APRIL 2, 2003 Renowned Health Expert Reminds Public that Times of High Stress Call for Increased Immune System Support It's a critical time in the world … and also for your health. Today we are all stressed just from reading the newspaper. And watching TV these days does not lead to restful sleep! Both stress and lack of sleep can seriously weaken the immune system. While paying attention to your immune system may seem like a low priority, in fact, according to Dr. James LaValle, R.Ph., N.D., C.C.N, a pharmacist, naturopathic physician, and author of Cracking the Metabolic Code (Basic Health 2003), bolstering immune system function is never more important than during times of crisis. Dr. LaValle advocates plant nutrients to support healthy immunity. Of primary concern is the effect of all this stress on the immune system, or the intricate system that fights sickness and disease. Under acute and chronic stress, the body's adrenal glands secrete excess cortisol. High levels of cortisol cause cells to die in the thymus gland, spleen and lymph nodes, the centers of immune cell production and activity. Dr. LaValle says, "the impact of stress and excess cortisol on the immune system makes us more vulnerable to sickness. By maintaining a healthy immune system, especially during times of stress, people can increase their odds to fight infection." One of the most important things people can do for the immune system is to ensure adequate nutritional intake. In addition to vitamins and minerals, plant sterols and sterolins are known to help support the immune system. Sterols and sterolins are essential plant nutrients that occur naturally in all fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Dr. LaValle notes that Professor Patrick JD Bouic, Ph.D., Head of Immunology at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, and one of the world’s leading experts on natural plant molecules says, "more than two decades of clinical research shows that phytosterols play an important role in optimizing the immune system." While healthy lifestyle and dietary choices are critical, individuals may also benefit from an immune support supplement. Moducare®, a scientifically-proven and award-winning (2003 'Best Immune Supplement' from Health Products Business) daily supplement of sterols and sterolins supports the immune system ensuring it is ready when called into action. Science shows Moducare® to be safe and effective The safety and effectiveness of Moducare® has been extensively tested. Since 1994, the successful studies using Moducare® have been published in six major medical journals including: ·International Journal of Immunopharmacology; ·Cell Biology International; ·Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care and ·The International Journal of Sports Medicine. These studies investigated the effects of a proprietary blend of plant sterols and sterolins (found only in Moducare®) on various types of immune suppression. In addition, in both long-term and standard toxicology studies, pre-clinical testing and clinical observations, Moducare® was found to have no negative side effects.