Treating a Weak Immune System

Our immune system is a complex and wonderful thing, with science still discovering new facts about it workings. It is of course crucial to our well-being and health. We are usually oblivious to its protection until we become sick. Illness itself is not always a sign of a weakened immune system, but rather of recurrent or lingering infections. Some specific symptoms of a weak immune system include constant fatigue, swollen glands, colds and sore throats.

Although the immune system is exceedingly complex, there are some simple factors that can weaken it. Excessive physical and emotional stress including depression, are common underlying problems. Chronic, severe or long – lasting illness, surgery, and childbirth, can leave the defence system exhausted and make convalescence particularly slow. Poor and inadequate diet interferes with the normal function of the immune system. Empty calories in highly processed foods and sweets not only fail to provide nourishment, but also are harmful.

Sugar hinders the bodies’ immune system and makes the body vulnerable to infections and allergies. Sugar is the single most underrated cause of immune impairment.

In one study, eating 100g (3.5oz) of simple carbohydrate, sugar, reduced the ability of the immune systems white blood cells, to fight infections by 50%. In contrast, 100g of starchy, complex carbohydrate had no effect. The food we eat determines how well prepared our bodies are to ward off disease. Undernourishment of at least some of the essential nutrients is not uncommon, ever in affluent Western societies. It is important to eat fresh green and yellow vegetables, fresh raw fruits, organic if possible, whole grains, nuts and seeds daily.

Zinc is very important for our immune system. Make it a habit to snack on raw, unroasted pumpkin seed, which are a good source of zinc.

Use cold-pressed, unrefined nut and seed oils, like flax seed oil, daily on your salads to make sure you are getting our essential fatty acids.

Most people are familiar with the importance of vitamin C for colds. This vitamin improves the bodies’ resistance to diseases. It strengthens white blood cells, which fight infections. It also keeps viruses and bacteria from multiplying. Bioflavonoids taken with vitamin C enhance the performance of this vitamin and improve its absorption. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids should be taken on a daily basis to improve overall resistance to infection. Take 1gram of vitamin C a day with bioflavonoids to keep your immunity strong. If you get a cold you can take much higher doses of vitamin C to stop an infection, 1-2g every four hours.

Herbal remedies are wonderful at strengthening the immune system. Several herbs are well known for their ability to boost the immune function. Korean Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng have been shown in many studies to benefit the immune system. You need to take these herbs for 6 weeks and then take a two week break. The Ginseng is especially useful when constant fatigue is one of the symptoms. You would not take Ginseng if you have high blood pressure.

Another very important herb is Astragalus. Astragalus can be taken long-term, even with high blood pressure to boost the immune system. This herb will even reduce the effect of allergies in patients.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist