Category: Immunity Guides

Your immune system is constantly on a seek-and-destroy mission status – on the lookout for foreign invaders, naturally occurring cell defects and mutant cells. The immune system has a vast capacity to remember bad guys and deploy tactics that worked in the past to annihilate the enemy. Some of the fastest growing cells in the human body are immune cells.

Over 80 percent of the body’s immunity is built in the intestinal tract by the friendly bacteria balance that resides there. The intestinal flora starts building in an infant while in the womb but doesn’t really take off until after eight days of age. Starting with the colostrum milk, the gut begins to populate with more bacteria while the infant’s immune system starts an inventory of good and bad cells in the body. This inventory is a life-long process and the immune system never forgets an invader.

The absolute worst thing to do to any infant is to give them an antibiotic. Antibiotics indiscriminately kill bacteria, both good and bad. One round of antibiotics will permanently change the baby’s immune system, and because a majority of neuro-chemicals are also made in the gut, the baby’s neurology is also altered. The antibiotics that have been touted as the savior of mankind from disease are costing us in cancer and degenerative, chronic diseases.

Once the very first antibiotic is administered to the infant or child, the bacteria in the gut is wiped out and the immune system is permanently altered in its ability to manufacture appropriate immune cells. Fungus in the gut is now unopposed and begins to proliferate unchecked by the friendly bacteria. After fungus sets up strongholds then parasites move in to share the bounty of food and minerals meant to feed the body. This is the first step for chronic disease and cancer.

The same process happens when an adult takes even one round of antibiotics. Everything changes permanently and takes years of targeted nutrition and probiotic therapies to recover a semblance of normalcy in the body systems.

Over 80 percent of heavy metals are removed from the body via the friendly bacteria in the gut. Certain bad bacteria and fungus actually prefer to retain and move heavy metals into the body and transport these metals to different tissues and organs to weaken them for future invasion. Fungus is a clean-up organism that feeds on compromised tissues. Eventually a bad fungus will invade healthy tissues as it gains strength and your body weakens.

Once the bad bacteria balance occurs and the fungus sets up shop, the intestinal wall becomes leaky, allowing partially digested foods, bacterium and allergens to cross into the blood. Now the already weakened immune system has double-duty to perform trying to clean up the gut while tracking down these new threats to the body. To think this all started with a well-meaning but seriously wrong pediatrician and misinformed parents.

Cancer is a disease of inflammation. The gut compromises and leakage of particles into the blood causes inflammation throughout the body. Chronically inflamed organs become targets of heavy metals, viruses, bacterium and fungus. But the damage doesn’t stop there as the highly processed foods we eat cross the now compromised gut barrier; causing pancreas stress and trouble. Chronic stress weakens organs to make them more susceptible to disease and cancer.

An autoimmune condition results when your immune system attacks your own body. Antibodies are formed against a particular type of tissue much as though it were a bacteria or virus. This causes your system to launch an inflammatory response. There is no simple, single cause for autoimmune disorders. Sometimes an illness or a severe stress situation seems to trigger the immune system to malfunction.

There are genetic factors that may make you more prone to these disorders, but are not the direct cause. The immune system has a regulatory method that is intended to prevent attack against harmless invaders or your own tissue. Vitamins that support the immune system itself may also help to restore the regulation of the immune system. They are not a cure for autoimmune disorders.

Vitamin D-

Vitamin D is directly involved with the immune system. Your body converts some of this vitamin into an active hormone called calcitriol. As reported in “BMC Genomics,” calcitriol switches on an antibacterial protein as a first-line defense against all unrecognized invaders. It is also important in preventing an overreaction to harmless visitors or your body’s own cells. If you have an autoimmune disorder, you can ask your physician to test your 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. If you are deficient, your immune system may not be functioning optimally.

Vitamin A-

Vitamin A is referred to as the anti-infective vitamin because it is required for normal functioning of the immune system. It accomplishes this by maintaining the mucosal cells that act as a barrier to invading germs, and by its involvement in the production of lymphocytes and the T-lymphocytes vital to the immune system. Vitamin A is essential, but large amounts are not required. Your body can use vitamin A from animal sources, or convert the vitamin from plant sources.
Vitamin A is also required for your body to use vitamin D.

Vitamin B6-

The vitamin B6 group also has functions in your immune system. According to Dr. Jane Higdon of the Linus Pauling Institute, “Decreased production of immune system cells known as lymphocytes, as well as decreased production of an important immune system protein called interleukin-2, have been reported in vitamin B6 deficient individuals.” Balance is important with all the B complex vitamins as many of them are interdependent. You need only 1.3 mg of B6 a day as an adult. You can’t make this vitamin, so a healthy diet or supplements are required to obtain it.

Excessive alcohol can damage the immune system because the alcohol will prevent nutrients from feeding your immune system. The alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach. Once in the bloodstream, alcohol will reduce the white blood cell count in the body.

The lower the number of white blood cells, the more difficult it is to fight off disease. Alcohol also combines with red blood cells for the process of “blood sludging.” In this process, red blood cells clump together and cause smaller blood vessels to plug up. This reduces the flow of oxygen to many vital organs. With less than an optimal amount of oxygen, your organs and your immune system will not operate at peak efficiency.

Amount of Alcohol-

Taking one or two drinks a night is not likely to harm your immune system. Three or more drinks a night is a significantly different story. If an individual drinks enough alcohol to get impaired or drunk, it is also enough to cause weaknesses in the immune system. When you drink enough to get drunk, you are also producing a nutrition deficiency. This will weaken your immune system.

Additionally, the consumption of alcohol impairs the function of B-lymphocytes, which produce antibodies in the blood. These antibodies ward off viruses and other diseases that may attack the body.
Other Health Issues

Stomach issues can develop with excess alcohol and your immune system will not be able to fight them off. Drinking alcohol leads to increases stomach acid because your stomach must work harder to break the alcohol down. This acid can cause ulcers, liver problems (cirrhosis) and kidney disease. Normally, your white blood cells could fight off these conditions, but not when alcohol intake is high.

Smoking weakens the immune system by depressing antibodies and cells that are in the body to protect against foreign invaders. There is an association between smoking and the increased incidence of certain malignant diseases and respiratory infections, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). There is also a significant decrease in immune cells that normally help the body. But this process can be reversed if a smoker gives up cigarettes. Smokers who stop show increased levels of natural killer cell (NK) activity that targets cancerous cells in the body.

Many cancer-causing chemicals from cigarette smoke travel throughout a smoker’s bloodstream to reach the organs of the body and damage the immune response. Carbon monoxide is carried through the body by smoke, interfering with oxygen levels. Less oxygen reaches the brain, heart, muscles and other organs. Lung function is reduced because of the narrowing of the lung airways and excess mucus in the lungs.

Lung irritation and damage result from invading substances, leading to lung infection. Blood pressure and heart rate are affected negatively by smoking chemicals carried through the blood. The immune system does not work as well and smokers become more prone to infections, such as pneumonia and influenza. It takes smokers longer than nonsmokers to get over illnesses.

Smoking can cause the body’s immune system to attack lung tissue and result in severe respiratory disorders, according to research at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. Health scientists examined mice to study the link between cigarette exposure, the immune system and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), a serious lung disease characterized by emphysema and severe inflammation of the lung tissue.

After lung cells were damaged from cigarette smoke in the lab research, the cells signaled the immune system when the damaged cells needed to be destroyed. The research shows that smoking actually activates certain parts of the immune system, which works against the lungs and attacks the tissue, it was reported in the March 2009 issue of the “Journal of Clinical Investigation.” The researchers found a strong correlation between cellular stress signals, activation of the immune system and development of diseases similar to COPD.

Researchers compared the results with tissue samples from humans who included nonsmokers, smokers with COPD and smokers who did not have COPD. They found that patients who had never smoked had no trace of the lung cells that triggered the immune system to attack lung tissue. Current and former smokers who developed the disease had evidence of those lung signals.

Several herbs are favored for their ability decrease immune system response. For instance, immunosuppressive herbs may work well for those taking medications for cancer, because the contrasting antioxidants could make cancer cells multiply faster. Many diuretics and laxative herb compounds are not only immunosuppressive but can also deplete stores of electrolytes like potassium, making the body more susceptible to heart attack or stroke. Consult with a medical doctor before attempting to self-medicate any condition.

Bupleurum-

Bupleurum, or Bupleurum falcatum, is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a treatment to bring the body back to a state of harmony. These practitioners believe that harmony resides in the liver, stomach and spleen. Bupleurum, according to Drugs.com, is being studied as an immunosuppressant herb in the role of certain cancers, gastrointestinal disorders and treatment of liver disease. Aside from its ability to suppress the immune system, bupleurum is also a known diuretic and laxative.

Glucosamine-

Glucosamine, or glucosamine sulfate, is a chemical present in the fluid surrounding joints in the body. Supplemental forms of glucosamine can come from natural sources such as shellfish or may be created in a laboratory. It is highly regarded and used today as a treatment for arthritis. In addition to possible immunosuppressive qualities, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that individuals taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with glucosamine exercise caution due to heightened risks of internal bleeding.

Red Yeast Rice-

Red yeast rice is a fermented yeast product traditionally used as a food coloring in Asian cuisine. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an equivalent to today’s statin medications. Researchers have shown that in clinical laboratories, red yeast rice performed well in reducing bad cholesterol and may increase good cholesterol. Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website, further states that in addition to this herb working as an immunosuppressant, this herb may also harm the liver and should never be taken with alcohol or in combination with other statin drugs.

Cascara Sagrada-

Cascara sagrada, or yellow bark, is a natural stimulant laxative used to relieve constipation. Like other diuretic and laxative herbs, Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggests that the immune system can become compromised when they are used for extended periods and could lead to cancer. This herb is generally considered safe for short-term use, yet it can increase opportunity for infection, dehydration, low electrolytes and heart problems and can cause muscle weakness if used for more than a few days. Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders are strongly cautioned against using cascara sagrada.

Your immune system is a complex network responsible for fighting off harmful bacterial, viruses and chemicals. It also operates as an alarm system of sorts for developing cancers, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that results in an inappropriate stimulation of the immune system when gluten is consumed. If you have gluten intolerance you may experience many symptoms of celiac disease without the severe intestinal damage. Gluten does not prompt this response in individuals who do not have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Gluten-

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including barley, rye and wheat. Gluten is found in crossbreeds of these grains, as well as in any packaged or processed foods containing these grains. Gluten is challenging to avoid as wheat, barley, rye or derivatives of these grains are common additives in food processing. These grains might also be present in medications, lip balms and other skin products.

Gluten Intolerance-

With celiac disease and gluten intolerance, your small intestine is primarily affected; ingesting gluten prompts an immune response. Your immune system is inappropriately activated, which impairs your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. You might experience symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, gas, skin lesions and constipation. Over time, if a gluten-free diet is not followed, you may develop malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies.

Gluten and Immune System-

Celiac disease activates your immune system rather than suppressing it; however, it might lower your immune system due to malnutrition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, even marginal deficiencies in nutrients might contribute to a lowered immune system. A daily multivitamin might be useful in preventing malnutrition; however, you may require blood testing to identify nutrient deficiencies such as iron. An autoimmune response places stress on the immune system, which might leave you more susceptible to illness.

Gluten-Free Dangers-

Gluten-free diets are unnecessary and potentially harmful for those who do not have celiac disease. Eating gluten-free foods unnecessarily might lead to weight gain if you are substituting gluten-free replacement products, as these products are often higher in sugar and fats than their counterparts. Gluten-free diets often lack sufficient nutrients, reports the September 2006 issue of “Practical Gastroenterology.” These nutrients may include calcium, fiber, iron, thiamin, folatem, riboflavin and niacin. Removing gluten unnecessarily might also contribute to vitamin deficiencies that lower your immune system.

Nutrition impacts the strength of your immune system and ability to fight infections and protect your health. Dairy is a big part of the human diet, providing a rich source of protein, calcium and other nutrients. Eating fermented dairy may help you build a strong immune system. However, if you have allergies, dairy can impair your immune system. Consult your doctor about the effects dairy has on your immune system.

Dairy-

Dairy is a broad category of foods that are derived from cow’s milk. These foods include whole milk, skim milk, low-fat milk, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream and yogurt. Dairy products also include milk proteins, such as casein and whey, that manufacturers use in processed foods. Contrary to what many people may believe, eggs are not considered dairy products, particularly because they come from chickens and not cows.

Immune System-

Your immune system protects you from foreign substance and microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. The digestive tract is a common entry point for many foreign substances and pathological organisms. Foreign substances, such as certain proteins, are called antigens that activate your white blood cells to attack and annihilate the antigen. In response to antigens, your body releases antibodies, lymphocytes, phagocytes and other types of immune cells to protect your body from damage these foreign substances and organisms may cause.

Dairy Allergies-

An allergy to milk or other dairy products are among the most common food allergies. These allergies cause numerous health problems. An allergy is defined as an immune response to a substance that causes inflammation and tissue damage in any part of your body. However, the substances in most allergies, including milk and dairy, are usually harmless and it is the body’s reaction that causes the most problems. A milk and dairy allergy causes ear infections in children, inflammation of the sinus, heartburn, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, anxiety and irritability. Symptoms from a milk and dairy allergy may not show up until hours or days after you have eaten these foods. Lactose intolerance, however, is not an allergy to milk and dairy even though symptoms may be similar. Lactose intolerance is defined as a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose, a sugar in milk.

Fermented Dairy Products-

Eating fermented dairy products enhances your immune system and protects you from gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Scientists at Danone Research in Palaiseau Cedex, France found that consumption of fermented dairy products containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 may reduce the risk of common gastrointestinal and respiratory infections in shift workers, according to research published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” in October 2010. The scientists report that the risks of infections among shift workers are normally higher than the general population. The results demonstrate that fermented dairy enhances your immune system, even when you are experiencing stress.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in our bodies and can also be found naturally in certain foods and beverages. These living micro-organisms support normal health and help to enhance and repopulate intestinal bacteria, balancing gut flora and boosting immunity. Probiotics are beneficial to overall health and gastrointestinal health especially. “Pro” and “biota” literally translates to “for life.”

Functions of Probiotics-

The weight of all of the bacteria within our intestines is more than three pounds, totaling more than 100 trillion bacteria, which belong to more than 500 different species that reside in every healthy bowel. The majority of these are not the type of bacteria that make us ill; rather, most are helpful and keep harmful pathogens at bay. They aid digestion, immune function and nutrient absorption. They are responsible for synthesizing nutrients in the intestinal tract such as folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12. If these beneficial bacteria become depleted due to poor diet, disease, stress, or the over-use of medications such as antibiotics, health problems can result. Under healthy conditions, the good bacteria will thrive.

Treatment of Health Conditions-

Probiotics have been used for centuries by many cultures, in the treatment of various health conditions. They are used in treatment for lactose intolerance, diarrhea, constipation, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, yeast overgrowth and infections, urinary tract infections and rheumatoid arthritis. Probiotics have been successful in lowering cholesterol and inflammation, reducing the risk and severity of allergic disease including eczema, and may assist in preventing cancers, particularly bladder and intestinal cancers. Side effects are uncommon, and most adults and even children can safely add foods that contain probiotics to their diet.

Probiotic Supplementation-

Probiotic supplements may be used when dietary intake is unable to meet the needs for bacterial normalization. The Harvard Medical School recommends doses that range from 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units, which is the equivalent of one or two capsules, taken several days per week. Different effects may be observed, depending on the amount and the species and the strain of the microorganism used. All strains are not considered equally useful, so consider consulting a practitioner who is familiar with probiotics to determine which are best for you. For overall good health, supplementation is not necessary, as good bacteria obtained from certain foods will do the trick.

Digestive Health-

Friendly probiotic bacteria help reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract and colonize it with healthy bacteria, allowing it to function properly. They repair damaged intestinal walls so that healing may occur. Digestive conditions improved with probiotic treatment include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, lactose intolerance, constipation, and diarrhea. The probiotics lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are especially helpful in treating diarrhea in infants, children and adults. A daily supplement for one to two weeks may improve infectious or antibiotic-related diarrhea. Effects vary, depending on the person and on the nature of the condition.

Immune Strengthening Powers-

About 80 percent of our immune system function takes place in the intestinal tract; therefore, digestive health is directly related to immunity and overall health. The probiotic bacteria in the intestinal tract activate immune system components such as T and B lymphocytes, which are immune cells important for fighting against and preventing infection. Probiotics may help protect against certain cancers and may also prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu. They can help strengthen an immune system that has been weakened.

Probiotic Foods-

It is best to obtain probiotics from foods first, before turning to supplements, according to Kristi King, of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. When obtained from foods, probiotics “are more readily available for absorption and digestion,” she says. Probiotics can be found in live-cultured yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, aged cheeses, olives, algae plants such as spirulina, chlorella, blue-green algae, and pickled vegetables. Some of the most common types of probiotic bacteria are lactobacillus acidophilus and bulgaricus, and streptococcus thermophilus.

Vitamin C plays a part in the health maintenance of many tissues, and it is an integral component for the production of collagen, a protein involved in the healing of wounds, blood vessels and the skin. Along with its role in skin health and beauty, many scientific studies suggest that vitamin C can boost your immune system, but it is not a definitive fact.

How Much Vitamin C-

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is water-soluble. This means that the body does not store it, so you need a daily supply of this vitamin to avoid deficiencies. The ideal daily dose of vitamin C ranges from 40 micrograms in babies to between 75 and 90 micrograms for adults. Breast-feeding mothers and smokers need a higher daily dose.

Sources of Vitamin C-

Fruits and vegetables are natural sources of ascorbic acid. In particular, citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits; berries, like blueberries and strawberries; and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C. Other natural sources of vitamin C include potatoes, green peppers, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy vegetables. Fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products are also good sources of vitamin C.

Immune System Effects-

The effect of vitamin C on the immune system remains controversial. Vitamin C has been proposed as a cure and prevention for the common cold and other respiratory infections. Although vitamin C may play a role in the prevention of pneumonia, for example, more studies are needed to confirm this benefit. Research on the positive effects of vitamin C on diabetes, asthma and heart disease has not been conclusive. Many studies looking into vitamin C’s effect on the immune system have not conclusively answered the question of its effectiveness.

Vitamin C Deficiency-

If you don’t get enough vitamin C, you can develop signs of scurvy. This condition causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums, weakness, easy bruising and poor wound healing. Other symptoms include joint pain, anemia and loose teeth. The treatment of scurvy includes increasing the consumption of vitamin C-rich foods or taking oral supplements. The symptoms of scurvy usually disappear within a week or two of taking adequate doses of vitamin C. Never add supplements to your daily routine without consulting a physician first.

The immune system is defined by the National Cancer Institute as a complex system of cells, organs and tissues that protect the body from bacteria, viruses and micro-organisms that try to invade it. Scientists and researchers have known for years that there is a connection between stress and the immune system. Stress suppresses immune system function and that, over time, the immune system does not adapt but instead continues to wear away. What was intended to protect the body and begins to harm it when unregulated. The effect of stress on the immune system has been linked to cancer, AIDS and other autoimmune disorders.

Too Much Stress

The way stress affects the immune system is complicated but in essence stress produces a hormone in the body called cortisol. The brain recognizes cortisol as the “fight or flight” hormone, and when it is produced, other body functions are halted until the stressful situation has passed. This is the body’s way of taking care of an immediate emergency. The immune system also receives signals to slow down while cortisol does its job. But with chronic stress, however, the immune system stays in low gear, leaving the body vulnerable to infection and disease. Common illnesses brought on or worsened by stress are cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, skin conditions and poor memory function.

Too Little Stress

Too little stress in the body as well. If that happens, there is no system that puts the immune system in check. When left to do what it wants, the immune system often begins attacking healthy invaders, and when that happens, you can develop inflammatory diseases like arthritis or tendinitis. The general population, however, does not have to worry about too little stress.

Controlling Stress for Immune Function

The Mayo Clinic reports that when the levels of stress hormones drop, then other body processes such as heart rate and immune function return to normal. As cortisol levels drop, the immune system cells begin to resume their role of protecting the body.

While you cannot avoid all of the stresses that come your way, you can learn how to control your reaction. Learning to deal with stress in a healthy manner will minimize the negative affects it has on the immune system. The Mayo Clinic recommends meditation, exercise, counseling and good interpersonal relationships as constructive ways to handle life’s daily challenges.