August is Back to School Month

August means back to school. I always think of September as the back to school month, since that’s what it was when I was little, but now most kids are going back be back in school by the third week of August if not sooner.

Hopefully this will be a more normal school year than last year, but even on the most normal of normal years, there can still be stress and anxiety for many about starting school. Theanine is a great supplement for stress and anxiety and is safe for both kids and adults. It’s an amino acid that’s found in green tea that can help kids to feel more calm and less worried. It can even be used before bed to help with sleep, not that it makes you tired, but it’s effective for sleep since it helps to encourage a calm state of mind. It’s especially helpful for school age children and teens since in addition to enhancing feelings of calm, it also can help with increasing focus (something most of us would benefit from). It’s available in gummies or capsules, and most children start with a 100mg dose, whereas most adults take 400mg.

See this article on our website for more information: Theanine for Reducing Stress and Increasing Focus

Preventing illness is always a concern once school starts again, since with so many kids packed in together, colds and other respiratory viruses are more likely. There are a number of great kid-friendly immune boosters we’d recommend, like our elderberry gummies by Zhou, which also contain a good dose of immune boosting zinc (plus they’re great tasting). A few other immune supplements that we recommend for kids are probiotics and vitamin D- we have both available in good tasting chewable supplements. Probiotics have shown in research to help with preventing respiratory infections in children, resulting in fewer missed school days, and vitamin D is a great all-around immune booster that’s great for everyone.

Here are a few helpful articles from our website with more information:

Preventative Immune Health

Keeping Kids Healthy this Winter

Manuka Honey Throat Lozenges for Cough and Sore Throat

Elderberry: A Potent Antiviral Against Colds and Flu

Finally, a few other supplements that can be helpful for kids are an omega 3 supplement and a multivitamin. Omega 3s are essential fatty acids that are crucial for brain function, and many kids are deficient because they have to be obtained through either diet or supplements, and most kids don’t eat a lot of fish. A great tasting, high potency supplement is Barlean’s Omega Swirl (for both kids or adults). We’ve found that most kid’s omega 3 chewables or gummies have very little actual omega 3 in them, so we recommend Barlean’s Omega Swirl liquid as an easy way to get the recommended amounts in just one teaspoon (it’s not at all oily or fishy, it tastes like lemon cream).

See our article Improving Children’s Concentration at School for more information.

Multivitamins are great for kids or adults that are picky eaters or people without the best diets, since they help to fill in nutrition gaps. A multivitamin is not a substitute for a healthy diet, but it’s a simple way to ensure you or your children are getting the nutrients you need every day for optimal health.

Please stop by the store this month so we can help you to find the supplements that are right for your individual needs.

NAC, an Amino Acid for Lung Health [New Research]

NAC, also known by its full name of N-acetyl cysteine, is a unique amino acid supplement that has been used for lung health and chronic respiratory conditions for many years. It is used as a treatment for chronic bronchitis, for better lung function in people with cystic fibrosis, and for people with COPD and emphysema. It’s helpful for those respiratory issues for several reasons, the main two of which are that NAC is able to help to thin mucus and clear airways in the lungs and also to reduce lung inflammation.

Interesting new research is coming out, however, proposing NAC as both a treatment and a preventative supplement for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. There’s a wonderful review of current research on NAC that has been published on PubMed (the online science database of published articles and research from different medical journals). You can read the research online by doing a Google search of “N-acetylcysteine as a potential treatment for novel coronavirus disease 2019”. It’s a pretty dry read, however, so I’ll try to summarize some of the research below in hopefully a less jargony way.

The first way the scientists listed on how NAC may help in coronavirus prevention is that the unique way the amino acids are formed in NAC may enable them to interact with individual COVID-19 viruses, damaging the way the virus holds itself together, which would make it easier for our bodies to fight off.

Test tube studies examining how NAC interacts with inflammation-causing enzymes produced in the body have also found that NAC was able to block excessive production of compounds in the body and lungs that cause inflammation, which in turn could reduce the severity of lung issues. One of the main problems with COVID-19 is that it basically makes the lungs go crazy and have a very extreme response in the lungs that causes huge amounts of inflammation. It appears that NAC can block some of that excess lung inflammation, preventing those extreme lung responses and deterioration seen in many COVID-10 patients.

This excessive lung inflammation from COVID-19 is called a “cytokine storm” and happens when our body’s immune response goes haywire. It’s kind of like what happens with autoimmune disorders, where our body’s proper immune response instead turns against us. The antioxidant properties of NAC as well as the unique benefits it has on the respiratory system can help to mitigate this overactive inflammatory immune response in the lungs and may help to reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms experienced from the virus.

Another mechanism of how NAC works is that it appears in research to be able to prevent the COVID-19 virus from being able to enter host cells effectively, reducing the amount of infection in the body.

From the research above, it seems that the amino acid NAC can be helpful both preventatively and also in people infected with the virus. There are actually trials going on right now that are trying to more definitively determine If NAC can prevent patients with COVID-19 from progressing to a more severe form of the illness.

Please keep in mind that all of this research is very preliminary. Scientists all over the world are scrambling looking for possible treatments for fighting COVID-19. NAC is not a cure, but it is a beneficial supplement that we think might help, especially when you consider its use for many years in people with lung issues and respiratory problems. NAC also has been determined in research to be a safe supplement to take even when prescribed in doses higher than any person would ever reasonably take.

There’s one NAC supplement at the store that we’d recommend above the others- Jarrow’s NAC Sustain, the reason being is that it’s a time-released version of NAC. In general, a time-released or sustained-release version of a supplement, when available, will be better absorbed since it will be released and absorbed over a period of hours instead of all at once. It doesn’t mean that supplements that aren’t time released are bad, but all things being equal, a time-released supplement will be better absorbed than one that isn’t.

Stop by the store for more information, we’d love to help you further.

We’re located at 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights, Illinois.

Product Spotlight: Immune Fast Lozenges

I wanted to highlight an impressive and little known supplement called Immune Fast by Zand. They're chewable supplements that come in a convenient tube that's the perfect size for a purse or bag. They contain a unique, patented probiotic yeast that has been shown in research to enhance our immune response within two hours, helping our bodies to mount a quick attack against invading viruses and bacteria.

I love that they come in an easy to carry tube, since they're great to take with you and can be used at the very first signs of illness. They can be used along with your regular supplement regimen, and are the perfect "just in case" supplement to have on hand.

Since we're featuring them in our October newsletter, we have the Immune Fast tubes on sale for 25% off during the month of October, so they come out to be $6.74 each. I'd definitely recommend picking a couple up!

Immune Supplements: An Overview

All the craziness in the world right now has us especially concerned with staying healthy. Wearing properly fitted masks and social distancing as well as washing hands or using hand sanitizer frequently are the most important, though there are quite a few well researched natural supplements that can aid our immune system in fighting off viruses of all kinds.

At this point, until vaccines are more readily available, a properly functioning immune system that is able to quickly and effectively mount a fight against invading viruses is our only real way to stay healthy, whether it’s a cold, flu, or even COVID. That isn’t to say the supplements I’ll mention below are a cure for any of those viruses, but rather they are supplements that have been clinically shown to aid in enhancing our immune system functioning-something that’s always important, but even more so this year. 

Elderberry

The first we’d recommend against all respiratory viruses is elderberry. Elderberry is also sometimes known by its scientific name, Sambucus, and is a wonderful supplement for the immune system due to its potent antiviral properties. It’s been studied extensively in regards to the flu, but newer research has found it to be effective not only against the flu virus, but on viruses in general. It has been found in studies to “substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms” from viruses of all kinds and has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of viral illnesses. It can be used preventatively, or else in higher amounts if you do feel like you’re coming down with something and is safe for both children and adults. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a supplement beneficial for both bone health and the immune system. New research has expanded on Vitamin D’s possible benefit for dealing with coronavirus, where researchers have linked lower vitamin D levels to an increased mortality risk from Covid-19. One researcher on the novel coronavirus and Vitamin D is quoted as saying, "Our analysis shows that it might be as high as cutting the mortality rate in half," in regards to vitamin D supplementation.

It’s also been reported that countries with higher death rates from Covid-19 had larger numbers of people with lower vitamin D levels, and also that the sickest patients often had low vitamin D levels.

In general, our vitamin D levels are often lower in the colder months since vitamin D is made in our skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is a small, inexpensive pill, so it would probably be a good idea for all of us to add it to our regimen.

AHCC

AHCC is a well known immune supplement in Japan that works in a different way from elderberry. It’s a patented extract derived from mushrooms that has impressive benefits for immune health. Unlike elderberry, which works specifically on the viruses causing an illness, AHCC works by affecting the immune system directly.

There are a variety of white blood cells in our bodies that are involved in immune response by recognizing and fighting the foreign invaders that cause illness. Studies have found that AHCC can boost the effectiveness of our own immune system in a variety of ways, including increasing the activity of our body’s NK, or “natural killer” cells, that identify and destroy viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells in the body.

Research has also found that AHCC is able to affect other types of immune cells in the body known as dendritic cells which are found throughout the respiratory tract. These dendritic cells work to fend off bacteria and viruses as they enter the body through the respiratory tract and try to infiltrate the body.

AHCC is widely used as an immune therapy in Japan, and I’m glad that it’s becoming better known in the United States since I do believe that it’s a unique and powerful supplement to aid our immune system functioning.  

Monolaurin

Another lesser known supplement that may be helpful against viruses is a supplement derived from coconut oil known as monolaurin. ABC News recently recommended monolaurin in an article titled, Coronavirus: Experts say these supplements, foods may help keep immune system humming.

An article was published by two physician researchers earlier this year recommending monolaurin as a possible antiviral treatment against the novel coronavirus (you can read the abstract here). The doctors wrote about the potent antiviral properties of monolaurin, as well as its mechanism that appeared to help to break down a virus’s outside “envelope” which then prevented the virus from being able to replicate. Another study the article cited mentioned research on a virus similar in structure to the novel coronavirus, and how monolaurin was able to inhibit that virus’s maturation and replication.  

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is needed for so many processes in the body, including proper immune functioning. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, which means that it doesn’t stay in the body long, which is why we need to consume vitamin C containing foods or supplements on a daily basis.

One specific, special form of vitamin C known as Ester-C has also been shown in research to significantly boost immune cell function. Additionally, that specialized form has been shown in studies to stay in the body longer than other forms of vitamin C.

In a placebo controlled crossover study, 1000mg of Ester-C increased vitamin C levels for a full 25 hours in white blood cells known as leukocytes, which protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. Vitamin C, particularly the Ester-C form, helps the manufacture more of these immune boosting white blood cells, which work tirelessly to keep you healthy.

If you regularly use vitamin C supplements, it might be worth it to switch to the Ester-C form this fall and winter.  

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is wonderful for the immune system, and the World Health Organization estimates that a third of the world’s population is deficient in zinc. Zinc deficiency impairs proper immune functioning and contributes to an increase in respiratory infections. Additionally, a new study has come out by researchers in Moscow that found that zinc supplementation may have protective effects against COVID-19 by supporting anti-viral immunity and reducing inflammation. Interestingly, while zinc can enhance immune functioning, it also has a regulating effect on the immune system, which can further help with how the human body responds to coronavirus infection, since it’s been found that the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines early in the infection is responsible for some of the worst symptoms of COVID-19.

I apologize for the length of this article, but I wanted to try to list some of the most important supplements for immune health that we’d recommend in one place. Please stop by the store so we can go into more detail with you about specific supplements and to help to find the supplement that’s right for you. All of our staff are kind and extremely knowledgeable, and can give specific recommendations and explain the differences between the various supplements that are available for the immune system. This is a crazy time, but we will get through it.

Additionally, many of the supplements mentioned above are on sale this month so it makes it easier for people to stock up.

Vitamin D and Coronavirus Research

Vitamin D is a supplement that is well known for being beneficial to the immune system, and some scientists have even speculated that part of the dramatic increase in cold and flu during the winter is as a result of lower vitamin D levels (since generally vitamin D is made in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight).

Interesting new research has come out concerning coronavirus and Vitamin D, linking lower vitamin D levels to increased mortality risk from Covid-19. One researcher on coronavirus and Vitamin D is quoted as saying, "Our analysis shows that it might be as high as cutting the mortality rate in half," in regards to vitamin D supplementation.

It’s also been reported that countries with higher death rates from Covid-19 had larger numbers of people with lower vitamin D levels, and also that the sickest patients often had low vitamin D levels.

The thinking for many years was that low vitamin D levels were only something to be concerned with in the winter or in northern latitudes, but newer research is finding vitamin D deficiency to be prevalent even in sunny locales.

In regards to dosages, for people who have been found to be severely deficient in vitamin D from a blood test, their doctors will often give a prescription of a 50,000 IU dose to be taken once a week, which equals out to a little over 7,000 IUs per day. We wouldn’t recommend anything that high without a doctor’s recommendation, so for most people we’d recommend a 2,000 IU daily dose. That’s also the amount that well known natural physician Dr. Andrew Weil recommends to be used daily.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, so it will be best absorbed when taken with food.

Vitamin D is made in our bodies when our skin when exposed to sunlight, but sunscreen reduces that efficiency. Also, people with darker skin tones make less vitamin D from the sun, often leading to vitamin D deficiency. One study on vitamin D levels in African Americans found sub-optimal levels of vitamin D all year long due to reduced vitamin D production in the skin.

Vitamin D is an inexpensive supplement with many benefits, including benefits for bone health. We have a great selection of natural vitamin D supplements at the store in a variety of dosages, so stop by to find one that’s right for you! We will be open to the public from 10-4, Monday through Saturday, beginning June 1st, though we also offer curbside pickup as well, call us at 708-448-9114 if you would like to place an order.

Scientifically Researched Antiviral Supplements

These past couple months have been a time that none of us could have imagined. As we look ahead to the coming weeks and months, where our governments are looking into easing quarantine restrictions, we can feel uncertain. Dealing with a virus like this is something none of us have dealt with in our lifetimes, and it can be very frightening.

Recommendations on how to stay healthy remain the same: take care to wash hands regularly, don’t touch your face, and keep distance between other people. Something else that I believe can be beneficial are immune boosting supplements. Let me be clear, there are no natural products that are a miracle “cure” for coronavirus, but there are several supplements that have been scientifically researched to help with boosting immune system functioning, as well as supplements that can be helpful against viruses.

One of our favorites continues to be elderberry, also known as sambucus. Elderberry syrup has shown in scientific research to help with fighting off viruses. Much of the early research on elderberry was done on the flu virus, with positive results, though new studies have found it to be effective on a wide variety of viral illnesses (though as of yet there have been no studies on elderberry and coronavirus). It works in part by helping to prevent viral replication so we can fight off viruses easier. Research has found it to be helpful preventatively, but also in reducing the duration and severity of a variety of viral illnesses. Elderberry is nice since it’s safe for both children and adults.

I also wanted to mention another, lesser known supplement that may be helpful against viruses, a supplement derived from coconut oil known as monolaurin. ABC News recently recommended monolaurin in an article titled, Coronavirus: Experts say these supplements, foods may help keep immune system humming.

Another article was published by two physician researchers at the end of January recommending monolaurin as a possible antiviral treatment against the novel coronavirus (you can read the abstract here). The doctors wrote about the potent antiviral properties of monolaurin, as well as its mechanism that appeared to help to break down a virus’s outside “envelope” which then prevented the virus from being able to replicate. Another study the article cited mentioned research on a virus similar in structure to the coronavirus, and how monolaurin was able to inhibit that virus’s maturation and replication.

Monolaurin was also mentioned as a potent antiviral in yet another scientific article published in the journal Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, which mentioned its antiviral activity. Like the scientific article mentioned above, it also attributed monolaurin’s antiviral action to its ability to help with disintegrating the outside membrane of a virus, and by doing so, stopping that virus from replicating.

Again, I want to say that as of now, there is no cure for coronavirus, either natural or pharmaceutical. In the absence of a vaccine, the only thing we can do to stay healthy is to reduce our exposure and to do everything we can to make sure our bodies and immune systems are functioning properly. I would also say that preventative use of supplements like monolaurin or elderberry, that have shown benefit against viruses, are also a good idea.

Quarantine and social distancing are only meant to “flatten the curve”, to help our medical providers across the country to be able to keep cases at a manageable level for hospitals. It is likely that many of us will come in contact with the virus before a vaccine is readily available, so I’d say that supplements like monolaurin are worth using in this uncertain time, with the hopes that they might help us to fight off any infections easier or with less severe symptoms.

I hope everyone reading this is staying healthy. At this time, our store, Pass Health Foods in Palos Heights is still open for phone orders and advice Monday through Saturday from 10-2. We take orders over the phone and then will bring them out to your car when you get there. You can call the store at 708-448-9114. This is a scary time, but I know we’ll get through it.

AHCC: An Amazing Immune Booster

Last month I wrote about elderberry, an amazing antiviral supplement that can help to fight off viral infections like cold and flu. It works in part by preventing viral replication, so a viral infection is easier for the body to fight off (see our entire article on elderberry and how it works on our website here).

This month I wanted to write about a lesser known immune supplement that works in a different way from elderberry, a patented extract derived from mushrooms known as AHCC. Unlike elderberry, which works specifically on the viruses causing an illness, AHCC works by affecting the immune system directly.

There are a variety of white blood cells in our bodies that are involved in immune response, recognizing and fighting the foreign invaders that cause illness, whether bacteria, viruses, or even abnormal cells resulting in tumors. Studies have found that AHCC can boost the effectiveness of our own immune system in a variety of ways, including increasing the activity of our body’s NK, or “natural killer” cells, that identify and destroy viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells in the body.

Research has also found that AHCC is able to affect other types of immune cells in the body known as dendritic cells which are found throughout the respiratory tract. These dendritic cells work to fend off foreign invaders as they enter the body through the respiratory tract and try to infiltrate the body.

To think of these immune cells in another way would be to liken it to a medieval army. I imagine the dendritic cells as the footmen leading the charge against invaders, with the NK cells being the knights on horseback that are really getting things done. You’re going to protect your castle much better if both parts of your immune fighting force are working the best they possibly can.

Numerous research studies have confirmed AHCC’s ability to significantly boost immune system functioning, both by measuring increased production of immune cells in the body after supplementing with AHCC as well as measuring the immune response to specific strains of bacteria and viruses.

AHCC is widely used as an immune therapy in Japan, and I’m glad that it’s becoming better known in the United States since I do believe that it’s a unique and powerful supplement to aid our immune system functioning. Our body’s immune system is at work twenty-four hours a day, and that is what is it always comes down to with an illness- is our immune system able to keep invading bacteria and viruses in check?  When the answer to that question is no, that is when we fall ill.

AHCC can be especially helpful for people whose immune systems are not working as they should. As we age, there is a gradual deterioration of the immune system over time, which results in increased susceptibility to infection as well as more serious diseases. This deterioration of the immune system over time is also a main contributing factor to the increased risk of cancer in older people. According to the Alliance for Aging Research, 77% of all cancer cases occur in people over the age of 55.

Healthy lifestyle and diet are helpful in reducing the deleterious effects of aging, but at this time, there is little that doctors can do with conventional medicine to boost the immune system in the aging population. Thankfully, there are natural supplements like AHCC that are scientifically backed that can make a real difference in immune system functioning in people of all ages.

While in this article I’ve mainly focused on AHCC as a therapy for seasonal immune wellness, AHCC has also been researched (and continues to be researched) as a complimentary cancer therapy, and is regularly used in Japan as an adjunctive therapy for cancer, hepatitis, HIV, and a host of other disorders caused by improper immune function.

One Japanese study on patients with liver cancer found that survival times were two times higher in the group using AHCC when compared with the placebo group. The same researchers from Kansai Medical University in Osaka, Japan did a three year study on stage III and IV gastric and breast cancer patients and found a 40% increase in average survival rates when compared with the national averages in Japan for patients of similar ages with the same cancers.

Unlike elderberry, which can be used effectively at the onset of an illness to fight off a virus, AHCC is most effective when used on a regular, daily basis, at least during cold and flu season if you’re seeking to help to boost your immune system. Most studies on AHCC used high amounts of the extract (especially for cancer patients), around 3,000mg a day, though it stands to reason that lower amounts are still helpful, particularly when used preventatively, since every bit of improved immune response makes a difference!

Manuka Honey Throat Lozenges for Cough and Sore Throat

Manuka honey is a specific type of medicinal honey that has benefits for many different aspects of health (see this article on our website for an overview on the benefits of Manuka honey).

Manuka honey is unique from other types of honey in that it is only made in New Zealand, from the manuka plant that flowers for only two to four weeks each year. It’s also the only natural food source that has been shown to have anti-bacterial effects, due to compound known as methylglyoxal that forms naturally in manuka honey. Other honeys can occasionally have levels of that antibacterial compound, but only in small amounts. According to scientific research, the amount of antibacterial methylglyoxal must be at a minimum of 100mg/kg to reliably inhibit harmful bacteria. Manuka honey can have as much as eight times that amount.

Manuka honey is great in general, but it makes a really fabulous ingredient in a throat lozenge due in part to the healing and soothing effects in honey. Manuka honey specifically has also been demonstrated in scientific research to be able to inhibit bacteria, including strep bacteria, so not only can it soothe sore throats, it actually can be helpful for healing the root cause of a painful sore throat.

Honey, in general, has also been shown benefit for reducing coughing due to its coating action. Manuka honey throat lozenges are a simple, portable way to receive the cough reduction benefits on the go, since it’s not usually practical to walk around with a jar of honey.

We have several new, great tasting manuka honey throat lozenges available at the store this month. They’re perfect for both kids and adults and we have a number of varieties and flavors to choose from, so be sure to stop by to take a look!

Elderberry: A Potent Antiviral Against Colds and Flu

Elderberry, also known by its scientific name, Sambucus, is a wonderful supplement for the immune system due to its potent antiviral properties. It’s been studied extensively in regards to the flu. Research has found that in people infected with the influenza virus, elderberry supplementation reduced symptoms four days earlier than placebo groups. Elderberry has even been shown to be of similar (and even greater) effectiveness to the prescription anti-viral Tamiflu but without the side effects.

Elderberry is definitely effective against the flu, but as awful as the flu virus is, it’s estimated that only about a quarter (or less) of illnesses with “flu-like” symptoms are actually as a result of the influenza virus; most of the time, those flu-like symptoms are a result of viral respiratory infections.

The nice thing about elderberry is that it’s effective not only against the flu virus, but on viruses in general. It has been found in studies to “substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms”.

Antibiotic misuse and over-prescription are becoming a real problem since it contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a host of other problems. The CDC has said that roughly 30 percent of antibiotic prescriptions are prescribed unnecessarily. The development of antibiotics has saved many lives, though their overuse is troubling since unfortunately, they do nothing against the viruses that are the cause of the majority of winter illnesses people experience.

Elderberry is a wonderful alternative since it has potent antiviral activity in the body. Scientists believe that part of the way it works is by actually deactivating viruses like the flu, helping the body to be able to fight them off easier.

While the flu can be serious, what is much more common is the upper respiratory infection known as the common cold. Americans on average experience on average 2-3 colds per year as adults and children average more than double that number, averaging 5-7 colds per year. Studies are now confirming what natural health experts have been saying for years, that elderberry is also effective against colds.

In one study done on people flying overseas, scientists wanted to see if elderberry was effective against upper respiratory infections and colds, and also if it could help in reducing the duration of the common cold since long overseas flights are a hotbed of germs and people frequently get sick after a long flight.

The study found that of the passengers who did get sick with a cold or respiratory infection after their flights, the people taking elderberry felt sick for a much shorter time than those using the placebo. On average, the group prescribed elderberry extract felt better over two days earlier than those using the placebo during their colds. Also, the severity of their cold symptoms were greatly reduced in the elderberry group when compared to those using the placebo.

Another new meta-analysis on elderberry which was just done this year, found that elderberry was able to reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory infection regardless of the cause, which is helpful since it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint a specific viral strain just by symptoms, since even the “common cold” can make a person feel pretty awful.

Elderberry can be used preventatively, but really shines in reducing illness once you’re sick, so I would definitely recommend having a bottle or two at home in case anyone in your family does fall ill this season, since unfortunately for most of us, it’s a question not of “if” but of “when”, since elderberry can not only shorten the duration of viral illnesses but also reduce the severity of the symptoms you experience.

When taking elderberry for an illness, the general recommendation is for adults to take a dose four times a day, which can really help with knocking out a cold.

We have a number of great elderberry syrups available at the store, which are each helpful for different people and different needs. The elderberry syrup we’ve most often recommended is one by Nature’s Answer that’s a high potency elderberry without added sugar. It’s great for adults, but most kids balk at the taste since elderberry syrup in its natural form without sweetener can be a little bitter. For kids (or picky adults), another elderberry syrup we have is by Nature’s Way and is often better tolerated, since while it isn’t as strong as our one by Nature’s Answer, it is much better tasting since it is a bit sweetened and is actually pretty delicious.

We have yet another elderberry syrup that I’ve just started using that I really like. It’s a traditional folk recipe for elderberry syrup by Honey Gardens. It combines organic elderberry with organic honey and propolis, another bee product that is strongly antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal. It’s actually what bees use to disinfect parts of the hive and keep a hive of thousands healthy. It also contains alcohol, though it must be in small amounts since I feel like it does not have the strong taste of many alcohol-based herbal tinctures. The addition of a small bit of alcohol helps to preserve the blend so it can be kept at room temperature (which is convenient) and also actually can help with the absorption of beneficial herbal compounds in the mixture. Last, it’s mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar and organic echinacea (another amazing immune-boosting herb).

We’ve carried elderberry syrup by Honey Gardens for a while now, though I had never tasted it, mostly because the ingredients made it sound like it would taste awful (propolis is generally not great tasting, and I don’t really like the taste of alcohol-based liquid extracts), but once I finally bought a bottle I was amazed that it actually tasted good. It’s my new go-to when it comes to elderberry, because of its unique formulation and the addition of other powerful, scientifically-backed ingredients for boosting the immune system.

Last, I wanted to mention another brand new elderberry product by Honey Gardens that we’ve just brought in for cold and flu season. They’re single-serving elderberry drinks called Immune Boost that contain the juice of 300 elderberries in one 10oz. bottle. They’re on introductory sale right now for $2.99 a bottle and are a quick and effective immune boost if you start to feel those beginning signs of sickness.

Also during November, we’re going to be having an elderberry immune sale where we will have our two most recommended elderberry syrups on sale by both Nature’s Answer and Honey Gardens for 25% off, so it’s a great time to stock up before the winter. Also, if you would like to try a sample of the Honey Garden’s elderberry syrup, just ask us next time you’re in the store!

Finally, I wanted to say that there are many other great, natural immune-boosting supplements available, so stop by the store if you would like more information. We are extremely knowledgeable about herbs and natural products and would love to help you choose the best supplements for your specific needs. We’re at 7228 W. College Drive in Palos Heights.

Stay Healthy This Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful season, but unfortunately, it often brings with it the beginnings of cold and flu season, and because of that, it’s a great time to start a preventative immune-boosting regimen.

There are so many supplements that can be beneficial to the immune system, both preventatively and if you do happen to get sick, to help you to get better sooner.

Here is a great overview of past articles from our website on a variety of science-backed immune-boosting supplements:

• Olive leaf is also great for the immune system, plus it lowers blood pressure.

• Aged garlic extract is wonderful for the immune system, and also helps with cardiovascular health as well as lowering blood pressure.

• Oregano oil and neti pots can be helpful for sinus infections or people prone to sinus issues.

• Elderberry extract, also known as Sambucus, is an amazing antiviral, particularly against the flu. We have a new elderberry extract that we recommend- Nature’s Answer Sambucus. It’s the highest potency elderberry available. Elderberry is also safe for both kids and adults.

• This is a helpful article for immune boosters that are safe for kids.

• Quercetin is a great natural antihistamine that can also help with boosting the immune system, particularly for athletes.

• This is a nice article that focuses on several different immune boosting supplements, particularly Vitamin D and mushroom extracts like beta glucan and AHCC.

• Irwin Naturals Immuno Shield is another favorite since it’s a blend of a number of well-researched supplements that work to boost the immune system.  It can be used both preventatively or if you do happen to get sick to help to get better faster.  We also now having it for 25% off from now until the end of the year!