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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.

The Immune System

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 supple-ments 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.

In the News!Immune Boosters IP-6 and Vitamin D-3 Benefits Expanded

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.

Kirkman® Offers All-In-One Immune Booster Immuno-Aid™ Advanced Formula - HypoallergenicKirkman® 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 sup-port 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 stimulat-ing formulation.

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.

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 well-functioning 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.

Please see our full line of immune support products on our website: www.kirkmangroup.com.

Telephone: 1.800.245.8282Fax: 1.503.682.0838

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*• Olive Leaf*• Probiotics

*Not formulated as separate product but included in some of Kirkman’s

immune support formulations.

The Immune System