Immune Modulating Supplements

Probiotics promote a healthy gut, which is essential for a properly modulated immune response to infections both bacterial and viral. The gut flora has a regulating effect on immune system functions, preventing infectious diseases while reducing inflammation. This is why supporting a healthy gut microbiome is so important for people with autoimmune diseases. 

Vitamin D is not only important for immune defences, but a vital balancing vitamin that helps people with autoimmune diseases keep their immune responses more balanced. Vitamin D has a stimulating effect on the innate immune system by increasing antimicrobial responses, but may have a suppressive effect on the adaptive immune system by regulating both B and T cell functions and responses to invaders.

Garlic offers a double protection against infections. It stimulates the immune system to fight more actively against germs. It also directly kills some bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens. This direct action makes it especially valuable for dealing with tummy troubles, but it's also a very popular supplement to help fight viruses like colds and flu. 

Research suggests that N-acetyl cysteine may help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators. By doing so, NAC can help relieve sneezing, itching, and congestion associated with allergies. NAC can also inhibit some inflammatory pathways in allergic reactions. 

Plant extract of quercetin is the main ingredient of many potential anti-allergic drugs. In research, quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions. As a result, researchers think that quercetin may help reduce symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of the face and lips. It's also thought that quercetin can stop the formation of the IgE antibodies that are formed when we develop new allergies.  

Zinc is an essential nutrient that affects and regulates the immune system in multiple ways. It increases development and function of protective cells, facilitates communication between the innate and adaptive immune system, strengthens cell membranes to promote healthy inflammatory response, and is involved in the production of cytokines. Zinc supplementation can promote optimal immune function in all parts of the human body, especially for those with a zinc deficiency.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that can help to balance the body’s response to stress, keeping levels of cortisol (the "stress hormone") in a healthy range. Since cortisol is the body's own natural anti-inflammatory, this means it can also have an influence on inflammation levels when we're fighting infections. This can potentially relieve symptoms of excessively blocked nose, for example, but is generally best avoided by people with autoimmune diseases. 

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that can help to balance the body’s response to stress, keeping levels of cortisol (the "stress hormone") in a healthy range. Since cortisol is the body's own natural anti-inflammatory, this means it can also have an influence on inflammation levels when we're fighting infections. This can potentially relieve symptoms of excessively blocked nose, for example, but is generally best avoided by people with autoimmune diseases. 

The immune system needs a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in order to function properly. Unfortunately, the modern diet tends to be much higher in omega 6 than omega 3 and the resulting upset to that balance can cause immune dysfunction. The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in omega 3s have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as well as stimulating B and T cell proliferation. This unique ability to regulate the immune response makes them effective for those with an over-active inflammatory response or autoimmune diseases. 

There are 8 different B vitamins. In a well-rounded diet, these vitamins are mostly found in animal products, as well as certain vegetables, dark greens, and mushrooms. Vegetarian and vegan diets are generally lacking in B vitamins and it is recommended to supplement those diets with a B-complex. The body does not store these vitamins so they need to be included in a diet or supplemented daily. B vitamins are essential for many biological and cognitive functions. Vitamin B deficiency has been linked with weakened immune system function.