Women can be stronger than men in a lot of ways – stamina, flexibility, balance, and increased longevity.
But nowhere is the difference between men and women’s strength more apparent than when it comes to the immune system.
Numerous studies prove females produce a much stronger immune response than males. And that this immune protection lasts longer.
Unfortunately, today’s toxic world is taking a toll on the immune system… and this affects women more than men.
According to a new study by the Women’s College Hospital of Toronto, 80% – 90% of those affected by environmental toxins are women.1
This toxicity is apparent especially when it comes to the all-important T cells. These white blood cells play a central role in your adaptive immune response. And when these T cells become damaged by toxins and die, your body becomes older and weaker.
This leaves you vulnerable to chronic diseases and contamination – including everything from infections to cancer.
But strengthening your T cells revives your entire immune defense shield. And empowers it to protect your brain, lungs, and heart – even reverse cellular aging.
A UCLA study backs this up.2 Using a T cell activator, researchers were able to make the immune response stronger by seven-fold after just one intervention. These stronger cells appeared younger, acted faster, and were able to regain their ability to remember germs, viruses, bacteria and other pathogens and invaders.
And they replaced the loss of the immune cells that come with a lifelong exposure to toxins with brand new, vital replacement T cells. In a moment, I’ll show you what this immune activator is…
First, let me tell you that strengthening these cells will protect you from cancer… autoimmune disease… viral respiratory infections… inflammation… fatigue… and diseases associated with aging.
At the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, I’ve been helping my patients restore their T cell levels – and their overall immunity – with an ancient herb proven to boost the body’s natural defense system. It’s called astragalus, and I’ve been using it for 30 years.
Astragalus contains dozens of active, synergistic and supportive components — including immune-boosting saponins, antioxidant flavonoids and dozens of anti-inflammatory, oxygen-rich polysaccharides.
This super adaptogen heightens the efficiency of virtually every component of your immune system and provides your body with a near-impenetrable defense. It does this by triggering the production of immune system stem cells, flooding your body with young, new immune cells ready to battle against any viral or bacterial invader.
Just look at some of the research:
- In addition to increasing production of T cells, astragalus also increases immunoglobulin levels. This helps immune cells attach themselves to harmful viruses, and aid in their destruction.3
- A study conducted in Asia tested over 1,000 people and found that those taking astragalus had fewer colds. And the people who did get a cold had a much quicker recovery time.4
- Another study in Singapore tested 28 people and measured their antibody levels. Fourteen were then given a placebo and 14 were given astragalus. After two weeks, and once more after two months, the participants had their levels measured. The results of the placebo group didn’t change. But, the astragalus group showed a significant increase in the number of antibodies in their systems.5
- Patients with viral myocarditis, a viral infection that causes inflammation of the heart muscle, showed enhanced T cell production after taking an extract of astragalus orally.6 You may recognize myocarditis as the inflammation some patients developed after receiving the Covid vaccine.
Reverse your immune age easily
I’ve been taking astragalus for almost 30 years. And it’s something I recommend to every patient I see at my clinic. Here’s what I suggest…
- Take it as a powder. I suggest taking two to three tablespoons of astragalus root powder daily (about 30-45 grams). You can usually find it already dried and ground at many health-food stores. You can also add the powdered form to various foods and prepared dishes. It has a pleasant, mildly sweet taste.
- Supplement with astragalus. Take 500 mg of the concentrated extract three times a day.
- Turn it into a tea. This is one of my favorite ways to use this herb. The tea is very easy to make. For my special blend, you’ll need:
• A piece of ginger about an inch long
• our tablespoons of lemon juice
• Four tablespoons of honey
• Two to three slices of astragalus root
To make the tea, first boil one quart of water. Scrape the ginger and astragalus root into a container, then add the remaining components. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients, and cap the container. Let it stand for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Strain the mixture one cup at a time.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD, CNS
References:
1. Women’s Health Matters – Environmental Health. Womenshealthmatters.ca. Published 2021. Accessed January 29, 2021.
2. Fauce S, et al. “Telomerase-based pharmacologic enhancement of antiviral function of human CD8+ T lymphocytes.” J Immunol. 2008;181(10), 7400–7406.
3. Li ZX, et al. “Immunomodulatory effects of a new whole ingredients extract from Astragalus: a combined evaluation on chemistry and pharmacology.” Chin Med. 2019; 14: 12.
4. Chang, H., “Pharmacology and applications of Chinese material medica,” World Science 1987
5. Hou, Y., et al, “Interferon induction and lymphocyte transformation stimulated by Astragalus membranaceus in mouse spleen cell cultures,” Zhonghua Weisheng Wuxue Hemian Yixue Zazhi 1981;1(2):137-9
6. Sinclair S. “Chinese herbs: a clinical review of astragalus, ligusticum, and schizandrae.” Altern Med Rev. 1998 Oct;3(5):338-44.