‘Stop giving antibiotics for coughs and colds, doctors told’. That was this mornings front page headline in the Daily Telegraph. I was ecstatic at the news. Why? Because, as the report said, because over use of the drugs is fuelling the spread of bugs, and superbugs. Antibiotics de pleat our systems and hinder the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. This is well known and those on consistent medication are among those who should definitely take multi-vitamins and minerals.
So, we are left with the question of what do we do with our coughs and colds? There are several answers to this; We must build up our immune system on the one hand – a long term project, and we can also turn to nature’s remedies for the more imminent winter cold.
Bio-Xanthin helps beat colds, flu and winter infections
A less heard of natural boost to our immune system comes in the form of Astaxanthin sold as Bio-Xanthin. Never heard of it? Neither had I until recently. Bio-Xanthin is a highly potent and antioxidant-rich astaxanthin and is known to be an immune system booster and powerful antioxidant that studies show to be 10 times stronger than beta carotene and up to 500 times stronger than Vitamin E. Wow! That is good news this winter for those of you aiming to boost your immune system ready to fend off the inevitable attack from cold and flu viruses and other winter infections.
So what exactly is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a bright red carotenoid that it is extracted from the green haematococcus pluvialis alga. This alga contains the highest known concentration of natural Astaxanthin. It is cultivated in shallow ponds at the point where it turns from green to red, like autumn leaves. The alga works best apparently when mixed with oil. The powerful new Bio-Xanthin supplement is formulated with safflower oil to ensure its maximum potency and usability by the human body is achieved.
Studies show that carotenoids are able to prevent infection. Given that astaxanthin is one of the most potent carotenoids, it follows that it is more active in enhancing the immune response in animals and humans than beta-carotene (2). And this immune system enhancement occurs at dosages as low as 2mg per day.
Carotenoids stimulate the immune system. Furthermore, astaxanthin significantly increases the number of IgG and IgM antibody-secreting cells – the ‘good guys’ that spring into action to defend the body when an infection occurs. Interestingly, tests by Jyonouhi in 1996 showed Astaxanthin to be the only carotenoid to significantly increase the number of IgG cells, even beta carotene didn’t have the same positive effect.
Importantly, Astaxanthin can cross the blood/brain barrier and bond directly with body tissues. Thus its antioxidant benefits reach the brain and central nervous system directly and exert their effect deep into the body. Other antioxidants including beta carotene and lycopene do not have these bonding sites.
As it is relitively cheap, Astaxanthin is a viable way for us to boost our immune systems.
