Enhancing Energy and Enhancing Immunity

Enhancing Energy

Every cell in the body is packed with small organelles called mitochondria. Referred to as “intracellular powerhouses”, these cell components produce most of the energy used by the body. Cells with a high metabolic rate, like those in the heart muscles, can contain thousands of mitochondria. Other cells may contain only a few dozen.

Energy production via the mitochondria is absolutely essential for physical strength, stamina, and life itself. When production drops even slightly, fatigue, weakness, and reduced cognitive ability can result. Many researchers believe that mitochondrial dysfunction, which is age-related, is linked to heart disease, fatigue syndromes, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

There is no nutritional “magic bullet” that can restore compromised mitochondrial function. But it has been found that a combination of nutrients can normalize the function of the mitochondria, increase energy production, and delay age-related decline.

Supplements for Energy Enhancement

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• B-complex vitamins
• Carnitine
• Coenzyme Q10
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
• NADH (reduced form of niacin)
• Ribose
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

Enhancing Immunity

The immune system is comprised of several mechanisms that protect the body against infection by identifying and killing pathogens – harmful bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and parasites. In simplest terms, the immune system discriminates between those things that are “self” (belong in the body), and those things that are “nonself” (foreign to the body). It then neutralizes and/or eliminates all that is nonself.

The immune system is composed of many different structures and substances, including various proteins, cells, organs, tissues, and even healthful bacteria. These structures and substances form an elaborate and dynamic network that is consistently acting to protect and defend the body. When the immune system is working well, the body remains healthy and does not easily succumb to the threats posted by cuts, scrapes, bacteria, viruses, and other potential dangers. But when the efficiency of the immune system is compromised – as it can be by lack of sleep, toxic exposure, serious infection, stress, poor diet, the overuse of antibiotics, and other factors – the body becomes vulnerable to many threats. Fortunately, a healthy lifestyle coupled with a good supplement plan can strengthen the immune system, enabling the body to better protect itself.