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THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The Immune System
What is the Immune System?
The immune system is a complex and dynamic network
of cells, membranes, organs, a circulatory system and
many other components. These entities all work together
to protect us from opportunistic microbes that can make
us sick. The immune system also constantly scans our
bodies for any signs of abnormal cell growth and tries
to intervene and destroy those abnormalities. Strong
immune systems can protect us from these entities and
abnormalities, while a compromised or weak immune
response fails.
The Structure of the Immune System
Our body’s first line of defense against the above
intruders is our skin, our body enzymes, such as those
in saliva and stomach acid and our protective epithelial
cells, which line our body’s mucosal surfaces. These
physical factors, along with specialized white blood cells
that make up our innate immune system, help protect us
from illness.
More complicated is our body’s adaptive immune system,
which is far more sophisticated and deals with specific
fragments of any potentially harmful or foreign material.
These fragments are called antigens and they are dealt
with in the immune system by antigen receptors. Once
an antigen receptor adapts to an invading fragment,
it retains antigenic memory so that it may quickly
neutralize that antigen if it invades the body again.
Immune Cells and Their Products
There are many specialized white blood cells that work
together to coordinate overall immune response. “T”
cells are responsible for cellular immunity while “B” cells
produce antibodies in response to antigens. Then there
are “natural killer cells” (also known as NK cells), which
kill off certain body invaders; granulocytes, that remove
bacteria and parasites by releasing toxic compounds and
macrophages, which engulf and destroy foreign material.
There are two major types of T cells, Th1 and Th2. Th1
cells drive immunogenic responses, while Th2 cells
drive antibody production by B cells and are especially
important in responding to allergens. Compromised
immune systems usually display a Th1 to Th2 cell shift,
which causes an increase in food and environmental
allergies.
Why the Immune System Works
The success of our immune system relies on an incredibly
elaborate and dynamic regulatory communications
network composed of millions of cells and is a sensitive
system of checks and balances. Biological errors and
environmental invasions can result in the immune
process going terribly wrong. Serious illnesses, infections
and health consequences may result.
Signs of Immune System Disfunction
The signs of an immune problem are often quite easy to
recognize over time. Persistence of certain conditions is
key to suspecting immune deficiencies.
Frequent illness is the most prevalent sign. Increasing
allergic type reactions is another indicator. Special needs
individuals are especially prone to compromised immune
systems.
A Word About the Winter Season . . .
Given our world’s changing climatic conditions, scientists
speculate that we may have several different strains of
viruses and bacteria with which to contend, as well as the
usual winter ailments such as the sniffles, cough, colds and
bacterial related illnesses.
It will be more important than ever that your diet provide
adequate support for your immune system so that you get
through the winter season with a minimum of illness and
less severe symptoms.
A Recommended Immunity Program . . .
Your doctor or nutritionist can help you design a nutritional regimen that includes the appropriate food and supplements for immune support. For more comprehensive protection, you may want to start with an all-in-one supplement
that combines effective immune support nutrients into one product.
Kirkman® Offers All-In-One Immune Booster
Immuno-Aid™ Advanced Formula - Hypoallergenic
Kirkman® offers an excellent all-in-one type combination of immune supporting vitamins,
minerals and herbal compounds that are proven immune stimulators.
The ingredients in our Immuno-Aid™ Advanced Formula have clinically been shown to support immunity and help you stay well. This formulation begins with the nutrients vitamin A,
vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium. Then the powerful herbal immune supporters, beta
glucan, astragulus and elderberry are added to round out this very potent immune stimulating formulation.
In the News!
Immune Boosters IP-6 and Vitamin D-3 Benefits Expanded
Recent scientific studies have shown stunning results that expand the immunity
benefits of IP-6 and vitamin D-3. Kirkman® has followed the emerging science to
offer these supplements in the most effective formulations and doses.
IP-6 (INOSITOL HEXAPHOSPHATE) CAPSULES
IP-6 is a natural carbohydrate found in cereal grains, brown rice, corn, sesame, wheat bran,
beans and other foods high in fiber. This nutrient possesses antioxidant and immune enhancing
properties, which when tested in-vitro, exhibit significant protective and growth regulating
effects on cells and tissues. Cardiovascular support has also been reported.
IP-6 has shown promise in contributing to destruction of abnormal cells in multiple types of
tissues, which is due to its antioxidant properties. Far more research is needed in this area before
any conclusive statements can be made.
IP-6 increases natural killer cell activity in vitro and also normalizes natural killer cell activity
if it has been depressed due to oxidative stress within the cells. This further demonstrates IP-6’s
powerful immune supporting ability.
IP-6 has no known toxic effects in humans and actually contributes many beneficial health effects such as kidney
function support, cardiovascular support and reduction of platelet aggregation.
The IP-6 present in Kirkman’s formulation is derived from calcium magnesium phytate. This is important because
other forms of IP-6 may actually chelate calcium and magnesium out of the body causing a potential decrease in
these important nutrients. The calcium magnesium phytate form which Kirkman® uses prevents this from occurring.
Kirkman’s IP-6 is offered in a citrus flavored, extra strength powder which can be mixed in the beverage of your choice.
The product tastes great mixed in water or juices.
The Immune System
More About IP-6 and Vitamin D-3 . . .
VITAMIN D-3
Vitamin D-3 continues to receive a lot of press in the media and health journals. It is well known that vitamin D-3
is important for supporting strong bones and teeth and for the proper absorption of certain minerals. Now, research
is indicating that this nutrient is important for a lot of other critical body functions, including the support of a wellfunctioning immune system. Maintaining proper vitamin D-3 levels may actually influence whether
or not you have specific health conditions, according to recent scientific reports.
Kirkman® offers hypoallergenic vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol) capsules in strengths of 400 IUs to
4,000 IUs. Kirkman® also offers a vitamin D-3 chewable 1000 IU tablet. The 100% recommended
daily value for this nutrient is 400 IU, though scientific evidence is mounting that many individuals
need much more than that. But what is more important than the amount of vitamin D-3 you may
be consuming or getting from sunshine is what your vitamin D-3 blood levels actually are. A simple
blood spot test will give you that answer so you may determine what level of supplementation is
required to maintain optimum levels. See your physician for this important test.
Kirkman’s Recommended Immune Support Products
• IP-6
• Vitamin D-3
• Vitamins A, C, & E
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Astragalus*
• Beta Glucan
• Coenzyme Q-10
• Colostrum
• Cranberry Extract
• Elderberry*
• Garlic
• Olive Leaf*
• Goldenseal*
• Probiotics
Please see our full line of immune support products on
our website: www.kirkmangroup.com.
*Not formulated as separate product
but included in some of Kirkman’s
immune support formulations.
Telephone: 1.800.245.8282
Fax: 1.503.682.0838