WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM
Description
Body System
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[42] Arreola R, Quintero-Fabián S, López-Roa RI, et al. Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. J Immunol Res. 2015;2015:401630.
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Dietary & Other Supplements
1. Vitamin D3/K2: By balancing cytokines and reducing inflammation, vitamin D3/K2 plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, aiding in the body's defense against infections, and promoting overall health.
2. Zinc: Acting as a regulator in immune cells, zinc supports both innate and adaptive immunity, contributing to a robust defense against various pathogens.
3. Vitamin C: Boosting white blood cell activity and shielding tissues from damage, Vitamin C enhances the immune response, ensuring a more effective defense against infections.
4. Omega 3: With its ability to strengthen antiviral responses, reduce inflammation, and increase the secretion of beneficial cytokines (signaling molecules regulating immune responses), Omega-3 serves as a valuable ally in supporting immune health.
Plant Extracts
1. Quercetin: As a potent antioxidant with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin stimulates the immune system (by promoting white blood cell activity, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating cytokine production), providing an extra layer of defense against infections.
2. Beta Glucan: By modulating immune function and activating both innate and adaptive immune cells, beta glucan contributes to immune strength and helps inhibit tumor growth.
3. Garlic Extract: With its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, garlic directly stimulates immune cells, promoting a resilient immune response.
4. Echinacea/Goldenseal: By activating immune cells (such as macrophages and other key players) and modulating responses, echinacea and goldenseal empower the body to effectively combat infections (by enhancing phagocytosis, cytokine release, and overall immune activity), enhancing overall immune resilience.
5. Oregano Oil: Beyond its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, oregano oil serves as a potent antioxidant, contributing to immune support and overall well-being.
Natural Compounds
1. Colloidal Silver: Functioning as an antibacterial and immune modulator, colloidal silver aids the body in defending against infections, reinforcing the immune system.
Complementary & Alternative Treatments
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Nutritional Deficiencies, Chronic Stress, HIV, AIDS, Autoimmune Diseases, Chronic Health Conditions, Immunosupressants, TNF Inhibitors, Corticosteroids
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How Nutrients Function
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components aid in tissue repair and maintenance, ensuring optimal bodily function. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding digestion, and enhancing nutrient absorption. They are found in dietary fibers and contribute to overall gastrointestinal well-being.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
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Lectures To Learn From
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References
Things To Do
To support a weak immune system, it is best to start with proper nutrition. The diet should include:
whole foods, such as a large variety of fresh vegetables and fruit, meats, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
probiotic foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso, tempeh, etc. They feed the gut bacteria, increase their numbers, and strengthen the immune system.
foods rich in vitamin C, such as peppers, citrus fruit, kiwis, acerola, camu-camu, black currants, kale, broccoli, parsley, etc.
foods rich in zinc, such as meat [beef, pork,lamb, etc], shellfish, nuts, seeds, legumes, etc.
foods rich in omega-3, such as fatty fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, etc.
foods high in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, etc.
garlic, onion, turmeric, and ginger are very beneficial to the immune system. They have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Additionally, garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
healthy fats, such as butter, ghee, olive oil, etc. Fats support the absorption of many fat-soluble vitamins.
proper hydration with mineral water, herbal tea, and green tea.
To support the proper functioning of our immune system, it is vital to consume a variety of different vegetables and fruits on a daily basis. A good source of protein, a reasonable amount of carbohydrates, and healthy fats should go along with them. Such a well-balanced diet provides the immune system with micronutrients that strengthen it and optimize its functioning.
Furthermore, the following lifestyle habits also contribute to healthy immune function:
getting enough quality sleep every night. Sleep is essential for health and the immune system.
stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practice.
Having a community, a close circle of friends, and family. Healthy social interactions reduce inflammation and strengthen the antiviral action of our immune systems.
regular physical exercise. It modulates the inflammatory response of the body and increases lymphocyte activity.
maintaining a healthy weight, normal blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid levels.
intermittent fasting, which has immunomodulatory effects.
regular visits to the chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine influence the nervous system, which in turn impacts every other system throughout the body, including the immune system.
Spend time in nature. Interaction with the natural environment boosts immune functioning.
Things To Avoid
Dietary choices that further weaken the immune system include:
the consumption of ultra-processed, junk, and fast foods. The high contents of added salt, sugar, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and food preservatives lower immune function and contribute to the development of disease.
sugar and sweetener consumption. Sugar is detrimental to the human immune system. Not only is it proinflammatory, but it also causes spikes in blood sugar levels that, with time, can induce insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, alternations in lipid profiles, and cardiovascular problems. Added sugar can be found in all sorts of processed and packaged goods, such as sodas, candy, baked goods, desserts, breads, cereal, creamers, coffees, teas, condiments, sauces, salad dressings, and many more.
excessive alcohol consumption.
refined grains, such as flours used to make breads, pastries, pastas, and different sorts of dough [e.g., pizza dough].
food additives such as citrate, salt [sodium chloride], food emulsifiers [carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polysorbate-80 (P80)], carrageenan, and MSG [monosodium glutamate] all have negative impacts on immune function.
excessive consumption of omega-6 fatty acids. The ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids shouldn't be greater than 1:1, or optionally, 2:1.
Lifestyle habits that impair immune function include:
insufficient sleep. Short sleep duration and sleep disturbances negatively impact immune function.
poor personal hygiene.
chronic stress, both mental and physical.
sedentary lifestyle.
social isolation and unhealthy/abusive social relationships.
mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, phobias, etc.
lack of work-life balance. Long working hours and not enough time for relaxation and self-care.