Antioxidants, the key to a strong, resilient immune system?

At every moment, we are exposed to influences that can be potentially harmful to our bodies. A complex network of "bodyguards" is responsible for fending off pathogens and disease, and protecting the integrity of our body's cells: our immune system.

However, in this constant struggle, a silent internal threat is developing: free radicals. These unstable molecules, generated by our metabolism and amplified by pollution or poor diet, can damage our cells and DNA, creating an imbalance known as oxidative stress. This stress is directly linked to premature ageing and an increased risk of chronic disease, weakening our body's own defences.

To support and understand our immune system, it's crucial to understand the key role antioxidants play in keeping it strong and resilient. Acting as neutralizers, antioxidants are the guarantors of balance, allowing our innate and acquired immune defenses to function at full capacity without being overwhelmed by oxidative damage..¹

How does our immune system work?

First and foremost, a strong, resilient immune system is essential for quality of life and vitality. Our bodies are constantly exposed to potentially pathogenic agents: bacteria, yeasts, parasites, viruses and harmful substances. Our little personal army, our immunity, has the function of protecting the integrity of our cells and fighting off exogenous aggressors. This complex network is made up of several organs, cell systems, cell types and molecules. Their proper functioning is a guarantee of survival and good health.

So it's the immune system that responds in times of infection and disease, to detect signals from viruses and bacteria, to recognize those from our own cells indicating danger, and in times of cellular damage caused by cancer, sunburn or injury.

The immune system is activated by foreign proteins called antigens, found on the surface of bacteria, yeasts and viruses. This protein triggers an immune reaction that results in the creation of antibodies. These antigens bind to special receptors on immune system cells, triggering a cascade of processes to stop the infection or disease. We have two types of immune response: the innate response, which is non-specific, and the acquired response, which is specific.

The innate immune system

The innate immune system is our first line of defense, a non-specific, ultra-fast protection mechanism present from birth. Unlike the acquired system, it does not adapt, but its strength lies in its reactivity: it identifies the majority of threats and effectively neutralizes them within a few hours. This shield is made up of three crucial elements: physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes, cough reflex) which, with the help of our microbiome, prevent penetration; chemical defenses (gastric acid, enzymes, messengers such as interferons); and specialized cells.

Among them, macrophages "absorb" pathogens and natural killer (NK) cells destroy tumor and infected cells. Key areas such as the intestine, where almost 80% of immune cells reside, also form a strong defense system, reliably repelling many infections before they progress..²

The acquired immune system

The acquired (or specific) immune system is a highly specialized, adaptive defense system capable of learning. It is triggered when the innate system is overwhelmed, taking the time to analyze a specific pathogen and create a targeted response. This mechanism relies on the interaction of B and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes produce antibodies perfectly adapted to neutralize the invader.

T lymphocytes, on the other hand, monitor the body's cells, activate antibody production, and include "killer" cells that destroy infected or diseased cells. The key feature of this system is immune memory: once a pathogen has been defeated, memory cells persist, ensuring a much faster and more effective response to future encounters with the same intruder..³

Antioxidants: why are they so important?

To cultivate a strong, resilient immune system, stay healthy and delay premature aging, the role of antioxidants is crucial. To neutralize free radicals, antioxidants provide them with the missing electron. It is this missing electron that makes these molecules unstable and aggressive. They are naturally generated by the metabolism, but their production is greatly increased by external factors: pollution, tobacco consumption, a poor diet that is acidifying and pro-inflammatory, chronic stress, overtraining, prolonged exposure to the sun, etc. - in other words, many of the elements that make up our modern lives.

These highly reactive molecules can cause cellular damage through a process known as oxidation. This process is similar to the way rust develops on metal.

If the body lacks antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, the internal balance is upset, and the body enters a state of chronic oxidative stress. For the immune system, this has direct and serious repercussions. Free radicals begin to damage vital cellular components, including the membranes and DNA of immune cells.

This damage reduces their effectiveness and ability to respond to pathogens. Essentially, a lack of antioxidants depletes the body's defenses, leading to persistent inflammation, weakened immunity, and making the body more vulnerable to infections, chronic inflammatory diseases and accelerated cellular aging.⁴

Maintaining a sufficient daily intake of antioxidants is therefore fundamental to ensuring the resilience and optimal performance of our defense mechanisms. To maintain balance and protect cells, it is essential to consume sufficient antioxidants, while cultivating a healthy lifestyle to reduce sources of oxidation.

What are the best sources of antioxidants in food?

To ensure an adequate supply of the various antioxidant nutrients, it is advisable to eat a varied diet rich in colorful foods such as fruit and vegetables. In fact, pigments such as beta-carotene and polyphenols are the most common antioxidants. Vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals such as selenium and zinc, are also important antioxidants.³

To incorporate these protective shields into your daily routine, choose the following foods:

• Beta-carotene (Provitamin A) Look for dark orange and intense green foods.

Sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, kale, apricots.

• Polyphenols (Flavonoids, Resveratrol, etc.) Powerful cell protectors, often found in bitter or highly colored foods.

Sources: red berries (blueberries, strawberries, elderberries, camerberries), green tea, cocoa (dark chocolate), nuts, red grapes, artichokes, parsley, Brussels sprouts, etc.

• Vitamin C : Essential for immunity and protection against oxidation.

Sources: Red peppers, citrus fruits (orange, kiwi), blackcurrants, strawberries, fresh parsley.

• Vitamin E : Specifically protects cell membranes from oxidation.

Sources: Almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, avocado.

• Selenium : A mineral that supports antioxidant enzymes.

Sources: Brazil nuts (3 nuts are enough for daily intake), fish and seafood, meat, eggs.

• Zinc : Fundamental to immune function and DNA repair.

Sources: Oysters, red meats and poultry, pumpkin and sesame seeds, legumes.

To support our ever-present immunity and prevent the rise of oxidative stress, eating a lively, varied and colorful diet is the first key. This nutritional approach fosters homeostasis, the constant search for internal balance within each of us. But while this dietary foundation is essential, it is sometimes insufficient. Given the ever-increasing presence of oxidative stress in our modern lifestyle, the addition of a concentrated antioxidant supplement is an excellent way to ensure constant, targeted support for our bodies.

Among the wide variety of antioxidants, the polyphenol family stands out for its particularly powerful role. These compounds are the focus of much scientific research for their promising action in the prevention of and support against cancer, inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

These molecules are produced in large quantities by certain plants, such as elderberry, to protect themselves from environmental aggressions (UV rays, harmful insects, parasites). When consumed by humans, these polyphenols have a modulating effect on the immune response, contributing to the strength and resilience of our defences.^{3, 5, 6}

Fruitomed's Immunia range

The story of Fruitomed is the result of a family passion that began in Quebec's Chaudière-Appalaches region, with the planting of black elderberry (sambucus nigra/canadensis) fields in 2010 by sister company Au Versant du Sureau. Born of a desire to make powerful antioxidants more readily available, even out of season, Fruitomed specializes in the processing of local berries, grown organically and naturally by Quebec producers.

Thanks to a unique cold concentration process, the company guarantees the preservation of bioactive molecules, offering an exceptional concentration of polyphenols. The result: the IMMUNIA range. Certified by Health Canada and recognized as a pioneer in Quebec elderberry-based products, IMMUNIA products offer you an effective and delicious solution to modulate your immune system, support your intestinal balance and let you benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of Quebec's most powerful fruit.

In the IMMUNIA products, elderberry, the most versatile of all Quebec berries. With no added sugar, you'll enjoy the delicious taste of elderberry and other Quebec berries in their purest form. In addition to its high concentration of polyphenols, elderberry is rich in vitamin C. Berries offer many benefits for your immune health: immune modulator, antiviral, anti-catarrhal, diaphoretic, expectorant, anti-allergic and, of course, antioxidant.

Several studies have confirmed elderberry's efficacy against more than 10 viral strains.⁸including influenza A and B, which cause the flu. By binding to viruses, polyphenols prevent them from penetrating host cells and infecting the host.

For many years, this small fruit has been used in herbal medicine for cold and flu symptoms, such as coughs, sore throats, fevers and acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract, as in the case of allergies. Taking it as a preventive measure reduces the risk of infection, and in the event of infection, reduces the duration and severity of symptoms.⁵ The benefits of this berry cover a much wider area, supporting all kinds of infections, whether in the digestive tract, kidneys or skin.⁸

Immunia Synergy

The formula Immunia Synergy is a composition of five of Quebec's most antioxidant berries: elderberry, camerberry, wild blueberry, aronia and blackcurrant. This unique formula contains a high concentration of 67 flavonoid polyphenols: anthocyanins, quercetins, rutins, resveratrols, proanthocyanidins, dihydromyricetins, catechins and more.

This synergy optimizes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-influenza and immunomodulatory benefits. It can therefore be considered as a preventive measure against oxidative stress, to modulate and regulate our immune system, relieve inflammatory pain, improve recovery after exercise, and promote the balance of the intestinal microbiota through the presence of prebiotics.

Immunia Fusion

With Immunia Fusion, take a preventive approach with this concentrate of elderberries, elderflowers and other antioxidant fruits. Ideal against minor viruses, this formula combines the benefits of Immunia Synergy with the antihistaminic benefits of elderflower. Daily consumption of this formula will boost your immune system for the prevention of colds, flu and sinusitis, particularly to modulate an allergic terrain, which tends to deplete vitality and immunity.^{7, 8} Interesting for autumn allergies, not only to calm allergy symptoms, but also to maintain strong immunity in anticipation of the first winter viruses.

Immunia Kids

Elderberry is recognized as the remedy of choice for children. In Immunia Kids it's combined with Quebec wild blueberries to create a delicious synergy that little ones love. Your kids will come back for more! Supporting their immunity in prevention or during viral infections will be that much easier.

Elderberry is the number one plant for respiratory ailments in children, making it easy to work through fevers without increasing them, while its calming effect helps to keep feverish children at bay. Thanks to its depurative action, elderberry extract is also excellent for soothing skin problems such as eczema, which often affects toddlers. It is safe for use from the age of 2, and as an immune tonic, it can be used without reservation.

In conclusion

In our modern world, many factors constantly increase our oxidative stress, such as pollution, exposure to toxins and chronic stress. An increased intake of antioxidants, as a complement to a healthy, colorful diet, is therefore crucial to help our body maintain its balance and the full capacity of its immune system, especially during the winter months.

For those looking for targeted, high-quality support, the IMMUNIA range is designed to do just that, with elderberry as its flagship ingredient. By delivering these powerful antioxidants to immune cells, elderberry supports the resilience of our defense system in the face of oxidative stress, contributing to a stronger, more capable body. Ensuring a daily intake of antioxidants is an investment in the strength and longevity of your inner shield.

*This information about our products and their components is for general information purposes only. It is in no way intended to suggest a diagnosis or course of treatment, nor is it a substitute for follow-up with your physician.

About the author

Laurence Couture-Dubé, ND.A.

Naturopath certified with ANAQ

Supporting women as a whole: Vitality & Female Hormonal Balance - Digestion & Microbiota - Fertility & Perinatality

laurence.couturedube@gmail.com

www.centrelespace.ca

819-918-6709

References

1. https://www.fruitomed.com/role-des-antioxydants/

2. https://www.avogel.ca/fr/sante/systeme-immunitaire/fonctions-du-systeme-immunitaire.php

3. https://www.mangervivant.fr/20-aliments-antioxydants/

4. https://nfh.ca/fr/role-des-nutriments-antioxydants-naturels-dans-la-prevention-des-maladies-humaines-autres-que-le-cancer-et-les-maladies-cardiovasculaires-par-dr-a-v-rao-phd-et-dr-l-g-rao-phd/

5. https://www.fruitomed.com/antioxydant-anti-inflammatoire-naturel-voies-urinaires-microbiote/

6. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory role of polyphenols, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa,Ottawa, ON K1H8L1, Can School of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

7. https://www.aroma-zone.com/page/fleur-de-sureau-definition-proprietes-et-bienfaits

8. Sambucus nigra/canadensis, EESNQ medicinal plant course, by Véronique Bourdeau, 2015