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“Immune Symmetry” is a potent and unusual blend of scientifically-current nutrients along with traditional remedies for immune support. We very much like having immune-boosting vitamins and minerals combined together with medicinal herbs, they work in complementary ways to give faster and deeper immune support. This rich formula has wide-ranging uses: our patients have had excellent results with acute respiratory infections clearing more quickly, and from taking it through the winter season to reduce the frequency and susceptibility to future infections. We've also had very good success using “Immune Symmetry” to help resolve chronic conditions such as abnormal Pap results: patients typically take it for 6 to 12 months until the next Pap test. We very much like that the carotenoids in this blend are mostly in the form of natural mixed carotenes, derived from plants or sea vegetables, not synthetic beta-carotene which may not be as safe, (for people who smoke or have a history of asbestos exposure synthetic beta-carotene has been linked with higher mortality and cardiovascular risk). This formula also has only a modest amount of vitamin A (retinyl), which in excessive doses can detract from bone density. The amounts of botanicals are high enough to be effective and standardized where appropriate, amplifying the strength of the whole combination.

About carotenes, astragalus, myrrh and garlic

Natural mixed carotenes include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and up to thirty others, all of which have independent antioxidant and immune support actions. Carotenes can convert into as much vitamin A as the body needs, thus there is no risk of overdose. Vitamin A has key roles in the barrier functions of respiratory and gastrointestinal immunity, to keep invaders out. It also enhances white blood cell activity, increases the output of antibodies that attach to invading microbes, and it has direct action against respiratory and other viruses. Carotenes have also been shown in studies to boost helper T white blood cells, which play crucial roles in fighting infection, by up to 30% in only seven days. Carotenes are naturally high in dark leafy greens, and in orange fruits and vegetables including carrots, squash, yams, apricots and mangoes. Tomatoes, berries and purple plums are also high in the carotene lycopene.

Astragalus is a root traditionally used in Chinese medicine to reduce the duration and severity of colds and viral conditions. Astragalus stimulates the immune system in several ways: it activates white blood cells to engulf and kill invading microbes, and it may also increase the body's interferon production to resist viruses. Astragalus is also considered a deep immune supporter, as it can raise white blood cell counts for people with leukopenia, chronically low levels, and seems to be especially valuable for people whose immune systems have been damaged by chemical or other exposures.

Myrrh is antibacterial, antiseptic, and it helps to loosen and clear mucus. Its traditional uses are for colds, sore throats, coughs, and bronchitis. Myrrh can help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar and improve HDL “good” cholesterol. It has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Myrrh is described many times in the Old Testament, Genesis and Exodus, as a rare perfume with intoxicating qualities. Myrrh was also one of the three gifts the wise men presented to the baby Christ, according to the gospel of Matthew. Myrrh is the aromatic resin of thorny trees of the genus Commiphora which is harvested from the sap wood below the bark. After harvest, the waxy gum coagulates quickly and becomes hard and glossy, yellowish, and either clear or opaque. Myrrh gum is commonly harvested from the species Commiphora myrrha, which is native to Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea and eastern Ethiopia. Commiphora gileadensis, from the Mediterranean and the Arabian Peninsula, is the biblically referenced Balm of Gilead, also known as Balsam of Mecca.

Garlic has an exceptionally wide range of actions against bacteria, viruses and fungi. In studies, garlic has been shown to actually kill various types of staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, salmonella, candida albicans, and viruses, versus just stopping their spread. Several active constituents are responsible including allyl sulfur compounds, ajoene and allicin. Garlic also has immune boosting effects: it enhances phagocytosis of invading microbes, encourages more lymphocyte white cells, and increases killer cell activity and cytokine production. In addition, garlic may also help to lower total and LDL “bad” cholesterol and raise HDL “good” cholesterol, reduce the risk of platelet clumping and blood clots, and stabilize a healthy blood glucose level.

“Immune Symmetry” includes an array of other immune-supportive nutrients: Vitamin C has direct action against viruses and bacteria, and it increases the body’s interferon levels, improves white blood cell responses against microbes, and strengthens the lining tissues of the nose, mouth, throat and airways. Vitamin E boosts both antibody production and white cell immune functions; T-cells can increase by up to 28%. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are all required for making white cells and for their healthy function, and for an effective antibody response. Selenium is necessary for the development of white cells, and it stimulates their actions, via the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. Zinc promotes the destruction of invading microbes, enhances the anti-microbial benefits of carotenes, and has been documented to impede growth of cold viruses and herpes simplex virus. Bioflavonoids modify our body responses to viruses, and have direct antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions.

Botanicals for immune-boosting include Echinacea, which has been the subject of hundreds of research trials. The angustifolia and purpurea species are the best documented, and here have appropriate standardized doses. Inulin and other saccharides can raise immune mediators that activate macrophage white cells, enhance the ability of macrophages to engulf bacteria, and increase natural killer cell activity and the number of active T-cells. Echinacea appears to also have direct activity against viruses. Berberine, the active constituent in Oregon grape root, can attack and cripple many kinds of bacteria, protozoa and fungi, and prevent streptococci from adhering to tissues. Berberine also stimulates white cells in the lining mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Green tea is considered a deep immune supporter, it helps trap and detoxify immune-damaging environmental toxins. Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus, is different than Chinese panax ginseng: like astragalus, and often paired with it, Siberian ginseng reduces susceptibility to infections, and enhances antibody and interferon production, and boosts natural killer cell activity and phagocytosis of unwanted invading microbes. Licorice root can impede various staphylococci, streptococci and the yeast candida as shown by in vitro testing. It also encourages interferon and is a useful anti-inflammatory.

Contents

2 capsules provide: Natural mixed carotenes (Betatene, natural mixed carotenoids) 8,000IU, Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)1,600IU, Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) 450mg, Vitamin E (d-alpha succinate) 100IU, Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 15mg, Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) 50mcg, Folate (folic acid) 200mcg, Zinc (picolinate) 15mg, Selenium (l-selenomethionine) 65mcg, Citrus Bioflavonoids 100mg, Licorice root150mg, Garlic (10,000 ppm allicin) 130mg, Astragalus 30mg, Myrrh 30mg, Eleutherococcus root extract (1% eleutheroside E) 100mg, Oregon Grape root 120mg, Echinacea angustifolia herb70mg, Echinacea purpurea extract (4% echinacosides) 50mg, Green tea extract (95% polyphenols, 80%catechins, 55% EGCG) 50mg.

Other Ingredients: Vegetable cellulose and water.

Free of: - This product does Not contain: artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, preservatives, paraben,egg, dairy, milk or casein, lactose, ingredients of animal origin, shellfish,tree nuts, gluten, wheat, yeast, salt, soy, sugar, corn.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Do not use licorice without the advice of your healthcare professional if you have high blood pressure or are taking medicines to lower blood pressure such as beta-blockers or medicines to support heart function like digoxin. Do not use if you have an autoimmune disorder or HIV syndrome. Avoid with immune modulating drugs. Take with caution and only with a medical professional’s advice if you are also using medicines that may reduce blood sugar, as myrrh may also lower it. Discontinue two weeks prior to surgery, as vitamin E and garlic may be blood-thinners. Do not use during pregnancy or nursing unless under the guidance of your physician.

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