Bolstering Immune Function and Resiliency
Did you know that the symptoms you experience when you come down with the flu, a cold, or other contagious illness are not caused by the virus itself? The symptoms are the result of your immune system trying to clear the virus out of infected cells.1
We are exposed to countless viruses, bacteria, and fungi daily, but only a select few make us ill. This is because your adaptive immune system is programmed to recognize and eradicate most pathogens before they enter and infect cells.1
The times that you do become ill are when you’re exposed to a new (or newly mutated) virus that you’re adaptive immune cells don’t recognize. When this occurs, the innate immune system is responsible for both fighting and clearing the infection, as well as programming the adaptive immune response to recognize it for future exposures.2
What’s more, some individuals express severe symptoms in efforts to fight the new pathogen and eradicate the infection, while others experience mild to no symptoms at all. In fact, up to 50% of viral infections are asymptomatic.3 This includes pathogens ranging from the COVID-19 virus and leishmaniasis to the Epstein-Barr virus. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Research on this particular topic has nearly doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists are seeking to understand the mechanisms behind asymptomatic viral infections, as even though these individuals do not express symptoms, they are still contagious and can unknowingly spread the virus.4, 5, 6, 7
Some have proposed that it’s due to a stronger innate immune response and robust macrophages.4, 5 Others have suggested it's due to a weakened adaptive immune response and/or innate immune response.6, 7 However, these studies collectively agree that COVID-19 antibodies are not detectable long-term in these individuals.
The primary finding of these conflicting and elusive results is that we know less than we think about the role of viral pathogens and their relationship with our immune systems.
If there’s one thing we can take away from this, it’s that bolstering our immune system could serve us well. Whether we stand to benefit from fewer sick days battling symptoms, increased immunity, reducing the spread of viruses, or all of the above, we will all be healthier in the long run.
Science is getting closer to a better understanding. Searching for studies with the keywords “asymptomatic infection” in PubMed between the years 2009-2019 yields 1,605 studies. These same keywords between 2020-2024 yields 1,623 studies. This is actively being researched at over double the rate on the other side of COVID-19.
The fruit and flowers of the Sambucus plant have historically been used for various healing and immune-related purposes. It is well known for its ability to help boost the immune system’s protection against viruses and reduce the duration and severity of viral infections.10
Viruses infect host cells using specialized proteins on their outer shell. Elderberries are a rich, dark purple due to powerful phytonutrients called anthocyanins. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can bind to these viral proteins and block their ability to infect host cells, lending an inhibitory effect to viral infection.11
Elderberry has been shown to shorten the duration of flu infections.12
Elderberry also modulates immune function to support communication between the innate and adaptive immune cells by regulating cytokine production - the chemicals used by immune cells to communicate.13 It is worth noting, though, that elderberry does not appear to worsen or increase the ‘cytokine storm’ observed in COVID-19 in any way. Rather it appears to enhance cell-to-cell communication to fight viral infections.14, 15
It is also rich in other supporting nutrients that are vital for proper immune function, including B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin C.16
Astragalus
A weakened innate immune system (the white blood cells) can impair the body's ability to fight and clear viral infections.7 Astragalus has been found to have a dose-dependent effect on increasing white blood cells.17
Viral replication of infected cells is reduced when astragalus is administered. Mice that were given astragalus had fewer detectable coxsackie virus RNS strands than those given a placebo.18
Astragalus also appears to possess potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repair effects. Mice that were given astragalus before receiving punctures to interest were better protected from developing sepsis.19
Oregano
This popular culinary herb offers far more benefits than adding a boost of flavor to meals. Oregano has long been known to possess potent antibacterial properties.20, 21, 22
Oregano can help bolster the immune system by helping reduce the bacterial load that contributes to systemic inflammation and weakened immune function.23
Some bacteria strains adapt to become resistant to antibiotics following frequent infections and subsequent antibiotic use. Antibiotic resistance is a dangerous condition wherein usual antibiotic therapy cannot clear the infection. Oregano has shown anti-bacterial activity against 11 antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.24
Garlic
Another common culinary food, garlic, has been used for centuries for its healing benefits. Garlic has potent antimicrobial effects including actions against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.25
It also possesses potent antiviral properties via several mechanisms. It inhibits viral entry into host cells, reduces viral DNA/RNA replication once in the host cell, and modulates the immune response to help the body's immune cells fight and clear viruses.26
Garlic is also a well-known anti-inflammatory agent that regulates several inflammatory pathways in the body.27
MoringaLeaf
Historically known for its powerful antioxidant capacities, moringa leaf has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects and potent anti-inflammatory properties.28 All of which bolster the immune system, helping it function at its best.
All of the ingredients in Immune IQ are 100% USDA-certified organic, further supporting immune resiliency. Give your immune system the support it deserves in this ever-threatening modern world.
Did you know that the symptoms you experience when you come down with the flu, a cold, or other contagious illness are not caused by the virus itself? The symptoms are the result of your immune system trying to clear the virus out of infected cells.1
We are exposed to countless viruses, bacteria, and fungi daily, but only a select few make us ill. This is because your adaptive immune system is programmed to recognize and eradicate most pathogens before they enter and infect cells.1
The times that you do become ill are when you’re exposed to a new (or newly mutated) virus that you’re adaptive immune cells don’t recognize. When this occurs, the innate immune system is responsible for both fighting and clearing the infection, as well as programming the adaptive immune response to recognize it for future exposures.2
What’s more, some individuals express severe symptoms in efforts to fight the new pathogen and eradicate the infection, while others experience mild to no symptoms at all. In fact, up to 50% of viral infections are asymptomatic.3 This includes pathogens ranging from the COVID-19 virus and leishmaniasis to the Epstein-Barr virus. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Why Some People Are Sick More than Others
It is not well understood why some people develop symptoms and why others do not. For some time, it was presumed to be the result of a robust innate immune response.8, 9 For example, If the innate immune cells can fight and clear the virus early on, then they wouldn’t need to initiate such as fever, congestion, sneezing/coughing, etc.Research on this particular topic has nearly doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists are seeking to understand the mechanisms behind asymptomatic viral infections, as even though these individuals do not express symptoms, they are still contagious and can unknowingly spread the virus.4, 5, 6, 7
Some have proposed that it’s due to a stronger innate immune response and robust macrophages.4, 5 Others have suggested it's due to a weakened adaptive immune response and/or innate immune response.6, 7 However, these studies collectively agree that COVID-19 antibodies are not detectable long-term in these individuals.
The primary finding of these conflicting and elusive results is that we know less than we think about the role of viral pathogens and their relationship with our immune systems.
If there’s one thing we can take away from this, it’s that bolstering our immune system could serve us well. Whether we stand to benefit from fewer sick days battling symptoms, increased immunity, reducing the spread of viruses, or all of the above, we will all be healthier in the long run.
Science is getting closer to a better understanding. Searching for studies with the keywords “asymptomatic infection” in PubMed between the years 2009-2019 yields 1,605 studies. These same keywords between 2020-2024 yields 1,623 studies. This is actively being researched at over double the rate on the other side of COVID-19.
How to Support the Immune System
ElderberryThe fruit and flowers of the Sambucus plant have historically been used for various healing and immune-related purposes. It is well known for its ability to help boost the immune system’s protection against viruses and reduce the duration and severity of viral infections.10
Viruses infect host cells using specialized proteins on their outer shell. Elderberries are a rich, dark purple due to powerful phytonutrients called anthocyanins. Studies have shown that anthocyanins can bind to these viral proteins and block their ability to infect host cells, lending an inhibitory effect to viral infection.11
Elderberry has been shown to shorten the duration of flu infections.12
Elderberry also modulates immune function to support communication between the innate and adaptive immune cells by regulating cytokine production - the chemicals used by immune cells to communicate.13 It is worth noting, though, that elderberry does not appear to worsen or increase the ‘cytokine storm’ observed in COVID-19 in any way. Rather it appears to enhance cell-to-cell communication to fight viral infections.14, 15
It is also rich in other supporting nutrients that are vital for proper immune function, including B vitamins, potassium, and vitamin C.16
Astragalus
A weakened innate immune system (the white blood cells) can impair the body's ability to fight and clear viral infections.7 Astragalus has been found to have a dose-dependent effect on increasing white blood cells.17
Viral replication of infected cells is reduced when astragalus is administered. Mice that were given astragalus had fewer detectable coxsackie virus RNS strands than those given a placebo.18
Astragalus also appears to possess potent anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repair effects. Mice that were given astragalus before receiving punctures to interest were better protected from developing sepsis.19
Oregano
This popular culinary herb offers far more benefits than adding a boost of flavor to meals. Oregano has long been known to possess potent antibacterial properties.20, 21, 22
Oregano can help bolster the immune system by helping reduce the bacterial load that contributes to systemic inflammation and weakened immune function.23
Some bacteria strains adapt to become resistant to antibiotics following frequent infections and subsequent antibiotic use. Antibiotic resistance is a dangerous condition wherein usual antibiotic therapy cannot clear the infection. Oregano has shown anti-bacterial activity against 11 antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.24
Garlic
Another common culinary food, garlic, has been used for centuries for its healing benefits. Garlic has potent antimicrobial effects including actions against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.25
It also possesses potent antiviral properties via several mechanisms. It inhibits viral entry into host cells, reduces viral DNA/RNA replication once in the host cell, and modulates the immune response to help the body's immune cells fight and clear viruses.26
Garlic is also a well-known anti-inflammatory agent that regulates several inflammatory pathways in the body.27
MoringaLeaf
Historically known for its powerful antioxidant capacities, moringa leaf has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects and potent anti-inflammatory properties.28 All of which bolster the immune system, helping it function at its best.
100% USDA Certified Organic
Chronic exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other agricultural chemicals that are sprayed on crops is a significant contributor to systemic inflammation29 and immune dysfunction.30All of the ingredients in Immune IQ are 100% USDA-certified organic, further supporting immune resiliency. Give your immune system the support it deserves in this ever-threatening modern world.
