|
Enhancing
Transfer Factor through Diet
Although transfer factor isolate alone has extraordinary
properties, adding certain immune-boosting phytochemicals, vitamins and
minerals can make a good thing even better. Clearly, a pure transfer factor
extract should be the basic building block for superior immune function,
but adding complimentary compounds makes for a multifaceted immune supplement.
In other words, this broadens the immune shield of transfer factors through
the mutual action of selected immune-friendly substances. List below is
several natural compounds that strengthen the immune.
Cordyceps Sinensis
Highly prized by the Chinese as an impressive
herbal immune tonic, this fungus has been tested in over 2,000 subjects.
Considered extremely safe, this herbal compound increases a variety of
immune actions by boosting immune chemicals such as interleukin-1 and 2
and boosting the count of helper-T and natural killer cells to fortify
and expand the immune system’s ability to respond to invaders (infectious,
carcinogenic etc). Of equal importance in that Cordyceps sinensis also
suppresses inappropriate immune reactions as seen in autoimmune diseases
and has anti-tumor properties as well.
Beta-Glucans
Complex polysaccharides present in astragalus,
maitake and coriolus mushrooms have the unique ability to act as "immuno-modulators"
and are being researched for their potential role in AIDS and cancer. Current
studies indicate that at the very least these compounds can prevent white
blood cell numbers from falling in persons given chemotherapy and radiotherapy,
and work to elevate antibody levels in healthy persons. Beta-glucans are
considered the workhorse of the immune activating polysaccharides and are
well absorbed when taken orally. They are currently under investigation
as a supportive tool for HIV infection.
Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates the production of immune
natural killer cells and destroys a broad range of disease-causing bacteria.
Echinacea can be a boon to elderly individuals who are particularly susceptible
to bacterial infections. A new study conducted by scientists at McGill
University in Montreal, Canada showed that two weeks of supplementation
with echinacea rejuvenated the production and action of immune killer cells
even in animals of advanced age. In addition, several other studies have
concluded that echinacea taken orally stimulates the function of a variety
of immune cells, particularly natural killer cells.
Berberine-containing Herbs
Herbs like goldenseal and goldenthread contain
a powerful alkaloid called berberine, which also has natural antibiotic
action. This year, scientists from the Biotechnology Centre at Tufts University
in Medford, Massachusetts reported that berberine inhibited the growth
of a very resistant strain of staphylococcus. Staph infections are difficult
to treat by any standards. In addition, an article in the April 2000 issue
of Alternative Medicine Review stated that berberine extracts have significant
antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms, including bacteria,
viruses, and fungi. Berberine-containing herbs top the list for bacterial
diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and for bladder and eye infections.
Mannans
Mannans (specifically acemannan) are a carbohydrate
extracted from the gel of the aloe vera leaf. This compound is thought
to make aloe gel so healing for burns and other skin disorders. Studies
show that acemannan increases the number and killing capacity of T lymphocytes
by almost 50%. It also has significant anti-tumor activity and can help
prevent the replication of viruses in the body. Acemannan is one of a few
plant extracts used in people with AIDS. Studies confirm that it has significant
value for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
IP6
Also known as inositol hexaphosphate or phytic
acid (IP6), this compound is found in legumes and the bran portion of several
grains. The reason that high-fiber diets are considered anti-cancerous
may be due to this very phytochemical. Several laboratory tests have confirmed
that IP6 has impressive anti-cancer actions and in 1992, a patent was obtained
to mix IP6 with inositol. IP6 is rapidly absorbed and is one of the most
impressive anti-cancer compounds found in nature.
Zinc
Zinc supplements have been reported to considerably
increase immune function. This effect may be especially important in the
elderly.
Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
Vitamin A plays an important role in immune system
function and helps mucous membranes, including those in the lungs resist
invasion by microorganisms. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids boost immune
cell numbers and activity in both animal and human research. Placebo-controlled
research has confirmed the positive benefits of beta-carotene supplements
in increasing numbers of some white blood cells and enhancing cancer-fighting
immune functions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C stimulates the immune system by enhancing
interferon levels and boosting the activity of certain immune cells. In
controlled reports studying people doing heavy exercise, cold frequency
was reduced an average of 50% with vitamin C supplements ranging from 600to
1,00 mg per day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E enhances some aspects of immune cell
activity especially in the elderly. A combination of antioxidant vitamins
A, C, and E significantly improved immune cell number and activity compared
to placebo in a group of hospitalized elderly.
Thymic Factors
The thymus gland produces a complex array of factors
that work together to transform immature lymphocytes (white blood cells)
into T cells. Two decades ago, a key thymic protein was discovered and
isolated. This protein actually programs T4 helper cells in the immune
system to seek out an invading pathogen and gives the go-ahead to T8 killer
cells to search and destroy disease organisms. A patented process has been
developed to grow this specific protein for commercial use in supplement
form.
Glutamine
This amino acid is important for healthy immune
system function. Liquid diets high in glutamine have been reported to help
critically ill people recover more rapidly. One double blind study giving
athletes who were prone to respiratory infections glutamine reported 81%
without subsequent infection compared to 49% in the placebo group.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
This supplement helps replace friendly bacteria
in the gastrointestinal tract that may help protect the body from potentially
harmful organisms that reside in the intestine and can cause infection.
Infectious diarrhea in children has been successfully reduced with acidophilus
supplementation.
Conclusion
Transfer factors could be the most exciting
discovery in immunology to date. As the 21st century unfolds,
these tiny molecules will hold the key to health and well being. If you
are interested in keeping up with the latest technology in health maintenance,
transfer factors should top your list of natural supplements for the 21st
century.
|
