Boosting Your Immune System

By Dr. Reginald B. Cherry, M.D., Christian Post Contributor Friday, April 17, 2009

The immune system is something we are all familiar with, but not even doctors understand fully. An overactive immune system can result in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, while an underactive immune system can't recognize and knock out foreign invaders.

We can't rely on medicine to fight off illness if our immune system isn't functioning properly. Because of their ability to mutate, bacteria like the MRSA are now increasingly resistant to even the strongest antibiotics, and it was recently reported that 98% of the influenza A (flu) viruses are now resistant to the medicines most commonly used to treat them.

It's very clear that we need an immune system that will step in and take over to protect us from foreign invaders. So what can we do to support our immune system in fighting against viruses and bacteria? Fortunately, there are things we can do to naturally strengthen our immune system.

An article in the Journal of American Medical Association talks about how as we get older, the immune system is weakened, functioning at a lesser capacity. And it makes this amazing statement: "The era of nutrient supplements to promote health and reduce illness is here to stay. In selected groups such as the elderly, there is overwhelming evidence of immunological enhancement following intervention with nutrient supplements."

Some of the nutrients that were emphasized were:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Chromium
Selenium
CoQ10
Pomegranate fruit extract
Astragalus
Elderberry

Others that can be added to this list are:
Mushrooms (maitake, shiitake)
Yogurt/probiotics
Tomatoes/lycopene
Avocados

When we study nature, we see that it is a combination of not just vitamins and minerals, but also plants that work to balance the immune system. And balance is the key with the immune system; although we don't want it to be underactive and ineffective, we also don't want to overactivate or overstimulate it.

That's why we recommend a combination of nutrients, like those mentioned, that enhance and balance the immune system so that it works properly to protect you from diseases. Supporting your immune system will help keep you healthy, and it may be the pathway God wants to lead you down to keep you well.