Vicky wrote:
> feeling better. Question is _ what can I do to boost my immune system.
> I take timed release vit C, a good multi vit daily and evening
> primrose oil. and acidopholus cause I have a dicky stomach sometimes.
> Also a daily dose of garlic. I am on a low carb diet and tried to take
> a B complex but when I do no matter what the dose I itch all over and
> I am miserable. I don't deal with carbs well but realise I need the Bs
~~~~~~~

Congrats on shaking the yolk of painkillers.  Some commons signs of impaired
immune function include fatigue, listlessness, repeated infections,
inflammation, allergic reactions, slow wound healing, chronic diarrhea, and
infections that represent an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria, i.e. thrush,
systemic candidiasis.

The immune system is a system of complex interactions involving many
different organs such as white blood cells, bone marrow, lymphatic vessels
and organs, specialized cells found in various body tissues, and blood
(serum) factors.

A good immune building program would include antioxidants, such as a quality
daily 'green' drink, vitamin E, probiotics, EFAs (essential fatty acids),
and supplements such as garlic, maitake/shiitake/reishi mushroom, pycnogenol
and/or grape seed extract, quercetin plus bromelain, selenium, CoQ10,
glutathione and vitamins A (including beta carotene), B complex (or if it
causes you to react... most likely the niacin in the complex, do try extra
B6 and B12 at least), C with bioflavonoids, multivitamin and mineral complex
and zinc plus copper.

Vitamin A is an anti-infection vitamin, is rarely toxic

Vitamin C may be the single most important vitamin - essential for the
formation of adrenal hormones and production of lymphocytes - has direct
effect on bacteria and viruses - should be taken with BIOFLAVONOIDS

Vitamin E interacts with vitamins A and C and the mineral selenium, acting
as a primary antioxidant and scavenger of toxic free radicals

Zinc boosts the immune response and promotes healing of wounds when used in
appropriate doses (100 mg or less daily).  It also helps protect the liver.
Doses over 100 mg may actually depress the immune function, the adverse
effects including lowering of HDL-cholesterol and temporary suppression of
the immune system, just the opposite of what you want.

Maitake, shiitake and especially reishi mushroom offer amazing immune
support.  The polysaccharide lentinan in Shiitake has been shown in research
to actually promote the immune system's attack on tumors, and is being
heavily studied for both cancer and ARC/AIDS problems.  Reishi has had
80-98% success in repeated studies.


Herbs that help:

astragalus (boosts immune system and generates anti-cancer cells); powerful
antioxidant and mild antibiotic.  Slightly diuretic increasing urine flow
and to treat kidney and bladder infections.

bayberry, fenugreek, hawthorn, horehound, licorice root (use
deglycyrrhizinated licorice as regular licorice can increase blood pressure)

black radish, dandelion, and especially MILK THISTLE to help cleanse the
liver and the blood

echinacea boosts the immune system and enhances lymphatic function

goldenseal strengthens the immune system, cleanses, and has antibacterial
properties (don't use over a long period of time, generally 1 week at a
time)

St. John's wort is a natural blood purifier and fights viruses such as HIV
and Epstein-Barr virus

ligustrum (Chinese terminology 'nu zhen zi') increases bone marrow
production of lymphocytes as well as their maturation into T cells.
Beneficial for thymus and spleen health and inhibits tumor growth.

Choose a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably raw) plus nuts,
seeds, grains if you are not allergic, and other high fiber foods.

Include chlorella (present in 'green' drinks), garlic, and pearl barley.
These foods contain germanium, a trace element found to be good for the
immune system.  For those WITHOUT thyroid disease, KELP contains iodine
(necessary for thyroid function), calcium, iron, carotene, protein,
riboflavin, and vitamin C.

AVOID processed foods, sugar and soda. - DO eat fish, chicken, turkey.

Get lots of sleep.

Exercise within tolerance.

Avoid overeating.

AVOID smoking, or drinking large amounts of alcohol or caffeine.  However,
the odd one isn't going to hurt.

If you really want to feel better and regain good health for yourself, you
can do it!  Good luck.


Joan McPhee, not an M.D.
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