Balance and Stimulate Your Immune System for Wellness-

With a Foundation of Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Healthy Choices!               2007

By Karen Masterson Koch, C.N.

 

The Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC-1) admits that the flu virus, Influenza, along with other biological dangers needlessly kill thousands of people yearly from a weakened and unbalanced immune system.  Make certain your immune system is working for you at all times by making healthier choices starting today.

 

When a person’s immune function is weak or fragile it cannot fight off food poisoning in tainted meat or vegetables that may carry bad bacteria or molds. Sepsis poisoning is more common than you might think in the senior population coming from a leaky gut contamination which taxes the immune system greatly.  Also secondary infections can escalate in the unhealthy body coming from everyday irritations like bronchitis, sinusitis, ear and tooth infections that wear the body down. And lastly, dreaded viral attacks which thousands of strains exist including shingles, herpes, hepatitis, Lymes and the recent West Nile virus that haunt the 21^st century population.  To build up the body’s defense be honest with yourself about what you are doing to be preventative to disease and then take action and follow through to cover the health bases.

 

Factors to Consider for a Healthy Immune System:

 

·        Diet & Exercise

·        Supplements

·        Digestion & Elimination

·        Detoxification & Renewal

·        Age & Stress

·        Health Status

·        Environmental Pollution & Chemical Poisons

·        Smoking, Sugar, Caffeine & Alcohol Abuse

·        Prescription & Recreational Drugs

·        Vaccinations & Antibiotics

·        Heredity Strength & Weakness

·        Sadness & Depression

·        Positive Attitude & Humor

 

Healthy Choices Build Immune Function:

Only making healthy choices builds up the undeveloped or unhealthy immune system (2)! Many people including high-risk groups encompassing infants, children, students, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals - reach for vaccines and antibiotics for health protection. People in high-risk groups do need to use more aggressive preventative health measures to fight off potential dangers. However vaccines and antibiotics only give limited help and in some cases actually make ones health worse especially with irresponsible over use of antibiotics!

 

Vaccines offer a false sense of security and even if you choose a shot for good measure you need to use common sense and cover the health bases that have been proven to actually generate a healthier immune system (3). With vaccines it is assumed that the individual has an immune system to activate.  The fact is immune function varies greatly in all ages of people from very weak at about 45%, a growing number I might add with the rise in diabetes, to medium function at about 40% and robust protection for a small percentage of around 15%! A second point with vaccines is they have limitation in health protection because each shot generally gives protection to one particular virus or microbial agent out of thousands in the environment. Vaccines are not designed to help cover the entire spectrum of biological culprits.

 

A rule of thumb is antibiotics are only effective with bacterial infection and great caution needs to be used in deciding to give infants, children and adults rounds of these powerful killing agents. They do kill off bad pathogens yet in the process they destroy a very vital part of our immunity in the small intestines called friendly bacteria. The side effects can linger for many years, even a lifetime when antibiotics are used indiscriminately. The digestive track is an important part of our immunity to fight off invaders such as parasites along with other microbials that are ingested in food and water.  Be sure to follow any antibiotic therapy with a “Probiotic” friendly bacteria supplement to re-implant this valuable immune support for the body. I also suggest a colostrum product for a month or two when dealing with life threatening health situations where immune function is fragile.

 

When the body has a partial functioning immune system as with your average person on the street - it keeps the body from succumbing to its mortality yet often it is unable to fully defend itself and completely recover from an illness.  If any additional trauma or high emotional loads zap you at this weakened point - a downward spiral effect may occur leaving the body more vulnerable to other diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibro-myalgia, herpes, asthma, autoimmune complications or even Cancer. According to the American Cancer Society and other researchers Cancer may take 10 to 20 years to develop in the body from a lack of health support.  Genetics are only considered 6^th on the list of factors that lead to a diagnosis (4). Be prudent with preventative health exams and especially if symptoms of low immunity persist do not hesitate to get a medical check up.

Symptoms of Low Immune Function:

·        Fatigue & Headaches

·        Muscle Aches & Feverish

·        Allergy Flare Ups & Respiratory / Asthma

·        Digestive Upset & Weight Loss

·        Wounds That Won’t Heal

Food is Your Medicine

The good news is researchers at Harvard and Tufts Medical University have proven that by making efforts to improve ones daily diet, adding important nutrients such as vitamin E, C, B and over all health practices - the result is a significantly stronger immune system in as little as one month (5). Researchers in Texas at the University of San Antonio and in PA at the University at Scranton successfully confirmed Aloe Vera can greatly extend the life of mammals over 20% longer (6) and in humans showed an increased absorption almost 300% higher of the valuable nutrients from food both Vitamin E and C (7). This research confirms what I have seen counseling hundreds of patients - that what you put in your body today builds it tomorrow. You and your family can begin to rebuild your health by eating regular nutritious meals, taking these recommended safe supplements (as tolerated) and making healthier choices on a daily basis!

 

Immune System Supplements:  The following nutrients from foods and supplements are needed for a healthy body daily as tolerated. Suggested levels are for adults and it is a good idea to keep a diary as you add new items to your core preventative program and also special needs. Caution: Make certain to follow guidelines from your physician abiding to any medical restrictions from an existing health challenge. Children need the same nutrients for preventative health yet in smaller daily amounts.

Note: If diarrhea occurs reduce the daily amount taken or spread over the entire day.

 

Core Preventative (bolded) Supplements for Adults:

·        Multiple Vitamin & Mineral or take separately– Strong preventative - available in tablet, capsule, liquid or chewable. For some people with allergies or preference, take the foundational nutrients separately adding one new nutrient weekly as tolerated. [If taking a Multiple then adjust the potency of the following nutrients.]

·         Separately take Vitamins A (fish oil or algae source) 10,000 - 20,000 IU, B-Complex 25 –50 mg. Minerals including Selenium 200 mcg. Calcium 1200 mg.& Magnesium 600 mg. (liquid* or tablet), plus vegetable source like Daily Greens or Alfalfa tablets.

·        B12 – Essential for vegetarians, seniors and adults for blood formation, energy, immunity and nervous system. Best in sublingual in 200 – 1000 mcg.

·        Zinc 30 mg. – Immunity, skin, allergies, etc and may take in lozenger at meals for better absorption.

·        Vitamin E 400 IU– Immunity, glandular health, longevity, etc. - dry or oil form full spectrum. 

·        Vitamin C plus Bioflavenoids 1 – 3,000 mg – Immunity, skin, dental, etc. - may spread over the day. Using ester type is good.

·        Aloe Vera 1-2 ounces – Immunity, digestion, cleansing using best quality Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate best taken before meals to give both bioavailability and immune support.

·        Essential Fatty Acids (Healthy Oils) – Balance Immune function, anti-inflammatory, energy, etc.- flax, sesame, borage oil, rice germ, coconut, olive oil, fish oil, Emu oil, other nut & seed oils. Buy fresh, quality and refrigerate after opening. (1-2 T. or as directed on bottle.)*

·        Probiotics – Safe friendly bacteria restores balance in intestines, powder or capsule, milk free for lactose intolerant, ½ tsp or 2 capsules with meals. *

·        Protein – Protein Powder, Amino Acids and or food sources - 1/3 body weight in grams. Approx 50 grams daily and can mix with supplement sources.*

 

Special Needs Supplements: (The * items may be mixed in a blender drink together.)

·        Cod Liver Oil and or red marine algae - Increases Vitamin A & D plus minerals for immunity, skin, pain, bones, etc. take as directed on bottle or capsule above. *

·        Daily Greens Formula – Increases valuable vegetable intake, immunity, healing and cleansing. *May take in water or add to a blender drink with other special needs products for children and adults.

·        Chromium Picolinate – Increases uptake of glucose into the cell for energy to support blood sugar issues, energy, headaches, etc.

·        CoQ10 – Enzyme needed in the energy cycle of every cell optimizing all functions for nerves, CVD, immunity, etc.

·        S.O.D. - Super Oxide Dismutase – Antioxidant for cleansing, immunity, lymphatic support, etc and may be found in other supplements or alone.

·        Herbs – Support immunity, liver function, energy, etc. Some significant herbs include: garlic, onions, oregano oil, mushrooms, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Fever Few, Chamomile, mints, Milk Thistle, Essiac herbs, Astragalus, Cats Claw, Pau d’ Arco, etc. Take as directed or in combination. [DetoxPlus Formula]

·        Single Amino Acids – 1.) L-Lysine, 2.) N-Acetyl-Cysteine for immunity, herpes, cleansing, mental alertness, etc. Follow directions. 

·        Nutritional Yeast – Contains a full range of Vitamin B Complex, RNA/DNA and minerals for immunity, energy, liver health, etc. May put in blender drink. *

·        Lecithin -  Inositol and Choline are rich in healthy fats for memory, immunity and liver, etc.) May put in blender drink. *

·        Bee Pollen – Rich in nutrients that strength glandular function and immunity. May put in food or blender drink. Caution: Do not use if allergies to bee stings.

·        Colloidal Silver – May use straight as a full spectrum microbial especially for short periods for immunity, anti-fungal, etc. Follow directions. *

·        Detoxification Support – Anti Fungal protocols is paramount for chronic illness.

·        Enzymes – Full spectrum enzymes can give the body digestive support temporarily while recovery is the most important from illness.) Follow directions.

·        Colostrum – Contains extracts of immunoglobulins that enhance a weakened immune system.

·        Eucalyptus Oil or Obas Inhalers– Contains antiseptic agents that fight lung and respiratory infections. Use regularly for 3 –5 days in a Vaporizer or hot water

·        Continued Eucalyptus Oil - boiled on stove. [Caution: Turn flame off after boiling water and keep out of reach of children.] 

 

 

How does it work?

The Immune System is designed to protect the body from all invading organisms whether for external purposes in fighting infection as in a wound or to prevent internal illness. How our immunity fights off the invaders is silent, noisy and measurable. When balanced the immune system is able to handle attacks with helper cells and also calm down the process with eliciting suppressor cells.

 

If the body becomes imbalanced conditions called autoimmune develop such as Lupus, Asthma, IBS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS, Ulcerative Colitis and even Eczema and Psoriasis. This is where the body begins to attack itself. Following the core preventative supplement protocol and healthy choices have shown great benefit in restoring balance and over activity of immune function.

 

Experiencing a cough, fever, or mucus condition is our immunity in action. The correct way to help the body win the fight is to arm it with basic health principals that encourage the body to work properly.  “Feed a cold and starve a fever”, is a dependable guideline along with adding special needs protocol as tolerated.  Make certain the bowels are moving in times of fever as coined by the loving Jewish mother who didn’t hesitate to give her children an enema when the forehead check showed the temperature was rising. Constipation is a killer and must be a major homework assignment to regulate the bowels which will help reduce pain and speed the recovery with any illness. 

 

The immune system is a real and tangible system of the body that can be measured in laboratory testing from blood work. A variety of lymphocytes and antigens to include white blood cells and killer cells, T-4 helper and T-8 suppressor cells - are some of the more important defenses the body has in its arsenal to keep us healthy.   Many factors must be considered in building a healthy immune system for both children and adults. This includes drinking water, digestion, detoxification and exercise. Improve the factors you and your family are falling short in today to reap more vibrant health in the future.

 

Cover the Health Bases:

1.)    Following the 80/20 rule for making healthy choices. Eighty percent of the time eat healthy, drink water, and take supplements that give you the foundational nutrients and always get exercise, play time and adequate rest in each day.

2.)    Live preventatively and take short cuts to health using special immune system foods, herbs and supplements daily and during times of greater stress, pre-operative and post-operative and change of seasons when people get sick more often.

3.)     Don’t sweat the small stuff. How we think and handle stress does affects our immune system.  It is OK to reprogram yourself to see the positive in life and make better choices to avoid unhealthy stress in the future.

4.)    Set a goal of health improvement for 3 – 6 and 12 months from today remembering it is never too late to get healthier at any age!

 

Health is always the right choice and is complimentary for everyone!

 

We need our physicians yet they are primarily experts in disease and not experts in health. Be responsible and don’t stop taking any medication unless you talk it over with your medical advisors and or find you no longer need a certain prescription. Do your own research for your health needs - weighing the risk and benefit - before turning your health over to anyone else.

 

Do your best to keep humor in your life remembering there is NO quick fix in health yet there are short cuts back to feeling better and wellness - using supplements like vitamin E and Aloe. Supplements are concentrated forms of foods to build and balance immunity and health much quicker than relying on food alone. Make healthy choices with foods and experiment with safe supplements for three months at a time to allow the body to rebuild and heal. 

 

Getting healthier can be exciting and remember health is our greatest wealth - worth the daily investment!

 

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