Whey Isolate 94

How to strengthen your immune system

9 tips for strengthening our immune system

The immune system is essential for humans. It protects the body from pathogens such as viruses or bacteria that can cause illness. Once the pathogens have entered the body, the immune system is responsible for fighting it in various ways.

A strong immune defence helps you to stay fit, efficient and disease-resistant. But how can we support our immune system? First of all: Our diet has a very decisive influence on it. In the following we have collected some important recommendations.

» 9 tips for strengthening our immune system (PDF)

1. Sufficient proteins and micronutrients

Make sure you eat a balanced, varied diet with lots of vegetables and fruit. This ensures a nutrient-dense supply of vital micronutrients. In addition, a sufficient supply of protein is also crucial, as an optimal protein metabolism is not only important for building and maintaining muscle mass, but also for many other functions (e.g. antibodies, blood cells, enzymes, hormones, immune system).

Strong defences depend not only on protein, vitamins and minerals, but also on a healthy intestinal microflora. In addition, there are a number of other nutrients which, due to their specific properties, provide a broad spectrum of effects and thus contribute to wellbeing, an active and vital lifestyle.
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TIP: Make sure to take approx. 25 g protein every 3-4 hours. If these cannot be sufficiently covered by the normal diet (e.g. in the afternoon), protein supplements (protein bars, protein shakes) are a convenient and high-quality alternative.
Switzerland: Here you will find the right protein products.
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2. Sun and vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role for the immune system and the body's own defences. It is mainly formed in the skin by sun radiation. A deficiency of vitamin D is therefore particularly prevalent during the winter months. Vitamin D deficiency is very common, especially in countries with fewer hours of sunshine, such as north of the Alps, and is further favoured by a predominantly indoor lifestyle and possibly excessive sun protection means. In Switzerland, around 50% of the total population, with a higher proportion of older people, has a vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that can be produced by the body itself. When sunlight (excluding UVB radiation) strikes the skin, vitamin D is produced in the skin unless sunscreen is applied, which almost completely prevents its formation. The time of day with the highest proportion of UVB radiation is at midday, but this is also when the intensity of the sun is at its highest and the risk of sunburn is greatest. So how can we proceed to have enough vitamin D?

- Short exposure to the sun: already about 15-20 minutes in the midday sun are sufficient to fill the vitamin D stores. During this time, the body's own protection against harmful sunburn is usually sufficient.
- Intake of vitamin D via food supplements. This is a simple way of supplying the body with vitamin D in case of strong sun protection measures.

TIP: OMEGA 3 PLUS from SPONSER contains valuable omega 3 fatty acids as well as a daily ration of vitamin D.

3. Sport And Exercise

Sport influences our health and the immune system in many ways. Exercise has a positive effect on body and mind, and thus contributes to health, for example through the increased release of "happiness" hormones. Sport also has a direct effect on our immune system. Activating the circulation not only improves physical fitness and general well-being, but also trains and prepares the immune system and its various mechanisms. Sport also reduces stress. This has a positive effect on sleep quality, which is also an important pillar of a strong immune system.

Whether running, cycling, long walks or indoor training. Do what you enjoy! Already short and moderate exercise of 20 minutes is effective in many ways, e.g. also anti-inflammatory.

Moderate load: Note that training that is too demanding can also have a negative impact. If the immune system is already working at full speed, hard workouts are not recommended. Therefore, it is important that you do not exercise if you have an infection! In this case, the body needs rest and additional stress only slows down recovery.

TIP: Exercise daily in a moderate way and in the form that you enjoy most. No matter if you need support for your endurance units, muscle building or body shaping, you will find the right support here thanks to the helpful filters:
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4. Reduced Stress & Good Mood

Constant stress makes you sick! It has a negative effect on the immune system, causes increased levels of stress hormones and thus significantly weakens the body.

For humans, stress and the released stress hormones (mainly adrenaline & cortisol) make sense from an evolutionary point of view as a short-term reaction of the body to an exceptional situation, such as escape or fight. Here they ensure the release of additional energy reserves of the body, which helps us to survive by increasing physical performance. The only difference is that a high stress hormone level is not intended to be a permanent state.

Countless studies have already dealt with the effects of stress on our immune system (psycho-neuro-immunology). The result has always been the same: with permanent stress the total number of immune cells in the blood as well as their activity decreases, resulting in a weakened immune defence. As a result, we become ill earlier and more often because viruses, bacteria and germs find less resistance. A healthy intestinal flora as an important barrier against pathogenic germs is also crucial in this context, so that these cannot easily penetrate into the blood.

For a healthy intestinal flora, nutrition is of central importance. A diet rich in sugar increases the stress hormone level (cortisol), whereas a diet rich in dietary fibres (salad, vegetables) has a prebiotic effect and promotes a healthy intestinal flora. Fermented foods (sauerkraut, yoghurt, cheese, etc.) also have a positive effect due to the probiotic bacteria they contain.

TIP: Wherever possible, try to eliminate stressful circumstances and consciously plan relax time. Sport helps one person, music, a walk or meditation helps another. No matter what it is, find out what works and feels best for you, and use it! Eat a varied and healthy diet, rich in fibre, and avoid sugary foods.
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5. Sufficient sleep

The better our sleep, the more effective our immune system works!

Good sleep supports our immune system. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, causes our defence cells, which identify and kill infected cells, to function less effectively. Less antibodies are produced. However, these are essential in the fight against pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) and therefore a prerequisite for staying healthy and, if possible, not getting sick in the first hand.

A lack of sleep also has an indirect effect on our immune system, as stress hormones can no longer be broken down equally well (see tip 4). Nowadays, lack of sleep is one of the main causes of stress, with far-reaching consequences!

Both sleep quantity and quality are crucial. Most research suggests that 7 to 9 hours is ideal for the majority of people. Many people seem to find it increasingly difficult to get deep and good sleep. Good sleep hygiene can help. For example: regular times to get up and sleep, no big late meals, sleeping environment (light, temperature, noise, oxygen supply). On the other hand, alcohol and smoking have a negative effect on sleep quality. Caffeine should be avoided as far as possible in the last hours before going to bed, as should the display of the smartphone because of its blue light component. 

Besides good sleep hygiene, regular physical activity (see tip 3) has a positive effect on your sleep as well. It is recommended to do calming things in the evening to fall asleep more quickly.

TIP: Additionally, support your hormonal and regenerative processes during sleep with a "night protein". This is slowly digested and ensures a continuous influx of amino acids into your bloodstream.
MULTIPROTEIN
CASEIN

6. Vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances

If the body has sufficient elementary vitamins, minerals and secondary plant substances at its disposal, the immune system can be supported and pathogens (viruses, bacteria) can be better fended off. This finding is summarized in numerous studies.

The vitamins C and D, the trace element zinc, but also many secondary plant substances are particularly important in support of a healthy immune system.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the body from oxidative stress and its cell-damaging effects. Citrus fruits and berries are often particularly rich sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin D (see tip 2) is primarily produced on the skin by UVB rays, however, can also be absorbed through food. Foods particularly rich in vitamin D are fish (salmon, herring, tuna), liver, cheese or eggs. Alternatively, vitamin D can be taken as a convenient supplement.

Zinc as a trace element is also of major importance for the immune system. Zinc is involved in many metabolic processes, including the formation and activation of defence cells and many enzymes. It also inhibits the reproduction of invading viruses and protects the body's own cells.

The body's defence forces depend largely on zinc balance, which is why a sufficient zinc supply is of major importance. Zinc is mainly found in meat, nuts and cereals.

Secondary plant compounds are found in a wide variety of foods, including fruit and vegetables. They usually have pronounced antioxidant properties as well as health-promoting influence, e.g. by reducing oxidative stress and thus supporting the immune system.

TIP: IMMUNOGUARD is a plant-based food supplement with functional ingredients, secondary plant substances, vitamins and zinc. It was developed with the aim of strengthening the immune system in various ways and protecting the body from oxidative stress.

7. pre- and probiotics

Our intestinal flora is composed of numerous and individually different strains of bacteria. The maintenance of a healthy intestinal flora is of central importance because it serves as the first line of defence against pathogenic germs. The intestinal bacteria can be specifically supported by taking pro- and prebiotics.

Prebiotic, soluble dietary fibres/fibres are naturally found in the fibrous parts of fruits and vegetables. Intestinal bacteria metabolise those fibres into health-promoting short-chain fatty acids, which is why soluble fibres (such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides) are also called prebiotic.

Probiotics, in contrast, are active bacterial strains that occur in our natural intestinal flora and whose regular intake in sufficient quantities supports the maintenance of a normal, healthy intestinal flora. Especially fermented foods such as yoghurt, cheese or sauerkraut contain probiotic bacteria (e.g. Bifidus or Lactobacillus).

TIP: Try to include at least one probiotic, fermented food such as natural yoghurt (without added sugar) or cheese in your daily diet. Eat whole fruit, with the skin on if possible, instead of drinking fruit juice. As far as fibre content is concerned, vegetables are generally preferable to fruit.

The LOW CARB PROTEIN BAR from SPONSER® are also rich in soluble dietary fibres and naturally provide high-quality protein. Also specially enriched with prebiotics are the LOW CARB PROTEIN SHAKE. Prebiotics and probiotics can be taken in combination. Ideal and tasty is for example a natural yoghurt in combination with one of the three delicious flavours of LOW CARB PROTEIN SHAKES.

8. colostrum and nucleotides

Bovine COLOSTRUM, also known as first milk or beast milk, is made from the early milk of cows after calving. Colostrum is rich in growth-enhancing and immunomodulating nutrients such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin and growth factors. Thus, colostrum provides valuable co-factors for the maintenance of healthy defence forces and the general well-being beyond its pure protein content. Because protein is not only used to build and maintain muscle mass, but also needed for the formation of defence cells, enzymes and hormones.

NUCLEOTIDES are the components of the body's RNA and DNA. They are used for rapid cell multiplication and thus play an important role in situations of increased stress and an enhanced immune response of the body. Wherever rapid cell regeneration is required, e.g. also in the case of infections and diseases, when the immune system has to produce defence cells quickly. There are also additional studies for athletes, which show that the regular intake of nucleotides over 4 weeks strengthens the immune function after "heavy exercise".

TIP: Daily 20-30 g powder of the 100% pure COLOSTRUM (only in CH available) powder as a protein enrichment, for example in food, shakes or drinks. IMMUNOGUARD provides about 300 mg nucleotides from yeast extract per sachet. 1-2 sachets are recommended during periods of stress for the immune system.

9. avoid alcohol and nicotine

Besides stress (see tip 4), alcohol and nicotine are among the crucial factors regarding impaired immune function.

Alcohol inhibits the body's own defence cells, the so-called white blood cells, in their activity. In particular, the so-called "scavenger cells", which are in the front line in fighting against external pathogens such as viruses, are impaired in their function.

Smoking attacks the immune system. The body's own defence system is reduced and, particularly due to an impaired bronchial system, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria can penetrate more easily and survive longer.

Medical data also show that smokers are comparatively much more likely to die of treatable infectious diseases than non-smokers.

» Overview: how to reduce your risk of infection with Corona / Covid-19 (PDF)

Whey Protein

Whey Protein for Weight Reduction: Meta-Analysis Confirms Significant Effect

A research group at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has investigated the effectiveness of whey protein for weight reduction. All studies carried out to date on weight reduction in overweight and obesity were reviewed and the methodologically best were summarized and evaluated in a meta-analysis. Nine randomized controlled trials involving a total of 455 subjects were integrated into the study. The ingested amounts of whey protein were 20-75 g per day for a period of 2 weeks to 15 months. In addition to the positive results on body composition, the cardiovascular risk profile of the volunteers was also improved. Swissmilk, the Association of Swiss Milk Producers, has reviewed and commented on the study.

Result
Compared to placebo or control diet, the consumption of whey protein resulted in a significantly greater weight reduction, a significantly greater decrease in fat mass, but also a significant increase in fat-free body mass. At the same time, whey protein consumption improved some relevant cardiovascular risk factors: systolic and diastolic blood pressure was lowered, as well as fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol levels - with a simultaneous increase in HDL cholesterol. The scientists concluded from their results that the use of whey protein in patients with overweight and obesity not only supports sensible weight loss but also improves the cardiovascular risk profile.

Comment
Cow's milk contains about 3 g of high-quality protein per 100 ml. Based on the new parameter for determining the biological value of protein, the «Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score»(DIAAS), which also includes the digestibility of each essential amino acid in humans, the proteins of milk and dairy products are far ahead of the rest. Whey protein and casein, whole milk powder, whey concentrates or even isolates reach the highest values. Milk proteins are therefore rated higher in their value than beef. Only then do soy protein isolates follow. The protein of peas, rice and beans is classified even lower in DIAAS.

There are many reasons for the outstanding role of milk protein. It provides a large quantity of essential amino acids per gram of protein consumed, and this in a particularly favourable amino acid profile, in relation to the amino acid requirement. In addition, milk proteins are absorbed at different rates, which increases their biological effectiveness. Casein and whey protein thus achieve different but very well complementary effects: Whey protein is absorbed very quickly and results in a rapid increase in the amino acid concentration in the blood. In contrast, the absorption of casein is delayed due to coagulation in the stomach. As a result, there is a slower but continuous increase in the amino acid concentration in the blood. The rapid postprandial increase of the amino acid concentration - especially of leucine - after consumption of whey protein activates the synthesis process very quickly, while the slow increase after consumption of casein stimulates a permanent stimulation of the synthesis process.

Whey protein is offered as isolate, concentrate or hydrolysate. Its well-known anabolic effect is due to the high proportion of branched-chain amino acids and explains its popularity in weight training. Compared to other proteins, whey protein is characterized by its water solubility, good digestibility and absorption. The increased consumption of whey protein simultaneously reduces appetite and prolongs satiety by stimulating the release of satiety hormones. Whey protein also increases energy consumption by increasing thermogenesis, reduces the release of sugar from the liver and helps to reduce liver fat. Whey protein can therefore be considered an ideal nutritional supplement.

Whey protein from SPONSER
SPONSER® offers a wide range of products with whey protein. In the first place our WHEY ISOLATE 94, SWISS WHEY CONCENTRATE, PREMIUM WHEY HYDRO or also WHEY TRIPLE SOURCE PROTEIN are to be mentioned. Check the tabular overview to learn how the individual products differ from each other and how to use them.

» Protein Powder in Comparison (PDF)

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Literature
Wirunsawanya K et al. (2018): Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Coll Nutr. 2018;37(1):60-70.

Author: Remo Jutzeler
Head R&D SPONSER SPORT FOOD
Ing. Appl Food Sciences FH
MAS Nutrition & Health ETHZ

Protein Tips

Protein: For regeneration, muscle building, weight control and immune defence

Protein fulfils many important functions in your body. For endurance athletes, regeneration, build-up and maintenance of muscle mass, weight control and immune defence are the main concerns.

Regeneration
You need the relevant building materials for regeneration and repair of your stressed muscles. For optimal recovery, you should take 20-30 g of quickly available, high-quality protein as soon as possible after exercise. Whey protein is ideal, e.g. WHEY PROTEIN or a recovery shake such as PRO RECOVERY.
Since your metabolism is running at full speed even hours after intensive training and competitions, you should make sure to repeat your protein intake every 3-4 hours. Suitable sources are basic proteins made from multi-component blends such as MULTI PROTEIN or WHEY CONCENTRATE as well as solid foods and protein bars, such as PROTEIN LOW CARB BAR or PROTEIN 36 BAR.
Sleep is the most important phase of regeneration. In order to shorten the catabolic phase, it is advisable to keep the amino acid influx running as long as possible during the several hours of rest at night. Multi-component proteins such as MULTI PROTEIN and CASEIN, known as «night protein», constitute ideal protein sources, grace to their slow and steady digestion.

Strength and muscle building
For your strength and muscle build-up, the same principles apply as for regeneration, but ideally with slightly higher total protein amounts. Notably, it is also important to maintain a positive net calorie balance. This means that more energy must be ingested throughout the day than burned.

Weight control
In order to achieve weight loss you need a negative energy balance. This means you have to spend more energy than you consume. A regular and increased protein supply also plays a decisive role during such a weight loss regime. On one hand, proteins have a greater effect on satiety than carbohydrates. Furthermore, protein also needs more energy for its digestion by the body, which means less calories consumed net. Proteins are also important during a diet because they reduce the degradation (catabolism) and help to preserve muscle mass and vital structures.

Immune defence
Protein is the main building material and energy supplier of the immune system. Therefore, your protein requirement rises sharply in the event of an infection! In order to stop the spread of viral or bacterial pathogens, a great number of defence cells and immune factors must be produced quickly.

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shop » power & muscle

Author: Remo Jutzeler
Head R&D SPONSER SPORT FOOD
Ing. Applied Food Sciences UAS
MAS Nutrition & Health ETHZ

Recovery for Cyclists

Nutrition tips for a fast recovery during multi-stage events

Recovery is decisive in a multi-stage competition. Consider the following tips to maximize recovery between stages!

- Directly after finishing a race consume at least 20 g of protein plus 50-60 g of carbohydrates that are easy to digest. Recommended products and combinations are:

PRO RECOVERY + 1 Banana
RECOVERY DRINK + 1 AMINO 12500
RECOVERY DRINK
Whey Protein + Sandwich

- Stay hydrated with sports drinks even after the race and throughout the evening. Sports drinks contain electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and potassium which are essential for rehydration and balancing fluids in the body. In addition, they also contain carbohydrates that play a key role in recovery by replenishing muscle glycogen stores.

- Between crossing the finish line, cooldown and shower a first snack can be consumed such as bananas, sandwiches, fruit bread, chocolate milk, semolina slices, rice cake or boiled potatoes.

- Consume a proper meal that is well-balanced within the first 2 hours after a race that includes protein, carbs and cooked vegetables. Raw foods and salads are only recommended to a limited extent as they prolong digestion and increase stool volume which can negatively impact your performance the next day. But anyway, be aware consume high quality vegetable oils like canola, flax seed or walnut oil. These oils supply the body with essential nutrients and polyunsaturated fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acids that aid in recovery. Suitable meals are:

Riz Casimir
Boiled potatoes with fish and spinach
Spaghetti Bolognese
Risotto with meat and cooked vegetables
Pasta with scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables

- Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in recovery for the body. NO improves the delivery of nutrients throughout the body and the excretion of metabolic waste by increasing blood flow. As vegetables and fruits should only play a minor role during multi-day competitions, supplements such as plant-derived polyphenols can also be used to stimulate NO formation. Suitable supplements are NITROFLOW PERFORMANCE or RED BEET VINITROX and have been shown to improve performance when consumed in the morning during a multi-stage race.

- Eat only until you feel full. Rather than overeating, complement your meals with supplements for more energy. These supplements are easily prepared and easy to digest.

- After dinner another 20 g of protein should be consumed. Suitable products are WHEY ISOLATE 94 or PRO RECOVERY.

- Make sure to replenish your glycogen stores by consuming 1-2 portions of CARBO LOADER after dinner. CARBO LOADER supplies the body with highly concentrated carbohydrates and is prepared according to your body weight.

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Author: Yvonner Forster Nigg
dipl. eng. food sciences FH
dipl. dietitian HS

Jeannine Gmelin

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator:

Interview with Jeannine Gmelin - European Vice-Champion

The Swiss rowing athlete Jeannine Gmelin is one of the absolute world leaders in rowing. After her World Champion title in 2017, she doubled her title with the European Champion in 2018 and most recently with the Vice European Champion title. The 29-year-old athlete is trusting in SPONSER® sport food for years and has given a short interview after the European Championships in 2019 on Rotsee.

Jeannine, you said after winning the silver medal at the European Championships 2019 that you were «overjoyed with the 2nd place, because this ranking would not have been possible a few weeks ago». How is that to be understood?

Last fall I had to undergo appendectomy, which delayed my training start. At the beginning of the year I suffered from pain in my back and in addition to the physical complaints, I had a difficult time with the Swiss rowing association. Since March 2019, I have been training for myself and have been confronted with many new challenges. All this has cost me a lot of energy. And under these circumstances, the second place is a good result for me.

What are your plans for the World Championships at the end of August 2019?

As an athlete, it's clear that I compete in races to win. But for me personally, the focus is on being able to deliver my potential at the decisive moment. If I succeed, I know that on the one hand I am satisfied with the result and on the other hand the result corresponds to what I have set out to achieve.

What priorities do you set in your nutrition before such an important competition as the World Championships?

In principle, my nutrition in competition hardly differs from that outside of competition. What changes is that I have to adjust the time of meals exactly to the start of the race. Likewise, that what I eat no longer necessarily has to taste good, but must primarily serve a purpose. In addition to bananas, oat flakes, potatoes or rice, I have also integrated some of the SPONSER products as fixed food sources.

Which are your favorite SPONSER® products that you can't do without in an important competition?

The LACTAT BUFFER and the RECOVERY DRINK are the two most important products during a competition.

You once told us a fine recipe for a «Protein Ice Cream». May we mention it here?

Yes. The recipe is: 1 frozen banana, 1-2 dl coconut milk, 2 tbsp WHEY ISOLATE 94 vanilla, plus berries and Chia seeds as desired. Mix everything in a mixer until it gets creamy and serve in a tall glass. Tastes best after hard training and at sunset!