Immune System Boosting in the Season of Colds, Influenza and SARS-CoV2

Kristie Gering, MD • Mar 01, 2021

You may be wondering what you can do to better protect yourself during cold, flu and COVID season. The uncomfortable truth is that we are continually exposed to bacteria, viruses and fungi that are inhaled, swallowed, or live on our skin or in our body. Whether these organisms lead to disease depends partly on how “mean” the bug is and how many of them there are. However, it depends just as much, if not even more, on how well your immune system is working to defend your body.

The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to help your immune system work better! We will explore a few of these things, but first we need to talk a little bit about what our immune system is.


Our Amazing Immune System

Our immune system is an amazing interactive network of organs, white blood cells, and proteins that protect the body from foreign substances and organisms (as well as our own damaged cells, such as cancer cells). This system is constantly adapting and learning so that the body can fight against bacteria and viruses as they change over time. There are 2 arms to our immune system, the innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. (A)


The innate immune system is more of a general defense against bad bugs and chemicals (think of it as the “Army and/or Navy” that offer broad protection from invasion). It prevents infection with certain mechanical barriers (such as oil on skin and stomach acid), and has the ability in general to tell friend from foe, and to start the attack using antimicrobial proteins and certain white blood cells such as macrophages. Macrophages see things that look “shady”, surround them to “hem them in”, engulf and literally “digest” the invader. Fever is another one of the many tactics that the innate immune system uses to slow the spread of infection. This is why for most people, as long as the fever is not too high and you are not too miserable, you should NOT reach for ibuprofen or acetaminophen at the first sign of a fever. Let the fever do it’s job in slowing the down the invasion! It’s there to help your white blood cells gain the advantage over the enemy.

The adaptive immune system targets very specific pathogens that the body has been in contact with and has learned from (think of this as the Army Green Berets or Navy Seals who, after collecting intel, perform very targeted special operations to take the enemy out). This system has 2 components. Certain white blood cells, called B cells, take “pictures” of the invaders and then create antibodies. This is called humoral immunity. Antibodies can sometimes disable the bad guys on their own, but most of the time they “tag & flag” them for destruction by other special ops teams (killer T cells). Antibodies will float around in the blood stream for some time after the attack (weeks to months, and occasionally years). Then if the threat remains neutralized, they will fade away.


Antibodies are the part of the immune system that vaccines are designed to stimulate. (B) In a basic sense, a vaccine is made from a dead pathogen (or piece of the dead pathogen) that tricks the body into thinking it’s been invaded. So the adaptive immune system starts to generate antibodies. Modern day vaccines also contain adjuvants, which are things that are designed to irritate and stimulate the immune system even further to help amplify the body’s response. You can test antibody levels for a certain pathogen (for example, the measles virus) to see if you have an immune response from the actual virus, or if you’ve had the MMR shot, to see if the vaccine generated antibodies. The presence of antibodies theoretically means you are protected (which may or may not be the case, but that’s for another conversation).


The other component of the adaptive immune system trains certain white blood cells to become specialized cells such as killer T cells. This is called cellular immunity. These guys are trained to take out very specific targets. The body also makes memory T cells. Like like a good professor, memory T cells teach the next generation of cells what to look for and how to fight a second invasion if it ever happens. These memory cells can last years to decades. These memory T cells are one of the reasons that people who have had a “cold” from one of the common coronaviruses in recent years seem to do better if they get SARS-CoV2. These memory cells recall what the coronavirus looked like and how to neutralize it. That may be why many who get SARS-CoV2 have only minor symptoms.

So, you may ask…What can I do to help my immune system?


Give it the Right Fuel and Building Blocks

As you can imagine, it takes a lot of resources to nourish your immune system military and special forces. Those guys need good fuel to fight. You can’t build good weapons using bad materials. Similarly, it’s difficult for your body to have a strong immune system if all you’re fueling up with is bad building blocks from junk food (such as salty snacks like chips, crackers & fried food and sugary foods like soda, cookies & candy). Sadly, these convenience foods are mostly “empty calories” that do not provide much in the way of components to use to build up your immune system. Instead it stores it as fat.


Not only is junk food not particularly helpful, it contains inflammatory oils, artificial dyes, chemicals and preservatives that harm the body. Now your body has to defend against those things, as well as fight off invaders. It’s like the army trying to fight with only pellet guns while sounded by toxic tear gas…not nearly as effective. This is why it is SO important to limit the junk and work on getting in healthy whole foods, such as organic berries, brightly colored veggies, beans/lentils, free range chickens and their eggs, and grass fed beef, etc. (C)


Antioxidants Limit Collateral Damage

Even the most well trained army and special forces will have some casualties (some white blood cells die). There will also be collateral damage. While attacking the bad guys, some of the innocent bystanders die (for example the cells lining the lung may get harmed). In our body, this generates cellular debris and something called free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals are like “sparks” that can damage cells. Antioxidants and certain minerals can help “put out the sparks” and decrease collateral damage.


Vitamins and Supplements to Help Your Immune System*

Ideally we would get all the necessary ingredients to nourish and equip a tip-top immune system, and to be able to put out free radicals and eliminate toxins. Unfortunately, that is becoming increasingly difficult in our modern world full of chemicals, depleted soils and increasingly aggressive pathogens. Here are a few evidence-based supplements that may help (D):


Vitamin D – Many people think of Vitamin D as something to help strengthen bones. While this is true, research has shown that Vitamin D is critical for a healthy immune system, especially for T-cell response. Multiple studies clearly show that lower levels of vitamin D are associated with increased rates of infection. One study published in October 2020 showed that over 80% of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Spain had a vitamin D deficiency. Normal values are typically 30-100, but most people should aim for a level above 40, and some say optimally 50-80. People living in the northern latitudes (i.e. WI) often have a suboptimal or deficient levels of vitamin D. Don’t just assume your level is ok. Ask your doctor to check a 25-OH-Vitamin D3 level.* If your level is low, supplement with a high quality Vitamin D3/K2 blend, taking enough to get a level at least above 40.


Vitamin C – Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of the immune system, including putting out the free radicals that are generated. Vitamin C has been used in hospital ICUs to treat COVID-19 infection. A good starting point is taking 1000-3000 mg daily.


Zinc – A large body of research shows that zinc has strong anti-viral properties against many viruses. It works especially well in conjunction with quercetin. Take 30mg once or twice daily. Note that high doses of zinc for many months may decrease copper levels. It’s thought that 30mg daily is unlikely to cause that problem.


Quercetin – Quercetin is found in fruits and vegetables and has a wide range of benefits, including decreasing viral growth. Consider taking 500-1000mg of quercetin daily.


Melatonin – In addition to promoting restful sleep, melatonin has been shown to reduce inflammation, and thus may decrease the risk of developing a “cytokine storm”.


There are many more supplements that may be helpful, including Curcumin, NAC, Vitamin A, Elderberry, Green tea or EGCG, Resveratrol, Beta glucans, Medicinal mushrooms, Licorice root etc.


For a more complete list of supplements that may help, please see:

 

COVID-19: Nutraceutical and Botanical Recommendations for Patients

https://p.widencdn.net/8fajn1/COVID-19_Nutraceutical-and-Botanical-Recommendations-for-Patients_v4

 

I-MASK+ Prophylaxis & Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19

https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/FLCCC_Alliance-I-MASKplus-Protocol-v8-2021-01-12-ENGLISH.pdf

 

Supplements to help you stay healthy during COVID-19

https://www.sperowellness.com/tips-to-stay-healthy-during-covid-19

 

Lifestyle Makes a Difference

In addition to healthy diet and targeted supplements, there are many lifestyle factors that can help your immune system win the battle. These things include regular exercise, reducing stress, prioritizing sleep, reducing EMF exposure (ie. turn off your WiFi router at bedtime, or put it on a Christmas lights timer to do it automatically), limit alcohol consumption, and quit using tobacco. Also, use the protective measures you’ve heard all along – frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, minimize touching your face, stay home when sick, cough or sneeze into elbow, and seek medical attention and treatment when needed. (E)


You Have the Power to Promote a Healthy Immune System!

In summary, to help your immune system work better, do two things: 1) Take out the garbage (bad foods, toxic chemicals in personal care and cleaning products, tobacco, excess alcohol, unnecessary over-the-counter medications etc). These things are a distraction (or outright impediment) to the immune system. 2) Give the body good building blocks (good food, adequate sleep, relaxation, regular exercise, laughter, attitude of gratitude, connection with loved ones, targeted vitamins and supplements). Do this to improve your chances of defending an attack from a pathogen, as well as thrive in day to day life!


* PLEASE NOTE: You should always ask your personal doctor if these supplements are right for you.


References:

(A) For those interested in learning more about the immune system, check out these resources:

  1. Types of Immune Responses: Innate and adaptive, humoral vs cell-mediated on Khan Academy types-of-immune-responses-innate-and-adaptive-humoral-vs-cell-mediated
  2. A Primer On How The Immune System Works (Videos+Images) https://selfhack.com/blog/primer-immune-system-works-videosimages/
  3. The innate and adaptive immune systems https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/
  4. Overview of the Immune Response by David Chaplin MD, PhD https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(09)02837-1/pdf
  5. Covid-19: Do many people have pre-existing immunity? https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3563

 

For some information on vaccines:

  1. How the tetanus vaccine works how-the-tetanus-vaccine-works-bae788b13bea
  2. Vaccines for preventing the common cold https://www.cochrane.org/CD002190/ARI_vaccines-preventing-common-cold
  3. Virology 2015 Lecture #19: Vaccines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERnZinlgua0
  4. Investigating Vaccines: The Rules of Evidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XZmzHZJKUM&feature=emb_logo

 

Information on healthy foods for the immune system:

  1.  15 Foods That Boost the Immune System https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/foods-that-boost-the-immune-system
  2.  5 immune boosters to help keep you healthy amid COVID-19 outbreak https://health.ucdavis.edu/good-food/blog/nutrients-to-help-prevent-illness.html
  3.  30 Best Immune-Boosting Foods  https://www.eatthis.com/immune-boosting-foods/

 

Supplements to help the immune system:

  1. Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and upper respiratory tract infection in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19237723/
  2. Vitamin D and the Immune System https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
  3. Study finds over 80 percent of COVID-19 patients have vitamin D deficiency study-finds-over-80-percent-of-covid19-patients-have-vitamin-d-deficiency
  4. T-cells really are the superstars in fighting COVID-19 https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3563/rr-6
  5. For information about how D3 and K2 work together, view video at https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/liquid-vitamin-d3-with-k2/
  6. Zinc and its role in immunity and inflammation https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568997214002808?via%3Dihub
  7. The key role of zinc in elderly immunity: A possible approach in the COVID-19 crisis https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2405457720301182
  8. Vitamin C and Immune Function https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1211/htm
  9. Possible application of high-dose vitamin C in the prevention and therapy of coronavirus infection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7553131/pdf/main.pdf
  10. Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/3/167/htm
  11. Melatonin: Buffering the Immune System https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/14/4/8638/htm
  12. Melatonin Inhibits COVID-19-induced Cytokine Storm by Reversing Aerobic Glycolysis in Immune Cells: A Mechanistic Analysis  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32395713/
  13. COVID-19: Nutraceutical and Botanical Recommendations for Patients https://p.widencdn.net/8fajn1/COVID-19_Nutraceutical-and-Botanical-Recommendations-for-Patients_v4
  14. I-MASK+ Prophylaxis & Early Outpatient Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 https://covid19criticalcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/FLCCC_Alliance-I-MASKplus-Protocol-v8-2021-01-12-ENGLISH.pdf
  15. Supplements to help you stay healthy during COVID-19 https://www.sperowellness.com/tips-to-stay-healthy-during-covid-19

 

Lifestyle factors for a healthy immune system:

  1. 3 Types of Exercise to Boost Your Immune System https://medshadow.org/3-types-of-exercise-to-boost-your-immune-system/
  2. Major features of immunesenescence, including reduced thymic output, are ameliorated by high levels of physical activity in adulthood  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29517845/
  3. The Power of Movement: Living an Active Lifestyle https://p.widencdn.net/riht6s/The-Power-of-Movement—Living-an-Active-Lifestyle
  4. Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24798553/
  5. Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26118561/
  6. How to Boost Your Immune System — Top 19 Boosters https://draxe.com/health/how-to-boost-your-immune-system/


NAD Drip, Chippewa Falls

Feeling tired? Try an NAD Infusion

01 Dec, 2023
Want help to get ready for the holidays? Having difficulty adjusting to the time change? Consider an NAD Infusion. What are the benefits? NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that powers metabolic processes and impacts a wide variety of systems including digestion, cognition, mental clarity, aging, and overall energy levels. ​ NAD+ increases our body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. NAD+ plays a role in cell health and in hundreds of cell functions such as DNA repair, circadian rhythm, metabolism, muscle function, tissue repair and cognitive function. Basically, our cells require NAD+ to quickly shuttle around electrons - keeping the cells buzzing with the electricity of life! ​ Who is it for? NAD+ is the premier IV drip for clients who want to see major improvements in brain function, energy level, overcome anxiety and depression, handle acute and chronic stress more effectively, and cope better with PTSD. ​ What's inside? We administer 250mg or 500 mg of NAD+ in an IV drip. (We always start with 250mg the very first time you try it.) ​ How often? For best results, NAD+ may need several sessions depending on personal needs. The number of sessions will be discussed during an initial encounter. The NAD+ IV drip does take longer to receive than any other IV drip. Each session may last from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the tolerance. During the infusion, an individual might feel a bit of discomfort compared to standard vitamin drips - described as a bit of a rush through the body, but this is completely normal and can be controlled by how fast the IV is set to drip and stops within a minute or two after the drip ends. ​ Our NAD+ drip can be followed by Glutathione -"Master Antioxidant " - for best results. Fall 2023 Special - 250mg is $250 and 500mg is $350. Glutathione 1g added on after the infusion is $35.00.
DIM Evail

BRCA Gene & DIM Supplementation

30 Oct, 2023
Unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. As of January 2022, here are some key facts about the prevalence of breast cancer in the United States: Common Cancer in Women: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, aside from skin cancer. Incidence: In 2021, it was estimated that there would be over 281,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States. Additionally, there would be around 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Lifetime Risk: The American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk of a woman developing breast cancer is about 13%, or 1 in 8. Mortality: In 2021, it was projected that approximately 43,600 women in the United States would die from breast cancer. Age and Breast Cancer: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 55 and older. Race and Ethnicity: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates vary by race and ethnicity. White and African American women have the highest incidence rates, while African American women have a higher mortality rate. Screening and Early Detection: Mammography, thermography and regular breast self-exams are important tools for early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options are available, and the better the chances of survival. Survival Rates: Survival rates for breast cancer have been improving over the years, in part due to early detection and advances in treatment. The 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is close to 100%. Genetic Factors: Some individuals, particularly those with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2), have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Preventive Measures: Lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, limited alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking are associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. As mentioned above, the BRCA gene mutation is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. For those who carry this genetic mutation, the need for effective preventive measures and early detection strategies is of paramount importance. Recent research has shed light on the potential role of DIM, a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables, in this context. ​ Diindolylmethane is a bioactive compound that has garnered attention for its health-promoting properties, particularly in cancer prevention. Our growing understanding of DIM's mechanisms and its impact on individuals with the BRCA gene mutation has opened new avenues of exploration. Here are some key aspects of how DIM could potentially benefit healthy BRCA gene carriers: Modulation of Estrogen Metabolism: DIM has been shown to influence the metabolism of estrogen, a hormone that plays a crucial role in breast cancer development. By favoring the production of a less potent and potentially less harmful form of estrogen, DIM may help reduce the cancer-promoting effects of this hormone. Regulation of BRCA Gene Expression: Emerging research suggests that DIM might influence the expression of the BRCA genes themselves. This could have a significant impact on the way these genes function and interact with cancer development pathways. Reduction of Breast Density: High breast density is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and can also make it more challenging to detect tumors via traditional screening methods. Preliminary studies indicate that DIM may contribute to a decrease in breast density, potentially improving the effectiveness of breast cancer screening for BRCA gene carriers. There's a study that utilized DFH's DIM-Evail formula at the time. It has since been reformulated to be even more bioavailable! Pretty cool information and definitely a step in the right direction! ​ This study investigated the effect of DIM supplementation on breast density, a recognized predictive factor of breast cancer risk. Participants were 23 healthy female BRCA carriers, with the majority being post-menopausal. They were treated with oral DIM 100 mg × 1/day for 1 year. The amount of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed before and after the intervention was scored by two independent expert radiologists using the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System. The results showed a decrease in the average score for FGT with no significant change in BPE. A group of DIM-untreated (age and menopausal status matched women) from the BRCA clinic did not show a significant change in FGT amount in a parallel year. . In conclusion, 1 year’s supplementation with DIM 100 mg × 1/day in BRCA carriers was associated with a significant decline in FGT amount on MRI. Interestingly, besides certain gene mutations, there are many other variables that have been shown to increase the risk for breast cancer. These include: · Mold Toxicity/Exposure · Radiation Exposure · Breast Implants · Heavy Metals (Including Amalgam Fillings) · Dental Infections · Toxins such as BPA, PFAS/PFOAs · Phthalates
Dr Kristie, Dr Chelsi, and Health Coach Cheryl

The Surprising Connection Between Uric Acid and Cardiovascular Health

By Dr. Kristie Gering • 03 Jul, 2023
Dr Kristie, Dr Chelsi and our health coach Cheryl recently attended a thought-provoking conference on cardiometabolic disease, where they encountered a captivating discussion on the role of uric acid in cardiovascular health. Spearheaded by renowned author and physician, Dr. David Pearlmutter, the conversation shed light on the importance of maintaining optimal uric acid levels and its impact on our overall well-being.
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