Understanding the Immune System & On Guard Chewable Tablets

<<7>> Hi, I'm Dr Brannick Riggs,

<<8>> Vice President of Education at dōTERRA International.

<<11>> And I have with me today Dr Alexandra Nitsche,

<<13>> who's a part of our Scientific

<<15>> and Medical Education Committee.

<<17>> Alexandra, how are you?

<<18>> I'm fine, thank you, and you, Brannick?

<<20>> I'm good, good to be with you today.

<<22>> So Alexandra, the immune system is a really complex system.

<<27>> Can you help us understand it in maybe a more easy way?

<<31>> The immune system is a complex network

<<35>> of cells, organs, and also proteins

<<39>> who are defending our body against infection.

<<43>> We have in our environment around us a lot of

<<46>> bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites,

<<50>> and we are in contact with this environment

<<54>> every moment in our life because we are alive.

<<58>> So we have to breathe, we have to eat, we have to drink,

<<62>> we have to touch things with our skin.

<<64>> And then, all these germs try to go in our body

<<66>> And then, all these germs try to go in our body

<<69>> and try to grow there because it's nice for them there.

<<72>> And when they can grow, they can harm us,

<<75>> harm our metabolic system, they can harm our microbiome,

<<80>> they already could kill us.

<<81>> So, we need a really good defense system against this,

<<86>> and this is our immune system.

<<88>> Yeah, so it's amazing, that the immune system has to balance

<<91>> between the environment that is potentially good for us,

<<95>> that we want on our skin, in our bodies,

<<98>> in our respiratory tract,

<<99>> those things that are helpful for us,

<<101>> and differentiate those from those things

<<104>> that can be problematic for us,

<<106>> that we could still get from the environment

<<108>> that could be causing us harm.

<<109>> So, there's a couple of different sides

<<111>> of the immune system, let's talk about that.

<<113>> What are the different sides of the immune system?

<<116>> We have the unspecific immunity

<<119>> and we have the specific immunity.

<<122>> So we have two sides with different types of immunity.

<<125>> So let's talk about the unspecific side for a moment.

<<128>> What is it and what does that do for us?

<<130>> Give us an example of an unspecific

<<132>> part of the immune system.

<<134>> The unspecific immunity

<<136>> is also called our innate immunity.

<<138>> It's congenital, it's a really old defense system,

<<143>> deep in our genes, and it reacts

<<148>> within minutes, so it's really fast

<<151>> and it acts with a barrier function.

<<155>> And in this barrier function involved is our skin,

<<158>> our mucosa, and also our gut.

<<162>> And if the germs can go through this barrier,

<<166>> then we have a second part, we have then cellular immunity.

<<172>> Yeah, so that innate part of the immune system

<<175>> is really that first line of defense, right?

<<178>> When we think of a castle, for instance,

<<180>> it's, okay, we've got a wall around the castle

<<182>> and it's meant to protect us.

<<184>> And then we have a secondary line of defense

<<186>> that when that wall is compromised,

<<188>> when something is coming in,

<<190>> now we have another way to get at it

<<191>> that's more specific towards the attacker,

<<195>> towards something that's attacking us, right?

<<197>> Of course.

<<198>> Let's talk about that for a minute.

<<199>> How does that work within that specific part

<<202>> of the immune system, when we're looking at specific things,

<<206>> how does that work for us?

<<208>> At first in this unspecific way,

<<210>> we have an army of immune cells

<<214>> like our leukocytes, our white blood cells,

<<218>> or our natural killer cells, or also our macrophages,

<<223>> so we have a lot of cells working in the system.

<<227>> But we have also this specific immunity,

<<231>> and in this specific immunity we have an adaptive,

<<236>> but we have also a passive immunity

<<239>> and they are really different.

<<242>> Yeah, the adaptive immune system, let's talk about that

<<246>> and then we'll go back to the passive immune system.

<<248>> Let's talk about that adaptive immune system.

<<250>> So now we have something that specifically has affected us.

<<255>> What is that part of the immune system doing for us?

<<260>> So this immune system is working

<<261>> a little bit like a computer.

<<264>> So we have now new information.

<<266>> This information is the germs

<<269>> or the pathogens that try to harm us.

<<272>> And now our adaptive system,

<<276>> this system is adapting our whole life,

<<279>> is recognising now that we have an enemy in our body.

<<283>> And it forms antibodies, and these antibodies are tailored

<<288>> specific to the antigens, to these pathogens,

<<293>> and it's tailored to the mission.

<<295>> So, we have these antibodies, they mark the pathogens

<<300>> with little flags, or like little flags on it,

<<303>> so the cells in the immune system who can destroy them,

<<308>> they see them and can go there, like our T cells,

<<312>> the natural killer cells, or also other cells.

<<317>> We have in this system our B cells also.

<<321>> And it's really interesting that this adapting part,

<<326>> that needs time, up to 14 days,

<<330>> when we have these antibodies in our system,

<<334>> then it's like a software update,

<<336>> so the next time our body can react faster.

<<341>> It's amazing to me that we have to be exposed to things

<<345>> for our system to get updated.

<<347>> So if there is something that is in

<<350>> a completely different part of the world

<<352>> that I'm never exposed to,

<<353>> my immune system doesn't have an ability to react to that,

<<357>> but the things that are in my environment

<<359>> that I'm constantly exposed to,

<<361>> my system gets that update and is able to react very,

<<364>> very quickly to those things, right?

<<366>> It's pretty fascinating,

<<367>> but that computer doesn't start working

<<369>> right when we're born, does it?

<<371>> It takes some time.

<<373>> So this is where that other system comes in

<<375>> that we actually have some benefit from mum.

<<379>> Yes.

<<380>> So tell me about that.

<<380>> That's a really great example

<<382>> for the passive immune system because it's only borrowed.

<<387>> It did not last for a long time,

<<389>> only for a few weeks or a month.

<<392>> And this is a gift from the breastfeeding.

<<395>> So from the breast milk from

<<398>> from mothers to the baby

<<400>> because they give their own antibodies,

<<403>> their own immunity to the babies

<<405>> and can protect the babies for a short time.

<<409>> But this is really, really important,

<<412>> and then after this time the babies can learn themselves

<<417>> because then they are strong enough

<<419>> and can build up their own immunity.

<<421>> One more thing that mums do for us, right?

<<423>> Yes.

<<424>> They give us their immunity, they give us life

<<426>> and then they give us their immunity for a time

<<428>> until our systems are ready to start

<<431>> learning our environment.

<<433>> I find that parents sometimes want

<<435>> to keep their children out of the environment

<<438>> because they're afraid that they'll get dirty

<<440>> or they'll get exposed to some things.

<<442>> But really children need that exposure,

<<445>> they need to be playing in the dirt,

<<446>> they need to be playing outside,

<<447>> they need to be playing with other children

<<448>> so that their computers can get those updates, right?

<<451>> Of course.

<<452>> And they can be better and better.

<<453>> I always say, a child that

<<456>> gets sick when they're young

<<459>> will be very healthy when they're old

<<461>> because their immune system

<<462>> gets that update very constantly.

<<465>> And so don't be too afraid

<<466>> of keeping your children out of those environments

<<468>> where their systems can learn.

<<469>> And the systems, they work together.

<<472>> So our antibodies from the adaptive system,

<<476>> they're activating our complement system

<<478>> in the unspecific innate system.

<<481>> And this is so amazing that this function

<<485>> or these types are working so perfectly together.

<<489>> So we have a really perfect defense system

<<491>> and we have to take care about it.

<<493>> Are there things that compromise the immune system?

<<496>> Are there things that we do

<<498>> that can compromise that immune system

<<500>> of not performing optimally?

<<502>> Of course, a lot of things

<<504>> can compromise our immune system,

<<506>> like an unhealthy diet with

<<509>> a lack of diversity in our diet,

<<512>> a lack of sleep,

<<514>> stress can also influence our immune system

<<517>> because we release glucocorticoids steroids,

<<520>> and they inhibit cytokines in our body.

<<524>> Age, if we are getting older,

<<526>> then our immune system is not working so well

<<529>> than in younger ages.

<<531>> Also things like toxins from outside

<<534>> and also nicotine, drugs, and alcohol can influence.

<<539>> Fear can influence our immune system.

<<542>> That's amazing, an emotion.

<<543>> Yeah, emotions, that's right.

<<545>> And also diseases, like immune suppression,

<<548>> because of diseases or because of drugs,

<<551>> could be a problem for our immune system.

<<554>> So we have to be pretty vigilant about having things

<<558>> that don't negatively impact our immune system.

<<561>> What about things that support the immune system?

<<564>> Are there things, activities,

<<566>> lifestyles that support the immune system

<<568>> to help it respond more appropriately?

<<572>> Of course, at first we have to avoid the things

<<575>> that compromise our immune system.

<<577>> Maybe the harder part, right?

<<579>> Of course, yes.

<<580>> And we talk a little bit about the Wellness Chart,

<<583>> and if we have a look at the Wellness Chart,

<<586>> all these things are supporting our immune system,

<<589>> like our nutrition and digestion.

<<592>> We have to eat a healthy diet with a diversity of food.

<<597>> We have to go out in nature, move there,

<<602>> and go out in the sun.

<<604>> And sunlight is so important for our immune system

<<607>> because it influences it significantly

<<610>> because of the vitamin D.

<<612>> 80-90% of the vitamin D is

<<616>> produced by our skin,

<<618>> but for this we need sunlight, or better, UVB radiation.

<<624>> And the interesting thing

<<625>> is that we have cells in the immune system

<<628>> with so-called toll-like receptors.

<<632>> And these little receptors on the surface of the cell,

<<635>> they are activated when we have enemies in our body.

<<640>> So when there is an infection, they will be activated

<<643>> and give a signal to the immune cell.

<<646>> Then, the cell is producing a precursor of vitamin D

<<651>> and new receptors for active vitamin D.

<<655>> And when we go out walking in the sun, in the forest,

<<658>> outside, then the sun is converting this

<<663>> precursor vitamin D to an active vitamin D,

<<666>> and the active vitamin D can react with these receptors.

<<670>> And now these receptors are sending a new signal to the cell

<<675>> and this cell will release now a new molecule,

<<679>> the cathelicidin, and this molecule

<<681>> is a defense molecule for our skin.

<<685>> So we have a great interaction

<<688>> and support for our immune system with sunlight,

<<691>> but also other steps from our Wellness Chart, like sleeping,

<<696>> resting, avoid stress or only get positive stress.

<<701>> Then not to get toxic substances in our body.

<<707>> These are really important in supporting our immune system.

<<710>> Yeah, so that lifestyle Wellness Chart,

<<713>> really does support the immune system

<<716>> and helps us avoid those things

<<718>> that compromise the immune system.

<<721>> So what fuel does the immune system use?

<<723>> What are the things that the immune system burns through

<<727>> when it's activated?

<<728>> What things does it need?

<<730>> It needs nutrients like vitamin C and zinc.

<<735>> These nutrients are different to vitamin D

<<738>> because they are vital,

<<739>> so they are essential.

<<742>> We can't make these nutrients ourselves in our bodies,

<<746>> so we have to take it with our food or our diet.

<<752>> Zinc for example, is really, really important.

<<756>> We have more than 3 million children dying every year

<<760>> because they don't have enough food with zinc in it.

<<764>> Zinc is a good supporter for the immune system.

<<768>> Zinc can help release different

<<773>> hormones and enzymes for the RNA.

<<777>> Zinc has a key role in the metabolism

<<782>> for fat, proteins and also sugar.

<<787>> And zinc is also an important factor for the immune system

<<792>> because if the immune system is overacting,

<<796>> then zinc brings the immune system into balance again.

<<801>> So I think this is also

<<802>> a really interesting thing zinc can do.

<<805>> Vitamin C is also a vitamin we could get

<<810>> so easily if we would eat fresh fruits every day.

<<815>> And vitamin C is great for our immune cells

<<819>> because it's protecting our cells from oxidative stress,

<<823>> and vitamin C has a function

<<827>> that it promotes the production of white blood cells,

<<830>> and the white blood cells

<<832>> are also fighters in our immune system.

<<835>> And this is really great at supporting.

<<838>> Then I would like to talk about beta-glucan,

<<842>> because beta-glucan is a really smart thing.

<<847>> It's a yeast and if we are eating this yeast

<<852>> then it's undigestible,

<<856>> so we get it in an undigested form in our small intestine.

<<861>> And then cells like

<<866>> neutrophil granulocytes

<<867>> and macrophages came,

<<869>> and the macrophages, they try to destroy it.

<<872>> And with this destroying, they activate the immune cells

<<877>> like the neutrophil granulocytes,

<<879>> and they are activated because of this work.

<<882>> So if I have at the same time harmful germs in my body,

<<887>> then the activation of the immune system

<<890>> is faster than in a normal way.

<<893>> So it's a trick to have a faster immune response

<<899>> when needed if I take a yeast like the beta-glucan.

<<903>> So can you tell us, that's fascinating

<<905>> and I appreciate that insight into the beta-glucan,

<<908>> I think it's a very important piece.

<<910>> And the fact that the vitamin D, the vitamin C, the zinc

<<914>> are helpful not only in boosting

<<918>> and supporting the immune system,

<<919>> but also as you mentioned,

<<921>> keeping everything in check, in balance.

<<923>> Because we don't want things

<<924>> to get too crazy in one direction,

<<927>> either underactive or overactive.

<<930>> Can you tell us about the new On Guard Chewable Tablets

<<932>> that we have here?

<<933>> Yes, in these new On Guard Chewable Tablets,

<<935>> we have a few essential oils from the composition,

<<939>> from the essential oil blend.

<<941>> We have the Cinnamon Leaf, the Clove,

<<943>> and the Wild Orange inside.

<<945>> The Cinnamon Leaf and the Clove,

<<948>> we all know because of the eugenol. I love this ingredient,

<<952>> because the eugenol is such an

<<955>> antibacterial thing,

<<958>> and it's great for supporting our health.

<<963>> And we have also these nutrients inside,

<<966>> so we have the vitamin C, the vitamin D,

<<969>> and also the beta-glucan and zinc inside.

<<973>> Per serving we have

<<976>> from zinc, 13.3 mg,

<<979>> we have 600 International Units vitamin D,

<<983>> we have 150 mg vitamin C,

<<987>> and we have 33 mg

<<990>> of the essential oil blend inside per serving.

<<993>> That means if we take three Chewable Tablets per day.

<<998>> Yeah, I think that's pretty important to remember

<<1000>> that a serving size is three, not one.

<<1003>> And with those three, those are the amounts that you get

<<1006>> of those particular things.

<<1008>> So, we've got lots of On Guard products, right?

<<1010>> We have several out there.

<<1012>> How do I choose one or several to use?

<<1016>> How do I differentiate between when is the time

<<1019>> to use this product, versus another product?

<<1023>> So if my body has an acute issue,

<<1026>> so if there are germs outside and bacteria

<<1029>> and I feel my body needs support,

<<1032>> then I would take vitamin D, I would take vitamin C,

<<1035>> I would take zinc, and in this case,

<<1038>> like we mentioned before, the beta-glucan.

<<1041>> Also the drops, and also the softgels.

<<1046>> If I'm supporting my body only in the daily challenges,

<<1051>> then I would say all the products

<<1054>> or the other products you can try to use,

<<1057>> or you can use them in everyday lifestyle use.

<<1061>> One of the things that we found in our family

<<1063>> is that during the summer months

<<1065>> when there aren't very many environmental threats,

<<1068>> we'll take mainly just the beadlet every day.

<<1072>> But then during the winter months

<<1074>> when things are a little bit more challenging,

<<1078>> we'll go to the softgel,

<<1080>> and then if we have a specific challenge

<<1083>> that we're addressing, then we reach

<<1085>> for our On Guard Chewables

<<1087>> to kind of help boost everything a little bit more.

<<1090>> If we know the immune system is activated against something,

<<1093>> then it's time to say, "All right,

<<1094>> let me give it the fuel it needs to do its job."

<<1096>> So how do I use this one?

<<1098>> How do I use this particular product,

<<1099>> the On Guard Chewable Tablets?

<<1101>> So you can use it every day

<<1104>> or you can use it when you feel you need it.

<<1107>> So I think it's a matter of how you would like to use it.

<<1111>> So every day you would like to use it, you can try it out.

<<1115>> I know for us that what we'll do in our home,

<<1118>> particularly with our kids

<<1119>> is that when we have that immune challenge,

<<1122>> when the system is being challenged,

<<1124>> we'll all of a sudden start using this

<<1125>> probably three times a day,

<<1127>> three tablets, three times a day.

<<1129>> At other times, if I were to be using it every day

<<1133>> as a continual usage, maybe just three tablets total a day.

<<1137>> Yes, that's totally enough.

<<1139>> So is this product vegan-friendly, gluten-free,

<<1143>> and free from sugar and artificial sweeteners?

<<1145>> Yes it is.

<<1146>> Perfect, good.

<<1148>> It's good to know that,

<<1149>> of course we trust dōTERRA as a company,

<<1151>> of course we know that it does a great job

<<1154>> with developing its products,

<<1155>> and this is no different than any of those.

<<1158>> That On Guard Chewable Tablet

<<1159>> has become a staple in our home.

<<1162>> We always have it available for us during those,

<<1165>> particularly as I said, during the winter months,

<<1167>> but year-round when there are issues,

<<1169>> because that immune system is constantly figuring out,

<<1173>> as we talked about before,

<<1175>> what is friend and what is not friend,

<<1177>> and trying to figure out what do we activate against

<<1179>> and what do we not activate against.

<<1182>> And so we know that the On Guard Chewable Tablet

<<1184>> has been incredibly helpful for us in our home.

<<1186>> So thank you for your time today.

<<1188>> Appreciate this. Thank you.