Stay Strong All Season!

Is Your Immune System Telling You Something?

When you are exposed, your symptoms are silent, as your immune system gears up for action. However, within hours, you might start to notice early signs like slight redness, swelling, or mild tenderness in the affected area, along with a low-grade fever as your body begins to fight off the infection. This is your body’s first response, and these mild symptoms indicate that your immune system is starting to work.

Within a day or two, symptoms tend to intensify as your body steps up its defense. You may experience increased body aches, muscle soreness, and fatigue, making everyday tasks feel more challenging. A mild fever may linger, and the discomfort can start to feel more widespread. This is often when inflammation ramps up, which, while uncomfortable, is a sign that your body is putting up a stronger fight. If the infection is respiratory, you may also begin to feel congestion or notice an increase in mucus as your body tries to clear out the infection.

Around day three or four, symptoms usually peak. You might feel intensely fatigued, and a high fever can develop along with swollen lymph nodes and, if the infection is respiratory, severe congestion. This stage can leave you feeling drained, as your body uses all available resources to overcome the infection.

As symptoms start to ease over the next few days, your energy gradually returns, and lingering soreness or congestion fades as your body finishes recovery. By the time you’re fully recovered, your immune system has learned to recognize the pathogen, building long-term immunity to help protect you from future exposure.

Stages of Immune Response, How Your Body Fights Infection

When a virus or bacteria enters, your immune system acts in stages. First, detection cells alert the body. In the Immediate Response, neutrophils and mast cells arrive, causing redness and a slight fever. Then, macrophages come in to clean up, increasing inflammation and fatigue. Next, the T and B Cells target the invader directly, reducing symptoms. Finally, your body clears out debris and creates memory for future protection. Each stage works to keep you healthy and build lasting immunity.

1. The "Invasion" Begins - When a virus or bacteria first enters your body, it meets sentinel cells, like dendritic cells, that detect the invader and sound the alarm.

You won’t feel anything yet—your immune system is just getting started.

2. "First Responders" (Within Hours) - Neutrophils rush to the site to attack and destroy the pathogens, while mast cells release histamine, boosting blood flow to bring in more immune cells.

You might notice redness, swelling, and tenderness, along with a slight fever as your body heats up to fight off the infection.

3. "Call for Backup" (1-2 Days Later) - Now, monocytes arrive and become macrophages, which clean up pathogens and dead cells. They also send out signals to recruit more immune cells.

You could feel more pain, swelling, and even some body aches and fatigue as your immune system works overtime. A mild fever may persist.

4.  "Peak Inflammation" (2-3 Days In) - Dendritic cells start gathering pieces of the pathogen and present them to T cells, triggering your adaptive immune response. Macrophages keep clearing out infected cells.

Expect swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, a high fever, and possibly congestion or mucus if it’s a respiratory infection.

5. "Targeted Attack" (3-5 Days In) - Your T cells and B cells get involved, with T cells targeting infected cells and B cells producing antibodies to neutralize the pathogen.

You’ll likely still feel fatigued, though your fever should start to drop. Congestion and swelling ease up as your immune system becomes more targeted.

6. "Clean-Up and Recovery" (5-10 Days In) - Macrophages clear away remaining debris, while memory T and B cells are formed to recognize the pathogen if it comes back.

Your energy returns as inflammation subsides. You might have some minor soreness, but overall, you’ll start feeling back to normal.

7. "The Body Remembers" - Your long-term immune system now “remembers” the pathogen. Memory cells stay on alert, ready to respond faster and stronger if it reappears.

No symptoms here—your body is prepared, so if you’re exposed again, you’re less likely to get sick.

How Congaplex and Andrographis Complex Work Together

Together, Congaplex and Andrographis Complex provide both foundational nutrients and herbal support to keep your immune system strong and responsive. Congaplex fuels immune cell activity with essential vitamins and minerals, while Andrographis Complex activates and enhances defenses with herbs that help your body fight off invaders and reduce stress. This combination supports a well-rounded immune response from initial defense to long-term protection.

Congaplex by Standard Process

Congaplex is a whole-food supplement designed to support your immune system, especially when you first start feeling under the weather. It contains:

• Vitamin A, which is essential for the adaptive immune response by helping T and B cells function effectively. It also strengthens mucosal barriers in areas like the respiratory tract, acting as a first line of defense, and enhances the activity of NK cells, which are critical in an early response.
• Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects immune cells during inflammation. It energizes neutrophils and macrophages to attack pathogens, while also supporting T and B cell function for both immediate and long-lasting immunity.
• Calcium Lactate, a form of calcium that supports all immune cells by aiding communication and coordination, allowing cells to quickly respond to infections.
• Thymus Cytosol Extract, which boosts the development of T cells, helping your adaptive immune system create a stronger, longer-lasting defense.
• Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), which acts as a building block for T and B cells, supporting their growth and function, essential for developing immune memory.
• Animal-Based Glandular Support for adrenal health, which indirectly strengthens your immune response by helping balance stress hormones, as chronic stress can weaken immune cells.

Andrographis Complex by MediHerb

Andrographis Complex uses the power of herbs to support your immune system in multiple ways:

• Andrographis has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, boosting macrophages to engulf pathogens, stimulating NK cells to fight infections quickly, and supporting T cell production for a stronger adaptive immune response.
• Echinacea activates key immune cells like macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells, helping your body respond faster. It also promotes cytokine production, coordinating the immune response for more effective defense.
• Holy Basil (Tulsi), an adaptogen that helps manage stress, supports T and B cell function for a balanced immune response and protects immune cells from oxidative stress, especially during inflammation.

When Symptoms Start

At the first sign of illness—like a scratchy throat or body aches—it’s crucial to support your immune system right away. Congaplex by Standard Process and Andrographis Complex by MediHerb are my top choices for this.

Congaplex delivers key nutrients, like vitamins C and A, from whole food ingredients that your body absorbs naturally, helping boost your defenses effectively. Standard Process products use whole food complexes that work seamlessly with your body, making Congaplex especially potent.

Andrographis Complex combines Andrographis, Echinacea, and Holy Basil to enhance your immune response at symptom onset. MediHerb is known for its high-quality herbs and precise formulations, making Andrographis Complex a reliable choice for fast immune support.

• Congaplex: 2-3 capsules every 2 hours or with food until symptoms improve. 
• Andrographis Complex: 1-2 tablets twice daily

Immune-Boosting Bone Broth Recipe

This immune-supporting bone broth is simple to make with a leftover rotisserie chicken. It provides a nourishing, mineral-rich broth and is packed with immune-boosting ingredients. Follow these steps to get a flavorful broth without overcooking the vegetables.

Together, this will give you 10–12 cups of finished soup, or about 6–8 servings (1.5–2 cups per serving).

Summary:

• Prep (15–20 minutes): Process chicken and chop vegetables.
• Simmer Broth Base (6–12 hours): Bring to a boil, then simmer.
• Lack of Physical Activity - Lack of regular physical activity reduces insulin sensitivity. Exercise helps muscles use glucose more efficiently, and inactivity can lead to insulin resistance.
• Strain and Season (15 minutes): Strain bones, add Better Than Bouillon and seasonings (optional).
• Final Simmer (1 hour): Add vegetables and chicken meat for last hour of cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 rotisserie chicken carcass, meat removed
• 8–10 cups of water
• 2–3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps release minerals from the bones)
• 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon (chicken flavor or vegetable) – add to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the final hour of simmering:

• Meat from rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, diced
• 2–3 carrots, chopped
• 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 handful fresh parsley
• 1 sprigs fresh thyme (or dry equivilent)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions:

• Prepare the Broth Base: Place the rotisserie chicken carcass in a large slow cooker or stockpot. Pour in the water and add the apple cider vinegar, which is key for breaking down the bones and releasing minerals.
• Simmer the Broth: Cover the pot and bring it to a boil, then reduce to a very low simmer. Let the broth simmer for 6–12 hours (or up to 24 hours for a richer broth). If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours.
• Strain the Bones: After the simmering time, strain out the bones and any solid pieces from the broth, discarding them. This leaves you with a clean, mineral-rich broth base.
• Add Better Than Bouillon and Seasonings: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon (or more to taste) to the strained broth for added depth of flavor.
• Add Vegetables and Chicken Meat: Return the broth to the pot and add the shredded rotisserie chicken meat, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, parsley, thyme, bay leaf, oregano, and basil. Let simmer for an additional hour, allowing the vegetables and herbs to infuse the broth with flavor and nutrients without overcooking.
• Final Seasoning and Storage: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze in portions. Enjoy the broth as a warm drink or use it as a base for soups and stews.

Let’s Keep You Healthy This Season!

To stay healthy this season, focus on building daily habits that strengthen your immune system. Start by incorporating nutrient-dense bone broth soups into your diet to support your body with essential minerals. Prioritize getting quality sleep each night, as rest is crucial for immune function.

Manage stress through techniques like mindfulness or exercise, as stress can weaken your defenses. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which helps flush out toxins, and avoid added sugars, as they can compromise immune response.

Finally, stay consistent with your herbal and nutrient protocols to give your body the steady support it needs. By following these simple steps, you can keep your immune system resilient and ready to handle whatever comes your way.