Is there much one can do to optimize the functioning of the immune system? Absolutely!
One of the weaknesses of medicine today is the apathetic approach to natural ways that optimize the immune system to be more effective against viral, bacteria, fungal, and parasitic organisms. I have often said the immune system does not work by magic! It requires several factors that dictate whether the immune system is functioning effectively or not.
Examples of factors that you can be proactive in to optimize your immune function include:
- Adequate sleep
- Regular exercise
- Stress reduction techniques
- Proper nutrition (high in plant foods, low in refined carbohydrates and sugars, rich in good fats, adequate protein)
- Good hygiene, personal protective equipment, and social distancing (if necessary)
- Avoidance of environmental toxins
- Balanced hormones
- Use of specific nutritional supplements
I could easily write an article on each of these categories for optimizing immunity. Many of my patients and readers ask me about what supplements I recommend to support the immune system. There are several that can be used. Here are the more common ones that I often recommend to patients.
Several well-studied mushroom extracts have been shown to improve white blood cell number and activity, as well as the potent natural killer cells, which destroy infectious agents in the bloodstream. The most well studied medicinal mushroom extracts (most studies have used hot water extracts) I use with patients to support long-term immunity include Coriolus Versicolor (Turkey’s Tail) and Maitake (Maitake Gold). These two mushroom extracts have been the focus of more than one hundred published studies. I often recommend these medicinal mushrooms in a formula along with another immune supportive herb that has been used for centuries in Asian medicine, known as Astragalus Membranaceus. The formula I use with patients quite often is our Immune Wellness.
Vitamin D has many beneficial effects on the immune system. As well, recent research has demonstrated that it reduces inflammation associated with some infections. It is good to have your blood levels of vitamin D tested and shoot for a mid-range level. Most of my patients supplement an average of 5000 IU daily with a meal.
Zinc is essential for maintaining a healthy, functioning immune system. This mineral has been shown in studies to be helpful in the treatment of the common cold. Zinc is known to have an antiviral effect and may be utilized better in the cell when taken with quercetin. A typical dose of zinc is 25 to 50 mg daily, taken with a meal to prevent digestive upset. Quercetin can be supplemented at a dose of 1000 mg daily.
A high potency, full-spectrum multivitamin and mineral formula provides a base of nutrients to support a healthy immune system. For people who want additional protection, they should consider an extra 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C daily.
In conclusion, when used with a healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as good hygiene, the correct nutritional supplements used at the right dosages can support a healthy immune system.
Note: Government regulatory agencies have been very aggressive in suppressing and persecuting medical opinions on the current COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, I am adding the following disclaimer: Consumers or patients should not rely upon dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19. Always check with a medical professional if you have any symptoms or exposure and follow CDC guidelines and governmental authorities’ instructions with regard to social distancing, self-isolation, or use of masks and other personal protective equipment.
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
