Immune support

DEFINITION: Therapies to increase the effectiveness of the immune system in fighting infection.

Overview

The body must contend with constant attacks by microscopic organisms. To defend itself, it has a wide range of defenses that work together—the immune system.

Individuals with diseases that cause immune deficiency, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are harmed by infectious microorganisms that a healthy person could ward off easily. However, even healthy people get sick from time to time, as infectious agents manage to sneak by the defenses. Also, some healthy people, nonetheless, get sick quite often. Any explanation of why it is so difficult to improve resistance to illness should include a discussion of the nature of immunity.

The immune system. The immune system consists of various types of white blood cells (B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells), antibodies (immunoglobulins), lymph nodes, mucous membranes, tonsils, bone marrow, thymus, and spleen. All parts of the immune system work together to protect the body from threats. However, immunodeficiencies sometimes occur because of diseases like Bruton disease or as a result of acquired immunodeficiency, like an HIV infection. Other individuals experience immunosuppression during chemotherapy treatment or when taking corticosteroids. When the immune system is supressed, the individuals is more likely to become ill after coming into contact with common bacteria that would typically be eliminatedby their healthy immune system. When the immune system is suppressed the individual is more likely to become ill after coming into contact with common bacteria that would typically be eliminated by their healthy immune system.

These individuals may be over-susceptible to a particular type of infection, or they may have another physiological trait that puts them at higher risk for particular microorganisms to invade and infect particular body systems. For example, chronically inflamed mucous membranes might lead to frequent colds because an inflamed mucous membrane may be more porous, which makes it more susceptible to cold viruses. Similarly, a woman’s bladder wall might allow particularly easy attachment of bacteria, leading to frequent bladder infections. Another common cause is chronically inflamed tonsils that trap bacteria, allowing them to breed and infect the body. Other research indicates that individual immune systems differ based on genetics, changing health conditions, autoimmune disorders, hygiene, malnutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, and vaccine history.

Immunomodulation. Immunomodulation involves the natural or human-induced modification of the immune system. Many natural products are said to boost general immunity. However, while science can study the effect of a single treatment on a single illness, it is unknown how a treatment strengthens the immune system in general. Scientists can measure the effects of an herb on individual white blood cell types and note changes in activity, but they do not know how to interpret the results of those measurements as a whole.

To acknowledge this limitation, scientists tend to use the term “immunomodulatory” rather than “immune-stimulating” when referring to a substance that causes measurable alterations in immune function. This terminology notes a change (modulation) but does not assume the change is good, bad, or indifferent.

Hundreds or thousands of herbs have immunomodulatory effects. In many cases, these may represent nothing more than the body’s reaction to the herb as a foreign presencean immune reaction to the herb itself, in other words, with no special benefits. In some cases, observed immunomodulatory effects could indicate an alteration in immune function with potential benefits under certain conditions, but it is impossible to know.

It is possible that some natural substance could boost all aspects of immunity. However, if it did, it would be a highly dangerous substance. The immune system is finely balanced. An immune system that is too relaxed fails to defend against infections; an immune system that is too active attacks healthy tissues, causing autoimmune diseases (such as AIDS). A universal immune booster might cause lupus, Crohn’s disease, asthma, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, among other problems.

Rather than preferring an immune booster, one might prefer a treatment that somehow fine-tunes the immune system. It is unknown, however, if such a treatment exists.

Natural Medicine

Herbs and supplements. There is no doubt that good general nutrition is necessary for strong immunity. However, the excessive intake of some nutrients, like zinc and niacin, may weaken immunity. Still, there is some specific scientific evidence that multivitamin/multimineral supplements may help certain people stay well. Many herbs and supplements have shown promise for preventing or treating certain specific infections—bladder infections, cold and flu cases, diarrhea, fungal infection, herpes infection, middle ear infection, and vaginal yeast infections.

Immunizations are widely used to strengthen the immune response to specific illnesses, such as influenza. However, some people (especially older adults) may not respond adequately to immunizations. Certain natural products, such as ginseng, vitamin E, and multivitamin/multimineral supplements, may enhance the immune response.

Echinacea is widely claimed to be an immune-strengthening herb. However, some evidence suggests that regular use does not help prevent colds or other infections but shortens colds, the flu, and respiratory viruses that have already begun. Further research indicated that echinacea’s impact on the body’s immune system cells may depend on the type of echinacea, the soil it is grown in, and its chemical properties. Some studies indicate echinacea decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases cytokines that prevent inflammation.

The fungi products Coriolus versicolor, active hexose correlated compound, maitake, reishi, and shiitake are believed to help support the immune system during cancer treatment, particularly in Japan. Coriolus versicolor, also called the turkey tail mushroom, contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are often extracted and used in medications. Several studies have supported the use of this mushroom, combined with other treatments or medications, to aid patient symptoms in various diseases.

Substances that enhance the growth of friendly bacteria in the large intestine have been studied for their favorable effects on the immune system, with mixed results. Probiotics (such as acidophilus) consist of various bacterial species capable of rebalancing the healthy population of bacteria in the gut. Certain types of starches, called prebiotics, are not fully digested and, therefore, remain in the intestine and feed healthy bacteria. There is some evidence that probiotics and, to a lesser extent, prebiotics may lead to a reduction in allergic symptoms and possibly minor infections, especially in children.

Lifestyle issues. Living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining good nutrition, and getting plenty of exercise increases a person’s likelihood of overall well-being. However, the key to health is moderation. Too much exercise (as in marathon running) can weaken the immune system, leading to infections. (Heavy endurance exercise can benefit from the use of vitamin C, beta-sitosterol, and glutamine to prevent the “post-marathon sniffle.”)

Although it is commonly said that high levels of sugar intake weaken immunity, there is no meaningful evidence to support this view. Similarly, while severe alcohol abuse damages immune function, there is no evidence that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of infection.

Historically, people believed that getting too cold caused the common cold, but modern science asserts that viruses cause the common cold, and being chilly may lower a person’s immune system, making them more likely to become ill after coming into contact with a virus. There is also no reliable evidence that reducing the intake of dairy products will prevent respiratory infections. Finally, contrary to popular belief, early antibiotic treatment of children with ear infections does not seem to damage the child’s immunity and causes a greater rate of ear infections.

Alternative therapies. Various alternative therapies may enhance overall health and prevent general illness. These include acupuncture, Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), chiropractic spinal manipulation, naturopathy, Reiki, Tai Chi, therapeutic touch, traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and yoga. However, little meaningful scientific evidence indicates these methods have any specific positive effect on immunity.

Bibliography

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"Fight Off the Flu with Immune-boosting Nutrients." Mayo Clinic Health System, 16 Nov. 2022, www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/fight-off-the-flu-with-nutrients. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Ghaemi, Amir, et al. “Echinacea purpurea Polysaccharide Reduces the Latency Rate in Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infections.” Intervirology, vol. 52, no. 1, 2009, pp. 29-34, doi:10.1159/000212988.

"How to Boost your Immune System." Harvard Health, 28 Mar. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Jędrzejewski, Tomasz, et al. “COVID-19 and Cancer Diseases-The Potential of Coriolus versicolor Mushroom to Combat Global Health Challenges.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 5, Mar. 2023, doi:10.3390/ijms24054864.

Jiang, M. H., L. Zhu, and J. G. Jiang. “Immunoregulatory Actions of Polysaccharides from Chinese Herbal Medicine.” Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, vol. 14, 2010, pp. 1367-1402.

Majdalawieh, A. F., and R. I. Carr. “In Vitro Investigation of the Potential Immunomodulatory and Anti-Cancer Activities of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 13, 2010, pp. 371-381.

Senchina, D. S., et al. “Herbal Supplements and Athlete Immune Function–What’s Proven, Disproven, and Unproven?” Exercise Immunology Review, vol. 15, 2009, pp. 66-106.