Liquid Vitamins D3 + K2

How both essential functions go hand in hand Staying well hydrated is a key factor in maintaining a healthy immune system. Your immune system depends on specific nutrients being transported in your blood stream, an important part of the body that is made up of 90% water. Hydration also helps with sending signals and biochemical reactions to and from your immune system. Reminder: Hydration = water + electrolytes (specific salts involved in the reactions we just talked about). Electrolytes and immunity Ever notice when you are sick, people may recommend electrolytes in your water? That’s because a deficiency in these nutrients compromises your immune health (amongst other things). It will help if you think about your immune system as a fighter jet, eliminating any invaders or intruders (the invaders being threats such as viruses, germs, and unwanted pathogens). Your immune system can fight off enemies from invading your body by using T-cells and antibodies as defence (its weapons if you will). To run properly, you need to maintain your fighter jet and fuel it to ensure it doesn’t run out of gas at a critical moment. Just the same, your immune system requires specific nutrients to run properly. These nutrients include electrolytes; specifically, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Note: electrolytes have many purposes in the body, but for the purpose of this article, we are focusing on immunity. Sodium It’s been studied that sodium has been linked to having an anti-microbial effect and can fight infections. While you don’t want to consume a diet high in sodium which can have auto-immune and blood pressure effects, there is a required amount your body needs daily. In fact, there needs to be a balance of sodium and water in your body. Adding sodium into your water thorough a replenishing electrolyte beverage daily should be enough to meet your sodium needs. Potassium Potassium balances out the sodium and together they regulate immunity response. Specifically, potassium works in the membrane of the cells to turn it on and transmit signals between cells (think of it as communication) and direct activity of the immune system. Magnesium Magnesium does so much for your body in general, but for the immune system it’s essential to keep it strong. Your body needs magnesium to make its T-cells which fight viruses and kill them. Studies have shown that decreased magnesium levels are linked with the decline of these important “killer” T-cells and other cells crucial in the immune system. If you really want to boost immunity... You want to stay efficiently hydrated always and get water plus your key electrolytes daily. Doing so will ensure your immune system is ready to go when you need it. In addition to immunity, you may know there are other supplements that are catered to support cold and flu symptoms or prevent them all together. Get maximum hydration AND immunity support in ONE SHOT Electrolytes Defence™ with Elderberry & Echinacea contains essential nutrients that keep you optimally hydrated and provide powerful immunity support – all with 0 g of sugar! Accelerate your hydration, fight off infections and help with cold and flu symptom relief with this all-in-one immunity blend containing electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium), elderberry, echinacea and zinc. Elderberry is high in antioxidants and has antiviral benefits. Researchers reported after a 2011 study, that elderberry prevented the growth of certain types of strep bacteria and influenza viruses. Echinacea is loaded with plant compounds functioning as antioxidants. Numerous studies have found that echinacea may help your immune system combat infections and viruses. Zinc supports the growth and normal function of immune cells, helping to defend against infection. This article has been fact-checked

In the last decade or more, vitamin D deficiency is becoming more prevalent among Canadians. As more people avoid the sun for fear of premature aging and other health concerns, we find we are covering up our skin more than ever, whether it be with clothing that blocks the sun or by applying layers of sunscreen every day. 70 – 90 % of North Americans do not get enough vitamin D daily, and this includes sunshine, food sources and supplements. We must test our vitamin D levels annually because if we are not getting it naturally, from the sun, we must supplement to keep healthy. The big question is what is vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin and are you getting enough? Shop Vitamin D3 Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy. Vitamin D combines with calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. It is found naturally in foods such as oysters, liver, egg yolks, red meat, and oily fish. Like all fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D is best absorbed with fats. Skin exposed to sunshine can also make vitamin D and it is the best source. 10-20 minutes per day between 10 am – 2 pm is the best way to safely absorb the sunshine. With under 20 minutes a day, skin won’t burn, and your body will naturally absorb the sunshine and you can manufacture vitamin D in the body. “We each have vitamin D receptor cells that, through a chain of reactions starting with conversion of cholesterol in the skin, produce vitamin D3 when they're exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) from the sun,”  Some experts recommend avoiding the sun by seeking shade between 10am – 4pm or by wearing UV protective clothing and using sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher. The problem with this is that it causes our absorption to go down. If we are not getting those 10-20 minutes of healthy sun exposure to naturally produce vitamin D in the body, it affects our health. In the summer our biggest surface area, the back and chest, can safely absorb the sun for under 20 minutes daily. Because we have phobias that the sun is aging us prematurely and causing other health concerns like cancer, we are lathering sunscreen on and affecting our natural absorption of vitamin D. Studies show that safe amounts of sun exposure help us to manufacture vitamin D naturally and it helps to prevent cancer. For longer periods in the sun, be sure to apply natural and chemical free sunscreens that will provide protection and keep you from burning. What is surprising is that research done in northern California, which has more sunnier days than we do, found that the normal adult is deficient and 70-80% of the adults tested were deficient. We cannot know for sure where we are at without getting tested. In Canada, the normal range for vitamin D is between 75-250. The ideal range you want to be between is 125-175. You should be able to go into a lab and get your blood tested and get your results online the next day. Getting tested is important because it’s not just about exposure. It has to do with how you process it in your skin, liver, and kidneys. Recently, Health Canada increased the maximum amount of vitamin D supplements sold over the counter to 2,5000 IU for adults “As of February 24, 2021, Health Canada increased the maximum amount for vitamin D supplements sold over-the-counter to 2,500 IU per dose for adults. The previous maximum was set at 1,000 IU per adult dose” Health Canada increases non-prescription limit for Vitamin D. Genuine Wellness.  When supplementing with vitamin D, the best form of vitamin D is D3. Vitamin D2 is a synthetic form of vitamin D, and it is not absorbed well in the body. Vitamin D3 is naturally sourced from sheep lanolin. Wondering how much vitamin D should be given to children? The minimum is 400IU every day up until age one. Because vitamin D is a storing vitamin, you could give it daily or a few times a week at larger doses. Until we have the test to see where we are at, we stick with the recommended dose for children. For those of us living in Canada, because of our geographic location, the rays of the sun are too weak in the winter to generate the reaction that leads to the creation of vitamin D and supplementing with food and D3 supplement drops is a great way to keep your levels optimum to stay healthy. Shop Vitamin D3

If there's one lesson to be learned from the past year, let it be this: health is a necessity, not a luxury. We want you to live your healthy best - and to support you in getting there. Whether you're new to the wellness world, or a wellness expert looking for new ways to stay healthy, let's dive right in and get to know our top natural immunity supplements and superfoods to help keep your immune system thriving!   1. Bee Propolis for Immunity How does bee propolis support immunity? Bee Propolis is a potent antimicrobial agent that bees use to protect their hives. We harnessed its power to create an immunity supporter that's second to none at fighting infections and inflammation, like sore throats. Locally sourced in the Okanagan Valley, BC, our liquid bee propolis has a unique antioxidant profile, for well-rounded protection. What are the benefits of bee propolis? Fights sore throat, canker sores and oral inflammations. Diverse source of antioxidants for potent immunity support. Easy to take liquid formula - especially for children and the elderly! Shop Bee Propolis   2. Reishi for Immunity How does reishi support immunity? The King of Mushrooms to the rescue! Reishi mushrooms have been traditionally used for immunity and stress support for at least four thousand years. As an adaptogen, reishi helps modulate and support the immune system, especially during times of increased stress. What are the benefits of reishi? Modulates and supports the immune system. Excellent source of antioxidants, to support immune function. Adaptogen, helping prevent mental and physical fatigue related to stress. Shop Reishi   3. Vitamin C for Immunity How does vitamin C support immunity? Well known for its role in helping your immune system combat attacks from colds and flus, vitamin C is also an important antioxidant for our body. Each Instant C Effervescent tablet provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C and dissolves quickly in water to make a refreshing beverage in three natural flavours: Orange, Raspberry or Peach Mango. What are the benefits of Instant C Effervescent? Helps immune system combat attacks from colds and flus. An antioxidant for protecting the body from oxidative damage. Important for collagen, connective tissue and cartilage formation. Check out our newest Immunity Instant C, D, Zinc Immunity in Peach and Watermelon.  Shop Instant C   4. Zinc for Immunity How does zinc support immunity? Zinc is an essential trace mineral with many important roles in the body, such as ensuring normal functioning of the immune cells. Organika’s Chelated Zinc offers a potent yet well-tolerated dose of this vital mineral to help the body fend off infection without stomach discomfort. What are the benefits of zinc? Supports immune function. Helps maintain healthy skin. Helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Chelated formula for better absorption. Shop Chelated Zinc   5. Probiotics for Immunity How do probiotics support immunity? Did you know almost 70% of our entire immune system resides in the gut? Help the integrity of your gut health so your immune system can flourish with Organika’s Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder, a blend of four clinically proven probiotic strains and Actilight, a prebiotic fiber extracted from beetroot. What are the benefits of Probiotic + Prebiotic powder? Help support intestinal health and promote a balanced gut flora. Improve digestive discomfort due to mild functional bowel disorders. Provides 250 million CFUs + 2.5 grams prebiotic fibre per sachet. Shelf stable - no refrigeration required! Shop Probiotic + Prebiotic Powder   6. Quercetin for Immunity How does quercetin support immunity? Quercetin, a bioflavonoid widely found in plant foods, has been studied particularly for its antiviral properties. Bromelain, when in combination with quercetin, helps to improve its absorption. What are the benefits of Quercetin with Bromelain? Studied for its antiviral, antioxidant, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Includes the naturally occurring enzyme bromelain, which helps to decrease inflammation. Shop Quercetin with Bromelain   7. Spirulina for Immunity How does spirulina support immunity? Spirulina is an edible single-celled organism that contains all essential amino acids. It provides an excellent source of antioxidants and iron, helping support the immune system with much-needed nutrients for its healthy function. What are the benefits of spirulina? High in antioxidants, including beta-carotene. Vegan-friendly source of protein and iron. Shop Spirulina   8. Bone Broth for Immunity How does bone broth support immunity? Bone broth is a highly nutritious type of stock made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues. Add Organika's broth powders to your kitchen arsenal and support your immunity with a high protein, gut-healing, low sodium alternative to conventional bouillon. What are the benefits of bone broth? Heal and strengthen the gut (where roughly 70% of one’s immune tissue is found). Full of easy-to-digest nutrients, required to strengthen the immune system. Free from added hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals and pesticides. Shop Bone Broths   9. Black Cumin Seed Oil for Immunity How does black cumin seed oil support immunity? Traditional oils for the win! The medicinal benefits of black cumin seed are prized in Middle Eastern and African communities, where it has been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments for centuries. What are the benefits of black cumin seed oil? Traditionally used to treat cough, bronchitis, fever, asthma and influenza. High in thymoquinone, a volatile oil with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A source of linoleic acid, studied for its balancing effects on the inflammatory response. Shop Black Cumin Seed Oil   10. Colostrum for Immunity How does colostrum support immunity? Build your immunity! Colostrum is a substance derived from cow’s milk. Chock-full of nutrients necessary for growth and development, colostrum has immunomodulating effects to support your immune function, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. What are the benefits of colostrum? Helps to support immune function within the throat and nasal passage. Sourced from free range, grass fed, added hormone-free grade A cows from the USA. Shop Colostrum   11. Vitamin D for Immunity How does Vitamin D support immunity? Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays many important roles in the body and immune health is one of them! It helps to elevate the work that your immune cells do to fight off viruses and bacteria; so particularly important to defend your health. What are the benefits of Vitamin D? Helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses Helps in the development and maintenance of bones and teeth Shop Vitamin D  12. Electrolytes for Immunity How do electrolytes support immunity? Hydration is important for immunity! Staying hydrated involves having a balance of electrolytes (specific essential minerals). A deficiency in these nutrients compromises your immune health (amongst other things). These nutrients include sodium, magnesium, and potassium. What are the benefits of electrolytes? Instant hydration to support during exercise, heat, travel or illness Play a role in various reactions throughout the body and needed for optimal health Shop Electrolytes