The simplistic natural approach to repairing an immune imbalance is to stimulate the immune system. But excessive stimulation of the immune system can shunt energy away from the other important energy-dependent systems of the body. This is often warranted in acute illnesses, but continued immune system stimulation in chronic illness will often worsen any underlying detoxification or digestive problems.

More comprehensive treatment of the immune system must first address unhealthy dietary habits that impair the ability of the immune system to respond properly. These habits include excessive consumption of pro-inflammatory fats (red meat, dairy products); excessive alcohol intake which burdens the detoxification system and limits the immune response; excessive sugar consumption which results in a 50 percent reduction of immune activity for one to five hours after consumption; inadequate intake of the proteins that are used to manufacture antibodies in the body; and immune nutrient deficiency (specifically, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A).

The second step involves identifying and then reducing or eliminating internal and external triggers that alter the immune system. For example, stress is now recognized as one of the great damagers of the immune system. High stress leads to excess cortisol production which results in an immunosuppressed state and increased susceptibility to infectious agents. Another example is that food allergies and sensitivities are often underlying immune dysfunctions. Fifty percent of the immune system surrounds the gastrointestinal tract, meaning the body has been designed to mount an immune response to any unwanted “food invaders”. [The gold standard test for food sensitivity is an elimination-then-challenge diet. A reliable alternative is a blood test that measures cellular reactivity to food proteins called ELISA/ACT (www.elisaact.com) available from health care professionals.] Therefore, working with a health care professional to identify the causative factors underlying an impaired immune system and then taking therapeutic measures to reduce these factors is an important step.

The third step is utilizing nutritional and herbal supplements to support a healthy immune response. Examples of nutritional and herbal therapies are outlined below:

Nutritional Supports

• Vitamin C is useful to help fight infections from virtually all pathogens. It helps prevent and decrease the duration of the common cold. High doses up to 5,000 mg/day are recommended during an infection.
• Vitamin A and beta-carotene significantly affect the immune function and can be used preventatively, as well as therapeutically, to improve the status of the immune system.
• Zinc is essential for a wide range of physiological functions, including support of the body’s defense system. When zinc levels are low many white blood cell functions critical to the immune response are severely lacking.
• Beta-glucan provides is a natural polysaccharide derived from baker’s yeast providing healthy immune cell activity and natural defense.
• Thymus extract supports the activity of the thymus gland, the master gland of the immune system.
• Colostrum is a highly-concentrated source of immunoglobins (antibodies), growth factors, and enzymes produced from dairy cows shortly after giving birth.

Herbal Supports

• Echinacea has potent non-specific stimulatory actions on the immune system, including antibacterial and antiviral-like properties. It is generally recommended as an acute phase remedy to be used at the very beginning and throughout the course of an illness.
• Astragalus is a traditional Chinese herb used as a tonic for strengthening the body's resistance to disease. It has been shown to reduce the frequency and duration of the common cold.
• Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid that demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity against a wide range of organisms, as well as immune-stimulating properties. Berberine is also present in Oregon grape and barberry. (Caution: these herbs should not be used during pregnancy).
• Olive leaf extract supports the immune system and promotes a healthy intestinal environment. From the Mediterranean olive tree, it defends itself against bacteria, fungi, and parasites through compounds it produces.
• Flavonoids include proanthocyanidins (PCO), quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids, and green tea polyphenols. They have been referred to as "nature's biological response modifiers" because of their ability to modify the body's reaction to other compounds such as allergens, viruses, and carcinogens.

Source: Paul Ratté, N.D., Northwestern Health Sciences University