Primo Health Blog

A portal for functional health topics and news.

Posts about immune health (2):

The Health Benefits of Colostrum

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
The Health Benefits of Colostrum
cardiovascular health immune health degenerative disease smart supplementation

Colostrum 

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Colostrum is the first milk that a mammal produces after pregnancy. This secretion of colostrum does not last for long; rather, it is created for the newborn to give it vital nutrients, antibodies, and other factors it needs right after birth. Therefore, after a few short days, the production of colostrum all but stops.1

So what makes colostrum special for adult individuals? In fact, through hundreds of years of use and over 1,000 clinical studies, colostrum has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for a variety of clinical conditions. These include viral illnesses, allergies and autoimmune diseases, heart disease, cancer, weight-loss programs, athletic stress, leaky gut syndrome, wound healing, and muscle repair and growth.2 In short, the most important components of colostrum can basically be broken down into two major categories: immunity modulator and growth factors.

Herbal Relief for Colds, Flu and Sinusitis

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Herbal Relief for Colds, Flu and Sinusitis
respiratory health immune health herbs & botanicals smart supplementation

Colds, Flu & Sinusitis: Herbal Relief 

By Gene Bruno, MHS, RH(AHG)

Cold, influenza (flu) and sinusitis are three common upper respiratory conditions that affect a great many people. Besides being upper respiratory infections, they also have in common that three herbs (Andrographis, Eleuthero and Echinacea) have been shown to be effective in their treatment. This article will discuss the research associated with these herbs on the aforementioned conditions. First, however, let’s have a brief review of the conditions

Building the Immune System with Botanicals and Antioxidants

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Building the Immune System with Botanicals and Antioxidants
anti-aging immune health herbs & botanicals smart supplementation

Building Immunity & Promoting Wellness With Botanicals & Antioxidants

By Gene Bruno, MS, MHS – Dean of Academics, Huntington College of Health Sciences

The components of the body's immune system provide protection against the ravages of undesired invaders like free radicals, bacteria and viruses or defective cells such as those found in cancer. These dangerous entities are detected, located and destroyed by a competent immune system.1 2 A weak or sub- functioning immune system, however, cannot effectively fight off these undesired invaders. The result is more frequent illnesses such as colds or flu. Severe and debilitating disease states can also develop.

Immune system sub-function often results from a combination of poor nutrition, chronic stress and various environmental pollutants. Of these three factors, poor nutrition is probably the most significant. The broad reaching ramifications of poor nutrition were discussed in a report by former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop. The report was prompted by increasing evidence that many of the leading causes of death in the United States, as well as much of this country's burden of chronic disease, are linked at least in part to dietary excesses and imbalances.

Supplement of the week: Designs for Health Immunitone Plus

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the week: Designs for Health Immunitone Plus
immune health herbs & botanicals degenerative disease smart supplementation

Quick Overview

Immunitone Plus™ is an herbal formula that is designed to support healthy immune system function during cold and flu season. It contains herbs that support normal natural killer (NK) cell activity and the balance of cytokines, which are the regulatory proteins released by immune cells as part of a normal immune system response.* The standardized herbs in this formula contain optimal and consistent amounts of the most active ingredients. Immunitone Plus™ is suitable for long term use and for all age groups.

Product Desription

This powerful immune supportive formula combines herbs that have antiviral and antibacterial abilities as well as the ability to maintain Natural Killer (NK) cell activity and cytokine synthesis. Immunitone Plus is safe enough to use for chronic viral conditions, and in cases of a weak immune system and acute illness.* There is impressive research on every ingredient of Immunitone. This formula is extremely powerful yet safe enough to use in high doses for acute applications, while also being suitable for long-term use in chronic conditions. This formula contains green tea standardized to a very high level of EGCG as well as standardized Echinacea augustifolia, Andrographis paniculata, and even Goldenseal. Standardized herbs contain optimal and consistent amounts of the most active compounds.

Astragalus Root Health Benefits

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Astragalus Root Health Benefits
immune health herbs & botanicals degenerative disease smart supplementation

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous)

By Art Presser, PharmD - President, Huntington College of Health Sciences

Background:

Astragalus comes to us from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is first mentioned in Shen Nung Ben Cao Jing, a 2000- year-old classic as Huang Qi. Huang Qi means “yellow leader,” and astragalus is considered a most important tonic. Traditional uses include lethargy, colds, flu, appetite (lack of), stomach ulcers, and deficiencies of chi (namely, general weakness and fatigue). Other Chinese uses include diabetes, lowering blood pressure, and water retention.

The plant is native to northern China where the 4-7 year old roots are harvested in the spring to make medicine preparations. There are over 2000 types of Astragalus worldwide, but it seems that the Chinese variety has been the most studied. Astragalus gummifera, also known as tragacangth, is an old friend of the pharmaceutical industry, long used as a thickening agent.

Supplement of the week: Designs for Health S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the week: Designs for Health S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy
anti-aging immune health degenerative disease smart supplementation

Quick Overview

Acetylated form of glutathione for optimum absorption and bioavailability

S-Acetyl Glutathione (S-A-GSH) is a unique form of glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants naturally produced in the body. It has an acetyl group (COCH3) attached to the sulfur atom of cysteine in the glutathione molecule. S-A-GSH is well-suited for oral ingestion, because this acetyl group protects glutathione from breaking down in the gastrointestinal tract; once absorbed and inside the cells it is removed, thus leaving the glutathione molecule intact.

This product also includes N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and vitamin B6, both of which are important for the production of glutathione.

Allergies: Natural Relief

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Allergies: Natural Relief
immune health herbs & botanicals smart supplementation

 By Gene Bruno, MS, MH

Smart SupplementationTM is a free series of educational literature created by Huntington College of Health Sciences (HCHS) as a public service. Although copyrighted, it may be freely photocopied and distributed, but may not be altered in any way. Smart SupplementationTM is not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition, consult your physician.

Although generally not life-threatening, allergies can ruin a perfectly good day and make you miserable. An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance called an antigen which is foreign to the body, but otherwise harmless1 (e.g., pollen from grasses and flowers, etc.). In an allergic individual, the harmless antigen becomes an allergen; a substance that initiates an allergic reaction. The term allergy is of Greek origin and means “abnormal response.”

Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health Vitamin D Supreme

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Supplement of the Week: Designs for Health Vitamin D Supreme
cardiovascular health immune health smart supplementation musculoskeletal health

Quick Overview

Vitamin D Supreme provides a clinically useful dose of vitamin D3 and vitamin K in both the K1 and MK-7 form of K2. This formula contains higher therapeutic doses than Vitamin D Synergy for situations where more aggressive repletion is required. Vitamins D and K are essential for optimal bone and arterial health and for maintaining the immune system in proper balance. The amount of vitamin D and K in this formula may be beneficial for those who do not get adequate sun exposure and/or dietary sources of these vitamins. Vitamins D & K work as a team. Thus, increasing doses of vitamin D will increase the need for vitamin K.

Top Ten Supplements For Primo Health

Picture of Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Daniel Sanelli, M.Sc.
Top Ten Supplements For Primo Health
macronutrients anti-aging micronutrients immune health smart supplementation

Taking vitamins and supplements without consulting with a nutrition professional can lead to unwanted health issues, and can end up being a waste of your money. It is best to do some sort of nutrition assessment like the Primo Blood Chemistry Analysis in order to identify any deficiencies or potential health issues related to nutrient deficiencies.