and your muscle growth can be hindered by chronic inflammation.^{8, 11, 16.}

Many of the pathogens you are routinely exposed to can weaken your body without promoting a full-blown disease state.⁴ Instead, it is possible to permanently function poorly due to suppressed immunity over the longer term and the more often you miss the right nutrients in your diet, the more susceptible you can be.

Chronic inflammation from a compromised immune system can hinder muscle tissue repair, reduce energy and compromise digestion.

By fortifying your immune system you can become more resistant to illness and disease, but you can also function better and be healthier overall. If your goal is to recover from workouts, grow lean muscle tissue, feel as energetic as possible and to give yourself the best chance at fighting away harmful bacteria and viruses, it is extremely important to make sure that you have an immune system that is fully supported with the right immune boosting nutrients, but what are they?

Choosing Your Immunity Supplement

A high level of immune health helps you feel better and perform better. All of us look better with a leaner and more muscular physique that radiates health and wellness and that’s ultimately what all of us are trying to do – look and feel as healthy as possible. There are several ways you can effectively strengthen your immune and many of them involve the healthy lifestyle you’ve already chosen. Now, looks look at the rest of the best ways!

Given the direct relationship between health and nutrition, the most effective immune-boosting strategy is to give the body the key nutrients it needs to build and maintain all aspects of the immune system and, for our own ease of use, do it as conveniently as possible. We all have busy lives and sometimes we need a little help to meet our nutrition needs. We’re going to walk you through the reasons that we think SHIELD Immunity⁺ is the best choice.

There are five highly beneficial immunity-enhancing compounds (in some cases, compound groupings) that you should be looking out for to make sure you’re making the right choice. By using each of them as part of a comprehensive immunity formula you can keep your body performing, and growing, at peak efficiency.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is universally considered to be the body’s preferred immunity enhancer. Otherwise known as ascorbic acid, this water-soluble vitamin is integral to strengthening connective tissues such as cartilage, bone, blood vessels and skin. In addition, its ability to build and maintain immunity is unparalleled.^3.

Here’s why:

In addition to its ability to support the activity of natural killer cells (white blood cells called lymphocytes that target, attack and kill foreign cells), Vitamin C also helps to produce interferons (enable cells to defend against pathogens); forms much of the composition of white blood cells (the primary cells of the immune system); and boosts the function of phagocytes (white blood cells which engulf, and consume, pathogens).

But it doesn’t stop there, Vitamin C also enhances the phagocytes’ production of oxide (the substance which kills captured pathogens); helps to activate macrophages, natural killer cells, and antigen-specific T-lymphocytes as part of the cellular immune response; inhibits the destruction, and enhances the production of, T-lymphocytes.

It also supports the production and activity of antibodies (large proteins that are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogenic bacteria and viruses); assists in the formation of prostaglandins (hormones which, among other functions, regulate T-cell activity); neutralizes oxidative stress; and makes bacterial membranes more permeable to antibodies.^{3, 6, 10, 17, 19, 29.} 

Are you starting to see why Vitamin C has such a good reputation for immunity? Foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes, strawberries, and green peppers (while recommended), merely scrape the surface when it comes to fully bolstering natural immunity. What’s also needed is an ultra-high potency formulation that contains a minimum of 1,000g of highly bioavailable C.

Vitamin D3

Known mostly for its effects on calcium and bone homeostasis, Vitamin D has a solid reputation for its immunity strengthening properties.^{2, 5, 28} In fact, research has shown that those with a Vitamin D deficiency have a greater chance of succumbing to autoimmunity (a dysfunctional immune response) as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.

Want even more reason to make sure that your Vitamin D levels are high? There are studies that point to supplementation being a way to reduce adult obesity.³⁵ Even more shocking is the Vitamin D deficiency that is often linked to obesity itself! How could this be? It has been suggested that high levels of fat make the Vitamin D inaccessible to the tissues that need it!³⁶

Vitamin D plays a big role in helping to keep the immune system balanced. While excessive immune stimulation may increase the likelihood of autoimmunity (any disease resulting from an aberrant immune response), too little immune stimulation can lead to infection and a range of illnesses and non-autoimmune diseases. With corresponding receptors and enzymes located on the surfaces of all white blood cells, Vitamin D, when taken in sufficient amounts, can help to counter both of these extremes. ^{21, 23, 25, 26, 27.}

Of the two main types of Vitamin D,

D₃ is more potent and effective than D₂.²³ 

The natural form of D that’s manufactured by the body during exposure to sunlight, D₃ is rarely found in the foods we eat (notable exceptions being egg yolks and fatty fish). Thus, the best way to upgrade our D₃ levels is to consistently hit the warmer climates (impractical and in some cases health-adverse for many) and/or supplement with a reputable D₃ formulation.

Zinc

Known among bodybuilders for its ability to support muscle growth, through heightened testosterone production, Zinc also remains one of the most essential nutrients for healthy immune cell development and functioning (with a deficiency in this nutrient leading to an increased risk of illness and disease).

As well as being a powerful immune-boosting antioxidant (much like Vitamin C), Zinc improves immunity by enhancing the protective barrier of the skin to keep out pathogens; is involved in gene regulation within lymphocytes; encourages the development and functioning of nonspecific immune cells such as neutrophils and natural killer cells (which respond to different types of antigens, or foreign substances, thus functioning as the first line of defense against infection or injury); augments the development and functioning of macrophages (cells that are important to many immunologic functions); and, like D3, encourages a balanced immune response (keeping the immune system from becoming either under or overactive).^{13, 15, 18, 32.}

One of the most bioavailable version of Zinc is Zinc Aminomin Chelate

(standardized to 20% elemental Zinc)

To fully support immunity, sufficient high-strength Zinc needs to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet. One of the most bioavailable versions of Zinc is the trademarked and proprietary Aminomin form of Zinc Chelate (standardized to 20% elemental Zinc) which, when taken in optimal dosages, supercharges the immune system to provide the ultimate in health and vitality.

Beta-Glucans

Although widely seen as ultra-beneficial for health and wellbeing, Beta-Glucans have come into their own in recent years for their potent immunomodulatory properties.^{1, 20, 33.} Present mostly in edible fungi (aka mushrooms), these non-starch polysaccharides (long-chain carbohydrates which double as a form of prebiotic fiber) can also be found in oats, barley, seaweed, and yeast. The dietary supplement industry has finally caught on to the powerful immune-boosting benefits of the Beta-Glucans, with the most reputable formulas making available the best of Beta-Glucans to those looking to secure the edge in health and longevity.

Beta-Glucans work their immune boosting magic by acting on several immune receptors responsible for stimulating immune cell activity. These include the macrophages, T-cells, monocytes, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.^{7, 20.} The first line of defense against foreign pathogens is the innate (or non-specific) immune response. This response includes physical, chemical and cellular defenses against pathogens.

Then there is a subsystem of the immune system called the adaptive (or acquired) immune response, which is specific to the particular pathogen presented and is composed of specialized, systemic cells and processes that eliminate pathogens or prevent their growth. Because of their ability to target multiple immune receptors simultaneously, the Beta-Glucans are able to beneficially modulate both innate and adaptive immunity, thus providing full-spectrum insurance against illness and disease.

It is believed that athletes are especially vulnerable to various illnesses due to exercise-induced immune suppression. In this case,  Beta-Glucans are believed to be this population’s best ally when it comes to bolstering immunity more broadly.

Three types of Beta Glucan are particularly potent in their ability to build immune cells and stimulate the immune response:

Nutramunity

Comprised of a complex carbohydrate extracted from the cell walls of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Nutramunity is notable for the unique structure and high bioactivity of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan.³¹ Nutramunity is a trademarked, branded and proprietary beta-1,3/1,6-glucan by a Norwegian company that sources it from pristine country of Iceland. Nutramunity exerts its powerful effects by binding to cells of the innate immune system and biochemically making this system more potent.

More specifically, the Nutramunity beta-1,3/1,6-glucans interact with highly specialized receptors (commonly referred to as PRRs, or pattern recognition receptors) that are found on various immune cells such as monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells for example. Binding of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans to these receptors induces a cascade of innate and adaptive immune responses such as phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and the production of cytokines and chemokines.

These responses are classic examples of what you would call a “super charged” immune system that is on high alert for invaders using the passive innate immune response and the active adaptive immune response. Several human studies have shown reduced incidences of the seasonal common cold with the use of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans.³⁷

Reishi Mushroom Extract  

An excellent way to improve overall health and wellbeing, the Reishi mushroom is also notable for its beneficial impact on the immune system. It’s believed that this power-packed fungus boosts immunity by altering inflammation pathways on white blood cells, thus rendering these immune-critical cells stronger and better functioning. Reishi mushroom also strengthens immunity by increasing the activity of specific white blood cells called natural killer cells as well as increasing the production of lymphocytes.

Turkey Tail Mushroom

Containing bioactive compounds such as polysaccharopeptide and polysaccharide krestin, the Turkey Tail Mushroom has traditionally been used to treat lung diseases and strengthen immunity.^{22, 24, 30.} This powerful fungus – known as the Beautiful One due to its broad array of bright colors – contains an impressive lineup of antioxidants, including phenols (up to 35 different phenolic compounds) and flavonoids (such as the ultra-powerful quercin and baicalein).^12. This impressive antioxidant blend is believed to stimulate the release of immune protective compounds. Of particular note, the polysaccharopeptides found in Turkey Tail Mushroom boost immunity by activating and inhibiting immune-specific cells and reducing inflammation.

“The dietary supplement industry has finally caught on to the powerful immune-boosting benefits of the Beta-Glucans, with the most reputable formulas making available the best of the Beta-Glucans to those looking to secure the edge in health and longevity.”

Electrolytes

Optimal hydration remains one of the most important steps to building and maintaining a sound immune response. Integral to immunity is a substance called lymph, a fluid compound which comprises much of the immune-specific lymphatic system. Lymph is crucial to immunity as it carries white blood cells and other cells of importance to the immune system around the body. However, without a sufficient intake of water, much less lymph can be produced (of which water forms a major part) and what little lymph we do have will be much less effective.

Unfortunately, active people tend to experience a greater than normal disruption to their water balance due, in part, to sweat loss and greater energy production requirements. Simply replacing lost water is often not enough to ensure sufficient circulating H₂0 to support myriad physiological functions and processes (including lymph production and immunity). This is where a good balance of electrolytes will assist in helping the body to better absorb and use the water we consume.

In fact, electrolytes (small, slightly charged particles) are essential when it comes to maintaining an optimal water balance both inside and outside of the trillions of cells of the body. It’s therefore important to properly support the immune system (to perform its role of keeping us pathogen free and functioning at a high level) by loading-up on the key electrolytes, three of specific importance to the immune system being: potassium, calcium and sodium.

“It’s therefore important to properly support the immune system (to perform its role of keeping us pathogen free and functioning at a high level) by loading-up on the key electrolytes, three of specific importance to the immune system being: potassium, calcium and sodium.”

In fact, electrolytes (small, slightly charged particles) are essential when it comes to maintaining an optimal water balance both inside and outside of the trillions of cells of the body. It’s therefore important to properly support the immune system (to perform its role of keeping us pathogen free and functioning at a high level) by loading-up on the key electrolytes, three of specific importance to the immune system being: potassium, calcium and sodium.

“It’s therefore important to properly support the immune system (to perform its role of keeping us pathogen free and functioning at a high level) by loading-up on the key electrolytes, three of specific importance to the immune system being: potassium, calcium and sodium.”

Make It Easy – Be Prepared

Building immunity takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Proper sleep, optimal hydration, stress minimization and regular exercise all contribute to immunity enhancement. For each of these immune-critical factors to produce their desired outcome, optimal nutrition is essential. Not only will specific nutrients make sleep, hydration, and exercise, for example, more effective, but these nutrients will also directly benefit the immune system on multiple levels.

SHIELD Immunity⁺ is a highly-potent combination of the best immune-boosting nutrients is an easy-to-mix delicious daily drink. There are so many ways that anyone can be less-than-optimal when it comes to these nutrients. This formula just makes so much sense. And what’s even better is that it is so convenient that you will be so much more likely to include this as a regular part of your routine. This means that you have one more weapon in your arsenal to maximize your health.

So, to take your gym progress (and your health) further than ever before, equip yourself with superior versions of nutrients and get ready to experience the best results.