Immune Support

Question: Experience with using holistic/alternative medicine to support the immune system during chemotherapy? My mom is undergoing chemo for stage IV breast cancer, and is actually going to see a naturopathic doctor in a couple of weeks - the only one in her area was booked for months so it has taken awhile for her to get in. As anyone with experience with cancer knows, it is extremely toxic to the body - and I am wondering if anyone has had success using alternative treatments to help support the body and immune system during something like this?

Answer: Overall support of her system is called for with (gentle) tonics such as nettles and red clover along with slightly bitter herbs to help with nausea and appetite, such as dandelion root tincture taken in water before meals and/or warming ginger. Healing and building foods such as mineral rich (organic if possible) bone marrow broths, root vegetables, fermented foods like real (raw & full of enzymes) sauerkraut, yogurt and miso are key helpers to nourish intestinal flora. Pretty much whatever healthy foods she loves and will eat will be medicine for her. Simple teas such as peppermint and chamomile too. Certain herbs that are called adaptogens, specifically Withania, Shatavari, and Astragalus can also help her body adapt and strengthen from the inside. here is a link to an article at the NIH on use of these herbs in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14698508 Reishi mushroom has a particular place of prominence with cancer patients and may be worth checking out as well for its many benfits during cancer and chemotherapy. There is a lot of information out there on this valuable fungi and its use in ameliorating the harsh side effects of chemotherapy. Here is an article on possible synergistic effects of herbs during chemotherapy - herbs that can help heal the body as well as potentially increase the effectiveness of the treatment http://www.herbalgram.org/wholefoodsmarket/herbclip/review.asp?i=43573 I have not worked with cancer patients yet have trained extensively in herbal and nutritional medicine. Here are some websites of well-respected practitioners who work specifically with cancer patients http://www.herbological.com/cancerandherbalmed.html http://www.centrehealing.com/Bios/DYance.html He has suggestions for books on this page and is the co-author of one that might be worth having: Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer I would also definitely suggest Breast Cancer Breast Health by Susun Weed also: I Beat Cancer: 50 People Tell You How They Did It Where you buy herbs and supplements truly does make a difference and quality varies a great deal! Organic groceries, co-ops, and whole-herb shops are generally far better than chain supplement and gimmicky shops. I hope all this does not overwhelm you! There is no need to rush out and try to get everything. Good food is an excellent start, and then perhaps trying things one at a time to see how they're working for her and what will truly be used consistently is possibly best. Emotional /spiritual support and/or checking out a breast cancer support group in your area might also be helpful. Much Luck to you! I hope this is helpful. You are excellent to be there for her. PS My Mom has also been sick which is probably why I felt compelled to compile this...

Question: does immune support supplements really work? my child has been very ill with a cold if i take immune support supplements will it really help me and the others in my family

Answer: There are a few different sides to an answer like this. Yes, immune system support supplements work for supporting the resistive functions in the body... but if you're already sick, they might not boost it enough to overcome the illness. I like mental images, so I see the immune system like a bunch of soldiers at the border of their country... they can help to keep foreign invaders away and keep their country. However, when an invading force is too strong, it may push those soldiers back as they invade the country. If the invading forces aren't too far in, sending reinforcements can push them right back out with little trouble... but if the invading forces are already all the way to the capital or occupy enough of the country, a few reinforcements may not be enough to repel them quickly or efficiently. That's my mental image... take it as you will. Regardless, the point is that if you catch it early, some of them can help to fend off the problem quickly... if it's been there for a while, it might help a bit, but not enough to kill the cold overnight. Many people take them as preventatives and don't really get sick to start with (I am one of those and I seldom get sick). Good luck and I hope I helped!

Question: What foods strengthen/support the immune system? i cant take any vitamin supplements i react to them (my immune system). ive tried researching. Dont say orange juice that breaks out my skin An allergic reaction to something in the vitamins. Im also severly allergic to pork - got tested at Anyphylaxis clinic.

Answer: What do you mean your immune system "react to them"? Do you mean you have an autoimmune disorder or that you had an allergic reaction to something in a multivitamin? The reason I ask is that if you have an autoimmune disorder and supplemental immune system boosters gave you a bad reaction, then any foods that would boost the immune system would give you the same result. However, if you had an allergic reaction to something in a multivitamin (which is rare, but it happens), then another supplemental herb to boost the immune system probably wouldn't give you the same allergic reaction. With that being said, the biggest thing to keep your immune system strong is to make sure you are eating a proper diet, getting enough sleep, and doing at least some form of exercise (even if it's walking around) at least a few times a week... that's the basic way to stay healthy in general Some of the nutrients, herbs, and foods that boost the immune system are Colostrum (the first milk that mothers give), Mushrooms (like Maitake, Shiitake, and Reishi), IP-6 (Inositol Hexaphosphate), Beta Glucans, Elderberry, Echinacea (should be taken short-term only), and any antioxidants. Good luck and I hope I helped! [edit]: Ah, if you're allergic to pork then you probably had some pills with pork gelatin. In that case, I'd still recommend any and all of the above, but avoid gelatin capsules (unless they specify beef gelatin which is more expensive but isn't pork)... I'd go for vegi-caps or tablets to be on the safe side (as well as being cheaper and giving a wider variety of options).

Question: How does your current intake of vitamins and minerals support your immune system?

Answer: Vitamin C. Vitamin C tops the list of immune boosters for many reasons. There has been more research about the immune-boosting effects of Vitamin C than perhaps any other nutrient. Vitamin C supplements are inexpensive to produce, and it's available naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Also, you can buy a vitamin-C-fortified version of just about anything. Here's what the research shows about how this mighty vitamin protects your body. Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. Vitamin C reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising levels of HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering blood pressure and interfering with the process by which fat is converted to plaque in the arteries. As an added perk, persons whose diets are higher in vitamin C have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. You don't have to take in massive amounts of vitamin C to boost your immune system. Around 200 milligrams a day seems to be a generally agreed-upon amount and one that can be automatically obtained by eating at least six servings of fruits and vegetables a day. See Top Seven Vitamin C-Containing Fruits. If you take vitamin C supplements, it's best to space them throughout the day rather than take one large dose, most of which may end up being excreted in the urine. Vitamin E. This important antioxidant and immune booster doesn't get as much press as vitamin C, yet it's important to a healthy immune system. Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer cells, those that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells. Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E supplementation may also reverse some of the decline in immune response commonly seen in aging. Vitamin E has been implicated in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the Harvard School of Public Health study of 87,000 nurses, Vitamin E supplementation was shown to cut the risk of heart attacks by fifty percent. It's not difficult to get 30 to 60 milligrams every day of Vitamin E from a diet rich in seeds, vegetable oils, and grains, but it's difficult for most people to consume more than 60 milligrams a day consistently through diet alone. Supplements may be necessary to get enough vitamin E to boost your immune system. You need 100-400 milligrams per day, depending on your general lifestyle. People who don't exercise, who smoke, and who consume high amounts of alcoholic beverages will need the higher dosage. Those with a more moderate lifestyle can get by with lower levels of supplementation. Carotenoids. Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging. Like the other "big three" antioxidants, vitamins C and E, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by interfering with how the fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream oxidize to form arterial plaques. Studies have shown that beta carotene can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially strokes and heart attacks, giving scientific credence to the belief that a carrot a day can keep the heart surgeon away. Beta carotene also protects against cancer by stimulating the immune cells called macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor, which kills cancer cells. It has also been shown that beta carotene supplements can increase the production of T-cell lymphocytes and natural killer cells and can enhance the ability of the natural killer cells to attack cancer cells. Beta carotene is the most familiar carotenoid, but it is only one member of a large family. Researchers believe that it is not just beta carotene that produces all these good effects, but all the carotenoids working together. This is why getting carotenoids in food may be more cancer-protective than taking beta carotene supplements. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, which itself has anticancer properties and immune-boosting functions. But too much vitamin A can be toxic to the body, so it's better to get extra beta carotene from foods and let the body naturally regulate how much of this precursor is converted to the immune-fighting vitamin A. It's highly unlikely that a person could take in enough beta carotene to produce a toxic amount of vitamin A, because when the body has enough vitamin A, it stops making it.

Question: Best vitamin for immune support? I get sick frequently throughout the winter. I catch every cold out there. What is a good daily vitamin for immune support? Also, I hear vitamin D can help, along with zinc (true, false?) I drink lots of water, eat plenty of veggies, but not much fruit...ever. I hate fruit.

Answer: If you are not eating enough fruit, take a multivitamin. do not take excessive doses of other vitamins as they might throw your body out of balance. Excellent sources of vitamin C include: parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts. I seriously recommend buying a bottle of Zicam melt-away tablets and keeping them on hand at all times. At the VERY FIRST SIGN of a cold (that little scratchiness in the throat, a runny nose, or even that weird congested and tired feeling that sometimes come before any other hard symptoms) take one and take it every 3 hours, per bottle instructions. I have used this for 5 years, and not had any cold last more than 2 days. ALSO: the most frequent vector for colds is hard surfaces and hand-to-hand contact. Wash your hands frequently.

Question: whats the difference between similac advance early shield with immune support and the regular similac advance? is the early shield one better my cvs was out of the early shield so i just got the regular similac advance my son did perfectly fine with it i just wanted to know the difference between the two and if my store were to run out of the early shield one again could i just give him the regular one thanks

Answer: Its the same formula, but they keep adding a few little things to make it closer to breast milk then before, as far as the vitamins, minerals and calories its all the same.

Question: does the immune system get support from any other system or organism in the human body? what helps the parts of the immune system or the whole thing?

Answer: the immune system is divided into 'innate' and 'addaptive'. the first will use other 'systems' besides it to work propely. the innate immune system will use physical, chemical or cellular aspect to overcome any infection for example, if thats what u mean!! you have to read about the innate system to understand how it works, coz the innate system for example can be ur skin which will prevent organisms from entering into ur body or can be tears from the eyes or it can be any organisms which are already in the body to help it in overcmoing an infection for example..

Question: Dog healing, is there any type of food or ?? to help support their immune system ? I have a 13 year old Shihtzu with a bad eye ucler. We are treating it with topical antibiotics with the vet, but is there anything I can feed her to help her heal faster, it is really healing extremely slowly and she still might lose her eye, so I want to feed her anything that will make her body fight the infection better, anything holistic ? Thanks

Answer: Can you find any homeopaths in your area? Or a homeopathic vet? There are remedy's to help her, but you need someone in the field to give you guidance. She may lose her eye, but you want her out of pain. She will adjust, with your help and her familiar surroundings. Our local SPCA had a little Shihtzu in with both eyes severely ulcered. She could not see at all. With the antibiotics and a whole slew of other drugs, she was able to see shadows when we fostered her for a couple of days. She was trying to initiate play with my dogs, which scared them as she was so much smaller than they are! I give both my guys Hokamix30, but don't know if you have access to it. Google it and check out the store locator. I have heard of really good results from it. Good Luck with your little girl. Please stay away from Science Diet. Not a good food. http://www.ourdogsonline.com/content/sciencedietscam.html Basically anything you can purchase at a grocery store, big box store or veterinary office should be steered clear of.

Question: Juice to support chemotherapy and immune system? Juice for anaemia, depression, immune system and to nourish to people with cancer and chemotherapy: 1 cup of alfalfa, 1 watercress cup, 1 green apple, 3 carrots, 1/2 beet, 7 almonds and 5 nuts. It is liquefied and drunken immediately. 1 or 2 times to the day. Mind and body in harmonious health.

Answer: chemotherapy generally destroys fast growing cells (cancerous), but it also weakens your immune system. there is no "magic bullet" to cure cancer, but there are many things you can do to strengthen your immune system, and successfully help treat cancer. My favorite juices that support your immune system during chemotherapy is.... wheatgrass juice, aloe vera juice, or green or white tea . Other ways to strengthen immune system.... 1) keep practicing good personal hygiene care, wash your hands! 2) get plenty of rest. During deep sleep, our body release potent immune-enhancing substances that strengthen your immune system function. By not allowing our body sufficient rest, the immune system will sputter, and as a result, not function at full capacity. We then are more likely to become ill with common illnesses. A healthy, deep sleep allows our body to release a significant amount of growth hormone that boost the immune system and aids in the growth and repair of the body. 3) get moderate and regular exercise An increase in blood flow associated with moderate exercise helps to circulate antibodies along with white blood cells necessary to fight infection more quickly. As a result, this provides our bodies with an early warning system to ward off potentially damaging germs. In addition, the increase in body temperature as a result of physical activity may aid in inhibiting the growth of bacteria; thus allowing the body to fight infection more effectively. 4) Receiving a Regular Body Cleansing. Body cleansing is essential because our bodies need to properly eliminate the toxic build up that has formed in our intestines (colon), which may lead to sickness and disease. Our body organs and tissues must be free of toxins for the immune system to function optimally thus enabling our bodies to receive the essential nutrients our bodies need. 5) Boost immune system by drinking plenty of filtered water. Water is essential for all living things and keeps our immune system operating optimally while improving the way we feel, look and live. Without sufficient amounts of water, you may experience routine fatigue, dry skin, headaches, constipation, and a decrease normal bodily function which may lead to your body unable to fight off diseases. Without water we would literally dehydrate which could result in the shutting down of vital organs and ultimately end in death. 6) Eliminate all sugar and allergens from your diet. Just a small amount of sugar has been proven to impair white blood cells up to 50% for very short periods of time. By discovering what our personal food allergies are, then eliminating or desensitizing them will help strengthen your immune system. By removing these triggers, our immune cells are strengthened in order to combat other invaders such as influenza rather than the allergen. The elimination of sugar from your diet can also strengthen immune system. 7) Eat nutritiously Good foods to eat include organic fruits and vegetables, chloretta, medicinal mushrooms like maitake, shiitake, reishi, or turkey tail. 8) Take supplements Supplements are needed because our bodies can not produce the nutrients necessary to maintain optimum health. There are many nutrients needed in order to maintain a strong immune system. It is very challenging in the world we live in to obtain sufficient nutrition with the foods available to us. They are over processed and void of many essential nutrients. Additionally, food is grown in soils that have been over-planted and saturated with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Vitamin and mineral deficiency subjects us to more diseases, aging, sickness, and the weakening of our immune system. Best herbs include echinacea, goldenseal, garlic, olive leaf extract, elderberry, or astragalus. Best vitamins include Vitamin A, C, or E. These are a good source of antioxidants, which will boost your immune system. The minerals zinc and selenium also help with boosting your immune system.

Question: Any information on blue-green algae for immune system support? I recently saw a report on 20/20 or Dateline, one of the news shows, that showcased what I believe to be blue-green algae. I was interested in purchasing the product but was not sure of the name or where it can be purchased. Can anyone point me in the right direction of the product or at least offer suggestions for a comprable supplement? It came in liquid form and it was NOT spirulina.

Answer: Blue-Green Algae is made in Klammath Falls, Oregon. It is made from the algae in Klammath Lake. My parents have been taking it for a few years. My mom gave me two bottles of algae i think one was amino acids and the other acidolphilis (i may be wrong with description) They really do help immune system and help with energy during the day and help with a good nights rest. i experienced first hand as far as immune system goes I have hereditary spherocytosis (blood disoreder) and usually i take antibiotics when Im sick. Anyway I was visiting my parents and i got strep throat for the second time in my life (first time I had Strep and Mono for a month and a half it was life threatening) so my dad handed me a hand full of these green pills and a big glass of water (morning) I had a second dose in the evening feeling so good I didnt take any pain killers or antibiotics. The next day my fever and other symptoms were gone. Definately check out Klammath Lake and their Super Blue-Green Algae.

Question: Has anyone ever given Lysine as a daily supplement to their cat to help support his immune system?

Answer: Hi there...Lysine usually is helpful for cats diagnosed with Feline herpes or FIV. It has been found quite helpful to many cats overall immune systems. Consider also joining the free Yahoo Group for FIV cats. There are nearly 400 members who exchange helpful tips on how to best improve their FIV + cat's well-being. Here's the website: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/FIVCats/ FIV Group Description: A discussion group for caretakers with cats who are living with FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. This group allows caretakers to discuss various treatments of both holistic and traditional medicine and support each other in the task of caring for these special cats. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus infects 2.5% of cats in the US. It is transmitted by deep bites and mating behavior. It cannot be transmitted by casual contact and it is not a death sentence.

Question: What foods support a health immune system?

Answer: Bright colored vegetables and fruits are fabulous -- high in antioxidants are blueberries, red grapes, green leafy veggies. Typically, the brighter the color -- the higher the antioxidant potential. WE LOVE ANTIOXIDANTS! Whole grains are important for a healthy digestive tract. Most bacteria in your body are in your digestive tract. Therefore, it is important to cleanse it, as you would your hands. A clean colon is a happy colon! Also -- Vitamin C is important and the Vitamin D which helps to absorb the Vitamin C potency. Example: Skim Milk with calcium and an orange. The fiber in the actual orange is better than just the juice. Both of these would be fantastic with a bowl of oatmeal or other high-fiber cereal or whole grain toast. Grapefruit is a fabulous health supporter (unless you are on a time-release medicine... this can negate the time-release causing serious consequences.) Yogurt with L-casei immunitas is good for you. Caution on the sweeteners used in a majority of yogurts now. Sucralose is used as a diuretic and can cause diarhea. Aspartame/Nutrasweet/Saccharin/etc. can fool your brain into craving sweets. In the long run, they can prove more harmful than good if you lose control of your weight. Better off to stick with moderate portions of naturally sweetened only yogurts. Also -- avoid sodas altogether. Drink lots of water daily. Green Tea/Herbal Tea/Ginseng Tea are also great antioxidants and a nice treat for yourself. Here's to a happy and healthy you!

Question: Oreganol - what is it actually for? Flu, any other sickness, or general immune support?

Answer: It's oregano and it's an herb used in seasoning food. It's reputed to have antioxidant qualities due to its phenolic acid content. It's also used to treat infection (bacterial & parasitic), coughs, asthma and other lung conditions, indigestion, menstrual problems, UTIs and arthritis. I'm not saying it works, just what it's used to treat. It's also sometimes used to step on pot.

Question: Immune Deficiency Support chat / website? I have a unknown and new Immune Deficiency disorder and i was wondering if there is any support websites or anything like that

Answer: I have over-reactive immune system. I usually chat about this issue on facebook groups. Those people go through same things I am going through. We talk about treatment options, how to deal with pain, how to get in remission, and etc. Join a facebook group that deals with your disorder. They will support and clarify things for you. They have lot of groups dealing with various issues and diseases.

Question: 500 MG Ester-C To help support Immune System..? Hello Everyone! I'm a 23 year old Female who always managessss to catch little head colds, seasonal bugs.. ect.. here and there. I see my doctor regularly, and I do plan on talking to him about this supplement but I was just wondering what everyone’s outlook is on it. It pretty much states it "quickly provides powerful immune system support for 24 hours" which sounds great because I work directly with people.. Who usually always come in sick because they don’t know how to stay home! I'm just curious if anyone else out there is taking it or has heard of it! This year I'm TERRIFIED of getting the Swine Flu- and anything that helps protect against it I'm all for (accept for the H1N1 Vaccine because my doctor himself told me that thing wasn’t safe! ughh what to do, what to do) But thanks for your opinions!

Answer: No idea about ester-c, but straight time release C's are all I try to do. Generally 4 - 8,000 mg a-day. Vitamin C in excess is passed out through your urine (strictly a waist of your hard earned money), in my case, kind of a bright day-glow yellow when I'm taking more than enough. The beauty of this is your ability to see that your body thinks everything's ok (bright yellow) or that it is gearing up for a fight (standard color) and used all you gave it. This might sound a little extreme, but I can't remember the last time I had a cold (never had a flue shot), and I'm sure I haven't had more than 5 or 6 colds over the last 30 years. If you feel this is extreme, please google it and also take a look at the work of nobel loriot Linus Pauling....he was more like a 12 Gram a-day kind of guy. Good luck.....And don't let anybody tell you your not headed in the right direction

Question: Colds: THIRD one this year. What can I do to support my immune system? This is the 3rd cold I've had-- the second one was only 2 weeks ago. I eat a super-healthy diet, take vitamins, wash my hands often, etc. etc. etc.--- all the healthy things. What else can I do to prevent colds?

Answer: You're taking the right steps, and you should know that there isn't a way to prevent the cold/flu bug -- but there are some additional precautions worth taking that you might not be aware of: Use disinfecting wipes to wipe down things that are touched by a lot of people, such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, etc. Instead of just using regular kleenex around the house, look for the "anti-viral" ones (it will say this on the packaging), since they actually kill the cold/flu bug inside the tissue. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, since these are the areas of your body where the cold/flu bug commonly gets into your body. And it sounds like you already have a healthy diet, but also remember to get plenty of sleep!