Immune System Boosters

Minerals are important in boosting the immune system. Zinc is an important mineral as it helps to produce more lymphocytes. Important sources of zinc are whole grains and cooked oysters. Iron is another important mineral for the immune system. Iron fights infection and strengthens overall immunity. Meats, dried beans and tofu are all good sources of iron. Selenium is a mineral which helps to increase the number of antibodies and encourages growth of immune cells. Good food sources are fish, grains and nuts.

Immune System Supplements

Beta Glucan is a natural, branched polysaccharide (a molecule made up of many sugar units). It is composed of glucose molecules extracted and purified from the cell wall of common baker’s yeast. Beta Glucan enhances immunity by binding to macrophages and other phagocytic white blood cells at certain receptors and activating their anti-infection and anti-tumor activity by stimulating the production of free radicals. This stimulation signals the phagocytic immune cells to engulf and destroy foreign bodies, be they bacteria, viruses or tumor cells.

In a 2004 study, researchers tested the effects of oat beta glucan on respiratory infection, macrophage antiviral resistance, and NK cytotoxicity in mice. Results indicated that ingestion of beta glucan before infection prevented an increase in morbidity and mortality. Exercise stress was associated with a decrease in macrophage antiviral resistance, which was blocked by ingestion of beta glucan. (Effects of oat beta-glucan on innate immunity and infection after exercise stress. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Aug;36(8):1321-7).

In a 2003 study, the effect of beta-glucan on the enhancement of resistance to infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Eimeria vermiformis was studied in mice. An in vitro study using macrophages isolated from the peritoneal cavity showed that beta-glucan treatment significantly enhanced phagocytic activity. An in vivo study further demonstrated that beta-glucan treatment induced a significant protection against the challenge with S. aureus in mice.

(Beta-glucan, extracted from oat, enhances disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2003 Jan 21;35(1):67-75.)

Echinacea is a plant native to the United States. The word Echinacea actually comes from a Greek word 'echinos,' which means sea urchin and refers to the plant's sea-urchin-shaped, flowering head. It was recognized over a century ago as a natural infection fighter. Echinacea is an immunostimulant in that it enhances the immune system. Evidence shows that it stimulates the body to produce more infection-fighting white blood cells, such as T-lymphocytes and killer white blood cells. It may also stimulate the release of interferons, one of the body's most potent infection-fighting weapons. Interferon kills germs and also infiltrates their genetic control center, preventing them from reproducing. Besides helping the body produce more infection- fighting cells, echinacea helps these cells to produce more germ-eating cells, called macrophages, and it helps these cells eat the germs more voraciously, a process called phagocytosis. Echinacea also prevents bacteria from secreting an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which enables them to break through protective membranes, such as the lining of the intestines and respiratory tract, and invade tissues. Echinacea also seems to search out and destroy some viruses, such as the common cold and flu viruses.

Many clinical studies demonstrate Echinacea’s efficacy as an immune system stimulant. According to the authors of a 1999 meta-analysis Echinacea is effective against respiratory infections, especially if taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.

⁽Barrett B, Vohmann M et Calabrese C. Echinacea for Upper respiratory infection. J Fam Pract 1999;48(8):628-35).

A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted in Sweden in 1999. 246 patients suffering from colds took either 6 Echinacea tablets daily, or a placebo. Echinacea was significantly more effective than the the placebo.^]

⁽Brinkeborn RM, Shah DV, Degenring FH. Echinaforce^® and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold. A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Phytomedicine 1999 Mar;6(1):1-6).

A 2002 study involving 48 volunteers showed that Echinacea significantly increases one of the markers of immune system stimulation: properdine.

Kim LS, Waters RF, Burkholder PM. Immunological activity of larch arabinogalactan and Echinacea: A preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Altern Med Rev  2002 Apr;7(2):138-149).

(Fraker PJ, King LE, Laakko T, Vollmer TL. The dynamic link between the integrity of the immune system and zinc status. J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5S Suppl):1399S-406S).

(Lim Y, Levy M, Bray TM. Dietary zinc alters early inflammatory responses during cutaneous wound healing in weanling CD-1 mice. J Nutr. 2004 Apr;134(4):811-6).

Iron is present in every cell. It is a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, binding the oxygen that the blood circulates throughout the body. We need iron for strength and vigor, and the element plays a key role in DNA and enzyme synthesis and other basic life processes. Numerous studies indicate that a lack of iron lowers immunity. Adequate levels help maintain cellular immunity and help to protect against some infections. Cell-mediated immune response may be impaired when iron deficiency negatively impacts the iron-requiring enzyme called ribonculeotide reductase, an enzyme that appears to be essential for the proper function of the T-lymphocyte arm of immunity. Resistance to candida, herpes simplex virus and some other pathogens appears to be reduced in those with poor iron status. On the other hand, excess iron may predispose individuals to some infections.

(Immune function is impaired in iron-deficient, homebound, older women. N. Ahluwalia, J. Sun, D. Krause,  et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 2004, vol. 79, pp. 516—521).

(Dallman PR. Iron deficiency and the immune response. Am J Clin Nutr. 1987; 46:329-334).

Immune System Vitamins

This vitamin enhances resistance to infection by increasing phagocytic cell migration and lymphocyte proliferation. It also enhances responsiveness to antigenic stimuli. Deficiencies have been shown to decrease lymphocyte activation, lower lysozyme and complement levels (both important chemicals of the immune system), impair secretory IgA production (especially important in the intestinal tract) and decrease T-cell dependent antibody responses.

Beta-carotene appears to selectively increase T-4 cells, reacts with free radicals and free oxygen to help prevent genetic and cell wall damage, increases tumor necrosis factor, increases activity of macrophage and natural killer (NK) cells. This changes into vitamin A as the body requires it.

Research suggests that supplementation with Vitamin A may reverse post-operative immunosuppression as well as boosting immune responses in the elderly, persons with parasitic infections and persons with high exposure to ultraviolet light.

(Cohen B. et alReversal of post-operative immunosuppression in man by vitamin A. Surg Gynacol Obstet 149:688-92, 1979).

(Rumore MM . Vitamin A as an immunomodulating agent. Clin Pharm. 12 (7) 506-14, 1993).

Vitamin B2: Deficiency results in decreased ability to produce antibodies. This vitamin may be depleted by certain drugs.

Vitamin B5: Deficiency results in atrophy and loss of function of thymus gland.

Vitamin B6: Deficiency inhibits cell-mediated immune functions and antibody production, atrophy of spleen and thymus. Folic Acid: Deficiency impairs lymphocyte function and decreases antibody production.

Vitamin B12: B12 is required for proper lymphocyte function and the production of DNA and amino acids (protein).

(Anderson R, Theron A, Effects of B-Complex vitamins on cellular and hormonal immune functions in vitro and in vivo. Int J Vita Nut Res 24:7-84, 1983).

White blood cells use Vitamin C to combat infections, and in the face of inflammation or microbial challenge, levels of Vitamin C are depleted. Animals — with the exception of guinea pigs — have the ability to manufacture extra Vitamin C in their livers to replete their stores — but humans and their distant rodent relatives lack the crucial enzyme that synthesizes C. Thus, when confronted by stress, we need additional outside sources of Vitamin C.

To determine whether vitamin C can alter the function of the immune system and provide increased protection from viral infection, Susan Ritter, MD, PhD candidate, and Gailen D. Marshall, Jr., MD, PhD, both from the University of Texas Health Science Center, studied the white blood cells of 12 patients before and after each patient took one gram of vitamin C daily for two weeks. Researchers then analyzed the immune cell types present in the blood as well as the ability of these cells to make antiviral compounds.

The number of NK cells (a cell that protects against viruses) in the peripheral blood increased after two weeks of supplementation with Vitamin C. While the number of T cells (also active in antiviral immunity) remained the same, they were more activated following vitamin C supplementation. The T cells also produced significantly more interferon-gama (an antiviral compound) and less interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 (both of which are associated with allergic disease) after two weeks of supplementation with vitamin C.

Researchers concluded that this data suggests an increase in antiviral immunity after two weeks of 1g/day vitamin C supplementation and the possible use of vitamin C to modulate the immune system in people.

(Susan Ritter, MD, PhD, Gailen D. Marshall, Jr., MD, PhD, Vitamin C Effect on Immune System: Study presented at the 60th Anniversary Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)).

This vitamin increases resistance to infection, increases antibody levels, stimulates B-lymphocytes and promotes T-4 activity and protects vitamins A, C and B-complex from destruction. It is a free radical scavenger and will protect all cell membranes and genetic material from damage from free radicals.

In a 1997 study, Meydani, et al gave healthy elderly subjects 60 mg, 200mg or 800 mg Vitamin E for 235 days in a double-blind study. While immunoglobulin levels and levels of T and B cells were unaffected, certain clinically relevant indices of cell-mediated immunity improved at the 200 mg dosage level. This suggests that the elderly may benefit from higher levels of Vitamin E than those usually recommended.

(Meydani SN et al. Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. JAMA 277 (17) 1380-6, 1997).

Herbs for Immune System

Astragalus has been used by traditional Chinese practitioners as a herbal tonic for strengthening the body. Derived from the root of the perennial Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus is native to Northern China. Huang Qi, as it is traditionally called, is believed to be a superior tonic for replenishing vital energy and strengthening the Wei Chi or 'defensive energy' of the body.

In the United States, astragalus has been the subject of much study in recent years. Studies at the University of Houston have shown that astragalus may help improve immunity function in cancer patients by increasing T-cell counts.

Research shows Astragalus root stimulates the immune system in many ways. It increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph tissue and encourages their development into active immune cells. It appears to help trigger immune ceils from a "resting" state into heightened activity. One study showed Astragalus root helps promote and maintain respiratory health. It also enhances the body's production of immunoglobulin and stimulates macrophages. Astragalus can help activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. (Alternative Medicine Review, Feb 2003).

The Andrographis genus of plants are a small, shrub-like herb which are commonly found in central Asia. Only a few of the 28 species of Andrographis have been shown to have medicinal value. The most popular of these is Andrographis paniculata (A.paniculata). This particularly bitter tasting herb is also known throughout the Asian world as ‘Bhui-nem’, because it has a similar appearance and taste to Neem (Azadirachta indica).

A.paniculata is a popular over the counter alternative treatment for the common cold. Clinical studies have confirmed that the herb can aid in terms of sleeplessness, nasal drainage and sore throat. Studies have also shown that A. paniculata enhances the body’s ability to resist infection by stimulating the production of antibodies and macrophages - large white blood cells that scavenge foreign matter. Tiredness, shivering and muscular ache have also been reduced with the use of A.panicula. (Kapil, A., I.B. Koul, S.K. Banerjee, and B.D. Gupta. Antihepatotoxic effects of major diterpenoid constituents of Andrographis paniculata. Biochemical

Pharmacology 1993;46(1):182-85)

Regular consumption of ginseng has many well documented benefits, including increased energy, stress resistance and enhanced libido. It’s use an aid to recovery from illness and injury and to counter fatigue is also well established. However, to date ginseng’s beneficial effect on the immune system has not been widely studied. Yet, some evidence of it’s efficacy as an immunity booster does exist

In 1999 animal study, ginseng appeared to stimulate the function of certain immune cells to help clear bacterial infection. In another human study, those receiving daily ginseng supplements prior to flu vaccination were less likely to contract the flu than those in the control group, who were administered

(Song ZJ. Ginseng treatment improved the ability of phagocytes in blood and lungs to capture and kill bacteria. Presented at the 99^th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology; June 1, 1999; Chicago).

(Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardised Gingseng extract G115 for potentiating vaccination against the influenza syndrome and protection against the common cold. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1996;22(2):65–72).

The black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) is well established for its antioxidant and healing properties. In recent years it has also been found to significantly assist sufferers of flu and cold symptoms to get better. Researchers believe that the black elderberry enhances the immune system by stimulating cytokine production. These unique proteins act as messengers in the immune system to help regulate immune response, thus helping to defend the body against disease.