How Can We Help to Provide Better Immunity Throughout the Year?

How Can We Help to Provide Better Immunity

Throughout the Year?

By Corina Mueller

Immunity has seen more limelight over the past year, and it is a topic which is more important than ever. I see more and more compromised immune health in my clinic from recurrent infections, autoimmune conditions, allergies, chronic inflammation and antibiotic resistance. Immunity is in decline and it is due to a combination of stressful lifestyle, unconscious and poor quality food choices, emotional imbalance, chronic inflammation and environmental pollution. With the Western world’s immunity in a fragile position, we need to up the game and turn the cards, as microbes, viruses and bacteria are not sleeping. In fact, medical research has seen an increase in a faster mutation rate of bacteria and viruses,1 which makes it increasingly difficult for new medications to be put on the market.2 The UK has had an increase in antibiotic resistance which is leading to Sepsis cases and deaths that have doubled over the last 3 years, and now we are facing an era of viral pandemics.3

So how can the Naturopathic Society help and support? Simon Mills highlights that we should help and support the first three stages of immunity for our clients,4 so our immunity can tackle a microbial invasion without getting into serious trouble and recovery time will be swift.

The immune system is divided into Barrier Immunity (Stage 1), Innate (stage 2-3) and Adaptive (Stage 4) Immunity.

The Barrier Immunity is our skin, microbiome, airways and stomach acid. The Innate Immunity is our second response for entering pathogens. It reacts with natural killer cells, phagocytes (stage 2) and creates inflammation and fever (Stage 3). The barrier and innate immunity is the phase which we may treat in an acute infection (first hours and days of infection).

Adaptive immunity specifies microbes and adjusts accordingly. The lymphatic system is the home of adaptive immunity and assists in circulating fluids throughout the body.

It reacts with the primary lymphocytes – T cell and B cells.5 Adaptive immunity can be supported and boosted during non-acute infection.

A small note on fever control: Simon Mills and Kerry Bone have pointed out that we need to start enforcing the knowledge about fever control and educating clients about the importance of fevers in infections.6

Immune supporting and modulating herbs There is a long list of immune supporting herbs. All Herbs are prescript and dosed according to the client’s needs and treatment plan. The wonderful benefit of herbs is that they will work on both stages and multiple organs.

Herbs to support the innate stage acute infection and herbs to strengthen the adaptive stage:

Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia One of the best-known immunity herbs: increases white blood cell count, moves the lymph, and has antimicrobial actions. I use Echinacea to also support adaptive immunity before a flight or times of high stress- for this I use a low dosage of 10-15 drops a day. Best taken as a tincture 1:2.

Yarrow, Achillia millefolium Useful diaphoretic herb for breaking fevers and cleansing the blood. It has antiseptic actions. Fantastic as tea and tincture (innate stage).

Elderberry and flowers, Sambucus nigra fructus/flos The berry builds immunity and acts as an expectorant in coughs. The flower takes the action of diaphoretic action (innate stage). I use them as a combination in acute stages of infection. Berries in a tincture mix and the flowers in a diaphoretic tea mix.

Astralagus membranaceus Used in the adaptive stage, only for chronic infections and dormant microbes. Also used in Post Viral Fatigue for its tonifying and protective actions.

Chinese Scullcap - Scuterllaria baicalensis My choice instead of Goldenseal, and it ticks all the boxes and more: immune modulator, powerful antimicrobial, high in antioxidants which work on acute infections, allergies and autoimmune conditions. It also has cooling actions for inflammation and calms the nervous system. King of Bitters - Andrographis paniculate An ayurvedic herb, with bitter qualities to combat fevers and acute stages of viral infections, supports the gut (Innate stage).

Shitake mushroom Fantastic support for dormant viruses acting as an immune modulator. I prefer medicinal mushrooms in powder form and as a single dosage to optimise the benefits.

Liquorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra A study has found that the herb can help in immunomodulating the T-cells. In auto-immunity, T cells are becoming auto-reactive and start attacking bodily tissues.7

Infection (bacteria, fungus, parasites, viruses)

Immune under-reaction

Cancer, Hepatitis, HIV, Shingles External threat

A Balanced Immune System

Allergic reaction (food sensitivities, allergies, eczema, asthma)

Immune over-reaction

Autoimmune problem (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes)

What makes our immunity?

Our Gut A staggering 80% of your immunity has its home in the intestines, and that makes it my priority in an immune treatment. Also in Ayurveda, the digestive fire “AGNI” is the gateway to a robust immunity and removing “AMA” toxins from the gut.

Within the gut is the microbiome, and it plays a crucial role as part of our immune system, acting as a guard from pathogens and modulation of immunity strength. The microbiome is shaped by our emotions, what we eat, and the medications we consume. More research is going into microbiome, however, a recent study has shown that the environmental pollution exposers can alter our microbiome to create serious health complications.8

The increase of food intake and snacking increases our inflammation rate, and so lowers our immunity. A study has found that due to the more frequent eating and Western food choices, our inflammation rate after eating (postprandial inflammation) becomes a constant state and enhances the risk of low grade and chronic inflammation.9

My herbal choice Barberry – Berberis vulgaris High in antioxidants with antimicrobial actions, immune stimulant.

Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum For the gut-brain connection, combats inflammation, increases absorption and cleans the blood.

Thyme –Thymus vulgaris Immune stimulant, combats inflammation, increases metabolism and removes toxins from the gut. It acts in balancing the microbiome in dysbiosis and candida. Spleen Is the largest lymphatic tissue in the body, providing the purification of blood from pathogens and filtering the red blood cells from old or dead cells.

In TCM the spleen plays a vital role in immunity and digestion.10 The spleen transforms food into the life force qi (Life energy) and blood, making it one of the most vital organs in the digestive system. The spleen also holds an essential part for the overall harmony in the body, meaning a healthy spleen is an excellent coping mechanism for stress, and stress is one of the main reasons to deplete immunity. My herbal choice

Chen pi – Citrus reticulate Excellent spleen tonic, helps with the absorption of nutrients.

The Immune System

Stress and Emotions How emotions can affect immunity: Stress and emotions are a big comprise to lower immunity in both the short-term and long-term. A Harvard study has found that anger can deplete immunity for up to 6 hours.11 Whereas laughter can boost immunity by 24hrs.

In times of uncertainty and worry, the Nervous System will become overloaded, so it would be a great idea to look at the client’s stress and emotional management to keep their immunity stable and robust.

The thymus plays a role here; in folkloric history the thymus is the organ of guilt and shame. Tapping on the thymus gland will help to activate immunity and joy; a positive affirmation may help to dissolve any stagnated negative emotions in the area.12 The thymus is also producing T and B Cells. It is responsible for releasing the killer cells in the body, and integrating the thymus in treatments for immunity is as vital as focusing on the gut.

My herbal choice

Avena sativa Extract 1:1 (oat seed) Grounding and nourishing during chronic stress, immunesupporting, gut supporting.

Passiflora incarnate (passionflower) Helps to calm the mind for a deep and replenishing sleep.

Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap) Brain, heart, gut connection, to clear the mind of excess thoughts.

Post Viral Fatigue An important aspect of any viral infection is the aftercare. Post Viral Fatigue is a common condition after a long episode of a viral infection. Clients suffer from extreme fatigue, brain fog, body aches and depression. The ME Association has seen an increase of Post Viral Fatigue in Covid-19 patients.13

My herbal choice

Immune modulators, Adaptogens and tonics

Ashwagandha Withania somnifera

Medicinal mushrooms

Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia

Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus senticosus

Nutrition An anti-inflammatory diet is the best choice for preventing infections and promoting healing. Fasting has a long history in recovering from an illness, and a recent study found that immunity can be reset within 72 hours of fasting.14

Latest Research on Supplementation

Vitamin C It’s a powerful antioxidant, supporting the epithelial barrier for pathogens. It lowers necrosis–tissue healing, by boosting the function of neutrophils and macrophages in a microbe attack.15 A recent research showed that a high dosage of intravenous ascorbic acid for viral infections kept cytokine storms at bay and supported a faster recovery for an infection.

Vitamin D The energy source for Killer T-cells. If the body has a vitamin D deficiency, killer T-cells will lie dormant, and won’t be able to attack the pathogen.16 A recent Indonesian study showed how Vitamin D deficiency played a vital role in how a viral infection developed, and patients with a Vitamin D deficiency and underlying condition were 19x more likely to die of Covid-19.17

Iodine Dr. Myhill, uses Iodine, as a barrier defence for infections via salt pipe inhalation or for external use in a carrier oil/cream combination.18

None of the above is a guarantee or a life saver, however, it gives everyone a better chance of improving their health and calming their mind. This is a good chance for the Naturopathic society to provide individuals with important knowledge so they can strengthen their immune systems. To do so, they need to evaluate and educate about issues directly related to vitamin and mineral deficiency in the population, create awareness about immunity triggers and how to support immunity, particularly for the more vulnerable. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our own health, so It is important that all levels of society have access to tools that will promote good health. References

1 Duffy, S. (2018). ‘Why are RNA virus mutation rates so damn high?’, https://journals.plos.org [online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/ journal.pbio.30000003 [Accessed 20 March 2020]. 2 Davies, S. (2017). ‘Antibiotic resistance could spell end of modern medicine’, The Guardian [online]. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/oct/13/antibiotic-resistancecould-spell-end-of-modern-medicine-says-chief -medic [Accessed 12 March 2020].

3 Otte, J & Agency. (2019). ‘Sepsis admissions in England more than double in three years’, The Guardian [online]. Available at: https://www. theguardian.com/society/2019/jul/22/sepsis-admissions-in-england-morethan-double-in-three-years [Accessed 12 February 2020]. 4 Mills, S and Bone, K. (2020). ‘Covid-19 webinar’, www.balancehealthcare. com [online]. Available at: https://www.balancehealthcare.com/clinicresources/covid-19-webinar.html [Accessed 24 June 2020].

5 Tortora, G. and Derrickson, B. (2011). ‘Principles of anatomy and physiology volume 2. 13th ed.’, Hoboken: Wiley, pp.875-890. 6 ibid. See reference 4.

7 Guo, A. et al. (2019). ‘Promotion of regulatory T cell induction by immunomodulatory herbal medicine liquorice and its two constituents’, NCBI [online]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC [Accessed 20 Nov. 2019].

8 Claus, S., Guillou, H. & Ellero-Simatos, S. (2016). ‘The gut microbiota: a major player in the toxicity of environmental pollutants?’, npj Biofilms Microbiomes 2, 16003. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/ npjbiofilms.2016.3 [Accessed 19 March 2020]. 9 Macciochi, J. (2018). ‘Why snacking could be disrupting your immune system’, Independent [online]. Available at: https://www.independent. co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/snacking-immune-system-damagehealthy-eating-lose-weight-diabetes-heart-disease-a8675976.html [Accessed 15 June 2020].

10 Kaptchuk, T. (2000). ‘Chinese medicine’. London: Rider. 11 Strong, D. (2015). ‘7 Ways Anger Is Ruining Your Health’,. EverydayHealth.com [online] Available at: https://www.everydayhealth. com/news/ways-anger-ruining-your-health/ [Accessed 21 Nov. 2019]. 12 Arewa, C. (2019). ‘The Happiness Point - Energy 4 Life Thymus Tapping’, Energy 4 Life. [online]. Available at: https://www.energy4lifecoach. com/17518-2/# [Accessed 25 Nov. 2019].

13 Shepherd, C. (2020). ‘Covid-19 and Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome’, MEassociation.org.uk [online]. Available at: https://meassociation.org. uk/2020/04/covid-19-and-post-viral-fatigue-syndrome-by-dr-charlesshepherd-30-april-2020/ [Accessed 20 June 2020]. 14 Meyer, N. (2019). ‘Very Promising: USC Researchers Discover How to Regenerate Your Entire Immune System in 72 Hours’, AltHealthWorks. com [online] Available at: https://althealthworks.com/4651/californiaresearchers-discover-how-to-regenerate-your-entire-immune-systemin-72-hours-and-its-cheap-too/#sthash.qB0bV5g8.gbpl [Accessed 25 Nov. 2019].

15 Boretti, A & Banik, B, K. (2020). ‘Intravenous vitamin C for reduction of cytokines storm in acute respiratory distress syndrome’, Bnf.org. uk [online]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC7172861/ [Accessed 24 June 2020].

16 ScienceDaily. (2010). ‘Vitamin D crucial to activating immune defences’, NHS [online]. Available at: NHS.uk. (2019) [Accessed: 12 March 2020]. 17 BHF. (2020). ‘Does having low vitamin D put you at risk from coronavirus?’, BHF [online]. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/ informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/behind-theheadlines/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-vitamin-d [Accessed 24 June 2020].

18 Myhill, S. ‘Covid-19. ANP practitioner only seminar’, www.drmyhill. co.uk [online]. Available at: https://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/ Workshops_for_Ecological_Medicine [Accessed 20 June 2020].

Corina Mueller Corina is a passionate Herbalist, Iridologist and Ayurvedic Massage Therapist. She has studied and worked in the UK, India, Australia and Germany. In her practice, Corina joins Western and Indian tradition to create a unique experience that can suit each individual. Each consultation is tailored for the needs of the person. Corina will take you on a journey to rediscover your body, mind and soul in a new light. Her clinic is based in Surrey and Central London.

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