In a perfect world, we’d get enough sleep every night, keep our stress levels to a minimum, and eat a diet so healthy a nutritionist would be proud. But most of us probably don’t live our lives that way, even if we’d like to. When we’re lacking in any of these areas, our body’s systems that work to protect our health by keeping viruses and harmful bacteria at bay can become weakened. This opens the door to illness.

Fortunately, we can do something to bolster our immunity and nourish all the body’s systems that work to keep us from falling ill. Nature’s Way formulated its SystemWell Ultimate Immunity with all of these systems in mind. In addition to the basic nourishment provided by vitamins A, C, and D, and the minerals selenium and zinc, SystemWell includes key herbs, probiotics, and other botanicals that are intended to support specific body systems. The systems supported by this formula and a few of the 28 other key ingredients are described below.

Cellular
Maitake, shiitake, yamabushitake, and reishi mushrooms support the immune system by stimulating certain cells, such as natural killer cells whose job is to “kill” tumor cells or cells infected with viruses.

Circulatory
Garlic is included for its antiviral and immune-stimulating properties. One clinical study found that regular users of garlic suffered from colds less often than the non-garlic group.

Digestive
Probiotics appear to enhance the immune system and offer protection from bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Studies suggest that supplementing the diet with probiotics can help reduce the risk of developing a cold and shorten its duration when you do catch one. SystemWell includes a Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria probiotic blend plus fructooligosaccharides (FOS) necessary for the probiotics’ growth.

Epidermal
Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Besides serving as a physical barrier to keep out viruses and other germs, it has immune cells located throughout its layers. Some cells in the skin even produce antibacterial secretions. Gotu kola and aloe leaf have been added to support this system.

Lymphatic
The lymphatic system works to produce lymphocytes, white blood cells that make antibodies. It also harbors macrophages, which eat foreign invaders, such as germs, in the lymph nodes. Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) boosts lymphocyte counts and other immune-cell activity.

Respiratory
Thyme leaf has a long history of medicinal use as a treatment for a variety of respiratory ailments causing coughing, asthma, and laryngitis. There is some research suggesting it even has antiviral activity.

Systemic
Echinacea purpurea and astragalus root are two well-known herbs included for their immune-enhancing properties. Many studies support the use of echinacea to ward off colds, especially if it is a quality sample and is taken at the very first sign of symptoms.

Tips
SystemWell may be especially useful when a special event is approaching. On your wedding day or during final exams, you’ll want to avoid illness at all costs. Other important times include preceding a trip or while traveling, and especially during cold and flu season.

—M. Witt