Stress, good and bad, causes an increase in the adrenal gland hormones which inhibit the immune system. Prolonged stress can leave a person susceptible to infections, cancer and other illnesses. Inadequate rest can be the greatest strain on the immune system. During sleep and deep relaxation, powerful immune enhancing compounds are released and many immune functions are greatly increased. Good quality sleep and relaxation to counteract stress are vital for healing and a healthy immune system.
Eating highly sweet and sugary foods reduces the white blood cells ability to destroy bacteria.
100 grams (1/2 cup) of sugar in the form of glucose, fructose, honey and fruit juices significantly reduces the immune response. Twenty-four ounces of soda pop has about 1/2 cup of sugar. In contrast, eating starches has no negative effect. The average American consumes 150 grams of refined sugar in their diets each day. The inescapable conclusion is that most Americans have a chronically depressed immune system. Consuming simple sugars (even orange juice) during an infection is detrimental to the immune response.
Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high triglycerides also inhibit various immune functions. Consuming alcohol increases susceptibility to infections. Several herbs such as Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Cat’s Claw, Pau d’Arco have been shown to enhance the body’s immune mechanisms. These herbs are effective against viral as well as bacterial infections. Studies and research have also demonstrated that Vitamins A, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Zinc, Iron, and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) all enhance and boost the body’s immune system. These vitamins should be taken from whole food sources rather than the chemical forms found in most vitamin and mineral supplements. (See our article, Why Take Whole Herbs?).
Infectious Diseases
Microorganisms are everywhere: in the soil, water and air. Everyday we eat, drink and breathe them. Yet it is rare that these organisms invade, multiply and produce infections in humans. When we do get an infection often they are so mild, we don’t even have symptoms. Occasionally, a microorganism (bacteria, virus, parasites, etc.) will gain a foothold in our bodies causing a infection. This triggers an immune response to fight and eliminate the infection.
The key to overcoming an infection is to boost the immune system so that the body will eliminate the invading organism and to kill or destroy the organism directly. The primary tool in medicines arsenal are antibiotics. The overuse and abuse of antibiotics have resulted in virulent (strong and powerful) bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and are likewise difficult to fight naturally.
Some infectious illnesses are fatal if untreated. If a potentially fatal infectious illness occurs, treat aggressively with herbal protocols, such as Anti-Plague Syrup, The Cold Sheet Treatment, and the Incurables Checklist. You will notice that the same treatment is recommended for many of these disease. The principle to learn here is that our objective is build and strengthen the body so that the body will effectively fight the disease and heal itself, rather than trying to attack the organism with a drug we hope will be effective. Please note that many of these conditions are potentially life threatening and medical assistance can offer the quickest and safest solution.
The Common Cold is the Cure
For years scientists have tried to discover “the cure” for the common cold. It has not been found and never will be, because the common cold (or a rhinovirus) is the cure. It is the cure for increased toxicity within the body and a depressed immune system. Getting a cold is the body’s way of “cleaning house”, dumping toxins and exercising the immune system.
Modern medicine focuses primarily on relieving symptoms, even though symptoms may be part of the healing process. For example, a fever increases the ability and effectiveness of the white blood cells in fighting illness. When a fever is reduced with drugs, the immune response is diminished. Nearly eighty percent of certain infectious illnesses are viral and won’t respond to antibiotics. The use of antibiotics has been shown to weaken the immune system and should be reserved for life and death emergencies. The key to a speedy recovery is to assist and support the body in the healing process.
Focus on cleansing the body and boosting the immune system.
1. Drink plenty of unsweetened fluids (herbal teas like Red Raspberry or Catnip are best). Our definition of “plenty of fluids” is one gallon within 24 hours.
2. Take immune stimulating herbs such as Western Botanicals™ Immune Boost™ and/or Anti-Plague every waking hour. Make sure your channels of elimination are working well. Immune Boost Syrup is ideal for children. It is our echinacea-based formula in a base of maple syrup and cinnamon. It is delicious and ideal for the child whole is constantly getting sick.
5. Review the Incurables checklist in this guide and do as many things as you can.
The more you can do, the stronger will be your immune response. Next time you feel a cold or flu coming on, rather than going for the drugs, do something healthy instead. Take your herbs. Drink a gallon of tea. Slow down and rest. Work with the body’s natural healing processes. Remember, the body has an intelligence greater than medical science.
Reprint of an Article by Kyle D. Christensen, DC, ND, MH / Western Botanicals, Inc.
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