A specific new immunity formula created in response to the worldwide pandemic, in order to help people to simultaneously boost their immune system and fight off infection – both during this time of need and going forward. This formula is a tailored combination of both immunity ingredients and highly potent herbal anti-virals and anti-bacterials – formulated in combination with world-renowned naturopaths and based on protocols some Chinese doctors are using.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is mainly present in fruits and vegetables. The consumption of such foods is important since, unlike other animals,humans do not have the ability to produce this essential micronutrient themselves. This means we must top up our vitamin C daily, through the foods we eat and/or food supplements. Because it is water soluble, this essential vitamin can also easily be lost during cooking and long-term storage. Even though the role of vitamin C in maintaining health has been known since the early 1930s, only recently have researchers been actively studying and demonstrating its role and function in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. These studies will be key to providing the scientific basis that explains why this simple but essential vitamin possesses such a wide range of positive biological activities.It is arguably the most important vitamin for immunity and anti-inflammatory actions.Earl Mindell determined its importance decades ago and vitamin C intake is required more now than ever before, due to the high amount of processed foods consumed, which are lacking in this essential vitamin and antioxidant. This formula contains vitamin C from multiple sources ie herbs, berries and ascorbic acid.
ARDS and vitamin C*: In most cases, fatality from flu is due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The primary cause of ARDS is the body’s immune system producing a cytokine storm, where our immune system overreacts, producing a massive state of inflammation. This inflammation in the lungs, causes difficulty breathing, and is the basis of a daignosis of pneumonia.
During a cytokine storm, and the consequent massive increase in inflammation, ascorbic acid is used up at an enormous rate because it has the ability to mop up oxidants. During ARDS, there is extreme inflammation and swelling in the alveoli – the baloon-like air pockets in the lungs; haemolysis, which is the rupturing of red blood cells and blood vessels; and blood oagulation. Haemoglobin is the critical iron-containing protein that carries oxygen in the blood and gives blood its red colour. COVID-19 specifically attacks haemoglobin, resulting in haemolysis. With haemolysis, cell-free heme, unbound from this protein and no longer contained in the red blood cell, wreaks oxidant havoc and triggers a cascade of highly damaging oxidative reactions.
Fortunately, the body has a backup system – a protein called haptoglobulin, which binds to and hence “mops up” and disarms this dangerous cell-free heme, thus reducing oxidation and inflammation. However, it needs ascorbic acid, vitamin C, to do this.
Heme contains iron. Normally the iron is held in a stable unreactive ferrous state (Fe2+). It is in this form that it can bind to oxygen and carry it around the body in haemoglobin. This is why you get tired when your iron levels are low – you are lacking oxygen. But if it changes to the oxidised ferric state (Fe3+), it becomes very dangerous. This form of iron can damage arteries, increasing cardiovascular risk. Vitamin C helps iron to work in the body and facilitates its incorporation into haemoglobin.
*Source: IHCAN magazine, May 2020 issue (‘Surviving ARDS: nutrients needed in respiratory distress and pneumonia”)
Acerola cherry: Acerola cherries are known as superfruits, due to their excellent nutritional value and exceptionally high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of cells and for a strong immune system. Acerola cherries provide a naturally bio-available and powerful source of vitamin C, which is fully utilised by the body – unlike synthetic ascorbic acid, which is sold as vitamin C. By way of a comparison of vitamin C content with other fruits, 1 small acerola cherry contains around 80mg of vitamin C – this is 30 times the amount found in oranges (of the same weight). These cherries possess an amazing array of nutrients, including potent antioxidants. In fact, researchers have identified nearly 150 nutritive constituents, which include bioflavonoids,proteins, mineral salts, iron, calcium and phosphorus. This undoubtedly makes acerola cherries one of the most
nutritious fruits known to us.
Baobab fruit: This versatile fruit has long been used for its health applications by Africans across the continent. It is also famed
for its incredible nutritional properties. Much like the moringa, it is a superfood that deserves the name! An excellent source of
many vitamins and minerals, it has:
• five times the magnesium of avocados
• four times the potassium of bananas
• twice the calcium of milk
• twice the antioxidants of acai berries, and more than any other fruit
• six to ten times the vitamin C of oranges
• and ten times the fibre of apples.
In other words, baobab is highly nutritious and different parts of the plant supply varying amounts of protein, vitamin C,
antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and B vitamins. Due to the fact that it is high in dietary fibre, it has also been shown to support digestive health, as well as reduce feelings of hunger which could promote weight loss. Baobab may also help slow the increase of blood sugar levels and decrease the amount of insulin needed to keep your blood sugar under control. Studies show that baobab can help to reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative damage to cells.Here is a link for information on its antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions: http://www.organicherbtrading.com/getattachment/Products/Baobab/Antinflammatory-antiviral-effects-of-leaves-anf-fruit-(Selverani-2009).pdf.aspx
Astragalus root: Astragalus belongs to a special class of herbs known as adaptogens, which have unique effects that work to bring the body and mind into greater balance, depending on what is needed, thereby helping to reduce stress and promote energy and vitality. For over 2,000 years, it has been one of the 50 elite Chinese tonic herbs that are most frequently used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine pharmacopeia, due to its remarkable ability to restore health on virtually every level – mentally, emotionally, physically, energetically and spiritually. It is one of the few herbs mentioned in multiple ancient Chinese medical texts as a “Heaven Class” premier herbal medicine for restoring health and rejuvenating the body and mind at the deepest levels.
Widely referred to as “the ancient herb