Description

The immune system is complex and highly developed, yet its mission is simple: to seek and eliminate invaders. It is designed to defend against millions of bacteria, microbes, viruses, toxins and parasites.

When a virus (or bacteria) invades a body and reproduces it usually causes health problems, resulting in sickness. Some bacteria are benign or beneficial, but many are harmful once they get into the body or the bloodstream.

The immune system is the front-line of defense that identifies, attacks and destroys disease-causing invaders and abnormal or infected cells.

The immune system offers protection in three different ways:

• It creates a barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from entering the body.
• If a bacteria or virus does get into the body, the immune system tries to detect and eliminate it before it can reproduce.
• If the virus or bacteria is able to reproduce and causes problems, the immune system is charged with eliminating it.

ImmunoSense is a specialized formula designed to support and enhance the immune system. By actively supporting the immune system, a body is better equipped to fight off infections and viruses that may compromise overall health.

Astralagus: Astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support and enhance the immune system. It is used to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections such as influenza and to strengthen, regulate and boost the immune system.

Ganopoly™ Reishi Mushroom Extract: Reishi mushrooms contain more than 100 natural substances many of which are known for their ability to support immune defenses. Reishi mushrooms stimulate the activity of macrophages (immune cells that “combat” foreign antigens) and increase the blood levels of immune cytokines. Ganopoly™, a preparation of Reishi polysaccharide extract, increases the immune response.

Zinc Citrate: Zinc is well known for its ability to reduce the length and severity of colds and infections. It can reduce the severity of canker sores, sore throats, and skin injuries. Zinc has also been shown to be effective in fighting auto-immune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Zinc helps to maintain immune function.

Selenium: Selenium has proved to be effective in fighting viruses that cause cold sores and shingles. Selenium can help build up white blood cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight illness and infection. Clinical studies show that people who took selenium had a better immune response to the flu vaccine than those who received a placebo.

Ingredients

EACH VEGETARIAN CAPSULE CONTAINS

Medicinal Ingredients

• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) (root)...100 mg
• GanoPoly™ Reishi Mushroom Extract (15% Polysaccharides) (40:1 from 3300 mg of Ganoderma lucidum cap)... 82.5 mg
• Zinc (Citrate)... 2.5 mg
• Selenium (L- Selenomethionine)... 75 mcg

Encapsulated in a vegetarian capsule (cellulose, purified water, silica) and L-leucine.

GanoPoly™ is a trademark of Alpha Healthcare New Zealand

Suggested Usage

3 capsules per day with food or as directed by a health care practitioner.

This product does not contain artificial preservatives, colour or sweeteners; corn, dairy, starch, wheat or yeast.

F.A.Q.

Are your capsules GMO free?

Yes, both our capsule shells and our softgel shells are GMO free.

Why have your cautions and your recommended (or suggested) usages changed so dramatically on many of your labels?

The changes you may be noticing to our suggested usage and cautionary statements have been at the directive of Health Canada.  There have been many regulatory changes with regards to Natural Health Products causing companies to change their labels accordingly.  We have been updating our website, product information sheets and labels on the actual products to reflect these regulations as quickly as we possibly can.

Where do you source your products from?

All of our products are manufactured at a GMP facility certified by Health Canada.  All raw materials come in and are tested for purity, safety and potency.  If they do not meet our standards they are rejected and sent back or destroyed.  We use the highest quality ingredients available.  Many of our products contain proprietary patented ingredients that have been clinically researched.  We also use organic whenever we can.

Are your products gluten free?

All of our products are manufactured in a facility that is not dedicated to be gluten free.  Therefore we cannot guarantee that any of our products are gluten free since there is always a possibility of cross-contamination.

Are your products peanut free?

Following compliance with food regulations, in order to make a negative claim such as "peanut free", it would be necessary to insure a zero tolerance of any peanut traces, including the possibilty of cross contamination.  Although our manufacturing facility has a policy in place for allergen control, there is no specific policy for peanuts, nor is there a specific "no peanut agreement" with our raw material suppliers.

Can your products be used after the expiry date has passed?

Supplements generally keep their potency long after the expiry date.  There is certainly no safety issues with consuming after the expiry date has passed however the potency degrades over longer periods of time.

Do all of your products have NPN numbers?

Some of our products have received NPN numbers.  Others are in the application process or are waiting to be reviewed by Health Canada.

If a product does not specify "vegetarian capsule", then what is it made from?

These capsules are gelatin capsules sourced from either pork or beef.

Are any of your products "vegan-friendly"?

Yes, AdrenaSense, BioSil, EstroSense and MenoSense (from our Preferred Nutrition and WomenSense lines), our MacaPunch Products and the Ultimate Anti-Stress Vegan formula are all vegan friendly.  

Can I purchase products directly from you?  I went to a health food store and the prices seem very expensive.

We only sell to Health Food stores since they have a personal commitment to the natural health lifestyle.  Consumers are then able to buy our products from knowledgeable staff that are genuinely interested in helping people be well - people who care!  Always be sure to look for in store promotions or coupons when you are making your purchases as this can help alleviate your cost concerns.

Do all health food stores carry all of your products?

To find Health Food stores in your area that carry our products, please click on "Store Locator" at the top of this screen.  All you have to do is enter your postal code and you will be given a list of retailers in the radius that you choose. We do recommend calling ahead to see if they stock the item you are looking for and in most cases if a store does not normally carry something, they will offer to do a special order for you.

Are any of your products tested on animals?

No, there is no animal testing on any of our products.

Should your supplements be taken with or without food?

Most of our products will specify directly on the bottle whether they should be taken with a meal or not.  If nothing is stated, then the choice is yours as to when the best time is for you to take them.

I like the sound of many of your products.  Am I able to take different formulas at the same time?

Yes, it's safe to combine various WomenSense products to help support the body in achieving optimal health.  The same applies to the Balanced Planet products, Dr. Whitaker's formulas and to Brad King's.  If you are unsure of any combination, then please consult your Health Care Practitioner.

I have heard that drinking green tea along with my supplements will end up flushing out all the nutrients?  Is this true?

No, you are fine taking your supplements with green tea.  Coffee inhibits the absorption of nutritients, but the caffeine in green tea will not pose the same problem.

Can you tell me if I can combine any of your supplements with the medication(s) I am on, as prescribed by my doctor?

It is best to consult your Doctor or alternative Health Practitioner before taking any new supplements while on medication.

Can I take your products when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

We are not able to make any recommendations with any of our products when it comes to pregnancy or while nursing.  You must contact your Health Practitioner, Naturopath or Pharmacist.

I understand that you put a recommended dosage on your labels, but I can take more or less than that, right?  And, really, do I have to take the product every day?

With regards to the recommended dosage, we would suggest you speak to your Doctor or Health Care Practitioner before increasing any amounts.  As with any supplement you can determine your amount based on your personal preference - if you find that a product works for you immediately then you should be fine to take it just on the days you feel you need it, but again we suggest you discuss this with you MD or HP.  Some consumers find that a product needs to be in their system for a few days to a few weeks before they notice results and/or feel the full benefits.

I don't understand why when I purchase your product and open the bottle, the contents don't even fill 1/2 of the packaging that is being used?

The containers we use are determined based on product fill and required label information, as well as capsule count when/where applicable.  Sometimes we do have to use a larger bottle than seems necessary because of the information required on the labels - requirements both from Health Canada and in order for the label to be clear and legible to our consumers.  Also, in a case where we are offering larger volume (ie/ 400g versus 200g or 180 capsules versus 90 capsules), then we have to put the contents in a bigger container in order for there to be differentiation on the shelf.

What is your 100% money-back guarantee?

Our 100% money back guarantee ensures that if a customer is not completely satisfied with their purchase, they can return it to their point of purchase and we will credit the Health Food store 100% of their purchase price from us.  We cannot dictate if a store will give cash back or an in-store credit ~ but we do promise to credit them, regardless of the reason for the return.

Studies

Gao Y, Zhou S, Jiang W, Huang M, Dai X. Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients. Immunol Invest. 2003 Aug;32(3):201-15.; 

Gao Y, Tang W, Dai X, Gao H, Chen G, Ye J, Chan E, Koh HL, Li X, Zhou S.Effects of water-soluble Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on the immune functions of patients with advanced lung cancer. J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):159-68.; 

Wachtel-Galor S, Szeto YT, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Ganoderma lucidum ('Lingzhi'); acute and short-term biomarker response to supplementation. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2004 Feb;55(1):75-83;  

Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Ganoderma lucidum ("Lingzhi"), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. 2004 Feb;91(2):263-9.; 

Lin ZB. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum. J Pharmacol Sci. 2005 Oct;99(2):144-53.; 

Kuo MC, Weng CY, Ha CL, Wu MJ. Ganoderma lucidum mycelia enhance innate immunity by activating NF-kappaB. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 16;103(2):217-22.; 

Peretz A, Neve J, Desmedt J, Duchateau J, Dramaix M, Famaey JP. Lymphocyte response is enhanced by supplementation of elderly subjects with selenium-enriched yeast. Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 May;53(5):1323-8.; 

Broome CS, McArdle F, Kyle JA, Andrews F, Lowe NM, Hart CA, Arthur JR, Jackson MJ. An increase in selenium intake improves immune function and poliovirus handling in adults with marginal selenium status. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;80(1):154-62.; 

Peretz A, Neve J, Duchateau J, Siderova V, Huygen K, Famaey JP, Carpentier YA. Effects of selenium supplementation on immune parameters in gut failure patients on home parenteral nutrition. Nutrition. 1991;7:215-21.; 

Burk RF, Norsworthy BK et al. Effects of chemical form of selenium on plasma biomarkers in a high dose humans supplementation trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006; 15:804-10.;

Schrauzer GN. Nutritional selenium supplements: product types, quality, and safety. J Am Coll Nutr 2001;20:1-4.; 

Fakih MG, Pendyala L, et al. A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of a fixed-dose selenomethionine and irinotecan in solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2006;12:1237-44.;

Reid ME, Stratton MS, et al. A report of high-dose selenium supplementation: response and toxicities. J Trace Elements Med Biol 2004;18:69-74.;

Robinson MF, Thomson CD, et al. Long-term supplementation with selenate and selenomethionine : urinary excretion by New Zealand women. Br J Nutr 1997;77:551-63.;

Seppänen K, Kantola M, et al. Effect of supplementation with organic selenium on mercury status as measrued by mercury in pubic hair. J Trace Elements Med Biol 2000;14:84-87.; 

Clausen J , Nielsen SA. Comparison of whole blood selenium values and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities of normal individuals on supplementation with selenate, selenite, ,L-selenomethionine, and high selenium yeast. Biol Trace Elem Res 1988; 15:125-38.;

Duchateau J, Delepesse G, Vrijens R, Collet H. Beneficial effects of oral zinc supplementation on the immune response of old people. Am J Med. 1981 May;70(5):1001-4.; 

Duchateau J, Delespesse G, Vereecke P. Influence of oral zinc supplementation on the lymphocyte response to mitogens of normal subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981 Jan;34(1):88-93.; 

Peretz A, Cantinieaux B, Neve J, Siderova V, Fondu P. Effects of zinc supplementation on the phagocytic functions of polymorphonuclears in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. J Trace Elem Electrolytes Health Dis. 1994 Dec;8(3-4):189-94.; 

Rahman MJ, Sarker P, Roy SK, Ahmad SM, Chisti J, Azim T, Mathan M, Sack D, Andersson J, Raqib R. Effects of zinc supplementation as adjunct therapy on the systemic immune responses in shigellosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Feb;81(2):495-502.; 

Raqib R, Roy SK, Rahman MJ, Azim T, Ameer SS, Chisti J, Andersson J. Effect of zinc supplementation on immune and inflammatory responses in pediatric patients with shigellosis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar;79(3):444-50.;

Mao SP, Cheng KL, Zhou YF. [Modulatory effect of Astragalus membranaceus on Th1/Th2 cytokine in patients with herpes simplex keratitis] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 

Feb;24(2):121-3.; 

Weng XS. [Treatment of leucopenia with pure Astragalus preparation--an analysis of 115 leucopenic cases] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Aug;15(8):462-4; 

Huang ZQ, Qin NP, Ye W. [Effect of Astragalus membranaceus on T-lymphocyte subsets in patients with viral myocarditis] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1995 Jun;15(6):328-30.;

Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IF. Ganoderma lucidum ("Lingzhi"), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. 2004 Feb;91(2):263-9.; 

McKenna DJ, Jones K, Hughes K. Botanical Medicines. New York: The Haworth Press, 2003:844.; 

Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence Based Guide. Sydney, Australia: Elsevier, 2005:332. 

Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Natural Supplements. Rocklin CA: Prima Publishing, 1996:222-8.; 

Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Natural Supplements. Rocklin CA: Prima Publishing, 1996:188;

Krinsky D et al. Natural Products Therapeutics Guide 2nd ed. Hudson OH: Lexi Comp, 2003: 546.; 

Mills S, Bone K. The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Press, 2005;249; 

McKenna DJ, Jones K, Hughes K. Botanical Medicines. New York: The Haworth Press, 2003:11. .