10 IMMUNITY Zinc: Zinc is required for the function of hundreds of enzymes and is involved in many critical bodily functions. Zinc helps regulate the activity of T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, phagocytic cells, and the number and activity of CD4 cells. Zinc acts synergistically with vitamin A to stimulate lymphocyte function. Zinc also has anti-viral activity against the herpes simplex virus—the virus that causes cold sores. Coenzyme Q10: This potent antioxidant nutrient enhances cellular production of energy and immune function. Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is found in the mitochondria of all cells in the body and is involved in the production of energy. CoQ10 supports antibody production, phagocytic activity, and is especially necessary during active infections. Astragalus: This herb enhances the cytotoxicity and activity of natural killer cells and macrophages, increases T-cell activity, and protects against reductions in blood cell counts caused by chemotherapy. Astragalus root has demonstrated anti-viral properties against a wide array of viruses such as the adenovirus and parainfluenza viruses (viral causes of the common cold) as well as hepatitis B virus. People with cancer, diabetes, and chronic infections may benefit from daily supplementation with astragalus. In particular, astragalus may help to counteract the immune depletion caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Astragalus can also be used for acute respiratory infections, but may be best suited for long term use. Echinacea: Echinacea stimulates the activity of macrophages, natural killer cells, and lymphocytes, and scavenges free radicals. In this way, it keeps the roving eyes of the immune system open and alert to any potential pathogen. When taken at the start of an upper respiratory tract infection, echinacea reduces both the severity and duration of the symptoms. Studies of healthy subjects taking echinacea also demonstrate significantly increased phagocytic activity of white blood cells and better recruitment of white blood cells to infected areas. Aged Garlic Extract: Garlic has been shown to stem the development of cancer by helping to repair damaged DNA. Garlic also has strong anti-microbial activities against bacteria, viruses, fungal organisms, and parasites.Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) increases B-cell antibody production, as well as the activity of macrophages,T-cells and natural killer cells. Studies have demonstrated that AGE protects lymphocytes from radiation destruction. Clinical studies have also demonstrated that garlic shields beneficial bacteria in our intestines while destroying disease-causing fungal, viral, parasitic, and bacterial organisms. Regular consumption of garlic extract protects against infection and cancer. AGE can also be used to fight active infections, particularly sinusitis, bladder infections, digestive tract infections, and the common cold. In addition, numerous studies have shown that AGE lowers multiple risk factors for heart disease. It lowers cholesterol levels, reduces plaque formation, and lowers levels of homocysteine. AGE also improves blood flow and can lower elevated blood pressure. Additionally, AGE supports detoxification (removal of heavy metals). AGE is aged without the use of heat for up to 20 months.The slow aging process transforms the volatile