The future of immune health products lies in the balance

Published: 26-Jan-2015

The immune system is key to human health and interacts with more aspects of whole body metabolism than many people realise, says Larry Robinson, VP of scientific affairs, Embria Health Sciences

When properly balanced, the immune system protects the body from invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. It can also recognise rogue cells that have become malignant and eliminate them before a serious condition occurs. When out of balance, the immune system not only fails to protect the body, but can even attack it, mistaking 'self' cells for invading pathogens and resulting in debilitating autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Allergies can result when the immune system mistakes an innocuous particle (such as pollen) for an invading pathogen. In addition, years of chronic low-level inflammation, another indicator of an out-of-balance immune system, can contribute to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The immune system is also very sensitive to the various stresses of everyday life. Travel, personal conflicts, strenuous exercise, lack of sleep and change in diet can all cause imbalances in the immune system and affect overall health.

How the immune system works

A host of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals have been developed and sold as immune boosters. Although immune-boosting supplements do not produce the specific effects or complications that pharmaceuticals do, it is still generally not believed that the immune system should stay in a constant state of stimulation (derived from the prolonged, daily use of immune boosters). Products designed to modulate or balance the immune system may provide a safer, more effective way to support the body’s immune function. One all-natural ingredient, EpiCor, has been clinically shown to help support a balanced immune system. Several published studies show EpiCor’s capability to help keep a healthy immune system in balance.

Scientists often refer to the human immune system as having two parts: the innate and the adaptive immune system. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading pathogens. It responds less specifically and more quickly than the adaptive system. The innate immune system consists of physiologic barriers such as the skin and mucosal membranes and associated immune cells, as well as chemical barriers, including body pH (acidity) and chemicals (such as lysozyme in tears). The innate system also includes various proteins that identify and mark invading pathogens for destruction. Certain types of white blood cells, macrophages and neutrophils, quickly engulf and kill harmful pathogens through a process called 'phagocytosis.' Another important component of innate defence involves natural killer (NK) cells. These white blood cells are able to differentiate normal cells from virus-infected cells and malignant cells, and then kill the abnormal cells.

If the pathogens are not eliminated by the innate system, the adaptive immune system provides a delayed but more specific attack against the pathogens. The innate immune system sends chemical signals that help to activate the adaptive system. The adaptive system can be divided into two main parts: humoral and cell-mediated. Humoral immunity is immune activity effected by cell-free fluids such as plasma and lymph. The fluids contain antibodies, which are proteins that help to mark and eliminate pathogens and foreign particles (antigens) from the body. Antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes. The best known is immunoglobulin G (IgG), which 'marks' invading pathogens and other undesirable molecules.

But there are others, including secretory IgA (sIgA), which protects mucosal membranes from attack by pathogens, and serum IgE, which is associated with allergic responses. Cell-mediated immunity, as indicated by the name, requires the presence of immune cells. An important immune cell type is the T lymphocyte, which can be one of two main subtypes. The cytotoxic or cell-killing T lymphocyte (CTL) can recognise 'self' cells that have been infected and destroy them. T helper (Th) cells, sometimes referred to as the quarterbacks of the immune system, direct the immune system by secreting a variety of chemical signals called cytokines.

Why balance?

There is a need to balance the immune system; neither to boost nor to suppress. Keeping the immune system in balance is crucial for maintaining good health. An underactive or weakened immune system will increase the body’s susceptibility to infections and disease. Secondary bacterial infections are possible during colds of a viral origin, as the immune system can by compromised by certain viruses. The other side of the balance equation is an overactive or hyper-responsive immune system. Sufferers of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory disease and allergies may benefit by suppressing their overactive immune response. Manufacturers and consumers of dietary supplements can benefit from immune health products, such as EpiCor, that work year-round to balance and support optimum immune function.

Bibliography

  • G. Jensen, et al., 'An Anti-Inflammatory Immunogen from Yeast Culture Induces Activation and Alters Chemokine Receptor Expression on Human Natural Killer Cells and B Lymphocytes In Vitro,' Nutrition Research 27(6), 327–335 (2007).
  • M. Moyad, et al., 'Effects of a Modified Yeast Supplement on Cold/Flu Symptoms,' Urologic Nursing 28(1), 50–55 (2008).
  • D.A. Padgett, et al., 'How Stress Influences the Immune Response,' TRENDS in Immunology 24(8), 444–448 (2003).
  • S.C. Segerstrom, et al., 'Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry,' Psychological Bulletin 130, 601–630 (2004).

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