Immunity through action

Immunity through action Activating our protective shield

THE GUT: OUR PROTECTIVE SHIELD

‘We have three interfaces between us and the environment: the skin, the respiratory tract and the digestive tract,’ explains Dr Peter Gartner, Medical Director at Park Igls. ‘So, everything inside our bronchi and intestines is actually “outside” of our body. It stands to reason, therefore, that nature has developed effective border protection measures at these interfaces. The largest of these can be found in what, in terms of evolutionary history, is the oldest part of our body: the gut and intestinal mucosa. The immune system's job is to intercept intruders: lymphocytes grab pathogens that try to penetrate the system, and transport them to special defence cells where, with the help of antibodies, they are eliminated or marked as dangerous. These marked cells are then destroyed by phagocytes.’ People have been pushed to the limit in the past few months, both physically and mentally. Entire communities and economies have been struggling under unprecedented restrictions. As we return to something approaching normal and the pressures to achieve start to mount once more, we must not neglect the body’s defences: the immune system.

A healthy diet, regular exercise, plenty of sleep and a balanced lifestyle is the stock advice for preventing disease and maintaining good health. Lockdown gave many people an opportunity to take this advice, and provide their bodies, minds and health with nurturing care. With time on their hands, they were able to make use of natural resources and thereby strengthen their own. All this appears to get forgotten as soon as old routines are restored, although following the recommendations is so important – to our lives, our health, for tackling future challenges, and perhaps even to society as a whole.

The doctors and psychologists at Park Igls have developed two programmes, one of which strengthens mental and physical resilience (read more on page 30). The second focuses on the immune system: that highly complex system that protects our bodies from disease, and whose greater part is located in the gut. This Immune System Booster programme is based on immune profile testing, which was developed here at Park Igls by Dr Irene Brunhuber (internist and Mayr Physician), and Dr Sonja Schottkowsky (GP and Mayr Physician). The aim is to target therapies on weaker areas, where it really matters.

A POWERFUL COMBINATION BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH MODERN MAYR MEDICINE

As part of the Immune System Booster programme, we firstly establish the condition of the body's defence system before creating a basis for strengthening it for the long term. Thanks to our combination of therapeutic approaches, we provide an effective jump-start to help change unhelpful behaviours. In addition to an emotional component, the focus is on physically activating the immune system with a variety of approaches, including infusions: ‘Activated oxygen has a stimulating effect on the immune system,’ explains Dr Gartner, ‘while zinc halts virus replication, and vitamin C is a radical scavenger and antioxidant that protects immunity-relevant cells against oxidative stress. This is why vitamin C is so good for the immune system.’ However, one thing is crucial for strengthening the immune system: a healthy gut.

Diet, exercise, digestive regeneration and mental hygiene Easing the burden on the gut is essential, so guests at Park Igls enjoy Modern Mayr cuisine which uses easily digestible, natural, regional and seasonal foods. In addition to choosing the right foods, their composition, processing, and predigestion by thorough mastication are key. Ensuring that large parts of the digestive work occurs inside the mouth – chewing and insalivating – means the intestines have less to do. This frees up energy for regeneration and defence. Combined with well-chosen exercises and restorative massages, the result is increased long-term wellbeing and a sense of greater strength and resilience. Above all, the immune system is bolstered, and can be maintained that way, with the help of changes in everyday behaviour.

Dr Sonja Schottkowsky

GP, Mayr Physician

Dr Irene Brunhuber

Internist, Mayr Physician

STATUS QUO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

‘Many of our patients contacted us during the pandemic to enquire about food supplements and micronutrients that strengthen the immune system. During that time, the demand for vitamin C and zinc supplements increased so much, all the better quality products sold out,’ say Dr Sonja Schottkowsky and Dr Irene Brunhuber.

However, strengthening the immune system sustainably requires us to start with the basics: ‘Combining a balanced diet with regular fasting is essential to ensuring that our bodies get the necessary micronutrients. But we can still support our immune system by taking additional micronutrients in tablet form,’ explains Dr Brunhuber.

‘However, we need to know where we’re starting from in order to find out what the body actually needs. This is why we designed a special immune profile test here at Park Igls,’ says Dr Schottkowsky. ‘Blood testing establishes whether a patient lacks vitamins, trace elements (zinc, selenium, iron, copper), minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium) or omega-3 fatty acids. Once we know that, we can do something about it.’

Immune profile testing avoids overdosing ‘Vitamin A, D, E and K deficiencies are common. However, since these fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body, a blood analysis is essential prior to prescribing supplements as overdosing would otherwise be a risk. The same applies to trace elements: deficiencies need to be tackled while avoiding overdosing,’ explains Dr Brunhuber.

‘Despite balanced diets, micronutrient deficiencies are a common occurrence today. On the one hand, this is because the nutrient concentration of food is now lower (e.g. selenium deficiencies resulting from lower levels of selenium in soil), and on the other, our gut has become unable to absorb nutrients due to damage caused by chronic stress.’

‘Our white blood cells (leukocytes) play a central role when we are exposed to a virus. Current standard testing can determine how many of these cells are present in our blood, but they provide little information as to how well they are working,’ explains Dr Schottkowsky. ‘To find that out, we need an enhanced blood test to check the levels of all necessary vitamins and trace elements. This way we can support our immune system and get ready for winter’s infections as well as any pandemics that may be coming our way.’

DR GARTNER’S TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

‘Most of my recommendations to patients are centred around their lifestyle, because diet, exercise, regeneration and mental hygiene all impact general health, and especially the immune system. In addition, we can take precautionary measures such as supplementing our diets with vitamin C, D and zinc.’ A BALANCED DIET WITH PLENTY OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES To ensure your body gets all the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy immune system, you need vitamins A, B6, B12 and C, as well as zinc, selenium and iron. Foods that are rich in micronutrients include garlic, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, berries, nuts and grapes. It is important not to rely entirely on just a couple of these foods, as none contain all of the essential substances. Even superfoods such as goji berries, chia seeds and blueberries do not offer everything the body requires – we need variety! SUNLIGHT = VITAMIN D A healthy immune system needs vitamin D. Only 20% of our vitamin D comes from food, salmon being the most popularly known source. 80% is produced by our skin from direct sunlight. Even though most dermatologists prefer us to sit in the shade, spending a few minutes in direct

sunlight every day is important. DRINK PLENTY Drinking too little causes the mucous membranes to dry out. This automatically stacks the cards against us in our fight against bacteria and viruses. Even viruses like coronavirus can easily be washed out of the throat: drinking regularly can reduce the chances of a lung infection. Drinking plenty of fluids, in particular water, will wash out and remove acidic toxins from the connective tissue. This leads to deacidification and restoration of the acid-base balance: it’s a simple way to detox and meet the basic requirements of an efficient immune system!

EXERCISE – DO IT BUT DON’T OVERDO IT! Exercise stimulates the immune system, making it work faster and more effectively as more active immunity cells are formed. But overdoing it has potential risks. Intense physical exertion can lead to a downturn in immunosurveillance, and increases the risk of infection. So, running, swimming and cycling must all be done in moderation! NO SMOKING! As well as increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease, smoking inhibits our immune system and dries the mucous membranes, thereby making them unable to do their job of cleaning the airways. LESS STRESS, MORE SLEEP Excessive stress causes the body to create messengers which can lead to high blood pressure, obesity and heart attack. In addition, it weakens the immune system. The same applies to lack of sleep: insomnia suppresses immune system function. So, treat yourself to regular breaks and avoid anything that could rob you of sleep. This includes having the heating set too high, using electronic devices at night, eating late and overindulging in alcohol. CLEANLINESS This includes washing your hands frequently to prevent catching diseases through touching

your mouth, nose or eyes. PROTECT THE GUT Avoid anything that could harm your intestines and thus the immune system: don’t eat late at night; avoid raw foods in the evening, eating too fast and snacking. Drink adequately between meals, but not with food. Skip dinner once or twice a week. And finally, the advice of all Mayr doctors: chew, chew, chew! And, once or

twice a year, visit the Mayr health retreat.

Dr Peter Gartner

GP, Mayr Physician, Medical Director

Immune System Booster

A well-functioning immune system is always a prerequisite for a healthy life – not just during a global pandemic. This programme includes a special immune system test to check its strength and ascertain how best to improve its function. Modern Mayr Medicine also boosts the immune system as more than two-thirds of our defence cells are located in the intestine. Give your gut a helping hand in its fight against viruses, bacteria and parasites!

Mayr Basic (see www.park-igls.at) Expanded laboratory blood tests + special immune profile test 1 evaluation and discussion of results

3 intravenous drips with activated oxygen (ozone) 3 intravenous drips with zinc and vitamin C 5 full body massages (50 mins each)

€2,742 for 1 week plus Mayr medication, price excludes accommodation (room rates from €158 per night/person)