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Immune systemBest Teas to Boost Your Immune SystemWarm beverages have been an essential cultural and pharmaceutical phenomenon in civilised life since humans first discovered fire. In the modern world, it's often seen as normal for someone to drink several cups of tea or coffee each and every day. Avoiding these outright can actually trigger some degree of ostracisation from a cultural and social basis.
Especially with the advent of electricity, the process of brewing a cup of tea is now of insignificant difficulty for most people. This makes it easy to reap the benefits of specialised teas, such as those for boosting the immune system. Many of them can simply replace one of the many cups you'll likely have during the day, and you probably wouldn't even notice the difference.
How Can Tea Help Your Immune System?
The general benefit of most teas for your immune system is that they are an effective and simple way to get many healthy components into your body. Many herbs and other plants require the application of heat to extract their beneficial components, and steeping them in a pot of tea is a great way to go about doing this.
Aside from this, herbal teas are also a great source of hydration and, so long as they aren't prepared with copious amounts of sugar and other unhealthy substances, are low in calories and fat.
Best Herbal Teas for Your Immune System
The most commonly used teas that help your immune system are herbal, and the most popular ones are discussed below.
1. Chamomile Tea
The benefits of chamomile are extensive. For starters, research has shown the herb to have potent antibacterial properties, which can directly benefit the immune system by killing dangerous pathogens.
Additionally, chamomile has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the symptoms and progression of many inflammatory conditions, creating a more indirect benefit to the immune system.
2. Lemongrass Tea
Similar to chamomile, research has shown lemongrass to exhibit anti-microbial activity that could effectively combat various pathogens.
Lemongrass has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, protecting against cell and DNA damage and promoting immune health.
According to some studies, lemongrass may assist the immune system in resisting cancer. The research has shown that the substance induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells, enhances the effects of other cancer treatments, and reduces the adverse reactions of other cancer treatments.
3. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is widely used as a spice in many dishes, but it can also be brewed into a flavourful tea that promises a range of benefits. Research has shown this compound to possess anti-inflammatory properties, as well the ability to "Modulate the activation of T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells," which are all essential for proper immune function.
Best Mushroom Teas for Your Immune System
The health benefits of functional mushrooms are rapidly becoming common knowledge as the research surrounding them grows. Although all functional mushrooms seem to exhibit some degree of immune-boosting properties, some of the best ones are discussed below. For more info on this topic, visit our post about the best functional mushrooms for boosting the immune system.
1. Chaga Mushroom Tea
One of the many benefits of Chaga mushrooms is that they seem to possess immunomodulatory capabilities, especially in the recovery of bone marrow cells damaged by chemotherapy, as noted by this study.
Additional research has also shown Chaga to exhibit antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities in the body, making this a truly remarkable mushroom tea for building a healthy immune system.
2. Reishi Mushroom Tea
Many functional mushrooms seem to stimulate immune cell responses, and Reishi is no different. Studies have shown that certain mushrooms, including Reishi, can activate white blood cells (specifically lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells). The same study also concluded the anti-inflammatory properties of these mushrooms.
Further research has noted that Reishi exhibits anti-cancer benefits through induced apoptosis and restricted proliferation of cancer cells.
The Bottom Line
There is nothing like a cup of hot tea to boost your immune system. Simple to make and implement into a routine, with some significant benefits and almost no side effects. Even though almost no studies have looked at the side effects of drinking these teas every day for an extended period, no adverse reactions or lasting disadvantages have been reported so long as they aren't consumed in excess.
However, there is always the potential for side effects and allergies with any new substances. If you are apprehensive about your predispositions, you should chat to your doctor first.
Immune systemBest Natural Supplements to Support Your Child’s Immune SystemIf you were to draw a graph with the Y-axis representing the strength of your immune system and the X-axis representing your age, it would be parabolic in shape (a peak that declines on either end). It's true that your immune system weakens with age, but according to research, it is actually at its strongest around puberty.
The reason for this is that, although children do inherit some disease immunities from their biological parents, immunity to some illnesses can only be attained through exposure. As such, it's crucial to strengthen your child's immune system as early as possible.
How Does Your Child's Immune System Work?
Covering the intricacies of the immune system in totality would likely constitute enough information for a research paper or comprehensive textbook. In the interest of expediency, the mechanisms of the immune system are briefly discussed.
Most research agrees upon 2 subsystems that exist within the immune system.
The Innate System
The innate immune system is what individuals are born with and is designed to respond to general invading pathogens. Within this system are cells called phagocytes that engulf and digest foreign microbes in a process called phagocytosis. While this is the primary defensive system in infants, it operates mostly the same in adults.
The Adaptive System
This system is the one that generally gets stronger as you age and come into contact with diseases. Your body produces antibodies, specialised entities with an incredible ability to destroy a single type of cell (and are useless against others). As such, antibodies are responsible for immunity to diseases, making them far more potent than innate immune cells, but requiring prior exposure in order to be developed.
How to Naturally Boost Your Child's Immune System
There are some natural techniques you can implement in order to boost your kid's developing immune system from birth.
For example, research has shown that breastfeeding can pass on passive immunities from the mother to the child, reduce the development of allergies, and stimulate the immune system for long-term benefits.
Additionally, studies have linked sedentary behaviour to a weakened immune response in many individuals. Thus, it is vital to ensure your child remains active during their development, spending more time outdoors than in front of a screen.
Finally, numerous studies state that sufficient sleep is essential for healthy immune function, which means that your child should have a bedtime and you should be strict with it.
Natural Supplements for Your Child’s Immune System
All of the compounds listed below can be found in the form of supplements, multivitamins for kids, and healthy foods.
1. Zinc
Studies have linked zinc deficiencies to a weakened response and have suggested that zinc is vital to the functions of non-specific immune cells (the innate system). As such, zinc is a commonly used mineral for the immune system.
Some great sources of zinc are red meat, poultry, beans, and nuts.
2. Vitamin C
You may have heard the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," but did you know that there was proof to the expression? Its existence may have something to do with the vitamin C content of apples (around 9% of your recommended daily intake).
Research shows that vitamin C is essential to immune function as it reduces oxidative stress and enhances various mechanisms within the innate and adaptive immune systems, such as phagocytosis.
Citrus fruits, broccoli, and strawberries are great sources of vitamin C, making it a great natural immune booster for kids.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been shown to modulate the body's innate and adaptive immune responses by improving bone and calcium homeostasis. Like vitamin C, it is one of the best vitamins for developing a healthy immune system in kids.
Aside from sunlight, some great sources of vitamin D in food are oily fish, red meat, and eggs.
4. Functional Mushrooms
The benefits of functional mushrooms for developing a healthy immune system have been widely researched, and most of them seem to be effective with a surprisingly low risk attached. However, this should be brought up with your doctor first, as some mushroom supplements may cause adverse reactions if incorrectly administered.
Potential Risks of Immune-Boosters
The potential risks of immune-boosters are markedly low and usually only happen in rare occurrences or cases of overconsumption. Some of the more common symptoms to watch out for include:
Nausea and vomitingHeadachesConstipation and stomach cramps
It is also important to note that you cannot develop a dependency on immune-boosters, meaning that if you stop taking them, your immune system won't suddenly become weaker than usual.
The Final Verdict
Truth be told, the best immune-booster for kids is the cultivation of healthy lifestyle habits. This includes maintaining a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and restrictions on processed foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Sticking to this will ensure that your child gets the necessary nutrients required to build a healthy immune system.
As for a specific product, if your child has a weakened immune system, it could be a sign of a deficiency. If this is the case, then a doctor's assessment can show you the exact product you need to give your child to supplement that deficiency.
Immune systemWhy Your Immune System Is Important in Winter (And How to Supercharge Yours)Winter is a season of change, no matter which hemisphere you find yourself in. For many people across the globe, this means a change of climate, with stark temperature drops and increasingly wet or blustery weather.
And it’s no coincidence that, seemingly every time you leave the house during winter, you see a whole range of people suffering some kind of winter-related illness or ailment – whether they have pockets full of tissues and runny noses, or simply look rundown. In recent times, it’s hard to know what’s a common cold and what’s Covid – but, truth be told, when our immune system isn’t as strong as it should be, we’re susceptible to suffer from either.
But why are we more likely to get ill in winter? It’s the question on everyone’s lips right now, as we head (slowly) towards spring and away from the clutches of the cold. In a bid to answer that question, we’ve delved deep into the science behind the dreaded winter cold (or worse) to offer up some advice – and help keep you safe.
Why Do We Get Ill in Winter?
The idea that winter has its own illnesses – or can worsen certain illnesses – has been circulating, like a bad cold, since before the birth of Christianity. After all, it was Hippocrates who, way back in 400 BC, said the words:
For the coming on of winter resolves the diseases of summer,
and the coming on of summer removes those of winter”
And if we’ve learnt anything from the father of medicine, it’s that he’s mostly spot on – and modern science might agree. Winter definitely has its own thing going on when it comes to colds, flus and more. Here’s what happens in winter to increase our chances of illness:
Our Vitamin D Levels Drop
As vitamin D is essential for your immune system to work properly, it’s a concern that vitamin D levels drop in winter. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise – our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin, and sun exposure is greatly reduced in winter.
We Breathe in Cold Air
A study conducted by British researchers has suggested that the cold, dry air that rushes into our nasal passages during winter reduces the immune response in that area, essentially lowering our guard and letting infection in.
We Spend More Time Indoors
As the temperature drops through autumn and into winter, people move indoors and start to gather in enclosed spaces – creating the perfect breeding ground for viruses, and increasing the likelihood of their transmission. This is why, throughout the Covid pandemic, we’ve been encouraged to open windows in enclosed public spaces – and why restaurants in some countries could only offer outdoor service.
Low Temperatures Increase Our Blood Pressure
Back in 2009, French researchers found that cold weather may increase our systolic blood pressure, especially in those 80 and over. They suggested that the cold could cause a “fight or flight” response, with a faster heart beat and the restriction of blood vessels causing elevated blood pressure.
Reduced Daylight Can Trigger SAD
The exact cause of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) isn’t known for certain, but reduced sunlight in the winter may cause a change in brain chemistry which may, in turn, provoke the onset of SAD. And, like depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder takes its toll on the immune system, which makes the fight against infection more difficult.
How to Boost Your Immune System
When it comes to staying protected in winter months, there are easy ways to give your immune system a boost, and get healthy ahead of springtime.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Try not to use your mobile the closer you get to bedtime. The blue light that some devices emit can disrupt your sleep pattern.Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Enjoy darkness – it helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm. When your circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle are out of kilter, it may negatively affect your mental health and may make you more likely to suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)Talk to your GP about any sleep issues you may have.
Work on your sleep with us! Our Beauty Sleep drops contain 5-HTP – a naturally occurring amino acid, thought to help improve serotonin levels in the brain. This may help lessen anxiety, improve mood and aid a good night’s sleep.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Get 30+ minutes of exercise, at least 2-3 times a week.Try meditation or meditative activities like yoga and deep breathing exercises.Try therapeutic activities, like painting or creative writing.Talk to your GP about safe ways to reduce or manage stress.
Work on relaxation with us! Our Relax drops contain lavender extracts, which are thought to help calm the nervous system by reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Like all our products, they also contain premium, pharmaceutical-grade CBD and a precise blend of functional mushrooms.
Stock up on the Good Stuff
Our Immunity drops and capsules use premium, pharmaceutical-grade CBD to target the body’s endocannabinoid system, and functional mushrooms to target the immune system – for a powerful, supercharged effect. Keep reading to learn more!Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – at least 5-7 portions per day. Vitamin D and zinc are particularly good for protecting and boosting immunity.It is thought that CBD has the potential to aid our immune systems and reduce inflammation – read on! Talk to your GP before introducing supplements into your diet.
The Role of Cannabinoids, CBD and Functional Mushrooms in Immunity
Let’s get super scientific for a minute.
Cannabinoids
There’s quite a lot of evidence to suggest that cannabinoids may help reduce inflammation, as they can modulate the function and secretion of cytokines from immune cells. (FYI, cytokines are small proteins that are important in cell signalling). Indeed, our body’s endocannabinoid system is thought to control pain and immune system modulation, as well as possibly helping regulate movement, memory, learning, appetite, body temperature and neuroendocrine secretion. Research even suggests that cannabinoids play a role in the balance between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
CBD
There are many types of cannabinoids, but two are particularly well known: Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We don’t use THC, which is illegal in most countries across the world due to its hallucinogenic properties. But CBD, with no hallucinogenic associations, is legal in many countries and has a strong scientific following, thanks to its ability to promote homeostasis – ie. to achieve balance – in the body. It interacts with receptors in the nervous system, which can help manage stress and anxiety, and help tackle both restlessness and sleeplessness.
And guess what? There’s even talk of CBD helping to prevent COVID-19. It’s early days for anyone to make such a hefty claim, as it’s not clinically proven – but researchers are requesting a clinical trial to try to prove the theory! You can read about it here.
Functional Mushrooms
All the sleep, vitamins, vegetables and CBD might be exciting, but there’s another player in the immunity-boosting game. Enter: the functional mushroom. Also known as medicinal mushrooms, functional mushrooms are a hugely untapped source of immune support. They contain an abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties – which is why we use so many functional mushrooms, depending on the solution we’re looking to give you.
Turkey Tail, for example, is a key mushroom for an immunity boost. This is thanks to its high content of a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which is thought to help stimulate the immune system. Many health websites and experts list Chaga, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane as the top three medicinal mushrooms for immune support – and we use those, too!
Want to discover more functional mushrooms? Check out all the incredible ingredients that we add to our health-supporting products.
All this is precisely why, at Cannabotech, we invested years of research into developing our products. We work on helping you prevent illness, stress and the like in the first place, as well as helping you tackle it if and when it arises. For us, “prevention is better than cure” – a quote attributed to many, from the goddess Hygiene to Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus. And there’s a reason this adage is so well known – try our solutions and you might see why.
Boost Your Immunity With Cannabotech
Immunity capsules and drops
As well as the unique M2CBD formula (CBD plus functional mushrooms) we use in all our products, our Immunity products also include zinc, to further look after your immune system. Our Immunity capsules won ‘Best Immunity Supplement’ at Hip and Healthy’s 2022 awards! The Immunity capsules and drops even come as a Dual System bundle, helping you save money while protecting your health.
Beauty Sleep drops
Proper rest builds immunity, and allows your body to repair and prepare its defence against those pesky invaders. Plus, all your favourite influencers love it (just ask @whoisthatlondonmum).
Beat capsules and drops
And if it’s your cardiovascular system you’re looking to protect, you might be interested in our Beat drops, which contain thiamine. Also known as thiamin and vitamin B1, thiamine helps reduce your risk of heart disease. It aids the production of acetylcholine, enabling messages to pass between nerves and muscles, which helps your heart to work as it should.
Important!
We always advise you to talk to your GP before making changes to medication, habits or lifestyle.
Info Sources, Further Reading and Useful Links
In no particular order…
Hippocrates: www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/coronavirus-why-cold-winter-weather-makes-it-harder-to-fight-respiratory-infections
Cold air: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/out-in-the-cold
Blood pressure: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/out-in-the-cold
SAD: https://www.onemedical.com/blog/get-well/seasonal-affective-disorder
Cannabinoids as modulators of function and secretion of cytokines from immune cells: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572805001608
‘Cannabinoids may help regulate immunity: It is likely that the cannabinoid system, along with other neuroimmune systems, has a subtle but significant role in the regulation of immunity and that this role can eventually be exploited in the management of human disease’: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/prm/2001/326867/
Medicinal mushrooms: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/best-medicinal-mushrooms-to-try#for-inflammation
There’s quite a lot of evidence to suggest that cannabinoids may help reduce inflammation, as they can modulate the function and secretion of cytokines from immune cells : J. Ludovic Croxford, Takashi Yamamura, Cannabinoids and the immune system: Potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases?, Journal of Neuroimmunology, Volume 166, Issues 1–2, 2005, Pages 3-18, ISSN 0165-5728, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.04.023. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572805001608)
Indeed, our body’s endocannabinoid system is thought to control pain and immune system modulation, as well as possibly helping regulate movement, memory, learning, appetite, body temperature and neuroendocrine secretion : J. Ludovic Croxford, Takashi Yamamura, Cannabinoids and the immune system: Potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases?, Journal of Neuroimmunology, Volume 166, Issues 1–2, 2005, Pages 3-18, ISSN 0165-5728, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.04.023. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572805001608)
Research even suggests that cannabinoids play a role in the balance between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration: Radu Tanasescu, Cris S. Constantinescu, Cannabinoids and the immune system: An overview, Immunobiology, Volume 215, Issue 8, 2010, Pages 588-597, ISSN 0171-2985, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imbio.2009.12.005. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0171298509001880)
Immune system9 Ways to Strengthen Your Immune SystemCrafting a truly healthy immune system is not a quick process that can be achieved by singular changes to your lifestyle. Instead, there are many factors that need to work concurrently to strengthen your immune system holistically. Even small lifestyle changes can improve or weaken aspects of your immune system.
This article will cover the factors that affect the immune system and how you can start making the necessary changes to create a healthy immune system overall.
What Affects the Immune System?
Although there are dozens of things that can potentially harm your immune system, the most common ones are:
Sleep quality and amountDietStressHygieneAlcohol and nicotineSedentary behaviour
9 Cost-Free Immune-Boosting Techniques You Can Implement Now
All of these immune-boosting techniques involve absolutely no extra cost (some can even save you money) and can be implemented immediately.
1. Exercise regularly
The benefits that come from regular exercise could fill an entire article of their own. Exercise is known to promote physical health as well as mental health.
Extensive research has been performed on this topic that would take hours to review and evaluate. If you'd like a place to start, here is a study that deduced moderate exercise exerted a protective effect on the immune system. You don't need to spend multiple hours every day, but even regular walking or light aerobics can benefit the immune system.
2. Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for immune health. This is when most of the body's rest-and-repair functions happen, which means that inadequate sleep can prevent the process of cell regeneration. There is evident research to back this up. As noted by the linked study, "Disorganization or loss of the sleep-wake system is accompanied by alteration of the immunological, neuroendocrine and thermal functions of the body, and contributes to pathological processes such as infectious disease."
Essentially, inadequate sleep duration and quality can increase your chances of catching diseases. If you are unsure of how much sleep you need, follow these guidelines of the recommended sleeping times on average by age:
Aged 65+: 7-8 hoursAdulthood: 7-9 hoursTeenagers: 8-10 hoursYoung children: 10-13 hoursBabies: 12-17 hours
3. Try and reduce stress
Although this point is far easier said than done, reducing levels of stress is paramount in creating a healthy immune system. Excessive amounts of stress (as well as other mood-related disorders like depression and anxiety) can be so harmful to the immune system that they can increase your chances of developing cancer, as noted by this study.
4. Eat less junk food
Eating foods high in saturated fats and sugar can result in an elevated risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. All of these diseases typically result in higher production and build-up of inflammation and oxidative stress. It is commonly understood that elevated levels of inflammation and oxidative stress can weaken the immune response capabilities.
5. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are immune system booster foods as they contain many immune-boosting vitamins and minerals such as zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Additionally, many fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants.
6. Drink less alcohol
The adverse effects of alcohol on the immune system are rarely disputed. Research suggests that excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt immune pathways and inhibit tissue regeneration. Additionally, alcohol interferes with the immune system's ability to resist the growth and progression of cancer.
7. Smoke fewer cigarettes
It is no surprise that smoking can have dire effects on health. However, it might still be a shock just how negatively smoking can affect the immune system. Tobacco smoke can cause the following side effects, as noted by this study:
Direct reduction in all types of immune cellsIncreased rate of infection after exposure to HIVDecreased amounts of disease-specific antibodiesIncreased inflammation
8. Get more vitamin D
According to research, vitamin D can modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, and obtaining more vitamin D is as simple as eating more eggs and spending more time in the sunlight.
9. Drink more water
As simple as this may sound, staying hydrated is essential as your body uses water (in the form of blood) to carry oxygen to your cells. Additionally, water helps filter out and dilute toxins in your body that could harm the immune system.
Other Ways to Boost Your Immune System
If you've exhausted the cost-free benefits of boosting your immune system or can't manage to incorporate them all, there might still be some other avenues you can pursue. For example, some vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as teas and other drinks, claim to boost the immune system. Although there might be some truth to these claims, they still will never be as effective as living a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, there are various natural remedies that could contribute to a healthy immune system. The benefits of medicinal mushrooms for the immune system are widely known, as is the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and the immune system. As such, considering purchasing immune drops from Cannabotech in order to utilise powerful blends of functional mushrooms and CBD to forge a supercharged immune system.
What Are the Signs of a Weak Immune System?
As a final thought, you should know how to identify a weak or compromised immune system to understand how much effort you might need to put in to boost yours. Some common symptoms of a weak immune system are:
You're always sick
Although this might seem like a no-brainer, it's not uncommon to catch illnesses often and not attribute it to a suppressed immune system. Frequent and persistent colds can easily be blamed on allergies.You suffer from frequent gastrointestinal problems
Researchers believe that diarrhoea and upset stomach can be symptoms of a compromised immune system.You heal slowly
Minor scrapes and cuts should take around a week to heal. If they take longer, you might have a weakened immune system.You're always tired
If your immune system is compromised, your body will have to expend more energy to make it function well enough to fight off bacteria.
If any of these symptoms become severe, such as catching pneumonia multiple times the same year, it could be a sign that you should see a doctor as soon as possible.