3 Simple Secrets To Boost Your Immunity (And Build Your Bones At The Same Time!) - Save Our Bones

It’s that time of year again, when I begin to notice the “signs” of flu season – everywhere I go I see advertisements for the flu shot.

Even my local grocery store touts its pharmacy’s readiness to give the shot, so you can buy groceries and get vaccinated in one convenient visit.

Frankly, I find this disturbing…especially when coupled with research that shows the flu vaccine is not even effective.

Thankfully, there are some simple yet highly effective ways to avoid both the flu and the shot. And in today’s post I am going to share them with you.

Savers Are Already Aware Of Many Immune-Boosting, Bone-Building Foods And Supplements

Savers already know that probiotics boost the immune system where much of it starts: in the gut. They also know to minimize your sugar intake because it damages bones…but it’s especially important when flu season is in full swing, because sugar compromises immunity.

Foundation Supplements like Vitamin D, zinc, and Vitamin C are also important nutrients in the fight against flu and osteoporosis, and Foundation Foods like mushrooms are especially powerful at building strong bones and a healthy immune system.

I shared some exciting new research about the flu-curing effects of Elderberry extract with you last season, and we talked about how regular exercise is an important component in boosting immune system strength.

But this flu season, you may also want to consider the supplements and foods we’re going to talk about today.

1. Colostrum

Colostrum, the first liquid – before milk – that mammals secrete when they begin to nurse their young. Unlike cow’s milk, bovine colostrum is milk-free and rich in immune-boosting, bone-rejuvenating compounds.

Let’s start with the immune-enhancing components of this unique liquid:

  • Oligo Polysaccharides and Glycoconjugates (that’s quite a mouthful!) are molecularly complex carbohydrates that actually bind to pathogenic microbes such as shigella, salmonella, streptococcus, e. coli, and cholera. Then these pathogens are prevented from getting in to your system via the mucous membranes.
  • Cytokines, which, as I write in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, “…are chemical messengers that help regulate the nature and intensity of an immune response.” They encourage communication between cells – a vital aspect of a properly functioning immune system.
  • Inhibitors of Trypsin and Protease prevent the beneficial immune-boosting compounds of the colostrum from being destroyed in the digestion process, and they also prevent h. pylori bacteria from attaching to the stomach walls where they can cause peptic ulcers.

You can get colostrum in pill or powder form at most health food stores, or you can order it online. For dosage, follow label directions.

Bone-Rejuvenating Compounds In Colostrum

  • Lactoferrin is an incredible anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral protein that is familiar to Savers because it is found in whey. Lactoferrin is also in human colostrum, and it is excellent for immunity and bone renewal.
  • Vitamin B12 is an often-overlooked vitamin that is actually crucial for bone health. In fact, research has shown that a deficiency in B12 actually increases fracture risk.
  • 2. Vitamin A

    Vitamin A is important for the proper functioning of the immune system, and a deficiency is linked to impaired immunity. But beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, is in fact a better choice.

    Here’s why. Since beta-carotene is selectively converted into Vitamin A in the body, it helps guard against the toxicity of excessive preformed Vitamin A, which is stored mainly in the liver.

    Plus beta-carotene also protects against eye and vision problems. Perhaps beta-carotene’s most important role is that it increases levels of glutathione, the Master Antioxidant.

    Glutathione stops oxidative damage from occurring in your bones and your whole body, but it must have beta-carotene to do that.

    Beta-carotene is also pivotal for cardiovascular health and skin integrity. In fact, beta-carotene even helps shield your skin from the sun by boosting your natural skin pigmentation.

    The ideal beta-carotene dosage is 5,000 I.U.

    Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene And Your Bones

    Because of its role in glutathione production, beta-carotene helps protect bones from oxidative damage. In addition, the skin-protective qualities of this nutrient allow you to get more sunscreen-free time in the sun, which is essential for the manufacture of bone-rejuvenating Vitamin D.

    You’ll find plentiful amounts of beta-carotene in orange-colored and dark green Foundation Foods such as cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, kale, butternut squash, collard greens, and pumpkin.

    3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Found in fish oil, Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for warding off the flu. A 2012 study found that Omega-3 fish oil is not only effective at enhancing the immune response; it’s especially effective at boosting the immune system after exercise.1

    Omega-3 fatty acids increase glutathione levels and have been linked to an increased sense of well-being and a decrease in moodiness and depression.

    The best way to get Omega-3 fatty acids is from cold water fish, like salmon, mackerel, and halibut. Walnuts and green peas are good vegetarian sources of Omega-3, although not as well absorbed as from fish.

    Omega-3s And Your Bones

    Your immune system contains RANK Ligand (RANKL) proteins that play a special role in the immune process by activating and converting immune cells into osteoclasts, the cells that tear down bone.

    The popular osteoporosis drug Prolia is intended to artificially interfere with the action of RANKL, and in this roundabout and unnatural way, inhibit osteoclasts so as to increase bone density.

    But Omega-3 fish oil actually works with your body’s bone remodeling process, naturally inhibiting RANKLq to keep a healthy balance between bone loss and bone building. Omega-3 fatty acids also increase calcium absorption and help fight against inflammation.

    The Osteoporosis Reversal Program Takes A Holistic Approach To Bone Health

    Unlike the Medical Establishment, the Program takes a ‘whole person’ approach to bone health. In Step 3 of the Program – Rebuild Your Bones – you’ll find that chapters 10 to 15 give you multiple ways to heal, rejuvenate, and strengthen your bones.

    For example, in Chapter 12 of the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, there are many scientific references to a wide variety of antioxidants and Omega-3 fish oil, and how they are essential for bone health and overall health.

    In Chapter 10, you’ll discover all the Foundation Supplements, key nutrients that your bones crave, and which are difficult to obtain enough of through food alone. Minerals, vitamins and more are discussed at length, with specific information about how much to take and the type of supplement that is most readily absorbed.

    In Chapter 11 we delve into Foundation Foods, where you can peruse the extensive charts of bone-healthy foods so you can get as many nutrients as possible through the Program’s pH-balanced 80/20 diet. It’s simply the most efficient (and enjoyable!) way for your bones and body to get the what they need.

    The subject of exercise is covered in Chapter 13, because it is an essential element in rebuilding bone.

    You’ll also find that Chapter 14 is devoted to the topic of stress, and I show you practical ways you can overcome the damaging effects of stress on your bones.

    You see, building healthy, youthful bones is as much about your mindset and emotional state as it is about nutrients. That’s why Step 3 ends with Chapter 15, a personal guide to forming your own Bone Health Philosophy.

    The entire Program is the result of many years of exhaustive research, so you can rest assured that it’s scientifically-backed, fact-based information around which you can build your own plan to build and rejuvenate your bones.

    Thousands from all over the world have successfully reversed their bone loss, so if you haven’t yet, please take a few minutes to learn more about the Osteoporosis Reversal Program by clicking here, and don’t hesitate to give it a try.

    After all, with our one-year no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, it’s risk-free!

    Till next time,

    References

    1 Gray, P., et al. “Fish oil supplementation augments post-exercise immune function in young males.” Brain, Behavior, Immunity. November 2012. 26(8): 265-72. Web. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22902522

The Top 14 Things You’re Doing That Are Damaging Your Bones... And More!

  • Stop The Bone Thieves! report
  • Email course on how to prevent and reverse bone loss
  • Free vital osteoporosis news and updates.
Get It Free Now

Comments on this article are closed.

  1. Jane Marfleet

    May I suggest that you include advice that women should attend all their cancer screening tests: cervical screening, mammograms and bowel screening. Screening enables cancers to be prevented (cervical cancer) or detected at an early stage. Early stage cancers can be treated more simply, quickly and effectively than later stage cancers. Treatment of later stage cancers can include radiotherapy which can damage bones. Also fatigue and lymphedema can be a long term outcome of treatment for later cancers. Fatigue and lymphedema can result in a woman being less able to take the amount and type of exercise that would benefit her bone health. Thank you for reading this comment.

  2. Pip

    I think it is very irresponsible of you to discourage the flu vaccine. Influenza is a condition that puts you in bed for 5-7 days, and is highly contagious, leading to alot of absenteeism. It is not to be confused with a “bad” cold. Our hospital gives it’s staff free flu vaccine every Autumn before the winter and being in the southern hemisphere, we are provided with the vaccine of the influenza that was circulating in the northern hemisphere previously. Our hospital has cut.down on absenteeism drastically and kept our compromised patients safe.
    Influenza sometimes strikes regardless of your immunity.
    Pip

    • marge201

      I’ve never had a flu shot and have no intention of getting one. I did get the flu (or something; sick for 2 weeks) last winter but no matter. It happens. No flu shot for me.

      • Jan

        So many people I know get sick after having the the Flu Vac. Had it once, got sick won’t have it again. Also, the Flu vac is now linked to increased risk of dementia.

  3. Marlene Villar

    Dear Vivian,
    Thank you very much for this topic RE: To Boost your
    immunity and build your bones at the same time.
    Five days ago, I purchased BEE Propolis capsules
    (500 mg) Natural Factors from Whole Foods.
    Vivian, what do you think of this supplement? Please let
    me know if this is beneficial at this time of the year( flu
    and colds season). Thank you.
    Marlene

  4. Adriane

    Great article on ways to boost immune function, but I disagree on the point about preformed vitamin A. Some people have difficulty converting beta carotene into active vitamin A due to genetic SNPs. Since adding cod liver oil and/or preformed vitamin A supplements derived from fish, the number and severity of infections I get has greatly decreased. Yes, a person can overdo the preformed vitamin A which would be toxic, but with vitamin A I haven’t had a 102-103 degree fever in over a year which is a miracle for me.

  5. Jane

    You have mentioned greens such as kale. I can’t swallow kale. If I do get it down, my tummy hurts. I crave mustard greens. I love spinach. I like turnip greens okay. Do you have any comments on the value of those greens, especially mustard greens? Anything besides the awful tasting kale?

    • marge201

      FWIW, I don’t think kale has any taste. It has nutrients and fiber and that’s all I care about.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Most dark leafy greens contain beta-carotene, Jane! So it’s no problem at all if you want to skip the kale and eat other greens. And you are welcome to search the site for all the free information on various greens and other vegetables – there is quite a bit here about these healthful foods! 🙂

  6. C. Talbot

    I have read your advice and various updates since early 2014 when I stopped taking Protlos and Ideos which was prescribed for me in June 2013. I recently had a dexa scan which shows my condition has deteriorated and the Doctor wants me to go on Fosavance immediatedly. What do you advise? I am in my 50s and am averse to taking any meds where possible!
    Neither the Radiologists or Doctor heard of the research into bone density using finger nail clippings by the two Irish guys mentioned on your web site and poopoohed it as another rumour from ‘over there’. They also said your exercises don’t strenghten the spine or improve the conditions of ‘wedges’ along it which is one of the deteriorated conditions I have plus in the top of my leg.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi C.,
      I understand it can be difficult and confusing to know how to proceed when you don’t hear the DEXA results you hoped for. But only you can make the decision! You don’t mention whether you have the Program or not, but if you have been following it, chances are your bones are just fine despite the scan results. Remember, density is only one aspect of bone health, as I write in the Program! The big issue is avoiding fractures via tensile strength, and in that regard, you’ve come through with flying colors. 🙂

      So continue researching and gathering data, and decide how you would like to proceed. It’s your health and your body!

      • Marion

        I understand the fact that even though the dexa scan isn’t improved, your bones can be stronger. I find this encouraging. However, there have recently been some questions about dental health for those with osteoporosis. If the dexa scan is lower, what does this mean for one’s dental health?

  7. Liz

    Hi Vivian, What is your opinion on the shingles vaccine? I had chicken pox as a child. Thank you.

  8. Nancy

    Hi Vivian
    didn’t you condemn colostrum before because it weakens the inside of the bones. why are you suggesting it now?

  9. PEGGY

    Dear Vivian,you advocate bovine colostrum for it’s immune boosting properties. In my research I came across a warning about using bovine colostrum because of the danger of mad cows disease etc. Wouldn’t goat or sheep’s colostrum just as good and safer?Kind regards

    • Adriane

      Peggy,
      My understanding is that Mad Cow disease is acquired from eating the brains of contaminated cows. Colostrum is from the milk so I don’t think there would be a concern. Also, you can look for colostrum products from countries like New Zealand who don’t have any issues with Mad Cow disease in their cows.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Thanks for sharing that point, Peggy. I love how you and others in the community continue to do research and share their findings! Definitely do not ingest any colostrum (or any other substance) that you deem to be unsafe based on your research. 🙂

Get Started With Your FREE
Natural Bone Building Kit.

Get a free copy of our ‘Stop The Bone Thieves’ eBook, exclusive content that you can’t find anywhere else, plus vital osteoporosis news and updates.

Get It Free

Get Your Free Bone-Building Kit

FREE

‘Stop The Bone Thieves’ guide, exclusive info, plus vital osteoporosis news and updates.