Echinacea Juice (Echinacea purpurea)
- Stimulates the immune system by activatingthe white blood cells that fight infection2.
- Gentle antibacterial and antiviral activity that neutralizes common pathogens3-5.
- Anti-inflammatory action helps to clean up inflammation caused by an infection.
Echinacea Juice helps to relieve symptoms of colds and upper respiratory tract infections by stimulating the immune system2, inactivating pathogens3,4, and reducing inflammation2,3.
Echinacea stimulates our immune system helping our body make the white blood cells we need to fight infection. It activates neutrophils to fight bacteria and natural-killer cells to fight viruses2. Echinacea also activates macrophages2, which are white blood cells that engulf pathogens to destroy them.
Echinacea has been shown to have antibacterial3 and antiviral4 activity, meaning it directly neutralizes some types of bacteria and viruses. Echinacea has been shown to inactivate influenza A and B4, rhinovirus (the common cold)5, and Group A Strep3, which are some of the most common pathogens to cause cold and flu.
Dr. Hilary’s Tips For Boosting the Immune System
- Focus on eatingnutrient-rich foods. Foods high in vitamin A (carrot, sweet potato), vitamin C (broccoli, bell pepper), vitamin E (almond, avocado), and zinc (meat, beans), are especially beneficial for strengthening the immune system.
- Make sure to eat enough protein. We need 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weightper day to meet our protein requirements. The immune system cells that fight pathogens are made of protein, so if we don’t eat enough protein, we can’t fight infection.
- Ask for a vitamin D blood test at least once per year. Adequate vitamin D is essential for a strong immune system, but too much vitamin D in the body can be toxic. We get vitamin D from sun exposure, so lab testing to accurately adjust supplementation is important when we live in a cold climate.
- Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality make us more susceptible to cold and flu, and it increases the time it takes to recover from illness6. Set a bedtime, sleep in a dark room, and turn off electronics 30 minutes before bed to help improve your sleep.
- Heal the gut! About70% of our immune system originates in the gut7, and healthy gut microbiome is the foundation of a healthy immune system. Symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion may be an indication that your gut could benefit from additional support as a way of supporting immune function.