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Proven Remedies for a Stronger Immune System

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immune systemPublic interest in immune system health continues to increase, with online searches for infections, viruses, allergies, coughs, fever, and headaches coming up among the top health-related inquiries.

Recent discoveries in the field of immunity have shed new light on how individuals can boost their immune system to achieve greater resilience against illnesses.

Research news published in several journals highlight the importance of specific nutrients — Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc — in enhancing immune function.

Calcium: Beyond Bone Health

Traditionally celebrated for its role in building strong bones and teeth, calcium is now recognized for its immune-boosting properties. A study published in Frontiers in Immunology revealed that calcium plays a critical role in activating immune cells. These cells are essential for identifying and eliminating pathogens.  A pathogen is any organism that causes disease, like a bacteria or virus.

Magnesium: The Silent Immune Modulator

Magnesium, often dubbed the “forgotten mineral,” is vital for numerous physiological functions, including immune response regulation. Research in immunological journals has discovered that magnesium deficiency can impair the function of T cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity. Adaptive immunity occurs when someone’s immune system has a response to a substance or to fungus or bacteria. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake can help maintain a balanced immune response, reducing the risk of infections and autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D: The Immune System’s Best Friend

Vitamin D, widely known for its role in bone health and mood regulation, has emerged as a key player in immune health. According to a comprehensive review in the Journal “Nutrients” vitamin D enhances the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages – those white blood cells that are important parts of our immune defense.

Vitamin D cell receptors are found on most cells of the immune system.  A receptor is a part of a cell that receives and responds to a substance, so immune cells need vitamin D to function. Vitamin D supports healthy bones, reduces diabetes risk, strengthens the immune system, remedies insomnia, soothes skin conditions, and reduces inflammation.

Zinc: The Gatekeeper of Immune Function

Zinc is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of the immune system. Zinc has been used since ancient times to help heal wounds and low levels of zinc can increase the risk of infections. It is a well-known remedy for reducing the duration of the common cold.  People with low zinc levels have less infection-fighting immune cells and their thymus gland (in which these immune cells develop), is smaller. When given extra zinc, their thymus grows and starts pumping out greater immunity.

A Combined Approach to Immune Health

Combining these nutrients through a balanced diet or appropriate supplementation can synergistically enhance immune function. Foods rich in these nutrients include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, salmon, sardines, dairy, whole grains and shell fish. In addition to dietary sources, targeted supplements can be beneficial, especially for individuals with specific deficiencies or increased nutritional needs.

Conclusion

New research continues to unravel the complexities of the immune system, but the foundational nutrients for keeping it strong remain in place.  Incorporating key nutritional elements like calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc into our daily lives, in the form of foods or supplements, is good advice for staying strong, healthy, and resistant to infection.

This health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of Sleep Minerals II.  Sleep Minerals II is a unique softgel supplement featuring highly absorbable forms of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc. Not only the best minerals and vitamins for strengthening immune function, but also for helping with falling asleep and staying asleep through the night. Visit the Sleep Minerals II page for more info.

Sleep Minerals II New and Enhanced Formula

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Sleep Minerals II is the original and time-tested calcium and magnesium remedy for better sleep.

Nutrition Breakthroughs has enhanced the product to provide an upgraded formula for those struggling with sleeplessness or insomnia.

With increased amounts of zinc, a shift to sunflower lecithin from soy lecithin, and a reduced serving size, the new formula provides increased benefits for those who seek a more restful night’s sleep.

Sleep Minerals II contains calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc, formulated in a softgel with healthy oils.  The softgel is a unique form that is absorbed and digested more rapidly and fully than tablets or capsules.

Zinc is a vital mineral for sleep regulation and it is also the most important mineral for immune function.  The amount of zinc present in the body is a factor that can determine the quality and quantity of sleep.  Zinc aids in the manufacture of chemical messengers in the brain such as melatonin and serotonin, which support a sound night’s sleep and help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

According to the U.S. Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, about half of U.S. women consume less than two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Daily Allowance of 11 mg. to 12 mg. of zinc. And the amount of zinc people absorb from their meals decreases with advancing age.  The new version of Sleep Minerals II provides 12 mg. of zinc in each softgel.

The balance of calcium and zinc are important to overall health.  In one study from the Human Nutrition Research Center, 18 women increased their calcium intake and this resulted in their absorption of zinc significantly reducing.  This happened regardless of whether they got the extra calcium from milk or from a calcium supplement.

In a second study from the same source, zinc absorption dropped by half when a group of 10 men and women took a calcium supplement with a single test meal. However, adding zinc to the calcium supplement acted to offset this effect.

On its own, calcium is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase.

This is the phase where dreaming occurs. The study concluded that disturbances in sleep, especially the absence of REM deep sleep or disturbed REM sleep, are related to a calcium deficiency.

Sleep in magnesium deficiency is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. Chronic sleeplessness is one of the main symptoms of magnesium deficiency.  On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was proven in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.

Regarding vitamin D, researchers in Texas found a definite link between vitamin D deficiency and the current global epidemic of sleep disorders. Their clinical trial followed 1500 patients over a 2-year period.

A consistent level of vitamin D was maintained in the participant’s blood over many months. This produced normal sleep for most of them, regardless of their type of sleep disorder.

Nutrition Breakthroughs is pleased to include sunflower lecithin in the new formula, replacing the former soy lecithin.  Sunflower lecithin is not only a more allergen-friendly option but it provides additional health benefits such as supporting brain function and healthier cholesterol levels.  When used in nutritional supplements, lecithin is known for improving the stability and smooth mixture of the ingredients.

Sleep Minerals II contains all of the most proven and effective minerals and vitamins for good sleep.  It continues to be a safe, drug-free and gentle option for those seeking a time-tested natural sleep remedy. It helps with falling asleep faster, staying asleep longer, sleeping deeper, and waking up refreshed.

Visit the Sleep Minerals II page for more information.