Increasing Your Immune System's Front Line

Written by Erin Chamerlik, Nutrition Educator, MS, MT(ASCP)

Natural Killer Cells (NK cells). Not something we talk about everyday, or any day, but these little white blood cells are your friends because they are your front line of defense against cancer and this winter's germs, including those that cause colds, flu and pneumonia.

When cells are infected by a virus or changed into cancerous cells, NK cells attack causing the rogue cell to die (apoptosis). 

Here's the bad news. Like so many things in the body, NK cells lose their functionality as we age. The good news is that we can optimize our NK cell function with a few simple improvements. 

There are a few strategies that you can employ to help strengthen your immune system and increase the function of NK cells, your immune system’s front line fighters.

Increase DHEA

DHEA, (dehydroepiandrosterone), produced and metabolized in the adrenal glands, gonads, and dermis, has the abilityto improve the immune system (and many other things) when blood levels of the important hormone precursor are increased to more youthful levels. After age 25, DHEA levels decline at the rate of about 2% per year. Some unwanted signs of low DHEA include low libido, low energy, poor memory, increased belly fat, weight gain and a sub-optimal immune system. 

It is important to maintain DHEA levels because DHEA has immune-enhancing effects and increases the NK cells. ^{1, 2}

A study of men taking DHEA for five months was conducted by Dr. Omid Khorram of the University of Wisconsin. The results were described in Dr. William Regelson in his book, The Super-Hormone Promise.

Regelson wrote, "Dr. Khorram found that DHEA did indeed have a palpable, measurable rejuvenating effect on their aging immune systems." He found that DHEA geared up the immune system to fight foreign invaders and specifically DHEA "increased the number and activity of cancer-fighting NK (natural killer) cells, which keep a watchful eye on potential cancerous cells and destroy them before they can grow.” ³

DHEA helps the immune system in another way, by providing a counterbalance to stress. The body responds to stress by producing more of the adrenal hormone cortisol. When stress is not managed, large amounts of cortisol reduce the number and function of NK cells. ⁴

It is important to maintain youthful levels of DHEA to feel and look your best and help reduce the negative effects cortisol can have. Adults over age 25 can safely benefit from topical application of bioidentical DHEA cream, Twist 25. 

NK Cell Boosting Foods and Supplements

Foods and supplements that increase beneficial NK cells will help bolster your front line defense against newly arising infected cells and malignant cells.

The following foods and supplements have been shown to have a positive impact on NK cells:

•   Dark Chocolate and Cacao ⁵

•   Panax ginseng ⁶

•   Blueberries ⁷

•   Aged Garlic ⁸

•   Vitamin E ¹⁰

•   Foods high in beta carotene - carrots, dark green leafy vegetables and sweet potatoes ¹⁰

Factors Known to Reduce NK Cell Activity

Just as we want to add beneficial foods and supplements to support our first line fighters, it is wise to address negative influencers too.

These factors negatively affect NK cell function:

   •     Micronutrient deficiencies in zinc or vitamins A, C, and D ^{11, 12}

   •     Exposure to toxins ¹²

   •     Obesity ¹²

   •     Smoking ¹²

   •     Certain medications ¹²

   •     Lack of adequate sleep ¹³

In this article, we have only addressed factors that directly affect the NK cells of the immune system. Supporting the immune system begins with a strong foundation of healthy, unprocessed food, clean, filtered water, and adding supplements like Vitamin C, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Vitamin D3 + K2, and probiotics. Regular exercise is important year-round, but may be even more important in winter to keep your immune system strong.

References

1.       Bovenberg SA, van Uum SH, Hermus AR. Dehydroepiandrosterone administration in humans: evidence based? Neth J Med. 2005 Sep;63(8):300-4. Review. PubMed PMID: 16186639.

2.       Khorram O, Vu L, Yen SS. Activation of immune function by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in age-advanced men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1997 Jan;52(1):M1-7. PubMed PMID: 9008662.

3.       Regelson W. The Super-Hormone Promise. New York, NY: Pocket Books; 1997. 400p.

4.       Andersen BL, Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Glaser R. A biobehavioral model of cancer stress and disease course. Am Psychol. 1994 May;49(5):389-404. Review. PubMed PMID: 8024167; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC2719972.

5.       Kamei M, Nishimura H, Takahashi T, Takahashi N, Inokuchi K, Mato T, Takahashi K. Anti-influenza virus effects of cocoa. J Sci Food Agric. 2015 Apr 2. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.7197. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 25847473.

6.       Kang S, Min H. Ginseng, the 'Immunity Boost': The Effects of Panax ginseng on Immune System. J Ginseng Res. 2012 Oct;36(4):354-68. doi: 10.5142/jgr.2012.36.4.354. PubMed PMID: 23717137; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3659612.

7.       McAnulty LS, Nieman DC, Dumke CL, Shooter LA, Henson DA, Utter AC, Milne G, McAnulty SR. Effect of blueberry ingestion on natural killer cell counts, oxidative stress, and inflammation prior to and after 2.5 h of running. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2011 Dec;36(6):976-84. doi: 10.1139/h11-120. Epub 2011 Nov 23. PubMed PMID: 22111516.

8.       Ishikawa H, Saeki T, Otani T, Suzuki T, Shimozuma K, Nishino H, Fukuda S, Morimoto K. Aged garlic extract prevents a decline of NK cell number and activity in patients with advanced cancer. J Nutr. 2006 Mar;136(3 Suppl):816S-820S. PubMed PMID: 16484572.

9.       Stamets P. Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Immune System Fight Cancer. [Internet]. HuffPost2012 June. Available from: Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Immune System Fight Cancer.

10.    Ashfaq MK, Zuberi HS, Anwar Waqar M. Vitamin E and beta-carotene affect natural killer cell function. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2000;51 Suppl:S13-20. PubMed PMID: 11271852.

11.    Erickson KL, Medina EA, Hubbard NE. Micronutrients and innate immunity. J Infect Dis. 2000 Sep;182 Suppl 1:S5-10. Review. PubMed PMID: 10944478.

12.    Bush B, Mo S. Natural killer cells – Canaries in the immunological coal mine. [Internet]. https://neuroendoimmune.wordpress.com2011 May. Available from: https://neuroendoimmune.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/natural-killer-cells-canaries-in-the-immunological-coal-mine/.

13.    Irwin M, McClintick J, Costlow C, Fortner M, White J, Gillin JC. Partial night sleep deprivation reduces natural killer and cellular immune responses in humans. FASEB J. 1996 Apr;10(5):643-53. PubMed PMID: 8621064.

About the Writer

Erin Chamerlik is the founder of Get Better Wellness, Inc., a wellness-focused health and nutrition education company located in Nashville, TN. Learn how you can reach optimal health through a whole food eating plan that integrates ancient wisdom with an innovative, science-based approach to health and wellness.

Erin extends her message through podcasts, public workshops, social media (Twitter, FaceBook, Pinterest and Instagram) and she blogs at GetBetterWellness.com

Connect with Erin Chamerlik - Get BetterWellness

The Story of Twist 25 DHEA Cream

The DHEA Cream Innovation

Twist 25 is a skin cream that provides topical DHEA and is the result of 29 years of development by John R. Woodward, M.D., and his son, Hugh Woodward, President of Health2Go.

Trained at Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Medical Center, Dr. Woodward has long had a specialized interest in providing leading-edge hormone replacement and maintenance for women and men. Hugh Woodward holds a MHA, Master of Science in Health Care Services Administration, and has worked in the health care industry for 25 years.
In 2006, Dr. Woodward told his son about one of his new advances, a cream he had developed to maintain vitality that was gaining great popularity among his patients. Hugh Woodward decided to try it himself, as it could positively impact the health of both men and women. After using it daily for 2 weeks he felt leaner, fitter, had more energy, more mental sharpness, better focus and was sleeping more deeply at night. This allowed him to awaken more rested and have more energy and productivity during the day. He felt more motivated to go to the gym and work out. The results and benefits of exercising became more noticeable. People started asking if he had lost weight.

Hugh called his father and said, “I love this cream. I feel great. What is it?” Dr. Woodward explained that it was a specially formulated pharmaceutical grade bioidentical cream developed and compounded for him by working with compounding pharmacists. “Since DHEA does not require a prescription, why isn’t any company making a high quality DHEA cream and providing it for people in health stores and clinics?” Hugh asked. “Good question,” Dr. Woodward replied.

Twist 25 DHEA Cream

The best formulations for bioidentical DHEA cream were researched, formulated and tested yielding the present Twist 25 DHEA cream – a very simple, clean coconut oil based cream with water, vitamin E and co-enzyme Q-10. The cream contains 50 mg/ml DHEA pharmaceutical grade bioidentical DHEA.

DHEA, Hormone Building Block

DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced naturally in the body from birth. Men and women alike make more and more DHEA from birth to about age 25. After age 25 both men and women begin to make less and less DHEA with time. Each year people make 2% less than in the prior year.

DHEA is the precursor, or base building block, from which the body makes about 50 different hormones. DHEA is the most abundant pro-hormone in the body and is metabolized by the body in the adrenal glands, gonads, and the dermis (skin). The dermis is the largest organ of the body and is where metabolism of DHEA occurs normally. (ref Labrie Intracrinology study).

Studies show that by maintaining healthy hormone levels women and men can maintain better health and reduce the risks of heart disease, cancer, dementia, depression, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, obesity and more. The ideal goal, Dr. John R. Woodward, M.D. says, would be to maintain hormone levels of a healthy 30 year old. Maintain good health rather than try to recover health function lost.

Just a small application of Twist 25 DHEA Cream, morning and evening each day, can make a big difference in maintaining health for men and women ages 35 and up.
 
Health2Go, Inc. was formed in March 2007 to bring top quality leading edge health products to people conveniently and cost effectively. Twist 25 DHEA cream is the leading flagship Health2Go product with others to be added soon.
The Health2Go team is proud to provide what we and others believe is the best DHEA cream possible and help more people get it conveniently.

For more information about the benefits of DHEA and DHEA cream, read the Twist 25 DHEA blog.



John Woodward, M.D. is the inventor of Twist 25 DHEA cream. Dr. Woodward practices medicine at Medical City in Dallas, Texas. He is an OB-Gyn by training, and is Board Certified in gynecology. By staying on top of current medical and clinical research, Dr. Woodward contributes leading edge scientific insights to Health2Go. He is still seeing patients, travelling and going strong at age 79! Dr. Woodward says “I practice what I preach. It works. Use Twist 25 DHEA cream, and make your own hormones.”

Great News That Can Add Some Muscle to Your Bone Health

Written by Erin Chamerlik, Nutrition Educator, MS, MT(ASCP)

Yin and Yang of Bone Health

 

Many people do not realize that our skeletal bones are living tissue constantly being remodeled. Complementary forces are at play to maintain and build healthy bones. This constant change between these two forces is necessary, and we cannot have healthy bone growth without the opposite force of breaking down bone, called resorption. Prescription medications for osteopenia and osteoporosis known as bisphosphonates work against nature by preventing resorption.

Do Women Really Need to Take Bone Drugs?

 

Dr. Susan Brown, PhD, medical anthropologist and certified nutritionist, says,

"Quite simply, my answer is no. In almost all cases, taking a prescription medication is not needed. Women from around the country come to our bone center for a natural approach to strengthening their bones — and it’s been working for more than 20 years. Osteoporosis and osteopenia medications are big business, but despite all the hype and marketing from drug companies, there is a safer, more effective and natural approach to bone health available to you."

Good News

 

While genetics do play a role in bone health, there are several environmental factors that also effect bone strength. This is great news, because that means that there are several action steps we can take that will support healthy bones and make a big difference in the quality of our bones. This is true even for those with weak bones. Diet, physical activity, stress, smoking, avoiding excess caffeine and alcohol use, as well as hormone balance, all play a critical role throughout life in bone strength. 

Nutritional Deficiencies

 

Certain nutrients can slow bone loss and help in the formation of new bone.

While it is well known that calcium and Vitamin D are important nutrients, there are other nutrients that the body needs for bone health that are just as important. Dr. Robert Thompson M.D wrote that overconsumption of calcium can actually increase the risk of osteoporosis (Thompson, 2008). There are 20 different nutrients that the body needs, not just calcium. These nutrients include vitamin K2, Vitamin A and minerals like magnesium, boron, zinc, and strontium. Consider taking a quality multivitamin and a blend of Vitamins A, D, and K. A good bone-building supplement like Bone Guard will cover the required mineral nutrients.

Vitamins A, D, and K are fat soluble vitamins that work together to support strong bones, a healthy immune system, vision health and cardiovascular health. Vitamin D increases the amount of calcium that the body absorbs from the intestines. It must be accompanied by vitamin K2 to sweep calcium out of the soft tissues and put calcium where it belongs - in teeth and bones. MK-7 is the form of vitamin K2 recommended by natural health expert and author, Kate Rheaum-Bleue, ND. Dr. Rheaume-Bleue’s research shows that all three vitamins must be taken together since, “vitamins A and D are required for the production of vitamin K2-dependent proteins.” This synergistic combination of fat soluble vitamins is found in Health2Go’s A-D-K.

Foods to Include for Bone Health

 

Unrefined sea salt, like Redmond's Real Salt or Himalayan salt, contains many trace minerals required for healthy bones. Build your meals around high quality, unprocessed foods like fresh meats, fish, eggs, vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables), fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and fermented and raw milk products from pasture-raised cows. 

The Hormone Connection

 

Three hormones in the body play a role in regulating calcium levels in the body, parathyroid hormone, calcitriol (produced from Vitamin D) and calcitonin. In addition to the calcium-regulating hormones, stress hormones and sex hormones play a vital role in bone health in both men and women.

As women reach menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels decline and women may experience rapid bone loss if nothing is done to address this decline in hormone levels. Estrogen can retard the progression of bone resorption but progesterone helps rebuild bone. Testosterone is an important hormone that stimulates muscle growth, which will trigger bone growth from the positive stress on the bone.

Physicians believe that DHEA helps maintain strong bones as we get older because DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, both of which are known to help reduce bone loss; but it appears that DHEA also has separate bone preserving effects that are unrelated to its metabolism into other hormones. The Mayo Clinic indicates that, “Evidence suggests that higher DHEA levels may be linked to higher bone density, particularly in women who have undergone menopause. Research reports that DHEA supplements may help increase bone density.” (Mayo Clinic).

Research performed at Washington University School of Medicine showed that DHEA supplementation in older men and women could help improve age related changes in fat mass and improve bone mineral density (Villarreal, 2000).

DHEA also balances out excess stress hormones which benefits bone growth. The body responds to stress by producing more of the adrenal hormone cortisol. When stress is not managed, large amounts of cortisol block bone growth. The body’s most abundant naturally occurring pro-hormone, DHEA, is crucial to counterbalance cortisol levels. Unfortunately, DHEA gradually decreases after age 25, while cortisol levels steadily increase as we age.

Men and women can safely address problems associated with hormone imbalance by using bioidentical topical hormone preparations. Twist 25 DHEA cream is the best bioidentical DHEA supplement cream made. Twist 25 DHEA cream helps maintain hormones naturally. I use it personally and recommend it for my clients.

As mentioned earlier, progesterone helps rebuild bone and a lack of progesterone around menopause is an important factor to consider. In addition to using DHEA cream, women can use a topical bioidentical progesterone to help prevent and even reverse osteoporosis. 

You have choices

 

Your body has been designed to build and maintain strong, healthy bones when it is given the proper support. Choose to eat alkalinizing, bone-building foods and add nutritional support and hormone support. Exercise regularly and manage stress and cortisol levels. No matter what your age, you can implement these suggestions and start building healthier bones today!

References

Brown, Susan. "Do you really need a drug for your bones?" Better Bones. Web 18 Sept. 2015.

Huang K, Bao JP, Jennings GJ, Wu LD. The disease-modifying effect of dehydroepiandrosterone in different stages of experimentally induced osteoarthritis: a histomorphometric study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015 Jul 31;16:178. doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0595-1. PubMed PMID: 26228537; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4521359.

Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dhea/evidence/hrb-20059173

Office of the Surgeon General (US). Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2004. The Basics of Bone in Health and Disease. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45504/

Rheaume-Bleue, K. Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox. 2012

Rollins, Catherine. “Bone Density, Osteoporosis and Natural Progesterone.” Natural Progesterone Advisory Network. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.

Thompson, R. The Calcium Lie: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know Could Kill You. 2008.

Villareal DT, Holloszy JO, Kohrt WM. Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000 Nov;53(5):561-8. PubMed PMID: 11106916.

About the Writer

Erin Chamerlik is the founder of Get Better Wellness, Inc., a wellness-focused health and nutrition education company located in Nashville, TN. Learn how you can reach optimal health through a whole food eating plan that integrates ancient wisdom with an innovative, science-based approach to health and wellness.

Erin extends her message through weekly podcasts, public workshops, social media (Twitter, FaceBook, Pinterest and Instagram) and she blogs at GetBetterWellness.com

Connect with Erin Chamerlik - Get BetterWellness