Dr. Rath Health Foundation Modifying the immune system in a complex way Modifying the immune system in a complex way 1st Edition © 2021 Dr. Rath Health Foundation Distribution: Dr. Rath Education Services B.V. Postbus 656, NL-6400 AR Heerlen Phone: 0031-457-111 222 Fax: 0031-457-111 119 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.drrathbooks.com All rights reserved. Editor: Dr. Rath Health Foundation. Individual pages of this brochure can be copied for private and non- commercial purposes only. Any direct or indirect commercial use of this brochure or of its parts in any way is strictly forbidden without the written permission of the authors. Modifying the immune system in a complex way Micronutrients have the task of respond- ing specifically to attacks by pathogens. They shield our immune system by work- ing in synergy. Thus, the interaction of the individual elements contained in a nutrient composition is a decisive factor. The inter- action of micronutrients is very complex. For the human body to derive optimum benefit from micronutrients, a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals, and secondary plant compounds is required. In the human organism, micronutrients target the relevant germ or the focus of inflammation. Viruses and bacte- ria thus encounter a potent natural enemy. Antioxidants neutralize the chronic stress that triggers inflamma- tion and block the infectious invaders. Numerous in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies have demonstrated positive effects of these special micronutrient formulations. A finely judged combination of micro- nutrients ensures a significant cellular immune response. © Dr. Rath Health Foundation 3. Cell protector vitamin C Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) tops the list of It promotes healthy cell growth and stim- health supporters. It mobilizes our immune ulates blood circulation and cell cleans- cells and, since the human body cannot ing. Vitamin C also modulates cytokine produce this essential micronutrient by production and reduces histamine status. itself, a sufficient intake through the diet Meta-analyses have shown that vitamin C or dietary supplements is required to sta- intake of at least 200 mg/day can reduce bilize the organism’s defenses. Vitamin C the risk of respiratory infections. In acute activates collagen production in epithelial respiratory infections, a higher vitamin C tissues, which act as barriers against infec- dosage is required. tions. The problem of vitamin E deficiency Vitamin E deficiency can result in a sup- The radical scavenger vitamin C can convert pressed or reduced immune response. Older oxidized vitamin E back into its biologically people have an increased need for vitamin E active form. The interaction of zinc, vitamin in order to keep the defenses up and running C and iron slows down virus replication. and ensure that the cellular immune response Vitamin C and vitamin B12 favorably influ- is at a good level. Vitamin E blocks prosta- ence the production of T cells. A weakened glandin E2, which has immunosuppressive immune system may also be an indication of activity, while zinc promotes intact skin and selenium deficiency. Optimizing selenium sta- mucosal cells. Macrophages need zinc to tus to a dose of 200 µg per day stimulates the boost the body’s natural cell cleansing and immune response of T cells. A combination of regeneration (autophagy). vitamins B6 and B12 plus folate and ginger boosts the body’s defenses and strengthens the intestinal flora. A composition of vitamins B6, B12, C, and E, folate and zinc activates killer cells that destroy viruses, bacteria and toxic substances. 4. Microscopic image of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in crystallized form. Photographed in polarized light. © Dr. Rath Health Foundation 5. Secondary plant substances: the primary health significance Secondary plant compounds also have immune-enhancing properties and are involved in the elimination of harmful microorganisms. Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids (aromatic agents) have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. They can be found in high concentrations in some of the following foods: • Berries (flavonoids) • Green tea (tannins) • Apples (flavonoids) • Cereals (tannins) • Red cabbage (flavonoids) • Legumes (tannins) • Peppers (flavonoids) • Citrus fruits (terpenoids) • Potatoes (alkaloids) • Mango (terpenoids) • Tomatoes (alkaloids & anthocyanins) • Bay leaf (terpenoids) • Coffee (alkaloids) • Thyme (terpenoids) • Sage (terpenoids) A deficient or unbalanced diet leads to micronutrient losses. If the intake of micronutrients is reduced owing to malnutrition or an increased demand, the immune system can be significantly impaired, as is the case in acute or chronic illnesses. Long-term cellular nutrient deficiencies are associated with an increased risk of infection. A supplementary intake of essential micronutrients supports and promotes the health of at-risk groups. However, an optimal composition and dosage of the individual substances is important to obtain full advantage of their interactions. 6. A closer look at plant extracts Scientists at the Dr. Rath Research Institute examined several plant extracts – some individ- ually, others in the form of a micronutrient mixture. The results showed that brown algae, known for their numerous immunomodulatory properties, mobilize the body’s defense. • Fucoidan (e.g., in brown algae extract) • Sour cherries are anti-inflammatory stimulates natural killer cells, macro- and a reliable source of polyphenols and phages (phagocytes) and cytokines. vitamin C. • Lychees provides high levels of antioxi- • White mulberries contain a wealth of dants, including ascorbic acid, flavonoids immunomodulating phytonutrients and and anthocyanins. have a balancing effect on blood sugar levels and a stimulating effect on fat me- • Chokeberries have three times the an- tabolism. tioxidant potential of blueberries – their anthocyanin content is even more than four times higher. ay b a Pix m o n fr g esi d eiss gr by e g Fucoidan Lychees ma I © Dr. Rath Health Foundation 7. A micronutrient composition comprising all Older or sick people, as well as patients the relevant substances significantly stimu- who regularly take medications, often suffer lated phagocytosis, i.e., the uptake of food from micronutrient deficiencies. An adequa- particles by the cells. Vitamin C, which was te micronutrient supply cannot be achieved added to the mixture, played a decisive role through diet alone. Therefore, improving in this process. The activity of natural killer micronutrient levels is advisable to prevent and phagocytic cells was increased by 30– a reduced immune system function and, as 80%. Cellular waste products, viral antigens, a result, an increased susceptibility to in- bacteria and degenerated or damaged cells fections. Specific combinations of vitamins, were eliminated with the help of the anti- minerals, amino acids, and plant compounds inflammatory substances. can block viruses. An intact connective tis- sue is a reliable barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. ay b a Pix m o er fr g er B n o m Si by e g Chokeberries ma I 8. The study results suggest that a synergistic Study: combination of specific natural compounds Sumera W et al. (2020) ‚The micronutri- has an extensive effect on various aspects ent combination with immune-enhancing of immune cell activity. The finely judged effects‘, CM & NH Journal. formulation was found to be more efficient www.jcmnh.org/the-micronutrient- than its individual components. Its synergis- combination-with-immune-enhancing- tic effect included a simultaneous beneficial effects impact on multiple metabolic imbalances. To sum up: a carefully balanced compositi- on of vitamins, minerals, and selected plant components is effective in maintaining the organism‘s health. ay b a Pix m o ol fr Vic ert b o R n a mili E by e g Sour cherries White mulberries ma I © Dr. Rath Health Foundation 9. What is Cellular Medicine? The fundamental principle of Cellular Medicine relates to the smallest unit in the human body, the cell. Health and disease are determined at the level of the billions of cells which make up our bodies and not, as previously assumed, at the level of organs. Cells are the smallest and most important units in the body. They make up the organs and require a constant supply of specific bio-energetic nutrients to perform a huge number of biochemical reactions. Chronic deficiencies of one or more of these cellular nutrients leads to cellular mal- functioning and disease. Because of this, providing the cells with an optimum daily supply of vitamins and other essential nutrients is the key to the successful prevention of and defense against deficiency symptoms. What are cellular nutrients? The human body is composed of billions of cells which need a constant supply of biological catalysts for many different biochemical reactions. From the scientific standpoint of Cellular Medicine, these substances are considered together under the umbrella term ‘cellular nu- trients’, a phrase which embraces vitamins, minerals, trace elements, certain amino acids, biologically active plant substances (phytobiologicals) and other micronutrients important for normal metabolism. When available in the right quantities and proportions, they make a major contribution to the healthy functioning of our cells and thus of our bodies. 10.