Immune Resilience: Shielding Yourself in Cold & Flu Season

With the arrival of the cold & flu season, it's pivotal to nurture your immune system, acting as a bulwark against harmful viruses that can lead to infection. In this article, we delve into how you can bolster your defenses by enhancing the levels of a specialized antibody—Secretory IgA (sIgA). Let’s explore how this natural shield protects us from viruses and other pathogens.

Understanding Secretory IgA (sIgA)

Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is a crucial antibody that operates on the moist surfaces of our mouth, throat, and sinuses, safeguarding them from the myriad of substances they encounter. It serves as a preventive barrier against infections, minimizing inflammation and damage to the body.¹

The Protective Role of sIgA in Cold & Flu Season

Secretory IgA is indispensable during every cold and flu season, shielding areas of our body that are most exposed to external elements. It binds to the mucus layer, neutralizing invaders such as viruses and supporting the health and diversity of beneficial bacteria. It acts as our body's vigilant guardian, eliminating pathogens before they infiltrate our system.¹

Evaluating your sIgA Level: Are You Protected?

It is wise to assess your total salivary sIgA level at least once or twice annually to observe any alterations in your immune resilience. Being proactive about testing and optimizing your sIgA levels prepares you for the cold & flu season.

Strategies to Support sIgA and Enhance Immune Health

Research indicates that a combination of lifestyle modifications and supplements can help maintain optimal sIgA production:*

1. Nutritional Support such as Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamins E, A, D3, and C.^2-9
2. Herbal Assistance from Adaptogens (Ashwagandha), Astragalus, and Elderberry.^10-13
3. Probiotics, including Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Saccharomyces boulardii.^13-26
4. Stress Management Techniques like meditation, therapy dogs, and music.^27-36
5. Regular Moderate Exercise and resistance training.^37-40

InterPlexus Supplements to Support sIgA Production*

Flavo PlexC™: A physician-formulated blend of vitamin C and Ashwagandha that aids the mucosal immune system in optimizing sIgA production.*

Fortéfy™: A top-tier blend of dairy-free probiotic strains designed to bolster the immune system.*

Zinc Plus^TM: A scientifically-crafted supplement that combines zinc ascorbate and an organic bioflavonoid complex to support an optimal immune response during the cold and flu season.*

Empower Your Immune System

Cultivating immune resilience is more than a defensive tactic against cold and flu; it’s an essential component of holistic well-being. By understanding and enhancing the levels of Secretory IgA, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and utilizing supportive supplements, we can fortify our internal defenses and navigate through the cold & flu season with confidence.*

Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement routine, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY

CHELATED CALCIUM AS A NATURAL REMEDY FOR PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common debilitating disorders that affect women. 95% of women of reproductive age experience symptoms during the premenstrual period, and severe, debilitating PMS symptoms, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), occur in 5% of these women. Approximately 20% of all women experience premenstrual symptoms severe enough to impair their activities of daily life. Thus, PMS is associated with a significant economic burden for individuals and populations due to absenteeism at work and other factors.

THE BENEFITS OF SALIVA HORMONE TESTING

If you could choose, would you rather spit into a tube or have a needle jabbed into your arm to measure your hormone levels? We suspect you would rather not get stuck with a needle, and you do have a choice! Saliva hormone testing offers many benefits, including painless collection in the comfort of your home at any time. Saliva hormone tests can help determine the underlying cause(s) of PMS, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, infertility, migraines, weight gain, hot flashes, hair loss, and many other health concerns.

POSTBIOTICS – THE NATURAL ANTIVIRALS OF THE FUTURE?

“Microbial medicine” has evolved significantly in recent years, and we now know that nourishing the microbiome is a potential treatment option and prevention strategy for many health concerns. Everyone harbors between 10 and 100 trillion micro-organisms in their body, and the vast majority of these are in the gut. The gut microbiome and its metabolites play a fundamental role in many bodily functions, including nutrient production, nutrient absorption, immune system regulation, and the defense against infections, including viral infections. The powerful metabolites produced by the organisms in your microbiome are called postbiotics. Research performed during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that decreased diversity of the gut microbiome is associated with prolonged symptoms, delayed viral clearance, immune dysfunction, and increased mortality…

EFFECTIVE & NATURAL IMMUNE SUPPORT FOR THE COLD AND FLU SEASON

The common cold is the most frequent human illness. Genetics, stress, smoking, nutrient deficiencies, and strenuous physical training can increase the risk of catching a cold. Modern research now confirms that supplemental vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other natural remedies can decrease the severity and duration of the common cold.*

References:

1. Sánchez Montalvo A, Gohy S, Rombaux P, et al. The Role of IgA in Chronic Upper Airway Disease: Friend or Foe?. Front Allergy. 2022;3:852546. doi:10.3389/falgy.2022.852546
2. Xu C, Sun R, and Qiao X. Effect of vitamin e supplementation on intestinal barrier function in rats exposed to high altitude hypoxia environment. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014;18(4):313-20.
3. Muir W, Husband A, and Bryden W. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E modulates avian intestinal immunity. Br J Nutr. 2002;87(6):579-85.
4. Lyu Y, Wu L, Wang F, et al. Carotenoid supplementation and retinoic acid in immunoglobulin A regulation of the gut microbiota dysbiosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2018;243(7):613-620.
5. Scott J, Kazman J, Palmer J, et al. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on salivary immune responses during Marine Corps basic training. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019;29(9):1322-1330. 
6. Gan L, Fan H, Mahmood T, Guo Y. Dietary supplementation with vitamin C ameliorates the adverse effects of Salmonella Enteritidis-challenge in broilers by shaping intestinal microbiota. Poult Sci. 2020;99(7):3663-3674. doi:10.1016/j.psj.2020.03.062
7. Bortoluzzi C, Lumpkins B, Mathis GF, et al. Zinc source modulates intestinal inflammation and intestinal integrity of broiler chickens challenged with coccidia and Clostridium perfringens. Poult Sci. 2019;98(5):2211-2219.
8. Levkut M, Levkutová M, Grešáková Ľ, et al. Production of Intestinal Mucins, sIgA, and Metallothionein after Administration of Zinc and Infection of Ascaridia galli in Chickens: Preliminary Data. Life (Basel). 2022;13(1):67. doi:10.3390/life13010067
9. Dalia A, Loh T, Sazili A, et al. Effects of vitamin E, inorganic selenium, bacterial organic selenium, and their combinations on immunity response in broiler chickens. BMC Vet Res. 2018;14(1):249.
10. Guo FC, Kwakkel RP, Williams BA, et al. Effects of mushroom and herb polysaccharides on cellular and humoral immune responses of Eimeria tenella-infected chickens. Poult Sci. 2004;83(7):1124-32.
11. Ruili Z, Qun Y, Guangliang S, et al. chTLR4 pathway activation by Astragalus polysaccharide in bursa of Fabricius. BMC Vet Res. 2017;13:119.
12. Yamada K, Hung P, Kyu Park T, et al. A Comparison of the Immunostimulatory Effects of the Medicinal Herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;137(1):231-5.
13. Coman MM, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, et al. SYNBIO^® Probiotic and Antioxidant Dietary Supplementation: Clinical Trial Evaluation of Potential Effects on Airline Flight Crew Members' Well-Being. Microorganisms. 2023;11(4):924. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11040924
14. Tremblay A, Xu X, Colee J, Tompkins TA. Efficacy of a Multi-Strain Probiotic Formulation in Pediatric Populations: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Studies. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):1908. doi:10.3390/nu13061908
15. Xiao L, Gong C, Ding Y, et al. Probiotics maintain intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A levels in healthy formula-fed infants: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Benef Microbes. 2019;10(7):729-739. doi:10.3920/BM2019.0025
16. Lara-Villoslada F, Sierra S, Boza J, et al. [Beneficial effects of consumption of a dairy product containing two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711 and Lactobacillus gasseri CECT5714 in healthy children]. Nutr Hosp. 2007;22:496-502.
17. Gleeson M, Bishop NC, Oliveira M, Tauler P. Daily probiotic's (Lactobacillus casei Shirota) reduction of infection incidence in athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2011;21(1):55-64.
18. Kusumo P, Bela B, Wibowo H, et al. Lactobacillus plantarum IS-10506 supplementation increases faecal sIgA and immune response in children younger than two years. Benef Microbes. 2019;10(3):245-252.
19. Zhang J, Deng J, Wang Z, et al. Modulatory effects of Lactobacillus salivarius on intestinal mucosal immunity of piglets. Curr Microbiol. 2011;62(5):1623-31.
20. Pahumunto N, Sophatha B, Piwat S, et al. Increasing salivary IgA and reducing Streptococcus mutans by probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei SD1: A double-blind, randomized, controlled study. J Dent Sci. 2019;14(2):178-184.
21. Garcia-Castillo V, Komatsu R, Clua P, et al. Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Activities of the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C. Front Immunol. 2019;10:1376.
22. Azad MAK, Sarker M, Wan D. Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotics on Cytokine Profiles. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:8063647. doi:10.1155/2018/8063647
23. Takahashi T, Nakagawa E, Nara T, et al. Effects of orally ingested Bifidobacterium longumon the mucosal IgA response of mice to dietary antigens. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1998;62(1):10-5.
24. Mohan R, Koebnick C, Schildt J, et al. Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 supplementation on body weight, fecal pH, acetate, lactate, calprotectin, and IgA in preterm infants. Pediatr Res. 2008;64(4):418-22.
25. Terahara M, Nakamura Y, Tsuboi M, et al. Effects of the intake of non-live Bifidobacterium bifidum on the faecal IgA of full-term infants: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Biosci Microbiota Food Health. 2021;40(4):196-203. doi:10.12938/bmfh.2021-018
26. Rajput I, Ying H, Yajing S, et al. Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus subtilis B10 modulate TLRs and cytokines expression patterns in jejunum and ileum of broilers. PLoS One. 2017;12(3):e0173917. 
27. Phillips AC, Carroll D, Evans P, et al. Stressful life events are associated with low secretion rates of immunoglobulin A in saliva in the middle aged and elderly. Brain Behav Immun. 2006;20(2):191-7. 
28. Hanstock H, Edwards J, Roberts R, et al. High heart rate reactors display greater decreases in tear SIgA concentration following a novel acute stressor. Biol Psychol. 2018;133:85-88. 
29. Engeland C, Hugo F, Hilgert J, et al. Psychological distress and salivary secretory immunity. Brain Behav Immun. 2016;52:11-17.
30. Staley M, Conners M, Hall K, et al. Linking Stress and Immunity: Immunoglobulin A as a Non-Invasive Physiological Biomarker in Animal Welfare Studies. Horm Behav. 2018;102:55-68.
31. Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga E, et al. Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(3):357-68.
32. Torkamani F, Aghayousefi A, Alipour A, et al. Effects of Single-Session Group Mantra-meditation on Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Affective State: A Psychoneuroimmunology Viewpoint. Explore (NY). 2018;14(2):114-121.
33. Charnetski CJ, Riggers S, Brennan FX. Effect of petting a dog on immune system function. Psychol Rep. 2004;95:1087-91.
34. Fancourt D, Ockelford A, Belai A. The psychoneuroimmunological effects of music: a systematic review and a new model. Brain Behav Immun. 2014;36:15-26. 
35. Hucklebridge F, Lambert S, Clow A, et al. Modulation of secretory immunoglobulin A in saliva; response to manipulation of mood. Biol Psychol. 2000;53(1):25-35.
36. Green M, Green R, Santoro W, et al. Daily Relaxation Modifies Serum and Salivary Immunoglobulins and Psychophysiologic Symptom Severity. Biofeedback Self Regul. 1988;13(3):187-99.
37. Martins R, Cunha M, Neves A, et al. Effects of aerobic conditioning on salivary IgA and plasma IgA, IgG and IgM in older men and women. Int J Sports Med. 2009;30(12):906-12.
38. Drago-Serrano M, Godínez-Victoria M, Lara-Padilla E, et al. Moderate exercise enhances expression of SIgA in mouse ileum. Int J Sports Med. 2012;33(12):1020-5.
39. Fornieles G, Rosety M, Elosegui S, et al. Salivary testosterone and immunoglobulin A were increased by resistance training in adults with Down syndrome. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2014;47(4):345-8.
40. Hwang Y, Park J, Lim K. Effects of Pilates Exercise on Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin A Levels in Older Women. J Aging Phys Act. 2016;24(3):399-406.