Iowans know a thing or two about allergies. Every spring and fall, pollen from alfalfa, Burr oak, butternut trees, and corn reek havoc on people's eyes, noses, ears, and sinuses. And like most Americans, Iowans rush to stores for any relief from the sneezing and itching.
Embria Health Sciences, an Ankeny-based company, has a different idea on how to combat allergy symptoms - as well as those for colds and flu. Experts there believe the power lies in balancing the human immune system.
What most people don't know is the human body shouldn't be bothered by allergens such as tree and grass pollens. Our immune systems react to these "invaders" in much the same way as it does cold and flu bugs - seek and destroy before they can do harm. In reality, our bodies should see substances that cause seasonal allergy symptoms as harmless.
Embria scientists created a proprietary dietary supplement called EpiCor that helps "educate" the human immune system to boost and suppress itself when needed. Several clinical studies show the nutrients in EpiCor may indeed help us achieve immune system balance.
Gov. Terry Branstad wants Iowa to become the healthiest state in the nation by 2016, and prevention is a key to making this happen. Balancing our immune systems can be a top preventive measure Iowans can take in helping reach this goal. EpiCor can play an important role in the "Blue Zone" program sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Healthways.
I'd like to offer a story angle on how Embria Health Sciences is taking a unique approach to combating symptoms of allergies, colds, and flu for a healthier Iowa. There are several expert resources available for interviews or who can provide detailed information about immune balance versus passively treating symptoms with sprays and pills.
- Paul Faganel, Embria Health Sciences president, can describe how EpiCor came from a serendipitous start more than a decade ago.
- Larry Robinson, Ph.D., is Vice President of Scientific Affairs for Embria. He can discuss the science behind EpiCor and how that science shows the efficacy of the ingredient.
- Dr. Mark A. Moyad, co-director of the University of Michigan men's health program, can discuss the results of clinical studies on immune balance and EpiCor he's personally led, and why such balance can have benefits beyond allergies, colds, and flu.
For more information about Embria Health Sciences, please visit www.embriahealth.com. For information and science about EpiCor, please visit www.epicorimmune.com.
