Vitamin deficiencies, lack of proper rest, cigarette smoking and chronic stress can all lead to lowered immune system strength. Proper nutrition is of utmost importance for anyone who wants a well-functioning immune system and for overall good health. Immune system aids or enhancers often include vitamin and mineral supplements, particularly those that may be lacking from the average diet. The vitamins A and C are particularly important, but need to be taken with the right combination of other vitamins and minerals to work effectively. Taking a good daily multi-vitamin is the easiest way to insure proper nutrition.
If one does not get adequate amounts of sleep, then the immune system cannot repair cells that were damaged during the day. When you are busy working or playing, the immune system is busy providing protection from injury. When you are resting the immune system can go about the business of destroying viruses and other sources of infection.
If you have numerous colds or other infections and you smoke, then you have another good reason to quit. Cigarette smoking leeches vitamin C from the body and impairs the body’s ability to absorb other important vitamins and minerals. Those who believe they have lowered immune system strength or have been diagnosed with a compromised immune system should make every effort to quit smoking.
Those who are under chronic stress have been shown to have lower than normal white blood cell counts. It is not always possible to reduce the amount of stress in our lives. For those who cannot, an herbal medicine for immune system strenght may help. Andrographis Paniculata (AP), an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat infections, inflammation and other health problems, has been shown in clinical studies to increase white blood cell counts and reduce recovery time and complications associated with the flu. Although some herbalists still recommend Echinacea, it has been shown to have toxic effects on the liver when used for extended periods of time. Animal studies have shown that AP, even in large amounts is non-toxic, thus it may be considered a safe and effective herbal medicine for immune system strength.
Many diseases are believed to be linked to dysfunction of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, allergic rhinitis and other allergies, as well as numerous other diseases are all theoretically caused by improper immune system responses. It appears that the immune system attacks healthy cells and in the case of allergies, substances that would not cause infection, leading to inflammation. Because of this belief, prescribed medications for these and other diseases can lead to lowered immune system strength. Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatories can reduce white blood cell counts. Adding an herbal medicine for immune system strength may help prevent frequent infections among those people taking these types of medications, but it is a good idea to check with your doctor or herbalist for possible interactions and contraindications.
Although an herbal medicine for immune system strength could interact with certain medications and could cause unwanted side effects. The better health supplement companies diligently investigate their products before putting them on the market. An herbal medicine for immune system strength that contains herbs and other natural ingredients that are found in food has a very low risk of unwanted side effects unless a person is allergic to one of the components. It is important to read the list of ingredients thoroughly before buying a dietary supplement for a lowered immune system or for any other condition and buy from a reputable company that is not a newcomer to the health supplement market.
Beta glucans could not be considered an herbal medicine for immune system strength, although they are included or added to some natural products designed to help a lowered immune system. Herbal and other natural remedies are typically grouped together and many people think of them as identical. Medicinal herbs, however, were the first medicines and many of today’s prescription medicines are synthetically created chemical copies of them. Because they are not herbs, there should be no risk associated with the use of beta glucans. They are found in edible mushrooms, yeast, barley and other plant foods. These biologically active plant components have been shown to stimulate the immune system, protect against colds, flu and other infections. In those who have lowered immune system strength due to HIV/AIDS, beta glucans have been shown to inhibit viral replication.
For more information about herbal medicine for immune system strength or for information about colds, influenza and other viruses, visit the Immune System Booster Guide.
Source: Unknown
