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Biotic Extra: Immune Support During Cold/Flu Season

October 23, 2019

by Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa

With flu season coming up, it’s essential to plan and educate ourselves on ways to support our immune system, stay healthy, and prevent the onset of colds and the flu. Fortunately, naturopathic medicine offers many natural and effective options for immune support that can be used to prevent and treat colds and the flu. One of my favorite treatments for this is a supplement called ‘Biotic Extra.’

Boy sneezing
Image by Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay

Biotic Extra is a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and herbs specifically designed to promote good health by supporting the immune system. The ingredients synergistically support the body’s immune mechanisms to ward off infections or to treat current infections.

The ingredients in Biotic Extra are effective at boosting the immune system, but some of them also have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties that can help keep the body healthy. Therefore, in some cases, it may be used as an alternative to antibiotics, avoiding any potential side effects that may occur with their use. Your naturopathic doctor can determine the appropriate use and proper dosage.

What Are Some of the Ingredients in Biotic Extra, and What Do They Do?

Vitamin A: 

This fat-soluble vitamin is essential to proper immune response. Vitamin A enhances white blood cell function, maintains lymphocytes, enhances resistance to infection, and helps maintain mucous membrane defenses to infection. The mucosal cells (cells that line the airways, digestive tract, and urinary tract) function as barriers and form the body’s first line of defense against infection.

Vitamin B6: 

Studies have demonstrated that vitamin B6 is an essential player in adaptive immunity, including humoral and cell-mediated immunity. It has been shown to affect lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and cytokine and antibody production. It is also necessary for proper zinc utilization, an essential cofactor in antibody production.

Magnesium: 

Magnesium has been the subject of extensive research because it is one of the most critical micronutrients in our bodies. It is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. In particular, magnesium has a strong influence on the immune system in nonspecific and specific immune responses. Magnesium plays a critical role in immune responses, as a cofactor for immunoglobulin synthesis, immune cell adherence, antibody-dependent cytolysis, IgM lymphocyte binding, and macrophage response to lymphokines, and T helper–B cell adherence.

Zinc: 

Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zinc-deficient people experience increased susceptibility to various pathogens. The immunologic mechanisms, whereby zinc modulates increased susceptibility to infection, has been studied for several decades. Zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation within lymphocytes. Zinc is crucial for the healthy development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity, such as neutrophils and natural killer cells.

Bioflavonoids (Citrus): 

These are potent antioxidants that help to support the immune system. Bioflavonoids encompass a large group of nutrients with antioxidant activity. Citrus bioflavonoids, which are part of that group, are derived from the rind and pulp of citrus products. Citrus bioflavonoids are needed for vitamin C to be used effectively by the body. They also lengthen the effectiveness of vitamin C by slowing down its breakdown.

Arabinogalactan: 

Arabinogalactan is derived from the living larch tree, specifically in the cell layer behind the bark. This polysaccharide is a rich carbohydrate that arborists cite as an essential element for recovery after injury to the tree. Research has shown that it stimulates the nonspecific part of your immune system, such as natural killer cells, that help fight off infections.

Myrrh resin (Balsamodendron myrrh): 

Myrrh resin has been shown to have antiseptic, stimulant, tonic, expectorant, and vulnerary properties. It is valuable as a tonic and stimulant for bronchial and lung health.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis): 

Lemon and ginger soup
Photo by Dominik Martin on Unsplash

Ginger, widely used as a medicinal herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, is often added to herbal formulas to support digestion and immunity and increase the activity of other herbs. In the Ayurvedic tradition, ginger is thought to warm the body and help break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs, particularly in the lungs and sinuses. Ginger helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is our body’s way of cleansing our blood. By opening up these lymphatic channels, ginger prevents the accumulation of the toxins that make us susceptible to infections, especially in the respiratory system.

Garlic (Allium sativum): 

Garlic is one of the most well-recognized medicinal herbs and is used in traditional medicines all over the world. The chemistry and pharmacology of garlic is well studied. Garlic is thought to possess numerous multi-faceted antimicrobial properties, including bacterial, viral, and anti-fungal properties. It is also an expectorant and digestive stimulant.

Barberry Root (Berberis vulgaris) and Oregon Grape Root (Berberis aquifolium):

The value of these herbs involves their high content of isoquinoline alkaloids, the most widely studied being berberine. Berberine is said to have a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity. It also has displayed antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Berberine provides many benefits in support of a healthy immune response.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: 

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a substance derived from the seeds, membranes, and pulp of grapefruit. It is used as a broad-spectrum, non-toxic, antimicrobial. It is known to be highly effective for fighting infections and promoting health.

Medicinal Mushrooms (Shiitake, Maitake, Cordyceps): 

Shiitake mushrooms
Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

Mushrooms’ immune-boosting abilities are attributable to their high level of polysaccharides, specifically Beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide found in abundance in fungi/mushrooms. This class of therapeutically active compounds is most widespread within the mushroom kingdom. Within our bodies, they interact with specific fungal-polysaccharide receptors on our immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells).

If you want an effective, natural treatment to use as a preventative or for treatment during this year’s cold/flu season, call 480-588-6856 to schedule a FREE brief meet and greet with a naturopathic doctor to discuss Biotic Extra.

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Filed Under: Naturopathic Wellness

Jill Mapstead
Jill Mapstead
2022-03-22
Can’t say enough about Dr. Marianne Marchese! Her commitment to women’s wellness, calm, knowledgeable, non-judgemental guidance and insightful diagnoses / treatment has me turn to her for all my wellness needs. She takes the time to really listen. I feel heard and valued in her care.
Marc Cohn
Marc Cohn
2022-01-08
We had a great first visit with Dr. Turner and we look forward to continuing to work with her. She provides true support and guidance to better health. Alexandra Cohn
Ivana Kalika
Ivana Kalika
2021-12-24
I'm writing my review for Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa. I met with her a few months ago to receive treatment for a condition I'd been dealing with for an extensive amount of time. She was incredibly kind and took the time to listen to all the details of the symptoms I was experiencing. The office had the prescriptions I needed on-hand so I didn't need to go off-site to find them. All natural remedies, and at comparatively good prices (I don't remember how much exactly, but if they were up-charging, which I doubt, I didn't notice nor would I have minded for the convenience). I'm still symptom-free now after following her recommendations, so I wanted to write a review to express my gratitude. Even though the appointment was pricey, it was worth every single penny to finally be able to live my life feeling normal again. Thank you so much!!
Irene Nicholas
Irene Nicholas
2021-12-15
What's better than a Naturopathic Dr.... Dr. Olivia Watkins!!! I have been working with her for over a year and have learned so much about myself, she is truly a team partner in my journey. She is experienced in ANYTHING you may be experiencing. I consider her my primary physician... you should too!!!
Stephanie Llamas
Stephanie Llamas
2021-11-29
Dr. Watkins is nothing short of incredible. She is kind and personable, while extremely smart and results driven. I have suffered from digestive and hormonal issues my whole life and it wasn't until I met Dr. Watkins that I finally felt heard by a Dr and saw a difference in my health. I can confidently say that my body has never felt this good and we are still working to be even better. If you are ready to feel better and feel heard from your doctor, then run, don't walk to Living Wellness.
D Bach
D Bach
2021-11-10
Dr Olivia Watkins offers a beautiful aura of sincere loving support that I will forever cherish, as she exudes and radiates a beautiful light towards her patients' health care needs. Also, her staff, Joslyn and Ariana are as sweet as they come and have been as helpful as can be to me. One issue I had (and have had a few) was a lack of nutrient absorption and it was Dr Olivia who helped me change that status (thank God!) which I'm already seeing immediate results from and I've had this issue for years which my nails and hair loss were severely revealing! I've also experienced so much stress in the last year and a half, that having Dr Olivia as part of my healing process has made all the difference in my recovery to a more whole being! At this point, I seriously don't know what I'd do without her, as she is now my go-to health advocate and will be to my end days. Dr Olivia is a GodSend! Don't hesitate to call her office. High fives for the brightest healing light you could ever pray for in life! After eight long years, Dr Olivia just recently finished her GM residency and once again, I must congratulate her on such discipline and hard work as it has obviously paid off in spades! Long live Dr Olivia!
Kristin A
Kristin A
2021-09-19
I love Dr. Marchese and so glad I found her last year. She has helped me so much with my health. I have recommended her to several people and they love her too.
Kelly leibrandt
Kelly leibrandt
2021-07-28
Dr. Watkins is life changing! I am so grateful that I was referred to Living Wellness and her specifically. I’ve been dealing with severe stomach issues for 10 years and have gone through the ringer with the test, labs, and over-the-counter medicine suggested by other doctors. Dr. Watkins is so smart, thoughtful, and attentive to every detail so that she can really get down to the bottom of your problems. She feels like a teammate and a very strong coach and a friend all in one. I’m finally on my way to feeling better and I couldn’t have done this without her. If you’re struggling don’t even hesitate to see her or any of the staff at living wellness. I promise you won’t regret it!
Erica Brunkow
Erica Brunkow
2021-03-19
I saw Dr. Warkins several times and was overly impressed her. I was going through cancer treatments and she was compassionate and resourceful. We connected and I felt at such ease with her. She followed up with me multiple times to see how I was doing and feeling. I will continue to see her for any future Gyn needs.
Carey Miller
Carey Miller
2021-03-18
I began to see Dr. Watkins for some general Women's Health issues and she was incredible to work with. She helped my body become more balanced, pain was relieved naturally, and my body was prepared for a healthy pregnancy. She is kind, knowledgable, and very supportive!
Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 27 reviews

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