Immune Function and Support
Immune
Function Support
Factors
known to help our bodies fight
infection
include: eating a blood-type
friendly
diet consisting of the fiber,
complex
carbohydrates, and proteins in the
form
of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods:
good
psychological health achieved
through
stress control, positive thinking,
and
rewarding activity; and
good
physical conditioning
through
aerobic exercise, passive stretching, adequate
sleep,
rest, and relaxation.
Studies
have indicated that vitamin C may
help
increase the activity of specific white
blood
cells, the cells involved in fighting
infection.
It has been observed that in the
presence
of vitamin C, white blood cell
movement
may be stimulated, as may be
their
ability to destroy bacteria. It has also
been
noted that certain virus growth may be
inhibited
when vitamin C is present.
Optimal
Benefit from Vitamin C
Because
of this kind of research, and often
a
positive personal experience, many people
regularly
take vitamin C. But human beings
face
a significant problem trying to ensure
that
adequate vitamin C is available when
the
body needs it. Unlike many animals,
the
human body lacks the ability to
manufacture
vitamin C. Having this ability
affords
animals a distinct advantage because
they
automatically produce more when more
is
needed. For example, goats will
manufacture
a remarkable 600% more
vitamin
C to meet their needs during times
of
physical stress. Humans must depend
on
diet or vitamin C supplements to
supply
their needs. This being the case,
many
people wonder “what is the best
way
to help ensure that my body will
absorb
and utilize an adequate level of
vitamin
C when I need it most?” The
answer
is clear: by providing a form of the
vitamin
that is easily absorbed, well
tolerated,
and effective.
Choosing
the Best Form
of
Vitamin C for You
Basic
vitamin C, called ascorbic acid due to its acid nature, can
sometimes
irritate the mouth and stomach and cause gas and diarrhea
when
taken in moderate to high quantities.
A
well-tolerated form of vitamin C is a blend of mineral ascorbates.
A
mineral ascorbate is vitamin C bonded to a mineral such as calcium,
magnesium,
sodium, potassium, etc. It makes the vitamin C less acidic
and
therefore less irritating to the stomach and intestine.
When
the quantity of vitamin C taken exceeds the body’s ability to
assimilate
it, the excess vitamin C cannot be retained and will be
eliminated.
This may cause diarrhea. Each human body has its own
assimilation
rate. Taking smaller amounts spread throughout the day
is
one way to increase assimilation.
Another
important feature to look for is the blending of vitamin C
metabolites
into the mixture. A metabolite is a substance essential to,
or
affecting, the metabolism or a product of metabolism. When vitamin
C
metabolites are added, the functional activity of vitamin C may be
enhanced.
For example, the metabolites ribose and xylitol may help
to
slow the breakdown of vitamin C by a mechanism known as
feedback
inhibition. This slows down the assimilation. An additional
advantage
of vitamin C metabolite mixtures is that acidity is
neutralized,
and they rarely cause stomach or intestinal upset. These
attributes
result in an excellent form of vitamin C suitable for many
people.
In
addition to supporting the white blood cells with super-charged
ammunition
from Vitamin C for defense against invaders, we can
also
reduce the toxins flowing in the blood that stress the immune
system.
This can be done by employing certain immune supporting
herbs
to assist the body with its detoxifying functions.
Scientifically-Proven
Herbal Remedies
for
Treatment and Prevention
of
Cold and Flu
(Referring to the
works of John Douillard, D.C., an Ayurvedic physician who runs the LifeSpa in
Boulder, Colorado, and authored the book Body, Mind, and Sport)
Traditional
systems of medicine interpreted the red leaves of
autumn
as an expression of the heat rising up from the trunk
into
the leaves, inflaming them with beautiful red and orange
color.
Similarly, heat can rise in the body, drying the protective
mucous
membranes of the respiratory tract and bringing
accumulated
heat and impurities up into the head and neck.
In
summer, nature supplies us with copious amounts of
hydrating,
refreshing fruits, and cooling, leafy green vegetables
and
herbs that help keep this from happening; however in
autumn
with the changing seasons the risk of infection
increased
dramatically. Without an end-of-summer cleansing
of
the liver and blood, the body may unnecessarily heat up
and
provoke its own cleaning in the form of an exhaustive
cold
or flu.
Fortunately,
in anticipation of this, nature has provided six
powerful
cooling and bitter herbs to assist the body to cleanse
and
at the same time provide effective armaments should a
cold
or flu occur.
ECHINACEA
(Echinacea
purpurea, E. angustifolia)
A
proven and effective therapy especially when taken at the
first
hint of cold and flu symptoms12, supports numerous bodily
systems
against the side effects of stress and fatigue, directly
boosting
immunity3. It acts specifically on the lymphatic system
that
houses the immune system and escorts wastes out of the
body.
Stasis of the lymph (presenting with swollen glands
and
sore throats) is often the first indication of compromised
immunity,
infection and the need for Echinacea.
Immune
stimulating properties that should be in formulas of
Echinacea
include polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and
alkylamides45.
High quality formulas contain these active
ingredients
along with more volatile immunimodulating
compounds
including polyacetlylenes, chichoric acids, volatile
oils
and isobutylamides6.
GOLDENSEAL
(Hydrastis
Canadensis)
Remarkably
high in berberine content. A yellow-colored
alkaloid,
berberine is one of the most powerful plant-derived
antimicrobial
agents in existence. Along with hydrastine, which
has
similar well-documented antibacterial properties7, and
goldenseal’s
anti-inflammatory actions and affinity for the
mucous
membranes8 lining the respiratory tract, berberine
assists
goldenseal in effectively fighting infection. Native
Americans
used the rootstock as a near-panacea, its
effectiveness
ranging from dandruff and ringworm to
pneumonia,
jaundice, cancer, and heart disease910.
OREGON
GRAPE & BARBERRY ROOT BARK
(Berberis
aquifolim & Berberis vulgaris)
Both
are also rich in berberine. The actions of berberine against some
bacteria,
protozoa, and fungi are stronger than commonly used conventional
antibiotics.
When taken together in proper proportions, Oregon grape and
barberry
root bark provide a total range of synergistic alkaloids that enhance
the
spectrum of effectiveness beyond that of a non-compounded goldenseal.
BEE
PROPOLIS (Bee-harvested
tree resin)
Sometimes
called “nature’s penicillin” is thought to be one of the oldest
antibacterials
of the Western herbal pharmacy, dating back to ancient Egypt
and
Greece .
Used by bees as a sealant for the hive, propolis contains active
bioflavonoids
that inhibit the cellular enzymes that release viruses from
intra-
to extra-cellular spaces; while the virus is contained within the cell
wall,
phagocytosis engulfs the infected cell before a systemic infection
ensues.
ST.
JOHNSWORT (Hypericum
perforatum)
In
addition to being a mild expectorant for the respiratory system. St.
Johnswort
is an extremely effective medicine for the treatment of
influenza11
, Epstein Barr12 , HIV13 , and acts as an antibacterial
against staph,
strep,
E. Coli, pseudomonas, and others14. Hypericin, which is St.
Johnswort’s
major antiinfective constituent, is also a nerve tonic.
St.
Johnswort is also used as a nervous system rejuvenative to strengthen
and
restore the body’s natural defenses. Killing the invader (bacteria)
without
strengthening the host (the body) will only yield symptomatic relief
and
not a cure.
11
Muldner, V., II: Antidepressive Compositions of hypericin. European Patent
Office, Publ. #0256A2.
1987:
175-7
12
Lavie, D. Antiviral pharmaceutical composition concerning hypericin or
pseudhypericin. European patent
13
James, J.S. Aids treatment news. No. 74, Feb. 1989
14
Barbagallo, C., and Chisari, G. Antimicrobial activity of three hypericum
series. Fititerapia. 58 (1987):
175-7
IMPORTANT
TO KNOW
How
does a person know which of these herbs are the best to take? Herbs
are
very powerful medicine! I have found that the patient’s blood type and
individual
body sensitivities will factor into my answer to this for each
patient.
And while any of the above listed herbs can be taken singly with
results,
I have found that combining the right herbs in correct proportion as
a
formula will be even more effective. There is a synergy involved here.
When
combined, the boosting properties of each individual herb are
enhanced
and the beneficial effects to the body are maximized. The correct
herbs
at the correct dosages are crucial if the product is to take on medicinal
properties.
Wagner
and Jurcic (1991) determined that at a critical dosage, Echinacea
products
significantly and therapeutically boost the immune system. This
critical
dosage is much higher than that recommended on most commercially
available
product labels, rendering most Echinacea products nontherapeutic.
Additionally,
many of the brands tested were found to contain few if any
active
ingredients.
Many
effective formulas come
from manufacturers of professional-grade products
sold
only to Medical Professionals.
THERAPEUTIC
DOSAGE
To
provide the immuno-stimulation needed at the initial
stage
of cold or flu infection to offset the first stage of
viral
attack, the correct herbal dose is taken in warm
water
every waking hour and continuing for 5 days.
MAINTENANCE
DOSAGE
Seasonally,
to stay well, the correct herbal dose is taken in
warm
water 3-4 times daily.
This
Maintenance Dosage should be taken regularly during
the
fall and winter months as a change-of-season cleanse
and
detoxifier. Making sure the blood and lymph are
cleansed
with each seasonal change is nature’s simple secret
to
a life free of colds and flu. This allows us to gracefully
treat
and prevent most seasonal respiratory infections.
SILVER WATER – Another
product Dr. Doreo may recommend
is Ionic Silver Water. This product is superior to
the colloidal silver
popularized in the 1980s. Ionic Silver Water is
used internally, is highly
stable, and can be added to virtually anything for
ingestion. It has a
somewhat bitter taste. It can also be successfully
used topically. Silver
Water is one of the most effective natural
antibiotics in existence.
Here’s a little more information on the use of
silver, which has been
proven effective over the centuries:
Silver has been used since ancient times as a medicinal
remedy and
preservative. The old phrase “born with a silver
spoon in his mouth”
was not a reference to wealth but to the health of
the person. In the
early 1800’s it was found that babies fed from
silver spoons were
healthier than those fed with spoons made from
other metals. Silver
nitrate was administered to the eyes of newborns
beginning about
1834, eliminating incidences of disease-caused
blindness. Silver was
used as an antibiotic in the late 1800’s, by the
1900’s it was by far the
choice for most medical practitioners. NASA uses a
silver system to
purify water on its shuttles.
Silver salts are used to treat burn victims in all
major burn centers
throughout the U.S. Silver also works on sunburns.
It has been
successfully used to grow new skin on accident
victims - including
the restoration of fingertips with the original
fingerprint. Silver is
used as an algaecide in pools because it doesn’t
burn the eyes. Many
cosmetic companies use silver as a preservative
because it is nontoxic.
Modern medicine, however, has a tendency to
downplay the
importance of silver. Yet, clinical tests show that
silver works in a
manner that causes the body to create cells (called
“stem” cells) that
rebuild human tissue. These cells are the universal
building blocks
of the body. Silver is a wonderful antibiotic that
seeks out and kills
over 650 known viruses and bacteria, is a great
immune booster and
good for allergies, colds, etc. Silver is earth’s
natural antibiotic!
Herbs, Homepathic Remedies, and Other Products
Dr. Doreo may recommend herbal formulas,
homeopathic remedies,
and/or other nutritional products like high-grade
Vitamin C. After
testing your body to determine which products are
needed, Dr. Doreo
will recommend a program to help your body defeat
the specific
infection you are having trouble with. Your body
may test better to
one approach or a combination of approaches. Dr.
Doreo can tailor
the program that is most effective for you.
The skilled alternative medicine doctor has become
a treasured
resource for patients and their families. We have
many alternatives
available to enhance, repair, and strengthen the
defenses against many
unfavorable invaders. Just as healthy friendly
bacteria are required
for effective immune defense, a healthy digestive
tract also
protects the brain. Dr. Doreo is trained to detect
problems in
the nervous system (brain and spinal column) that
prevent
optimal communication from the brain to the
tissues, further
compromising an individual’s health, recovery from
illness,
and increasing your susceptibility to disease. Dr.
Doreo can
help establish the best possible defense to the
toxins and
stressors of everyday life.
My philosophy is “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”…
This is a common objection patients will give to
scheduling
appointments for preventive/maintenance health
care.
Becoming sick with a cold or flu may or may not be
viewed by
some patients as “broken.” Many people consider
that cold
and flu season is just a part of “normal” life and
see no real
harm in it. This is not true information. Consider
that your
car will continue to run fine with dirty oil and
only “breaks”
when the effects of that dirty oil destroys
internal parts…
The information presented in this newsletter
outlines how
becoming sick occurs after the
body has “broken.” Human
bodies are designed with defense mechanisms (immune
system) that protect you from becoming sick. Your
immune
system has broken down and failed (malfunctioned)
in order
for you to become sick. By being sick, you will tax
your broken
immune system even further, as well as use up vital
resources
(essential nutrients) needed for the repair and
function of other
body systems. Minor repairs can be made early to
prevent
major repairs later on.
Preventive health care is less expensive and
reduces the wear
on other body systems. As with your car,
maintenance care
extends the life and performance of the vehicle.
And prevents
the expensive overhaul required when broken parts
are ignored
until a serious or chronic illness ensues.
Unfortunately, new
body parts don’t exist to replace damaged body
parts worn out
with abuse. Dr. Doreo can help you establish the
maintenance
care schedule you need to preserve your body parts!
Maintenance health care is more important than you
might
think.
What
Happens When Taking
Antibiotics?
Infections
are, specifically, invasion of the body by harmful bacteria.
To
understand infection, one needs to understand bacteria. Bacteria
functions
to break down substances. Some bacteria are beneficial
to
a human body and some is harmful. It is important to understand
the
2 types of bacteria:
Friendly
Bacteria.
“Friendly” because this bacteria has the
function
of breaking down substances for digestion and is also an
intricate
part of the immune system. Plentiful friendly bacteria in
the
intestinal tract are essential to good health and strong immune
function.
We require friendly bacteria in the body and without it
we
will be invaded by illness, disease, and infection (harmful
bacteria).
There are more than 400 different species of friendly
bacteria
in the human digestive tract. Healthy friendly bacteria
prevent
recurrent vaginal yeast and urinary tract infections, kill some
viruses
and harmful bacteria, and decreases cancer causing toxins.
Drugs
such as alcohol and antibiotics can decrease the number of
healthy
friendly bacteria in the intestines. This leads to deficiencies
and
the increase of harmful bacteria and illnesses.
Harmful
Bacteria.
This is bacteria detrimental to the body.
This
bacteria has the function of decaying substances and returning
them
to the soil. Decaying dead leaves and carcasses back to the
soil
is great for the environment. However not so great when it’s
decaying
your body back to the soil while you’re still alive! Harmful
bacteria
invading a living body is infection. Some harmful bacteria
cause
illness while others pose no problem until certain conditions
allow
them to multiply quickly or move from the part of the body
where
they usually live.
The
miracle of antibiotics is their ability to destroy bacteria.
However,
antibiotics destroy ALL bacteria, both the harmful bacteria
we
don’t want as well as the friendly bacteria we do want in our
bodies.
When the immune system is not strong enough to prevent
harmful
bacteria from invading the body in the first place, and too
weak
to recover once it has invaded the body, then antibiotics are
indicated.
Antibiotics handle the urgent situation very well.
After
eliminating the harmful bacteria, the friendly bacteria must
be
replenished for the immune system to regenerate again. When
this
vital step is overlooked, the immune system is left ineffective.
The
body is defenseless and even more vulnerable to invasion from
infectious
harmful bacteria. Lacking the essential defense to
infection,
the already weakened tissues are readily re-invaded by
harmful
bacteria. It’s a vicious circle too many patients are familiar
with.
As
you can see, the answer to harmful bacteria is having ample
friendly
bacteria for a strong immune system. There are different
forms
of friendly bacteria in the colon and in the body tissues.
Dr.
Doreo helps our patients rehabilitate their immune systems
by
supplements containing one or more of the forms of friendly
bacteria
needed for their body. She tests to isolate which one(s)
are
depleted. A patient that becomes ill or suffers from infection
may
benefit greatly from strengthening their immune defense.
A
patient taking antibiotics will generally need one or more forms
of
friendly bacteria replenished to restore their immune system.
Supplements
of friendly bacteria should be taken during as well
as
after a course of antibiotics. In many cases, taking the needed
friendly
bacteria supplements can prevent the need for
antibiotics.
Avoiding antibiotics is best.
What
Alternative is there to
Antibiotics?
Many.
But ascertaining whether there are alternatives to
antibiotics
for you depends on your situation. Dr. Doreo will
test
to see what alternatives may be options in your case.
Depending
on what she finds, she may recommend more than
one
product.
FRIENDLY
BACTERIA -
Rebuilding the friendly
bacteria
in the bowel may be indicated whereby Dr. Doreo may
recommend
a high quality supplement containing BILLIONS
of
these bacteria per capsule. Acidophilus (a form of friendly
bacteria)-containing
products have living bacteria in the bottle
that
will die if not kept cool. It is important that the
products
have been manufactured, shipped, and stored at
proper temperatures, and you will keep this product
in a cool place after purchase.
Unfortunately,
there are several stages this product goes through
before
you purchase it. It has been found that many commercial
products
contain little if any live bacteria by the time they are
consumed.
For this reason, pharmaceutical grade friendly
bacteria
is available through Dr. Doreo to ensure you are
purchasing
a high quality product that will get results. The bottles
we
receive are assayed after every batch at the manufacturer
and
shipped in refrigerated containers where they arrive still
cold
at our clinic. The assay sheet is included that guarantees
the
bottle contains in excess of the number of live bacteria listed
on
the label. It may cost the patient more to purchase
pharmaceutical
grade products through us but Dr. Doreo can be
certain
you get the dose you need when you do.
Klaire Labs, Metagenics and other professional grade products can be purchased only through qualified healthcare professionals.
Patient Direct Orders can be made through the following links:
https://drdoreo.metagenics.com/ select ‘create account’ and use practitioner
code: DrDoreo
https://klaire.com/ select “register” and use patient
authorization code: Q61
fulfillment
numbers for patients: 185827
Nov. 2008
Comments