Winterizing the Immune System

Autumn is a time of year for preparing one’s defenses against the rigors of the impending winter. Many species store up and fortify their homes at this time or begin to hoard food to hunker down for the next 4-5 months. We humans check our insulation, fuel tanks and firewood for the onslaught of winter. But what about our lymphocytes?

"Cold and flu season" is a real phenomenon, and although we normally think of these illnesses as short-lived, they can open the door to much more serious problems such as pneumonia, still a leading cause of hospitalization and death in the late 20^th century. Why should we have such problems with these infectious diseases in the era of antibiotics and other wonders of medical science? The answer to this question goes to the heart of how we define health and how we approach illness.

The reason we have a cold and flu season is the change in our living patterns as the weather cools. We spend more time clustered indoors having closer contact with others, and ventilation is obviously limited. Respiratory infections are mostly airborne and are therefore passed around very easily at this time of year. The question of whether cold temperatures and harsh climates contribute directly is unresolved. There have even been studies where subjects stood underdressed in a cold, rainy parking lot and followed up to see whether they developed more colds (they didn’t). On the other hand, we know that heat conservation requires energy which could be used for immune function, so your grandmother may not be all wrong.

Most winter respiratory infections are caused by viruses such as Rhinoviruses, Coronaviruses, Herpes Simplex or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Influenza, which is different and usually more severe than the common cold, is caused by Influenza viruses A, B or C. Unfortunately, antibiotics have no effect on viruses and the development of antiviral drugs is still in its infancy. Amantadine, a drug developed for Parkinson’s Disease has been found to be helpful for Influenza, and relenza a new drug which is inhaled has been shown to shorten the flu by 1 day, but for the most part, modern medicine has been only able to offer symptomatic relief for these infections: decongestants, cough medicines, Tylenol, etc.

What’s been missing is an approach that addresses the other half of the equation for infectious diseases; not what can we do to kill the germ, but how can we build up the individual so his or her immune system can dispatch the infection more expeditiously or perhaps never manifest it in the first place?

Our immune system is incredibly complex (and that’s only the part we understand). It would take a full book to explain all its aspects, but there are three major points that should be made about our immune function. 

1. There are many "cofactors" such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids that are essential for proper immune function.
2. There are factors such as allergy, hormonal imbalance, toxins, chronic infections and stress that depress our immunity.
3. Numerous natural substances have been found to improve various aspects of our immune system.

It is well known that those with sub par immune function such as the elderly and very young are much more likely to succumb to the complications of Influenza. So why don’t we apply this knowledge toward treatment (or prevention) of these infections? It’s even been shown that giving elderly people a simple multivitamin decreases the frequency and severity of infections. The progressive approach to treating winter colds incorporates the principles stated above including the common sense prescription for rest and fluids, which is primarily a way to conserve energy for the work of the immune system. Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin A are three of the essential co factors for fighting infections. By giving large doses we push to completion those chemical reactions that use these factors. Taking Vitamin C at 1000-2000 mg every 2-4 hours is a good example of this. Zinc lozenges have been formulated for this purpose as well and can be used for 2-3 days. Vitamin A at doses of 50,000-100,000 U has been used successfully to treat the viral infection measles in parts of the world. (This high dose should not be taken if there is any chance that the person is pregnant, nor used for more than 5-7 days, to prevent the chance of accumulating toxicity). IV nutrient preparations can be used to try and boost the immune system more rapidly.

A number of herbs or phytochemicals have been shown to improve immune function such as Echinacea, Goldenseal and Garlic. Echinacea can be used to fight an acute infection, especially when taken early or in its course, but can also be taken for preventative purposes. Goldenseal should not be taken for prolonged periods of time (i.e. such as not more than 2-3 weeks). Special compounds from Chinese mushrooms, such as Maitake and Reishi, as well as astragalus and extracts from Thymus glands (which boosts lymphocyte function) can be used as well. One also can use homeopathic remedies to try to boost immune defense.

Speaking of lymphocytes, one of the newer oral agents available which can recruit these immune system cells to rapidly mobilize against an infection is Transfer Factor. It affords the immune system "memory" and allows it to react to a newly recognized virus faster and more efficiently. More importantly, we should be looking to our immune system before we get an infection. Doctors who are experienced at looking at health this way can assess what factors might be depressing one’s immune system. These can often be eliminated, and necessary cofactors can be measured and replaced. There are health benefits here that go well beyond the common cold. By eating more healthily, getting adequate rest and taking many of these nutrients, herbs, and immune modulating substances such as transfer factor, you can increase your immune systems preventive defense.

So as we approach winter and think about snow tires and antifreeze, isn’t it time we paid attention to another machine that requires maintenance to avoid breakdowns. After all, you can always rent a car.