Immune System & Immunity
Our immune system performs vital tasks every day: It protects our bodies from harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. As long as it functions properly, we hardly notice its work. With some pathogens, we might experience a brief fever or a runny nose at most—that’s part of the body’s normal defense mechanism. However, if the immune system’s natural defense reactions aren’t enough to successfully fight off these invaders, we become more susceptible to infections, and colds last longer.
For our immune system to function properly, it needs certain nutrients. For example, vitamins C and D3, along with minerals such as zinc, selenium, and iron, contribute to a healthy immune system. The immune system is particularly strained during times of stress, a nutrient-poor diet, or a lack of exercise. Especially during such times, the Immune Booster Package—containing liposomal vitamin C, pure lactoferrin, and essential minerals like zinc and selenium—provides targeted support to strengthen the body’s defenses and protect it from external influences.
Our Recommendation
The carefully balanced combination to support the immune system.
Immediate Support
To support the immune system during times of increased stress.
Essential Nutrients for the Immune System
To support normal immune system function on a daily basis.
Chronic Immune Response
For ongoing immune support and to aid in recovery.
Increased Sensitivity
For specific challenges facing the immune system.
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The immune system is not a single, self-contained organ, but rather a complex interplay of various components within the body. These include entire organs, parts of organs, individual cells, and a wide variety of specialized protein molecules.
Important organs and parts of the immune system include:
- Skin
- Mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and bronchi
- Bone marrow
- Thymus
- Spleen
- Lymph Nodes and Lymphatic Vessels
- Almonds
- Stomach
- Intestine
- Mucous membranes in the urinary tract and reproductive organs
The most important organ of the body’s immune system is thegut.With a length of 5 to 7 meters, it represents the largest interface with the external environment, which is whyapproximately 80% of our immune cellsare located there. The gut microbiota has the greatest influence on this gut-associated immune system. It consists of about 38 trillion bacteria and can stimulate and regulate the immune system.
Immune cells and protein molecules primarily include:
- Leukocytes (white blood cells)
- Cytokines (messenger substances)
- Acute-phase proteins (protein molecules in the blood)
What Weakens Our Immune System
The immune system’s job is to fend off harmful pathogens and thereby protect the body. To do this, it is equipped with a range of different defense mechanisms that work together seamlessly:
- The body’s barriers: First, pathogens are repelled by natural barriers such as the skin, nasal hairs, cilia, and mucous membranes, as well as by saliva and stomach acid.
- The nonspecific immune defense: This becomes active immediately once the pathogen has entered the body. It is present from birth—that is, it is innate—and consists of
: - Phagocytes: neutrophils, monocytes,
macrophages - Acute-phase proteins (protein molecules in the blood)
- Cytokines (chemical messengers) This immune response is very rapid but cannot specifically combat the invaders. As a result, it cannot completely prevent the pathogen from spreading, which is why the specific immune response is necessary. - The specific immune response: In this process, certain immune cells—T and B lymphocytes—target the pathogen specifically. Specific immune substances—also called antibodies—are produced that bind exclusively to the specific pathogen. This marks the pathogen, allowing it to be recognized and broken down by the phagocytes of the nonspecific immune response. Although it takes a few days for the specific immune response to become active, it is ready and immediately effective upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen.
What Weakens Our Immune System
A weak immune system can have various causes.The following factors are often the main ones:
- nutrient-poor diet
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Lack of sleep
- frequent consumption of alcohol and nicotine
- certain medications
Since most of the immune system is linked to the gut, an unhealthy gut microbiome or an unhealthy gut usually affects the immune system as well and weakens it. The gut—especially the gut flora—is very sensitive to psychological stress, as well as to an unhealthy, low-fiber diet, high sugar intake, food additives, environmental toxins, and certain medications such as antibiotics.
Boost Your Immune System with Vitamins, Zinc, and More
A varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables forms the foundation of a strong immune system. In addition, nutrients such as high-dose vitamin C, lactoferrin, zinc, and selenium can specifically support the body’s defenses. You’ll find these and other immune-boosting nutrients in ourImmune Booster Package:
- The vitamin C in our Pro Vitamin C Ultra is essential for immune defense and protects cells from oxidative stress. It is in liposomal form, which makes it 7 times more bioavailable and ensures higher vitamin C levels over a 12-hour period¹. In addition, bioflavonoids enhance the antioxidant effect.
- The high-purity, bioactive lactoferrin contained in Pro Lactoferrin Immun is an effective protein that strengthens the immune system. It deprives bacteria and viruses of iron, thereby inhibiting their growth.
- Minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper, and magnesium are essential for a healthy immune system and protect against oxidative stress. Pro Mineral Complete also provides seven other important minerals—all in a balanced ratio and in the form of a highly bioavailable complex.
¹Joseph, Ashil, et al. "Surface-engineered liposomal particles of calcium ascorbate with fenugreek galactomannan enhanced the oral bioavailability of ascorbic acid: a randomized, double-blind, 3-sequence, crossover study." RSC Advances 11.60 (2021): 38161–38171
Supplemental Nutritional Support for the Immune System
In addition to the important nutrients in the Immune Booster Package, there are other substances that can further strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin D3, as found in ourPro Vitamin D3 Öl 1.000, plays a key role in the activation of immune cells. It supports the body’s defense against infections, regulates inflammation, and promotes the body’s immune function. Vitamin D3’s effect on the immune system is particularly effective when combined with the important cofactorsvitamin K2andvitamin A.
Probiotics, soluble fiber, and specificnutrients for the (intestinal) mucous membranes—such as those found in ourProbiotics Gut Cure Original—are essential for a healthy gut, which is home to 80% of our immune cells. A healthy gut is therefore essential for a strong immune system.
In addition,plant extracts andnatural substances, such as those contained in ourPro Phytobiose, provide additional support for the immune system—especially during acute phases.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and compounds that protects the body from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It plays a crucial role in recognizing and fighting foreign substances that are potentially harmful to the body, such as harmful bacteria and viruses. The immune system consists of two main components: the innate (non-specific) immune system and the adaptive (specific) immune system.
Various factors have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. These include a healthy, balanced diet, adequate sleep, effective stress management, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. However, an adequate intake of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals is also crucial for a properly functioning immune system. Of particular importance are vitamins C, D3, and A; the minerals iron, selenium, and zinc; as well as phytochemicals and lactoferrin.
Many behaviors and factors can weaken the immune system both in the short term and over the long term. These include chronic stress, lack of sleep, an unbalanced diet, and infections. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, certain medications, and being overweight also interfere with a healthy immune response. A lack of physical activity leads to reduced blood flow and, consequently, a weakened immune function. Conversely, very intense physical activity also leads to a reduction in immune function, which is why it makes sense to meet the increased need for vitamin C after physical activity. And the most effective way to do this is with a vitamin C supplement.
There are several home remedies that are traditionally believed to support the immune system. These include:
- Lemons: They are rich in vitamin C, which is important for immune function. A glass of warm water with lemon juice can serve as a refreshing drink in the morning.
- Ginger: This root has anti-inflammatory properties and can be enjoyed as tea, used as a spice in dishes, or consumed fresh in warm water with lemon.
- Honey: It contains antimicrobial compounds, is often used to relieve sore throats, and can be added to tea or warm water.
- Herbal teas: In particular, herbal teas containing ingredients such as chamomile, peppermint, or echinacea are often consumed to promote well-being.
- Probiotics: They contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health, which also has a positive effect on the immune system.
Vitamins C, D3, and A are particularly important for a healthy immune system and have been shown to help strengthen the body's defenses.
Vitamin C is probably the best-known way to boost the immune system. It plays many important roles in the immune system and, thanks to its antioxidant properties, reduces oxidative stress, which increases during infections. However, since the immune system is a very complex system in our bodies, it is influenced by many factors. This calls for a holistic approach that takes into account a healthy diet, adequate sleep and rest, regular exercise, and effective stress management. In addition, the immune system can be supported with other important vitamins such as vitamins D3 and A, as well as the minerals iron, selenium, and zinc. Phytochemicals and lactoferrin are also valuable for a strong immune system.
