by Jenny Perez, October 8th 2024
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Fortify Your Fall: Immune-Boosting Nutrients for Seasonal Wellness

Fortify Your Fall: Essential Nutrients for Wellness and Resilience

Table of Contents

  1. Fortify Your Fall: Immune-Boosting Nutrients for Seasonal Wellness
  2. Breathe Easy: NAC and Bromelain, Your Fall Defenders
  3. Reishi & Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Powerful Immune Modulators
  4. Immunell®: Fundamental Immune Support for Cellular Defense
  5. BGF Immune®: Fermented Beta-Glucans for Immune Activation
  6. Fall Fortitude: Lifestyle Hacks for Immune Strength
    • Exercise Regularly 
    • Manage Stress 
    • Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet 
    • Stay Hydrated 
    • Get Adequate Sleep 

       7. Fortify Your Fall: Strengthen Your Immunity for Wellness and Resilience  

Fortify Your Fall: Essential Nutrients for Wellness and Resilience

As fall brings cooler weather, it's essential to boost your immune system with natural immune support to stay healthy throughout the season. The transition to colder temperatures increases exposure to seasonal viruses, and factors like stress and reduced sunlight can weaken immune function. To combat these challenges, it’s crucial to be proactive by fortifying your immune health with targeted, immune-boosting nutrients. Premier Research Labs offers evidence-based formulas designed to enhance your body’s natural defenses, ensuring immune resilience as the seasons change.

Breathe Easy: NAC and Bromelain, Your Fall Defenders

Bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapples, is renowned for supporting a healthy immune response, thin mucus, and enhancing respiratory health. Its proteolytic enzymes, which break down proteins, help reduce mucus viscosity, making it easier for the body to clear airways, especially during seasonal respiratory triggers like allergens or microbes. This can be particularly beneficial during flu season when excess mucus can congest the respiratory system. Bromelain helps the immune system by supporting tissue healing, breaking down mucus to maintain clear airways, and promoting a balanced immune response.¹

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) plays a crucial role in enhancing the body's natural detoxification processes, breaking down mucus, and supporting a healthy immune response. NAC is a powerful sulfur-containing amino acid that is the acetylated precursor of the amino acid L-cysteine and reduced glutathione (GSH). NAC helps the body produce glutathione, an important molecule that protects cells and supports overall immune health.² By increasing glutathione levels, NAC may enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms and help maintain cellular health during increased stress, promoting resilience and well-being.

When used together, Bromelain and NAC form a dynamic alliance for respiratory health and immune support, making them essential allies for staying well this fall.

Reishi & Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Powerful Immune Modulators

Reishi, often called the "mushroom of immortality," is a well-known adaptogen used in traditional medicine for centuries. Reishi supports immune function by enhancing beta-glucans activity, activating immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells to help fortify the body's defenses. Additionally, reishi contains triterpenoids, compounds that provide added support for maintaining immune resilience.³ Together, these components work synergistically, promoting a balanced immune response and helping your body stay strong during seasonal changes. This makes reishi an excellent addition to your wellness routine as you prepare for the colder months ahead.

Turkey tail mushroom, another powerhouse of immune support, contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides like PSK and PSP, which enhance immune function. PSK (polysaccharide K) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide) are well-researched compounds that work by activating immune cells, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, thereby strengthening the body's natural defenses.⁴ Research has shown that turkey tail not only modulates the immune system but also exhibits supportive properties for overall immune resilience, making it a valuable addition to your fall wellness regimen. Together, these mushrooms provide a multi-faceted approach to maintaining immune health, helping you stay strong throughout the season while supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

Immune Fortification: Immunell® for Cellular Defense 

Immunell® is a clinically studied ingredient derived from premium yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), specifically designed to support immune health.⁵ It is rich in nucleotides and peptides, which play a crucial role in immune system function by promoting cellular regeneration and enhancing the body’s natural defenses. Immunell® strengthens the immune response by maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier and supporting the production of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes.⁵

What sets Immunell® apart is its meticulous extraction process and allergen-free formulation, making it a versatile ingredient in clean-label dietary supplements for immune support, gut health, and overall well-being. Backed by research, innovative formulations that include Immunell® are an excellent choice for those seeking scientifically validated, natural immune support and overall wellness.

BGF Immune®: Fermented Beta-Glucans for Immune Activation

BGF Immune® plays a critical role in immune activation, especially during the fall when exposure to respiratory viruses increases. This makes it an excellent ingredient for boosting your body’s readiness for whatever the season may have in store.

BGF Immune® is a unique beta-glucan derived from the Aureobasidium pullulans strain (AFO-202), known for its natural ability to boost immune function. This remarkable beta-glucan has been clinically studied for its effectiveness in supporting innate and adaptive immune responses by activating critical immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils.⁶ This helps the body stay prepared and responsive to the daily challenges of environmental stressors.

BGF Immune® also stands out as an allergen-free, vegan-friendly formulation, making it ideal for those seeking natural, research-backed solutions to support their immune health. Whether looking for everyday wellness or extra immune resilience during seasonal changes, BGF Immune® delivers the natural support your body needs. For innovative, clean-label products that utilize BGF Immune®, it’s an excellent choice for enhancing your immune system's capabilities.

Fall Fortitude: Lifestyle Hacks for Immune Strength 

  • Exercise Regularly Engaging in physical activity boosts circulation, allowing immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages to move through the body more effectively. Studies show that regular moderate exercise enhances immune surveillance and improves immune resilience. Exercise also helps reduce stress, which is key for maintaining overall health and strengthening the immune system.⁷ Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as walking, jogging, or yoga.

  • Manage Stress Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Research demonstrates that stress-reducing practices like meditation and yoga lower cortisol levels, positively impacting immune function.⁸ Incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine can help lower stress levels and enhance mental well-being, supporting immune resilience.

  • Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally. Specific foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and beta-glucans have been shown to support immune function.⁹ Pay particular attention to foods like leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds packed with immune-supporting nutrients.

  • Stay Hydrated Proper hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting mucous membrane function, which acts as a barrier against opportunistic microbes. Research indicates that staying hydrated helps keep the mucous membranes moist and better able to trap microbial foreign invaders.¹⁰ Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider herbal teas with immune-boosting ingredients like ginger or turmeric for added benefits.

  • Get Adequate Sleep Sleep is crucial for the body’s ability to repair and rejuvenate immune cells. Studies show that sleep deprivation can impair immune responses and increase susceptibility to illness.11 Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to recover and maintain optimal immune function. 

Fortify Your Fall: Strengthen Your Immunity for Wellness and Resilience 

As fall approaches, now is the perfect time to support your immune system with essential nutrients. Combining ingredients like NAC, bromelain, reishi, turkey tail mushrooms, Immunell®, and BGF Immune® provides a well-rounded approach to help maintain immune health and overall well-being during seasonal changes. Consider Premier Research Labs' product line for clean-label, high-quality supplements designed to promote immune function. PRL's formulas are backed by scientific research and crafted to support your body’s natural defenses, helping you stay resilient throughout the season. Take proactive steps for your wellness this fall with PRL's effective, evidence-based solutions. 

 

‡ The products and claims made about specific products on or through this Site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. 
‡ This Site is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Products, services, information, and other content provided on this Site, including information that may be provided directly or by linking to third-party websites are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult accredited healthcare professional organizations, evidence-based herbal monographs, and published clinical research regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. 

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References

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  2. N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Altern Med Rev. 2000;5(5):467-471. Accessed October 1, 2024.
  3. Ahmad MF, Ahmad FA, Khan MI, et al. Ganoderma lucidum: A potential source of β-glucans immunomodulatory and triterpenoids immune properties. Int J Biol Macromol. 2021;187:769-779. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.06.122. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34197853/
  4. Łysakowska P, Sobota A, Wirkijowska A. Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review. Molecules. 2023;28(14):5393. doi: 10.3390/molecules28145393. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37513265/
  5. Immunell® - Nexira. Nexira website. Accessed October 1, 2024.
  6. BGF Immune® - NutriScience. NutriScience Innovations website. Accessed October 1, 2024.
  7. Nieman DC, Wentz LM. The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system. J Sport Health Sci. 2019;8(3):201-217. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6523821/
  8. Black DS, Slavich GM. Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016;1373(1):13-24. doi: 10.1111/nyas.12998. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26799456/
  9. Vlieg-Boerstra B, Groetch M, Vassilopoulou E, et al. The immune-supportive diet in allergy management: A narrative review and proposal. Allergy. 2023;78(6):1441-1458. doi: 10.1111/all.15687. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36802268/
  10. Vora A, Kalra S, Thakor P, Malve H, Chamle V, Patil A. Connecting the Dots: Hydration, Micronutrients, and Immunity. J Assoc Physicians India. 2024;72(6S):25-29. doi: 10.59556/japi.72.0546. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38932732/
  11. Besedovsky L, Lange T, Haack M. The Sleep-Immune Crosstalk in Health and Illness. Physiol Rev. 2019;99(3):1325-1380. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00010.2018. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30920354/

 

Jenny Perez is an herbal educator, researcher, and writer who has been immersed in nutrition and botanical medicine for more than twenty years. She has created curriculum, content, and educational materials for Premier Research Labs, Quantum Nutrition Labs, the American Botanical Council, and Bastyr University’s Botanical Medicine Department, where she was Adjunct Faculty, Herb Garden Manager, and Director of the Holistic Landscape Design certificate program.