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1. Vitamin E Enhances Immunity in the Elderly
2. Metabolism and Immunity
3. Why I Don’t Rely On B12 Blood Tests by Dr. Martin
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Vitamin E Enhances Immunity in the Elderly

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune function in older adults, helping to fight off infections and improve overall health. Beyond immunity, vitamin E protects against cell damage, promotes heart and brain health, and supports healthy vision.

As you age, your body changes, and so do your defenses against illness. This defense system is known as your immunity, and it's essential for fighting off infections and staying healthy. Unfortunately, immunity tends to weaken with age, making older adults more susceptible to various health problems. But here's the good news: vitamin E, a powerful nutrient found in many foods, helps boost immunity in seniors.

Understanding Immunity

Your immune system is a complex network of cells and organs that work together to protect your body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. It has two main parts: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is your body's first line of defense, providing a general response to any invader.

Adaptive immunity is a more specific response, targeting particular invaders that your body has encountered before. One aspect of adaptive immunity is cell-mediated immunity, where specific cells directly attack and destroy infected cells.

As you get older, your immune system doesn't function as effectively as it used to. This decline is due to several factors, including changes in the number and function of immune cells. Consequently, older adults become more vulnerable to infections, chronic diseases and slower healing.

A strong immune system is important for preventing illness, promoting longevity and maintaining a good quality of life. When your immune system is weakened, you're more likely to get sick, and it takes longer to recover. This significantly impacts your daily activities, energy levels and overall well-being.

The food you eat plays a key role in supporting your immune system. A balanced diet provides the necessary building blocks for immune cells and processes. What is a balanced diet?

Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are particularly important for optimal immune function.2 Vitamin E is one such micronutrient that has garnered attention for its immune-boosting properties, especially in the elderly.

The Power of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. You can find vitamin E in various foods like nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, but I don’t recommend these foods because of their high linoleic acid (LA) content. Beans, another food rich in vitamin E, are also problematic to some people due to their high lectin content.

Good natural vitamin E sources that do not have negative effects on your health include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, asparagus, red bell peppers, tomatoes, kiwi and mango. Grass fed beef or bison, are also excellent sources. Vitamin E is also available in supplement form, though it's always best to try and get nutrients from whole foods first.

One of vitamin E's primary functions is to act as an antioxidant. Think of oxidative stress as a process that causes "rusting" in your body, damaging cells and contributing to aging and disease. Vitamin E acts like a "rust-proofing" agent, neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals and protecting your cells from damage. This antioxidant activity helps maintain a healthy immune system, especially as you age.

Studies have shown that vitamin E enhances immune response, particularly cell-mediated immunity. It does this by improving the function of various immune cells, including T cells, which are essential for fighting infections. For example, research has demonstrated that vitamin E increases the proliferation of T cells. This means that vitamin E helps your body produce more of these infection-fighting cells, making your immune system stronger and more responsive.

In older adults, vitamin E supplementation has been found to increase immune response and protect against infections. Specifically, one study found that vitamin E supplementation significantly enhanced the response of T cells to stimulation.6

This means that the immune systems of the elderly individuals in the study were better equipped to recognize and fight off infections after taking vitamin E supplements. This is particularly important for older adults who often experience a decline in T cell function, making them more susceptible to illnesses.7

While vitamin E is clearly beneficial for immune function, its benefits extend far beyond boosting your defenses against infection. Think of vitamin E as a guardian of your cells, protecting them from damage and helping them function at their best. This is particularly important as you age, because your cells become more vulnerable to wear and tear.8

One of the major culprits behind this cellular damage is oxidative stress. Imagine your cells as apples. When you cut an apple and leave it exposed to air, it starts to turn brown. This browning is caused by oxidation, a process similar to what happens in your body when free radicals damage your cells. Vitamin E acts like a protective layer, preventing the "browning" of your cells and keeping them healthy.9

This protective effect has far-reaching benefits, contributing to the health of various organs and systems in your body.10 For example, vitamin E's antioxidant action helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Think of your blood vessels as a network of pipes that carry blood throughout your body. Just like rust damages pipes and restricts water flow, oxidative stress damages blood vessels and impedes blood circulation.

Vitamin E helps keep these "pipes" clear and functioning smoothly, reducing your risk of heart disease.11 In addition to heart health, vitamin E also protects against cognitive decline. Imagine your brain as a complex computer. As you age, the "wiring" in your brain becomes damaged, leading to memory problems and cognitive decline. Vitamin E helps protect this "wiring," keeping your brain sharp and functioning optimally.12

Furthermore, vitamin E supports eye health. Think of your eyes as cameras that capture images of the world around you. Just like a camera lens becomes cloudy and distorted, the lens in your eye is also damaged by oxidative stress, leading to vision problems. Vitamin E acts like a lens cleaner, protecting your eyes and preserving your vision.13

By protecting cells and promoting their optimal function, vitamin E helps seniors maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. It's like giving your body the tools it needs to stay young at heart and enjoy a vibrant and active life.

Why Many People Don’t Get Enough Vitamin E from Diet Alone

The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin E is through a healthy diet. However, many people don't get enough vitamin E from their diet alone. This is because the typical Western diet is high in LA, an omega-6 fatty acid that increases your body's need for vitamin E. Therefore, taking vitamin E supplements is beneficial for counteracting the effects of oxidative stress.

If you keep your LA intake below 5 grams per day for approximately three years, you might find that you no longer need to take vitamin E supplements regularly, or you may only need them occasionally. And, if you do have a meal high in LA, taking a vitamin E capsule afterward helps protect your body from the effects of that specific meal.

Once your LA levels are lower, you'll only need around 2 milligrams (mg) of vitamin E for every gram of LA you consume. With a recommended daily LA intake of 5 grams or less, this translates to about 10 mg of vitamin E daily, which is a relatively small amount. Since vitamin E is fat-soluble, it's stored in your fat tissue for a period of time, providing ongoing benefits. For best absorption, it's ideal to take vitamin E with a healthy fat source, like coconut oil.

While vitamin E offers numerous health benefits, excessive intake poses some risks. High doses of vitamin E increase your risk of bleeding and interfere with certain medications. Therefore, follow the recommended dosage and talk to your doctor about any interactions with your current medications.14

How to Choose a High-Quality Vitamin E Supplement

When choosing a vitamin E supplement, it's important to select a natural form, as synthetic versions are less effective and may even pose health risks. Synthetic vitamin E is often labeled as "alpha-tocopherol acetate," with the word "acetate" indicating its synthetic nature. Additionally, many synthetic vitamin E supplements are "racemic," meaning they contain both beneficial and ineffective isomers.

Only the "D" isomer provides health benefits, while the "L" isomer does not. Synthetic vitamin E supplements are also typically less potent than natural options.

To ensure you're getting a natural and effective vitamin E supplement, look for "d-alpha-tocopherol" on the label, which indicates the pure and beneficial "D" isomer. Avoid supplements labeled "dl-alpha-tocopherol," as this indicates a synthetic form.

Overall, vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that significantly enhances cell-mediated immunity, especially in older adults. By incorporating healthy vitamin E-rich foods into your diet, you support your immune system, reduce your risk of infections and improve your health. Remember, a strong immune system is one of your best defenses against illness and a key to a long and healthy life.

Good sources of vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, certain fruits like kiwi and mango, and grass fed meats

While food is the best source of vitamin E, many people benefit from a vitamin E supplement due to high linoleic acid intake in the Western diet, which increases your body's need for vitamin E Look for natural vitamin E supplements (d-alpha-tocopherol) with a full spectrum of tocopherols and tocotrienols, free from soy and GE ingredients

Our recommendation is Standard Process Cataplex E

Metabolism and Immunity

Have a weak immune system and you will have decreased resistance to infections, particularly upper respiratory and ear infections.  You need immunity.

Metabolism impacts the functions of immune cells. The metabolic regulation of the immune system is important.

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat, and drink combined with oxygen which releases energy that you need to function.

The concept of “immunometabolism” was introduced over a decade ago to explain the intricate interplay between metabolism and immunity – the metabolic regulation of the immune system

What can you do about improving your metabolism?

Metabolic impairments can be positively impacted by diet and lifestyle. Improved metabolic function should begin with nutrition,

Environmental physicians, defined as doctors who study the relationship between patients and their environment, see positive changes when nutritional programs are followed and the metabolic issues improved.

What can you do?

There is a breakthrough regarding the Metabolic dysfunction

Immune System Boosting Ingredients in PureLife Care+ with Camel Milk

Lactoferrin: Camel milk contains lactoferrin, which is a key component of the immune system, known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It plays a crucial role in iron regulation and potentially protecting the body from infections.

Lactoperoxidase (LPO): Camel milk contains lactoperoxidase (LPO), which is a beneficial enzyme that exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In oral health, LPO helps maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the mouth.

Immunoglobulins: Camel milk also contains immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies.

Antibodies are a key part of the immune system. They play a crucial role in protecting against infections and diseases. They help the body recognize and neutralize pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Lysozyme: Lysozyme in camel milk is an enzyme naturally found in tears, saliva, and other bodily fluids. It offers several benefits including antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help protect against infections and enhance immune function.

Looking for a natural way to support your immune system health through nutrition?

Look to PureLife Care+ to help you on the journey to a stronger immune system due to a better metabolism and better health.

Learn more about PureLife Care+

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Want to learn more about metabolism?   Improving Metabolism by Understanding Metabolism

Why I Don’t Rely On B12 Blood Tests by Dr. Martin

Hey, It’s Dr. Martin here…

I get asked about B12 testing all the time and I want to share why I’m really not a fan of relying on blood B12 tests alone.

But first let me ask you this, What do these four patients have in common?

“I have hardly any energy, and even if I try to push myself, it feels like something’s blocking me, like I just don’t have enough drive. It feels psychological, but deep down I know it’s not.”

“If my house was on fire, I honestly don’t know how long it would take me to get up and get out.”

“It’s like I’ve got sandbags strapped to my whole body. Everything feels so heavy.”

“Sometimes it feels like there’s something missing deep in my brain, it’s hard to explain. It’s like a heaviness. I can barely keep my eyes open, and even the smallest task feels overwhelming.”

Every single one of these people had a B12 deficiency.

And every single one of them had ‘normal’ blood tests, here’s the thing about testing B12 it’s not as simple as looking at one number. Most doctors just check your serum B12 meaning the B12 floating around in your blood.

But that only shows what’s there right now. It doesn’t tell you how much B12 your body has stored or if your cells can actually use it.

Think of it like this checking your blood B12 is like judging how wealthy someone is by looking at how much cash they’ve got in their wallet right now.

But that doesn’t really tell you anything important.

Someone could have twenty bucks in their pocket and a million in the bank.

Or they could have a wallet full of cash and nothing else to their name.

It’s the same with B12.

That tiny bit floating in your blood is just what’s there at that moment. It doesn’t show what you’ve got in your cells or if your cells can actually use it where it counts.

So just like a wallet full of cash doesn’t prove someone’s really rich. a “normal” serum B12 number doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. It’s not just a small piece of the puzzle and sometimes it’s not part of the real story at all.

Doctors think B12 works like a fat-soluble vitamin that you can build up big stores and be good for weeks or months but that’s not how B12 works at all.

B12 is actually a water-soluble vitamin and your body doesn’t hang on to it for long. Any extra B12 floating around gets flushed out pretty fast. Within two days, about 80% is gone.

So you really need a steady, daily supply.

And here’s the most important part the part hardly anyone talks about.

B12 that’s just sitting in your blood isn’t doing a thing for you.

Let me say that again:

B12 floating around in your blood is not fixing anything.

It’s not healing your nerves.

It’s not giving you energy.

B12 only works when it actually gets inside your cells. That’s where the real repair happens. So you can have a “normal” or even “high” blood level and still feel awful because your cells aren’t getting what they need.

A good number on paper doesn’t mean you’re fine not if that B12 isn’t doing its job where it matters most. In fact, a “normal” or even high level can still hide a real deficiency.

Your body works hard to keep your blood B12 looking steady for as long as possible so it might look fine on paper, while your cells are actually starving for it. By the time your blood B12 finally drops low you’ve probably been running on empty for a long, long time.

This is exactly why relying on just a simple serum B12 test leads to so much needless suffering worldwide.

Right now, we know that about 80% of B12 deficiencies go undiagnosed and that’s only counting the people who actually get tested in the first place!

The bottom line is that doctors have it backwards when it comes to B12

They’re taught to focus on the number first and ignore how you feel. But with B12 it’s your story and your symptoms that really tell the truth.

Let me share one last thing about B12 testing. People always ask me, “Is my B12 number good enough?” But I hope you see now that’s really the wrong question to ask. As I mentioned B12 floating in your blood isn’t what heals you.
It only works when it gets inside your cells and does its job there.

So if you still feel tired, foggy, weak, or just off trust your body. That’s what really tells you if you’re getting what you need.

Read also: What does it mean when your blood test shows high B12 levels?

Why Your Blood Tests Keep Showing up Normal?

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