If you’ve had enough of not feeling your best and want to turn your focus back on health – supporting the health of the immune system is the right place to start.

This article has been written by Herbs of Gold

While the role of the immune system is quite simple – to protect the body from infection and illness – the immune system is in fact a very complex network featuring highly adaptive processes and different body systems that all work synergistically together.

Understanding the interconnected whole-body relationship of the immune system can help you support it in an optimal way. We look at just some of these whole-body relationships and the nutrients important for supporting them.

The immune system and the blood

There are three different types of blood cells in the body which all play a role in immune health - red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

White blood cells arguably play one of the most important roles in the immune response, detecting and dealing with infection or foreign bodies. Different types of white blood cells have different jobs. Some are involved in recognising intruders, some kill harmful bacteria, while others make antibodies to protect the body against repeat exposure to pathogens. While they play such a critical role in immune health, white blood cells only represent around 1% of total blood[1].

Platelets make up 60% of blood and play a specific role in blood clotting. Platelets are the cells that bind together if there is any damage to blood vessels, protecting the body from external infection as well as having the capacity to interact with almost all known immune cells, potently enhancing immune cell functions[2].

Red blood cells make up the remainder of blood. The role of red blood cells in the immune response is fascinating. While we know red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen through the body while at the same time scanning for signs of infection and injury, new findings suggest red blood cells can snare suspect DNA from microbial invaders or damaged tissue and warn the immune system of impending danger[3].

The immune system and digestion

The immune system requires adequate nourishment to function, which is why it’s important to eat a healthy diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. There are so many nutrients known to support both the health and function of the immune system including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6 and B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper and selenium, which play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response[4].

It’s also important to remember that as much as 80% of the body’s immune cells reside in the gut[5], with an intricate interplay existing between the intestinal microbiome, the internal lining of the gut as well as the mucous membranes that reside in the entire digestive system. 

The role the human microbiome plays in immunity is an ongoing topic of research. In fact, scientists have proven that healthy microbial colonisation during the early years of life has been shown to play an instrumental role in the maturation of the immune system for long-term health[6].

The immune system and the skin

The skin is also considered an organ of the body. In addition to providing a physical, chemical and microbiological protective layer, the skin also has its own colony of skin resident immune cells that are not only critical for preventing infection, but also for the repair of tissue[7].

Supporting skin health and efficient wound healing is an important part of supporting overall immune health.

Supporting the immune system

The complexity of the immune system becomes apparent when you begin to look at the whole-body systems involved and the various roles they play.

Supporting the health of the immune system includes, but is certainly not limited to, taking into consideration blood health, digestive health, skin health as well as healthy intestinal flora.

Herbs of Gold Gut Care is a comprehensive herbal and nutritional formula supporting gastrointestinal health and healthy digestive system function. Containing Aloe vera and Licorice which maintain healthy mucous linings of the digestive system, this great tasting vanilla flavoured powder also contains L-Glutamine and zinc, supporting immune system health.

Herbs of Gold Vitamin C 1000 Plus contains high-strength vitamin C, a nutrient the body is unable to make by itself so must be taken in the diet. Vitamin C plays so many important roles in immune health including supporting blood vessel health, skin and connective tissue health while also supporting healthy immune system function.

Herbs of Gold Probiotic 55 Billion is a high-strength combination of 11 different probiotics to support both digestive system health and immune health, while helping to restore beneficial intestinal flora when needed.  For an option for the little ones, Herbs of Gold Children’s Probiotic 15 Billion is a convenient unflavoured powder suitable for use from 1 year up to support immune health and digestive system health in children.

WARNINGS:  

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Click Here to view the full range of Herbs of Gold vitamins

References:

[1] Ashton, N. (2007). Physiology of red and white blood cells. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, 8(5), 203-208.

[2] Herter, J. M., Rossaint, J., & Zarbock, A. (2014). Platelets in inflammation and immunity. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis: JTH, 12(11), 1764–1775.

[3] Lam, L., Murphy, S., Kokkinaki, D., Venosa, A., Sherrill-Mix, S., Casu, C., Rivella, S., Weiner, A., Park, J., Shin, S., Vaughan, A. E., Hahn, B. H., Odom John, A. R., Meyer, N. J., Hunter, C. A., Worthen, G. S., & Mangalmurti, N. S. (2021). DNA binding to TLR9 expressed by red blood cells promotes innate immune activation and anaemia. Science Translational Medicine, 13(616).

[4] Gombart, A. F., Pierre, A., & Maggini, S. (2020). A review of micronutrients and the immune system-working in harmony to reduce the risk of infection. Nutrients, 12(1), 236.

[5] Wiertsema, S. P., van Bergenhenegouwen, J., Garssen, J., & Knippels, L. (2021). The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimising treatment strategies. Nutrients, 13(3), 886.

[6] Dogra, S. K., Kwong Chung, C., Wang, D., Sakwinska, O., Colombo Mottaz, S., & Sprenger, N. (2021). Nurturing the early life gut microbiome and immune maturation for long term health. Microorganisms, 9(10), 2110.

[7] Nguyen, A. V., & Soulika, A. M. (2019). The dynamics of the skin's immune system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(8), 1811.

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