Food supplement – Sea buckthorn for immune support
Sea buckthorn – your immune coach, companion for women’s health and protector of your cells against oxidative stress.
The best defence against threats to our body is a highly effective and intelligent protection system – our immune system. This can be sustainably supported through the targeted intake of immune-active micronutrients.
Here you will learn what else can help you strengthen your immune system and what opportunities there are to specifically boost your immune defences with the support of sea buckthorn. We will also reveal the best tips and tricks for stimulating, supporting and building up your immune system.
The functions of the immune-active nutrients contained in Bio Sea Buckthorn Fresh Elixir +C, Immuno Plus and Bio Sea Buckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil:
| Immune-active micronutrient | Its contribution to your body |
| Vitamin C | A good supply of vitamin C supports your immune system and helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, especially during the darker season. |
| Vitamin D | In autumn / winter, the sun is too low in the sky in Austria for vitamin D to be produced through the skin. Therefore, during this time our body depends on obtaining it through food and food supplements. |
| Vitamin A | Vitamin A supports the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose and throat as well as in the intestines. Healthy mucous membranes form an important protective shield against environmental pathogens. |
| Zinc | One of the best-known immune nutrients of all, and at the same time part of one of the most important systems protecting against oxidative stress at cellular level. |
| Vitamin E | As a natural antioxidant, it protects cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. |
Preserving the active compounds in sea buckthorn effectively and sustainably
To preserve the active compounds from natural, high-quality vitamin sources, it is crucial that they are processed gently. To achieve this, we use innovative production methods, such as the patented cold-stirring process. Our Bio Sea Buckthorn Fresh Elixir +C is never heated. This means that vitamins and secondary plant compounds remain fully intact – making it the closest thing to consuming fresh sea buckthorn berries directly from the shrub. At SANDICCA, we refer to this as fresh food supplementation. It is characterised, among other things, by particularly high bioavailability.
Our two cold-processed organic sea buckthorn oils, Bio Sea Buckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil and Bio Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, are also certified as food supplements. The production of our Bio Sea Buckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil is particularly innovative, as it is obtained from the berry’s liquid fruit pulp.
Strengthening the immune system with vitamins A, E and much more
Both sea buckthorn oils naturally contain exceptionally high levels of vitamins A and E and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid), respectively.
The beta-carotene contained in sea buckthorn fruit pulp oil, the precursor to provitamin A, is particularly supportive in women’s health when dealing with dry mucous membranes in the intimate area, for example during menopause. The supportive effects of sea buckthorn have been demonstrated by numerous studies. A study published in 2014 in the specialist journal Maturitas1 made it possible to evaluate the therapeutic interest of sea buckthorn berries for vaginal atrophy.
Just two teaspoons of it cover around 86% of the daily vitamin E requirement, among other things; as highly bioavailable alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E protects cells from free radicals and thus from oxidative stress. Here, bioavailability refers to the speed at which an active compound enters the bloodstream from its existing form.
Strengthen your immune system: 12 tips for better immune defences
How exactly do sea buckthorn oils help strengthen the immune system, and what else can you do to support your immune system? We have put together the most important recommendations for you.
1. Strengthen the immune system with vitamins and minerals
The right micronutrients, such as zinc and vitamins C and D, support the body’s own immune system and thus make a valuable contribution to your immune defences. An adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is important for all body systems – including the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive and reproductive systems.
2. Strengthen the immune system through a healthy diet
Fresh, seasonal foods from the region provide your body with a generous portion of valuable vitamins and minerals. A healthy, balanced diet supplies your body with important nutrients. Plants containing many bitter compounds can in particular support the excretory organs. A varied diet for a strong immune system also includes legumes such as beans and lentils. Dietary fibre is good for your gut microbiome, which contains bacteria that support the body’s own defences.
3. Strengthen the immune system by staying hydrated
Reduced fluid intake is one of the reasons for dried-out mucous membranes. Those who drink too little are not only tired and exhausted, but also more susceptible to infections. Due to the lack of moisture, viruses and bacteria cannot be transported away sufficiently. Nasal secretions and saliva also contain substances involved in non-specific immune defence, such as lysozyme. This is a substance that destabilises bacterial cell walls. Therefore, make sure you drink enough fluids, preferably water and unsweetened herbal teas, such as the SANDICCA Amalinta tea blend – it offers protective power with sea buckthorn berries and leaves, echinacea and thyme.
4. Strengthen the immune system through sport and exercise
Sport is a true immune booster! Very specific effects on immune defence can be measured. Exercise in the great outdoors stimulates circulation and blood flow, lifts your mood and supports restful, healthy sleep. Regular physical activity helps strengthen the immune system. It strengthens not only your muscles, but also your body’s defence cells. Consistency is particularly important. To strengthen your immune system through exercise, you do not need to overexert yourself. Three half-hour sessions per week are sufficient.
5. Strengthen the immune system through fresh air and light
UV radiation stimulates vitamin D production through the skin, and your immune defences need vitamin D to function normally. Anyone who spends too little time in the sun and does not take a vitamin D supplement runs the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
6. Strengthen the immune system by reducing stress
People who are frequently stressed release more cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, also known as the stress hormone, because the body increases its release during stress in order to react more effectively to perceived dangers. This has a negative effect on blood pressure and is involved in immunological processes by actively influencing the production and distribution of leukocytes. Leukocytes are the white blood cells responsible for defending against infections and are central components of the immune system.
Regular relaxation exercises are useful for actively counteracting this. Research indicates that mindfulness meditation can positively influence various immune parameters. Good relaxation techniques include methods such as yoga or tai chi, as well as autogenic training.
7. Strengthen the immune system through sufficient sleep
Getting enough sleep is also important, as the immune system produces and learns immune cells during periods of rest. Insomnia can therefore drastically reduce the number of defence cells and weaken the immune system. Ideally, you should sleep for 7–8 hours, giving your body enough time to recover. During the night, the immune system works at full speed and produces, for example, increased numbers of white blood cells.
8. Strengthen the immune system through a healthy digestive system
80 percent of all defence cells are located in the intestines. For this reason, a healthy digestive system is extremely important for a strong immune system. Provitamin A can provide particular support here. The provitamin A contained in Bio Sea Buckthorn Fruit Pulp Oil promotes cell renewal and skin regeneration for your mucous membranes and provides support when taken orally.
9. Strengthen the immune system through kissing
A tender kiss releases endorphins in your body and reduces stress, relieving the burden on the immune system. Kissing can also be regarded as a little immune therapy in between.
10. Strengthen the immune system through saunas and alternating showers
Regular sauna visits are relaxing and help strengthen our immune system. Alternating between hot and cold trains the blood vessels, enabling them to adapt better to changing temperatures. This can reduce heat loss in a cold environment and prevent the mucous membranes from cooling down too much. By the way: Sauna sessions should be enjoyed not only during the cold season, but also in summer. However, if you already have a cold, you should avoid going to the sauna. The major temperature fluctuations can put too much strain on the body.
11. Strengthen the immune system with clean hands
We have known since long before Covid-19 that bacteria are usually transmitted via the hands. And since, on average, we touch our faces with our fingers every four minutes, we make it easier for them to attack. Admittedly, this also supports our natural immune system, but being mindful of it and reducing contact with the face is beneficial. Therefore: Keep your hands away from your face and wash them often and thoroughly.
12. Strengthen the immune system by avoiding smoking and alcohol
Alcohol and nicotine, like stress, are typical risk factors that can lead to a weakened immune system. Regular alcohol consumption inhibits the activity of defence cells. Nicotine interferes with the work of the white blood cells responsible for detecting and destroying pathogens.
