Building Immune System

Updated on February 16, 2009
K.P. asks from Duluth, GA
12 answers

Hello all you awesome ladies...I was hoping to get your feedback on building my immune system. Recently I had a terrible sinus infection (worst ever) and I suspect inner ears were involved too (this was about four/five weeks ago.) I did NOT want to go on an antibiotic as I had strep prior to Christmas which I was prescribed an antibiotic for. I started the following therapy: neti pot (with natural sea salt and sometimes colloidal silver), tea tree nasal steams, high doses of vit. C, grapefruit seed extract as a natural antibiotic, milk thistle to support the liver, extra B vits., multi. vit., tried oregano oil with coconut oil, lots of probiotics, daily green drinks and protein shakes, fish and flax oils, had my thyroid and glucose tested which was all normal...Whew (sorry for all those details but you'd think I'd be a picture of health after all that...lol :-) Anyway, after a week, everything did break up and I've been much better but I still feel drained. I really feel like my immune system has been struggling for some time now particularly two weeks before my cycle begins (also my father passed away 10 months ago and I know I've been struggling with this.) Any suggestions you might have would be so welcomed.

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D.G.

answers from Augusta on

Hi, I am not one to promote products or wonder drugs. BUT my mother has tried a product that has been wonderful in adding energy and "life" to her daily routine. She once suffered from headaches and it seemed she was ALWAYS tired; we would usually find her too tired to do anything and she'd have to lay down and rest. We went camping on Labor day weekend last year, my aunt and other family members commented on her energy and "not always tired" new self. I remember, I had to nap everday while she went fishing and swimming. She also teaches second grade at a local elementary school, I do not believe she has been ill this school year. Anyway, the product is Monavie. I'm a believer because of the results my mother has had. The products should boost your immune system too. Its wonderful.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.L.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi K.:
What Makes This Product Unique?
Immune™ Maximum Defense Formula
Single Bottle (30 Servings)

During times of seasonal stress, the body’s immune system may not function at peak performance. The immune system is an active component of the body, working constantly to protect the body from environmental factors and germs to maintain optimal health and general well-being. Normally, its actions go largely unnoticed until it fails the body in some way. When a germ enters the body and reproduces, it immediately begins to cause problems. The immune system works in three main mechanisms. First, the immune system creates a barrier to prevent germs from entering the body. Next, if a germ does enter the body, the immune system responds by detecting and eliminating them before they have time to inhabit the body and reproduce. Finally, if a germ does inhabit the body and begins to reproduce, the immune system responds by eliminate them. Because the immune system is constantly working hard to protect the body from germs, it is important to keep it healthy.

The immune system is composed of the thymus, the spleen, the lymph system, bone marrow, white blood cells, antibodies, hormones and the complement system (antibody-helping proteins found freely in the blood), all working to keep the body healthy. However, the body is exposed to thousands of germs floating in the air, unclean hands or improper food handling everyday. For the most part, the immune system responds to these germs immediately; but occasionally, these germs can slip past the immune system, weakening the body’s defenses. Antioxidants like elderberry, andrographis and potent mushroom compounds like Maitake Gold 404® and MycoFusions™ have been shown to help support normal cellular defenses and promote a healthy immune function.

Immune™ Maximum Defense Formula is a patented beta glucan supplement combining Maitake Gold 404®, MycoFusions™, elderberry and andrographis to enhance immune function. Certain types of mushrooms contain numerous compounds that have been studied extensively for their ability to promote a healthy immune system. Beta-glucans 1-3, beta glucans 1-6, arabinogalactins, and arabinoxylans are compounds that work hand-in-hand with certain cells of the immune system. Arabinogalactins and arabinoxylans are powerful polysaccharides that support the immune system. These compounds promote healthy activity of interleukins, interferons, and necrosis factor, all key components in a healthy immune system. Maitake Gold 404®, a highly studied extract of the maitake mushroom, is shown to be effective in supporting the body’s immune cells, including natural killer cells, macrophages, T cells and B cells. MycoFusions™ is a concentrated complex of maitake, shiitake, cordyceps, Reishi, oyster, and coriolus, which provide powerful polysaccharides and beta glucans, shown to promote healthy immune functions. The potent antioxidant properties of elderberry and andrographis promote a healthy immune response. Immune™ works to help maintain general health during seasonal stress, helps support normal cellular defenses, provides a strong antioxidant defense, and promotes beneficial activity of macrophages, T cells, white blood cells and natural killer cells, which engulf and destroy pathogens and foreign matter.*
A. L

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Atlanta on

I've worked at a health food store for years, and my favorites are good old fashion Vit. A, C, and Zinc (30-60mg/day) to boost the immune system. However, I'd also add propolis - good stuff! To help support your adrenals because of your stress - royal jelly, pantothentic acid, magnesium are wonderful. If you can't find the suggested amounts for stress treatment, get back to me. I'm sorry about your father's death. I went through it about four years ago and still get sad. Take care - it sounds like you're on the right path!

1 mom found this helpful
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D.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Whew! I'm tired just reading that...I can only imagine how you are feeling. Well, probiotics is a great way to get the good back in your body. A good vitamin is also a good thing, but I think I know what you are looking for.

8 or 9 years ago, I had strep and my mother had always told me that I shouldn't mess around with strep. I went to the doc, got the antibiotic and took it and got strep again 2 weeks later. This went on for 2 months...I got strep 4 times. After the 4th time, I didn't take the antibiotic, I went to my local health food store, told the naturopath what had been happening, and she handed me some Beta Glucan (NOW brand). I took it and it went away and didn't come back.

Beta Glucan is a immune booster. It's awesome. We are never without it. You could wake up with a sore throat and the next day, it's gone. We have used it for a multitude of illnesses. Of course I do use other herbs too, but Beta Glucan is the one thing we love and use when we need it.

There are many brands/mg out there. If you just want to try it, the NOW brand is fairly inexpensive ($12). It has about 100mg of Beta Glucan with 160mg of Maitake Mushrooms. I've had my children take 9 in a days time before..just wanted to tell you that so you'll know it's safe. When I took it for strep throat that time, believe it or not, I only took 1 capsule a day. lol. Typically we take 2 capsules 3 times daily when an ailment arises that we feel Beta Glucan would warrant it.

We've even bought more expensive Beta Glucan that has more milligrams in it ($40). They all work fine but I like the NOW brand much better.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.P.

answers from Charleston on

Are you involved with chiropractic? It seems like you would be a perfect candidate since you are already so organic and natural in many other aspects of your life. If you're in the Charleston, SC area I recommend Atlantic Coast Family Chiro on Trolley Rd in Summerville. Best of luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Ok, I am going to recommend something that I first I didn't really believe much in, but now I SWEAR by it. Vemma! Let me start by saying...I do not sell it, so I am not asking you to buy my product. A friend of mine who is a Chef and a nutrition specialist recommended it to me and now our whole family takes it and LOVES it. We all take it..except my 11 month old who is too young. He had a bad cold last month and my husband started to get it too...my husband took extra Vemma and the next day his throat tickle was gone and he never got the cold. 2 nights ago I had aches, chills, fever, and I took some homeopathics and extra Vemma...I woke up the next day and felt 100 times better. Our 3 year old loves it and has not gotten the strep and colds that have gone around her class. I think it just overall improves our immune system. You can read all about it below. It is basically a liquid vitamin that is 100% natural and is made to increase immunity in your system. I'd suggest just trying it. It can't hurt and I think you will find that it gives you a huge boost of energy and protection. If you want to order some or have more questions you can email Juliet at: ____@____.com another note...where do you teach Yoga? I am off this weekend to a workshop in Miami and can't wait!

http://www.vemma.com/about-formula.html

http://www.vemma.com/products.html

http://www.vemma.com/about-verve.html

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D.P.

answers from Atlanta on

The best way to strengthen your immune system is to challenge it, I suppose but, kicking when it's down doesn't do anything but knock you on your butt! I am all for NOT taking meds when they are not necessary but I would definitely have done antibiotics for the sinus infection!

You're a yoga instructor so I know you know about relaxation and meditation. I think those things will help you to get through the loss of your father. (I'm sorry to hear about that, by the way.) But you must know that emotional stress is still stress.

I say, continue to do the healthy things you do for yourself. But don't fail to treat things like Strep infections or sinus infections. If you allow your immune system to wear down, it cannot become strong.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Atlanta on

A cup of green tea and i teaspoon of honey will keep the allergies away

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S.B.

answers from Atlanta on

You are working on your body doing a lot of good things. When I'm doing everything I know to do and it's still not getting it, I go to Dr. Albury Gardner (not sure if you are local in ATlanta). He is just amazing and is helping me, my son, helped other 2 kids in past, I'm healed of skin cancer, a friend with complete chronic fatigue breakdown is recovering , one compeltely recovered from cf, he is just used of God! let me know if you need info ____@____.com

K.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

Just for the record I have had similar experiences with strep and until I fought it the natural way, I got it over and over. This started as a child and I finally stopped the cycle as an adult. Anyway I see you have been given tons of advise so I won't say too much more. I have used Shaklee nutritional products, personal care products, and cleaners, for almost 25 years and can count on less than two hands how many times my 11 children have had to go on antibiotics. I agree with a lot I read and so will leave it at that but I feel we cover all the bases with these products and I wouldn't use anything else on myself or my little and not so little ones. I have info on the immune system i can send you if you are interested just let me know. I am well aquainted with stress too and will be praying for you.

Blessings!
K. B

www.shaklee.net\takecontrol

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi K.,

You sound like you have a lot of information and most of those things are good but not everything like that works for everybody.

First of all, multivitamins unless they are proven NOT create free radicals AND proven to be absorbable will do more damage than good. That would be most brands on the market.

Have you detoxed your house? Not just replaced cleaners but truly REMOVED the residues from toxic cleaners. Residues continue to outgas and they contraindicate just like pharmceuticals do...Are you using non-toxic bath and body products? The skin absorbs everything it comes in contact with, so synthetic chemicals need to be thrown away.

Chiropractic by a principled chiropractor is meant to build the immune system, not just get kinks out of your back. I also use Beta Glucan when I overdo and start to feel a little run down. It can be an expensive or a cheap supplement depending on the grade. Beta Glucan is what they use in the Bahamas to build the immune system in their cancer patients. I have seen it work not only from a friend of mine that had cancer but with me and my family for everyday things as well.

K., you ARE right. Stress will break the immune system down more than anything else. That is just something that will have to be dealt with over time.
I'm terribly sorry for your loss.

God bless,

M.

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M.J.

answers from Charleston on

Hi,
I 2nd Mimi 100%!! Chiropractic will not only boost your immune system but give your nervous system balance, which in turn will boost your overall mood and well being. Sorry about your father, I know this is hard for you and adds a ton to your stress. If you search for a Chiropractor, look for one that offers massage therapy as well. Make yourself an appt. You will be amazed what just one treatment will do when they are combined! Many ins comp. even cover the massage. It sounds like your well on your way! Best of luck to you!

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