Learn About Compounds That Complement TF

While the immune-enhancing pathway that TF provides is unique, the addition of certain compounds can create a potent, multifaceted approach to immune defense building. The following natural substances have proven immune-boosting actions and work in tandem with the actions of TF molecules through different pathways.

Echinacea: Echinacea stimulates the production of immune natural killer cells which destroy a broad range of disease-causing bacteria. Echinacea can be a boon to elderly individuals who are particularly susceptible to bacterial infections. A new study conducted by scientists at McGill University in Montreal, Canada showed that two weeks of supplementation with echinacea rejuvenated the production and action of immune killer cells even in animals of advanced age. In addition, several other studies have concluded that echinacea taken orally stimulates the function of a variety of immune cells, particularly natural killer cells.

Cordyceps Sinensis: This fungal botanical has been tested in over 2000 subjects. It works to enhance a variety of immune actions by boosting immune chemicals such as interleukin-1 and 2 and boosting the count of helper-T and NK natural killer cells to fortify and expand the immune systems ability to respond to invaders (infectious,carcinogenic etc). Of equal importance in that Cordyceps also suppresses inappropriate immune reactions as seen in autoimmune diseases and has anti-tumor properties as well. These complex sugars (polysaccharides) are found in astragalus, maitake and coriolus mushrooms have the unique ability to act as “immunomodulators.” They are currently being researched for their potential role in AIDS and cancer. New studies indicate that at the very least these compounds can prevent white blood cell numbers from falling in people given chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and work to elevate antibody levels in healthy persons.

Betaglucans: Betaglucans are considered the workhorse of the immune activating polysaccharides and are well absorbed when taken orally. They are currently under investigation as a supportive tool for HIV infection.

Mannans: Mannans (specifically acemannan) is a carbohydrate extracted from the gel of the aloe vera leaf. It is this compound which is thought to make aloe gel so healing for burns and other skin disorders. Studies show that acemannan increases the number and killing capacity of T-lymphocytes by almost 50 percent. It also has significant anti-tumor activity and can help prevent the replication of viruses in the body. Acemannan is one of a few plant extracts used in people with AIDS. Studies confirm that it has significant value for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

IP6: Also known as inositol hexaphosphate or phytic acid (IP6)this compound is found in legumes and the bran portion of several grains. The reason that high fiber diets are considered anti-cancerous may be due to this very phytochemical. Several laboratory tests have confirmed that IP6 has impressive anti-cancer actions and in 1992, a patent was obtained to mix IP6 with inositol. IP6 is rapidly absorbed and is one of the most impressive anti-cancer compounds found in nature.

Thymic Factors: The thymus gland produces a complex array of factors which work together to transform immature lymphocytes (white blood cells) into T-cells. Two decades ago, a key thymic protein was discovered and isolated. This protein actually programs T-4 helper cells in the immune system to seek out an invading pathogen and gives the go to T-8 killer cells to search and destroy disease organisms. A patented process has been developed to grow this specific protein for commercial use in supplement form.

Glutamine: An amino acid called glutamine is important for immune system function. Liquid diets high in glutamine have been reported to help critically-ill people recover more rapidly. One double blind study giving athletes who were prone to respiratory infections glutamine reported 81% without subsequent infection compared to 49% in the placebo group.

Lactobacillus acidophilus: Helps replace friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract which may help protect the body from potentially harmful organisms that reside in the intestine and can cause infection. Infectious diarrhea in children has been successfully reduced with acidophilus supplementation.

Zinc: Zinc supplements have been reported to considerable increase immune function. This effect may be especially important in the elderly who can easily become zinc deficient.

Vitamin A and Beta-carotene: Vitamin A plays an important role in immune system function and helps mucous membranes, including those in the lungs, resist invasion by microorganisms. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids boost immune cell numbers and activity in both animal and human research. Placebo-controlled research has confirmed the positive benefits of beta-carotene supplements in increasing numbers of some white blood cells and enhancing cancer-fighting immune functions.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C stimulates the immune system by enhancing interferon levels and boosting the activity of certain immune cells. In controlled reports studying people doing heavy exercise, cold frequency was reduced an average of 50% with vitamin C supplements ranging from 600–1,000 mg per day.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E enhances some aspects of immune cell activity especially in the elderly. A combination of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E significantly improved immune cell number and activity compared to placebo in a group of hospitalized elderly.