A to Z Natural Immunity Boosters :: Health and Disease :: Immune System

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A to Z Natural Immunity Boosters

Spring showers may bring spring sneezes. We’ll want to fortify our immune systems against the blossoming cold and flu bugs. Health food stores carry a variety of natural immunity boosters that can help protect us from these seasonal bad guys–or at least lessen their effects or duration. The following is a list of natural ingredients to look for when choosing immunity boosters.

Astragalus

This herb, a part of the bean family, can help enhance our immune function. Astragalus membranaceus root has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it is used to ward off colds and flu.

In North America, it is widely available and inexpensive. It is beneficial for people with immune deficiencies or for those who seem to catch everything going around and want to boost their immunity during the flu season. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapies that suppress immune function will also benefit from using astragalus.

Echinacea

(Echinacea sp.) is a natural antibiotic and immune system enhancer from the First Nations herbal tradition. Before using conventional antibiotics for common infections, try echinacea. It is available from health food stores in tincture, capsule, tablet, and extract forms. To test that the echinacea product is effective, put some of the tincture, extract, or crushed tablet or capsule on the tongue for a few minutes; if it fails to produce a distinct numbing sensation, return it.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, those who have sensitivities or allergies to ragweed should use echinacea with caution since they are in the same family. If you have a sunflower seed and/or melon sensitivity, you may also react adversely to echinacea.

Black Elderberry

(Sambucus nigra) flower and fruit extract is effective in shortening the duration and lessening the symptoms of influenza A and B. It activates the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production and stimulates the immune system by increasing production of disease-fighting lymphocytes. (A cytokine is a protein that triggers response to infections.) The flavonoids present in elderberry extract are among the most potent natural antioxidants available.

Garlic

(Allium sativum) is one of the best antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and cardiovascular tonics. Allicin is a sulphur compound in garlic with well-known, strong antibiotic effects.

A traditional home remedy for colds is to eat two cloves of raw garlic at the onset of symptoms. If you swallow chopped garlic but don't chew it, it’s said the garlic odour won't stay on your breath.

Polypore Mushrooms

According to Eric Yarnell, ND, RH, of the Bastyr University Center for Natural Health in Seattle, Washington, medicinal mushrooms balance immune function, increasing or decreasing various cytokines that are out of balance. Recent research has focused on the fact that mushrooms contain an array of polysaccharides (complex sugars) that have shown remarkable anticancer, immuno-enhancing, and overall healing properties.

Maitake

(Grifola frondosa) mushrooms have been well studied for their ability to support healthy immune function. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), another important medicinal mushroom, also bolsters natural defences. Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), also improve and support immune system functions.

Probiotics

Bacteria that are friendly to the human body are necessary for proper development of the immune system, protection against disease-causing agents, and for better digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Friendly bacteria come from two main groups, lactobacillus or bifidobacterium.

Probiotics are available as dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, and powders), and in foods such as yogourt and kefir. Read the ingredient list to make certain live bacterial culture is in the product and it contains no additives (such as sugar or stabilizers). Health food stores are the best source for high quality, unadulterated yogourt and kefir.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C promotes a healthy immune system, helps heal wounds, maintains connective tissue, and aids in the absorption of iron.

In a 2004 study from the University of Texas Health Science Center, the white blood cells of 12 patients were examined before and after each patient took 1 g of vitamin C daily for two weeks. Researchers analyzed the cells’ ability to make antiviral compounds.

The scientists found an increase in the cells’ antiviral activity after the two weeks of vitamin C supplementation. The study data suggests the usefulness of vitamin C in modulating the immune system in human subjects.

Zinc

Essential to the human body, zinc is especially useful to our immune systems. Zinc deficiency that causes impaired immune function can be reversed by adequate supplementation; however, this should always be done under the supervision of a health care professional as too high a dosage of zinc can actually impair the immune system.

A strong immune system is the foundation that good health is built and maintained upon. Our ability to resist or to quickly recover from common infections such as colds and flu can be fortified by regularly taking the immune-boosting supplements our bodies need. Enjoy springtime by staying healthy!

Source: alive #294, April 2007

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