How to Boost Your Immunity Naturally

Bee propolis is a natural healing remedy that goes as far back as ancient Greece. The word propolis broken down stands for pro, meaning defence, and polis, meaning the city. Translated as ‘defence of the city’, this substances name describes how bees use propolis to protect their hives. Treatments with propolis include wound healing, reducing swelling/inflammation, and more! Many also use bee propolis for immunity support against certain types of bacteria, fungus and viruses. Antioxidant Ever hear of flavonoids? They are chemical compounds found in fruits, vegetables and, yep, propolis (1)! They are a big part of the reason plants aid in keeping us healthy. Flavonoids protect us by acting as an antioxidant. Antioxidants ‘mop up’ unstable compounds that can cause damage around the body, known as free radicals. When you fill your body with rich sources of antioxidants such as bee propolis, it will work to help get rid of these free radicals and prevent this damage from occurring. This antioxidant property is also what decreases inflammation. Inflammation is a natural distress response in the body. At times, inflammation can be uncomfortable (think swelling, heat and pain) and at other times it may not be overtly noticeable, but may still be causing irritation internally. Bee propolis has been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease the associated discomfort (2). Antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal Flavonoids also have promising antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Bee propolis, in particular, has a complex combination of different types of flavonoids. These flavonoids work in balance together to produce these antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects (3). The way in which bee propolis can do this is by slowing down the ability of the virus, bacteria or fungus to replicate. When the replication process slows down, our immune system has a better opportunity to fight back, heal and repair. Bees use nature to create this amazing remedy, and due to different geographical origins, the ingredient list in each batch may vary slightly depending on where the bee is located and where it may have ventured to that particular day. Although slightly different, most, if not all bee propolis offers the amazing therapeutic effects listed above. When it comes to the long history, as well as the present use for bee propolis, the applications are truly endless. From oral wound healing, of things like canker sores, to treatment of allergies, propolis is copious in what it is capable of healing. Isn’t it amazing how much this one little insect contributes to our big world? Bee healthy, bee happy! Amy Wilson References Wagh VD. Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials. Advances in pharmacological sciences. 2013;2013. Campos JF, Santos UP, Rocha PD, Damião MJ, Balestieri JB, Cardoso CA, Paredes-Gamero EJ, Estevinho LM, de Picoli Souza K, Santos EL. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of propolis from the stingless bee Tetragonisca fiebrigi (Jataí). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015. Cushnie TT, Lamb AJ. Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids. International journal of antimicrobial agents. 2005 Nov 1;26(5):343-56.

Your immune system is an amazing army of cells that act like superheroes, fighting off bacteria and viruses. These incredible cells protect you around the clock, and work hard to keep you in good health. When it comes to fueling our immune system, we need to provide it with the proper nutrition. Your immune system needs proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals to be able to function optimally. What your immune system does NOT need is processed foods and refined sugars. Too much sugar can actually weaken your immune defenses for several hours after eating it. So, what can you eat for ideal immune function? Eating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, power-foods like shiitake mushrooms, and drinking protein-filled drinks like bone broth, will ensure adequate nutrition for your immune army. Why bone broth for the immune system? Bone broth packs a big punch, as it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and proteins that fuel the immune system. It is also incredibly soluble, meaning that it takes very little effort for us to absorb and utilize it all around the body. Bone broth may also aid in repairing damage in the gut, that can result from poor diets, food-borne illnesses, chronic stress and disease. Because it is full of essential amino acids, bone broth provides food to the cells in our intestines, which play a big role in our immune system. Keeping our intestinal cells strong and healthy is vital in supporting immune function. What else can bone broth do? Besides supporting the immune system, bone broth can contribute to a number of functions all around the body, such as building and repairing. The proteins found in bone broth come from a rich source of collagen, which is used structurally in the body. Collagen helps the integrity of our skin stay strong and smooth. Protein from collagen is also used in the building and repair of our joints, muscle and tendons. When there is any type of injury, there is a need for quality protein to help repair it, and bone broth is a great source of this. Bone broth can easily be added to your health regime, daily or weekly. Check out our blog for some recipe ideas! This nutrient-rich food has been a dietary staple in many different cultures for centuries for good reason. There is no doubt that individuals are noticing the many benefits of bone broth and are keeping this awesome product in the market! Be sure to include bone broth in your next shop. "Stay healthy, eat well and be happy" Amy Wilson XO

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. While this is unprecedented in modern times and sounds really scary, medical experts around the world are working to slow the spread while a vaccine is created. To help protect ourselves and our loved ones, let's remember to follow their recommendations and make small changes to our daily routines and interactions, including: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water Practicing social distancing (6 feet distance between yourself and others) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when you cough or sneeze Because of the nature of this virus, those who are most at risk are the elderly and those with compromised or weakened immune systems. For the greater good, it is important for all of us to be vigilant about both contracting the virus and spreading it. For more information on the latest from the WHO, visit their website. What can I do to protect myself? At Organika, our goal is and has always been to help people live their healthy best. While scientists are working tirelessly to mitigate the spread and eradicate the virus, we don’t know how long that will take. During these uncertain times, your best shot at protecting yourself and your loved ones is to follow the WHO's recommendations listed above. In addition, now more than ever, we should be taking the steps to living a healthy life and supporting our immune system, our bodies' line of defense, as best as we can. Here are some of our products that can help keep your immunity going strong. Quercetin Quercetin is a type of flavonoid. Flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Quercetin in particular, once absorbed, stays in circulation a long time – which allows it to act as protective for a longer period of time during the day [1]. Some other properties that make Quercetin a great immune support are: It is anti-inflammatory: Quercetin can modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, one major one being TNF-alpha. By doing this, it causes an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing inflammatory markers [2]. It's shown promise as an antiviral: Quercetin stays in circulation for an extended time while providing protection. Past research has shown quercetin to inhibit entry of a virus into human cells, including such viruses as Influenza A [3]. Mushrooms You know we love a good 'shroom. While we can go on and on about them for days, let's keep it to the top 2! Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms have been proven to build blood cells [4]. Production of white blood cells in particular (aka. what is in your immune system!) is aided by shiitakes. Cordyceps: Like shiitake, these are great for building immune cells in the human body [4]. Cordyceps have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, AND antioxidant properties. They can also help combat fatigue. Summing it up, if your immune system is strong, you are more likely to be able to fight off viruses! Bee Propolis When we breathe in pathogens (like bacteria or viruses), they come into contact with our tonsils. Our tonsils, along with enzymes in our oral mucosa, will fight off pathogens and protect the body from them. A spray like Bee Propolis is the perfect companion on a flight! Use it to help fight bad bacteria and viruses, especially when stuck on a plane breathing in recycled air. Bee Propolis is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. Used in a tincture or a spray, it will help support the body during times of sickness threats [5]. Thanks, bees! NAC NAC is a precursor for glutathione, one of the most potent antioxidants in the human body, which helps support any stress the body is going under. It has been shown to improve signs of upper respiratory distress and lung functioning. If you've been following the news, you'll remember respiratory distress is one of the main concerns related to COVID-19. Bone Broth A good diet is probably the number one defense against anything viral. Good diet, exercise and sleep is key. Bone Broth provides our bodies with the vitamins and minerals we need to keep everything working well. So while you're practicing social distancing: Netflix and sip Bone Broth – doctor’s orders! Garlic Garlic is a potent source of allicin, known for its benefits to heart health and traditionally reducing infections of the respiratory tract. It’s a commonly used antiviral and antioxidant. Things might feel a little bit out of our control, but what we can stay on top of is our own actions and doing our best to keep our immune systems in tip-top shape. This can be a nerve-wracking time. It is more important than ever to take care of yourself and those around you. Stay well! Resources Morand C, Crespy V, Manach C, Besson C, Demigne C, Remesy C. Plasma metabolites of quercetin and their antioxidant properties. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 1998 Jul 1;275(1):R212-9. Nair MP, Mahajan S, Reynolds JL, Aalinkeel R, Nair H, Schwartz SA, Kandaswami C. The flavonoid quercetin inhibits proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor alpha) gene expression in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells via modulation of the NF-κβ system. Clin. Vaccine Immunol.. 2006 Mar 1;13(3):319-28. Wu W, Li R, Li X, He J, Jiang S, Liu S, Yang J. Quercetin as an antiviral agent inhibits influenza A virus (IAV) entry. Viruses. 2016 Jan;8(1):6. Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune modulation from five major mushrooms: application to integrative oncology. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal. 2014 Feb;13(1):32. Lotfy M. Biological activity of bee propolis in health and disease. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2006;7(1):22-31.