Re: Immune Stimulants

 What herbs/supplements do you recommend one to take in order to improve/stimulate immune function? I understand the immune system is comprised of allot of areas, but how can one improve functionality. I find myself getting allot sicker nowadays, more than before even though my lifestyle is the same. thanks..

Exactly, the immune system is many things. It includes a number of different white blood cells, antibodies, peroxides, enzymes, interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factor, the adrenals, the thymus, the flora, the skin, various acids..............................

The biggest thing is to avoid stress as much as possible. Stress can really suppress the immune system very quick.

Vitamin C is great for helping to maintain the adrenals, thymus and white blood cell activity. Natural sources are always the best.

Zinc is also very important for maintaining immunity. Although I recommend sticking to 50mg supplemental zinc daily since doses over 100mg daily can suppress immunity. And you will have to factor in dietary zinc as well as zinc in other supplements. So taking 50mg supplemental should keep you well within the 100mg limit with other sources.

Adaptogenic herbs are excellent for boosting the immune system.

Herbs rich in polysaccharides will boost white blood cell activity. This is good as long as you do not have an autoimmune disorder. These herbs include aloe, most seaweeds, medicinal mushrooms, astragalus, schisandra berry, etc.

Licorice root is great for boosting interferon levels.

Amla berry significantly raises superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which responds to interferon producing hydrogen peroxide that stimulates white blood cell activity.

Watch your sugar intake. Sugar and vitamin C require insulin for transport.  Excess sugar locks up the available insulin preventing proper transport of vitamin C to white blood cells for their proper function.

Maintain your stomach acid.

Maintain your intestinal flora with probiotics and prebiotics.