Description Many people have a weakened immune system and may not even realize it as symptoms are manifested through a number of other channels. Poor diets and stressful lifestyles are two key components of a weakened immune system. The reasoning lies in a quick run through of your nervous system: The nervous system is made up of two "sub-systems" that run simultaneously: sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is tuned to react to stressful situations and result in a "fight or flight" response by the body. This is a normal reaction to high-stress situations and is intended as a short-term response. The parasympathetic nervous system repairs, regenerates, and heals various body parts and systems when we are in a restful state. Problems arise when the sympathetic system dominates the parasympathetic, robbing our bodies of the essential period of regeneration necessary for proper overall function -- the parasympathetic system never becomes fully activated. During sympathetic domination, adrenaline levels and many other stress-related hormones become depleted. The body is in a constant state of tension and your lymphatic system cannot properly eliminate toxins. This situation generally depletes and strains the body and your immune system must bear the brunt and becomes compromised as a result. If you are a high performance athlete, it is important to watch your amino acid levels. Studies have found that after those who undergo an intense exercise period often have a higher incidence of infection and cold symptoms due to a weakened immune system. A University of Oxford study found that post-marathon endurance athletes experience a decrease in plasma levels of glutamine coupled with a drop in the number of immune system lymphocytes -- cells dependent on glutamine for optimal growth. This drop in lymphocyte count, along with other negative changes in the immune system, is considered to be the cause of a higher level of illness among athletes. Glutamine supplementation can alleviate this situation, particularly when the amino acid is taken intravenously. It is highly recommended to consult with your fitness consultant, naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking this approach.
Symptoms and Signs: As your immune system becomes compromised, your likelihood of contracting colds and other bacterial/viral illnesses increases. Chronic cold-related symptoms, fatigue, and allergic reactions may all be signs of a weakened immune system. Liver toxification can also weaken the immune system, as toxins are sent back into the bloodstream from the liver and must be dealt with by the strained resources of the immune system.
Causes: Stress, our high-paced lifestyle, lack of sleep (under 8 hours), insomnia, and lack of exercise (under 20-30 minutes, 3 to 4 times weekly) all contribute to a weakened immune system. Poor food choices (over-processed, chemically laden products) and nutritional deficiencies (due to dietary and/or processed food choices) also rob the body of essential nutrients necessary for proper function. Food, chemical, and environmental allergies all take their toll on the immune system as it either over-reacts and/or attempts to deal with these various "invaders". Food sources include diary products, wheat, corn, soy, eggs, and white sugar (see below). Chemical sources include solvents, household cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, and household off-gasing from drywall, carpets, and construction materials. Environmental sources include outdoor pollution and plant and pollen reactions. Excessive use of social and pharmaceutical drugs, such as coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and all hard drugs can burden the immune system. Pharmaceutical drugs often strain the lymphatic system, as our body tries to eliminate the potential toxins. Refined sugars are seen as invaders by the immune system. This triggers a response and strains immune system resources. One gram of sugar can hinder immune system activity for up to 24 hours. Long term parasitic infestations or Candidiasis (see section) may also be a factor. Usually, causes are chronic and contribute to this ailment over the long-term. Negative emotions, such as frustration, anger, jealousy, fear, hatred, anxiety, and others, can stress various body systems, included the immune system, compromising its ability to function.
What to Expect: As your immune system becomes weakened, your ability to fight off bacteria or virus invaders becomes compromised. Results are increased susceptibility to colds and other ailments involving bacterial/viral invasions.
Remedies
Amino Acids Glutamine acts as fuel for the immune system. This amino acid is essential for the proliferation of lymphocytes and for several key functions of the macrophages. Your body normally produces enough of this amino acid. Take 5g three times daily. Glutathione and Taurine also support the immune system. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner.
Antioxidants Grape Seed Extract and pycnogenol are powerful antioxidants. Take 25 to 100mg grape seed extract daily, in divided doses, and 25 to 100mg pycnogenol. Vitamins A, C, and E all have antioxidant properties as well as other beneficial properties. Take 10,000 IU Vitamin A daily. Take 2,000 to 5,000mg Vitamin C daily (start at the lower dosage and increase up to bowel tolerance). Take 400 to 500 IU Vitamin E daily.
Foods Your diet should be rich in organic fruits and vegetables. This will provide you with the nutrients, fibre, and other essential elements needed for optimal dietary health. In turn, your healthy food intake decisions will provide immediate support for your immune system. Spirulina is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can be used to restore lost nutrients to the body, which in turn boosts the immune system. Drink plenty of water. Aim for eight glasses per day. If you are not accustomed to drinking this quantity, increase slowly by one or two glasses per day. Water is essential for circulation and draining of the lymphatic system -- your exit route for toxins.
Food Supplements Essential fatty acids provide your body with necessary fats to ensure proper brain and nervous system function. EFA's can be combined with a B complex vitamin (see below) to improve overall nervous system function. Flaxseed/linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take one tablespoon daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool.
Herbs Astragalus is safe to take as a long-term remedy when dealing with a weakened immune system. If using capsules, take 6g three times daily. If using a tincture, take 20 to 30 drops three times daily. Echinacea provokes an immune system response, boosting lymphocyte/white blood cell count. If using capsules, take 2 daily. If using a tincture, take 20 to 30 drops at least three times daily (dosage can range as high as 20 to 30 drops every three hours). If preparing a decoction, take throughout the day. Due to its specific immune system stimulating properties, do not use echinacea over the long term. This will only confuse your immune system into action and thus weaken its ability to fight an actual infection. Garlic has immune building properties, among its many beneficial properties. Take two to four cloves daily. If supplementing, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with food. Nettles, Reishi, and Shiitake also support the immune system. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner. Canadian ginseng has adaptogenic (stress-adapting) properties that help you deal with stress and, in turn, help your immune system become less weakened. If using capsules, take two capsules two to three times per day. If using a tincture, take 20-30 drops two to three times per day.
Lifestyle Reduce stress and anxiety. Take a look at the chronic daily demands of your life and take viable measures to change them. This is often challenging and involves prioritizing demands and weighing corresponding gains. Cut out the excess television, magazines, radio, meaningless purchases, and the overall desire to consume and take a load off of that which demands your daily attention. You will definitely breathe a sigh of relief with this excess load taken off your back (and many other bodily parts and systems -- including your immune system). Get ample amounts of rest and take time to relax and slow down. Ensure you receive at least eight hours of quality sleep nightly. Your parasympathetic nervous system needs time to recover, repair, and heal, and this can only be done when you are in a restful state. Wash your hands to remove bacteria and viruses. You come into contact with countless, germ-laden objects every day: door knobs, elevator buttons, counter-tops, water faucets, shaking hands, and more. Germs enter your body through a variety of pathways including nose and mouth, cuts and scrapes, and ears, eyes, and skin. The skin under your fingernails, in particular, has a number of blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. This makes it easy for germs to invade the bloodstream. Removing these germs from your body takes an extra load off your already weakened immune system. Avoid and eliminate all sources of chemical exposure. Common household cleaners containing poison symbols should be eliminated. If you cannot drink it, why would you expose your family to it in small doses over a long period of time? Long term toxic exposure is a silent and deadly threat. And viable alternatives are readily available. Natural alternatives are available in health food stores, while vinegar or baking soda and water clean just about anything. Companies such as Nature Clean, Simply Clean, and Ecover sell viable alternatives that work just as well, if not better, than their toxin equivalents. In keeping with your "green" them, reduce your volume of chemical/toxin ingestion. Harmful chemical compounds are pervasive in our industrial lifestyle. From the air you breathe to the water you drink to the food you eat to the buildings you live in, chemicals are everywhere. The good news is you can easily reduce your exposure. Eat toxin-free organic food or, better yet, grow your own! Do not spray your lawn with toxic chemicals. Lawn spraying is an acutely North American habit whose consequences are far greater than the trivial, aesthetic gains. Think about it. You are poisoning your lawn, pets, children, and yourself to satisfy a social norm. Again, follow the above rule of if you cannot drink, why would you exposure your family to it? Instead, welcome the diversity of life a natural lawn brings. Your children will be able to enjoy the outdoors while playing on the grass. You could even tear up the lawn and plant a natural garden with native plant species. This is a welcome trend in humanizing our urban areas. Butterflies, birds and beautiful planted bulbs make for a welcome replacement to a toxic expanse of empty space. Is your family's health worth less than an image of manicured perfection? Exercise at least four times per week for at least thirty minutes. This reduces adrenaline levels (while increasing feel-good endorphin levels) and promotes relaxation. Therapies and Healing Aids Massage, meditation, Qi-Gong, Tai-Chi, and yoga are all physically/mentally/emotionally relaxing and rejuvenating activities that can re-energize and promote proper functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system. This in turn will strengthen your immune system.
Vitamins Take a multivitamin with chelated minerals. This will help restore lost nutrients to your body and the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals provide a boost to your immune system. A B-complex supplement provides many benefits. It will support your nervous system by providing it with the nutrients it needs to function properly. People experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress (situations that can compromise the immune system) often benefit from addition B vitamins. Take a 50 mg complex (100 mg is often not fully absorbed by the body). B complex injections may also be considered for better absorption. You must discuss this option with your naturopath or other health practitioner. C also has immune-boosting properties. Take 500 to 1000mg twice daily. You may further increase up to bowel tolerance.
Actions and Remedy Listings
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