As the weather cools and routines shift, supporting a strong immune system becomes top of mind for many of us. Seasonal changes often bring more time indoors, busier schedules, and added stress on the body, all of which can put added pressure on your body’s natural defenses. While there’s no way to fully avoid life’s ups and downs, one of the most effective steps you can take is nourishing your body with foods that help it stay balanced and resilient.
That’s where Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (aka AFA or Organic Wild Microalgae™) shines.
This rare, wild-harvested algae is not only one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, but it’s also uniquely supportive of immune health. Combined with other well-researched ingredients like medicinal mushrooms and beta-glucans, AFA becomes a powerful tool for maintaining wellness during seasonal transitions.
Why AFA Is So Unique
AFA, harvested from the pristine waters of Klamath Lake in Southern Oregon, is unlike any other algae in the world. While many people are familiar with spirulina or chlorella, AFA contains a broader spectrum of nutrients and unique compounds not found in any other species of algae.
Some key features that make AFA exceptional include:
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Broad-spectrum nutrition. AFA contains a balance of proteins, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Instead of providing isolated nutrients, it delivers a synergistic combination of compounds that work together to support health.
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High bioavailability. Many of the nutrients in AFA are in naturally occurring, easily absorbed forms. That means your body can use them efficiently.
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Unique phytonutrients. AFA contains compounds such phycocyanin (the blue pigment also found in spirulina) and polysaccharides that are being studied for their role in supporting cellular health and immune function.
It’s this combination of broad nourishment, high absorption, and unique compounds that gives AFA its reputation as a foundational superfood.
How AFA Supports Immune Health
A strong immune system depends on multiple factors: balanced nutrition, healthy cells, a resilient gut, and the ability to adapt to stress. AFA supports all of these areas simultaneously.
Keep reading to learn how.
1. Antioxidants for Cellular Defense
Every day life exposes our bodies to oxidative stress, which is caused by pollutants, processed foods, and even normal metabolic processes. Antioxidants help neutralize the free radicals that cause oxidative stress. This neutralization helps keep your cells healthy and functioning well. AFA is naturally rich in powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin. These compounds provide essential cellular protection, which ultimately supports immune resilience.*
2. Polysaccharides and Immune Cell Responsiveness
Polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, are natural compounds that help the immune system ‘stay ready.’ They don’t overstimulate immunity; rather, they support healthy responsiveness when the body encounters challenges. AFA contains its own unique polysaccharides, making it a valuable ally for immune balance.
3. Chlorophyll and a Clean Internal Environment
Chlorophyll supports detoxification by helping the body process and eliminate everyday toxins. A cleaner internal environment takes pressure off the immune system, allowing it to focus on defense rather than constant clean-up. With a high concentration of chlorophyll, AFA is an outstanding way to boost your daily intake and support your body’s natural detox process.
4. Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Immune Function
Micronutrients like vitamin A (from beta-carotene), iron, and zinc are all essential for immune cell development and activity. Deficiencies in any of these nutrients can weaken the body’s defenses. AFA naturally provides these key vitamins and minerals in a whole-food form, which makes them easier for your body to use than the ones that come from synthetic supplements.
The Gut-Immune Connection
One of the most fascinating areas of immune research in recent years has been the gut, especially when it comes to its connection to immune health. It turns out that roughly 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, making the state of your gut and the strength of your immune system deeply connected.
AFA plays a role here as well. Its rich protein, fiber, and polysaccharide content naturally support a healthy gut environment. A nourished and balanced gut microbiome helps regulate immune responses, reduce unnecessary inflammation, and strengthen overall resilience.*
This connection between gut health and immune strength makes AFA not just a surface-level immune booster, but a foundational nutrient for whole-body wellness.
When You Need Extra Support: Lean On Defend
While AFA is the foundation of every product we make, sometimes your body needs targeted support, especially during the cooler months and times of stress. That’s why we created Defend, a specialized formula designed to nourish and strengthen the immune system when it matters most.
Defend combines three key elements:
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Medicinal Mushrooms. Used in Eastern medicine for centuries, mushrooms like reishi, maitake, and shiitake are some of the most highly researched natural tools for immune support. They help maintain immune balance and adaptiveness without overstimulation.*
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Beta-Glucan. A well-studied polysaccharide that supports healthy immune responsiveness. Research has shown that beta-glucans can help immune cells act quickly and appropriately when the body needs them most.
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Organic Wild Microalgae (AFA). Provides the broad nutritional foundation, antioxidants, and unique phytonutrients that keep your system nourished and strong.
The synergy of these ingredients makes Defend more than the sum of its parts. It combines modern science with traditional wisdom to create a powerful tool for supporting your body’s natural defenses.
Give Your Body the Defense It Deserves
You can’t control the seasons, but you can prepare your body to meet them with strength. By combining daily nourishment from AFA with targeted support from medicinal mushrooms, Defend gives your body the tools it needs to stay resilient through all of life’s challenges.
Ready to give your immune system the support it deserves? Try Defend today.