How It Works

Zinc

Zinc supports immune defenses and the optimal functioning of white blood cells, which means even mild to moderate zinc deficiencies can negatively impact immune function and impair your body’s response to foreign invaders. Zinc also plays a key role in bone health, regulating the delicate balance between bone building and bone breakdown and supporting bone mineralization. Getting enough zinc is important for maintaining healthy brain and nervous system function, memory, and mood. In fact, zinc supplementation has been shown to help anger and mood disorders.

Zinc also supports healthy vision and is essential for the proper functioning of the retina. Zinc is vital for the production of visual pigments in the retina which are crucial for seeing in low light or at night. Plus, zinc supports the prostate gland and healthy testosterone levels.

One of the biggest factors contributing to zinc deficiency is stress (emotional, mental and physical). Another factor affecting zinc levels is age, since the body's ability to absorb and utilize zinc declines as you grow older. In addition, certain gut and digestive disorders, as well as alcohol consumption, can reduce zinc absorption and increase zinc excretion. Vegetarians are also at risk, since plant sources of zinc are not absorbed as well as animal sources. Plus, pregnant and nursing women may require more zinc, as fetal development requires high levels of zinc and lactation may deplete a mother's zinc levels.

It is important to note that zinc is not stored in the body in significant amounts, so consuming adequate zinc daily can pose a challenge, especially for those over 60. Zinc is best absorbed when consumed with protein.

Kelp

Kelp is a type of algae (or sea vegetable) that is highly nutritious and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, including iodine, potassium and zinc. Iodine is an essential trace mineral that supports glandular function, metabolism and energy levels. Kelp is particularly important to the thyroid, a gland acting as the body’s energy thermostat. Kelp's rich supply of nutrients also supports healthy digestion, immunity, proper fluid balance, and respiratory health, as it promotes general well-being.

Thyme

Thyme has been used for many centuries for its flavoring, culinary and medicinal properties. Before the onset of refrigeration, people regularly cooked with thyme to help protect against spoilage. Thyme can also help soothe digestive issues like gas, bloating, and cramping, and may support the gut microbiome. Plus, thyme's protective powers have led to its modern use as a detoxification agent and immune system booster. Thyme has been used for respiratory tract support, specifically for coughs, sore throat, and expelling mucus, as well as for menstrual cramps. Thyme is particularly rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, selenium and zinc, plus important phytonutrients, antioxidants and fiber. According to research, the active constituent, thymol, provides antioxidant and immune-modulatory benefits

Alfalfa

Alfalfa has been used traditionally as a general tonic to help maintain health and well-being. Alfalfa roots grow deep, providing the plant with a rich source of vital nutrients not always found at the ground’s surface. Alfalfa supplies an abundance of vital nutrients, including cleansing chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron and zinc. Alfalfa supports healthy, enriched blood, due in part to its natural iron content. Alfalfa also encourages regular bowel movements, helps detoxify the urinary tract, maintains normal-range blood sugar levels, promotes a healthy immune response, and supports the pituitary gland, which is an essential part of brain health.