Perhaps the most crucial area in our body with regard to our general immunity lies in the digestive tract. Our food is laden with bacteria, molds, yeasts and viruses. Cooking destroys almost all pathogens but cooked food is often contaminated by molds in the air or bacteria and viruses acquired after cooking. Raw food is naturally more “alive” with life of all sorts. The old saying “you have to eat a peck of dirt ……” illustrated what we now know to be true, that in many cases we get stronger from being exposed to a number of these environmental pathogens.

When we are healthy, the naturally occurring acid in the stomach causes a great number of pathogens to die. Unfortunately however, much of our modern food and way of life produces gastric symptoms which we treat with antacids and medication to block acid production. Not only does the use of antacids negatively impact on our ability to digest protein, but it also allows many more pathogens to pass into our small intestine; a very permeable area designed to absorb our food and thus is vulnerable to infections.

The healthy small intestine contains a number of front-line defense systems, rather like a skin inside our body, to protect us from pathogens. This layer consists of mucus, produced by special cells lining the digestive tract. Mucus creates a physical barrier and offers two bonuses. It supports a layer of friendly bacteria [probiotics = pro-life] which create a physical barrier against bacteria, yeasts and viruses and which offer a wide range of other benefits. Nestled within the folds of the small intestine lie lymph glands which are a critical part of our innate immunity. The mucus layer provides a place in which immunoglobulins [nonspecific antiviral and antibacterial substances created by immune cells in the intestinal wall] which lie in wait for pathogens which have managed to penetrate the probiotic layer.The walls of the small intestine are rich in macrophages, neutrophils, plasma cells and other immune functioning cells. Sometimes however, bacteria or viruses prove to be too much for us and we become ill. Innate immunity plays a major role here. Acquired immunity plays a very small role in the small intestine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Factors Which Impair Digestive Immunity

1. Immunity will be impaired If there is decreased probiotic support and may be caused by:

a) Chlorine in drinking water decreases beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Concentrated chlorine, as in a swimming pool, kills all bacteria.

b) antibiotics-studies have shown that taking a course of antibiotics leaves the intestine virtually bare of beneficial bacteria. Many people will get a yeast infection following a course of antibiotics. Women frequently get a vaginal yeast infection after a course of oral antibiotics. Another condition, especially dangerous for some people who receive antibiotics, is the growth of another bacteria, Clostridium dificile

This bacterial overgrowth can be life-threatening and, in my opinion, is largely preventable. Taking probiotics during and after antibiotic therapy can reduce this risk.

Similarly, children who receive a course of antibiotics for conditions like middle ear infections frequently have another infection sometime in the next few weeks. In my opinion, the trigger for these subsequent infections is created by yeast growth in the mucus membranes in the ear. Yeast infections cause a fluid discharge which provides a ripe environment for a second bacterial infection, thus requiring another round of antibiotics. I always encourage parents to give probiotics with the antibiotic and for some time afterward.

Antibiotics are also found in some samples of cows milk, beef, pork, poultry and farmed fish. There is some concern that eating these foods creates both a possibility for us to acquire antibiotic resistant organisms and allergies. Eating organic meats and poultry likely reduces this risk.

c.) excess simple sugars and alcohol in the diet-encourage yeast, i.e. Candida growth. Candida albicans produces chemical factors which are antibacterial and reduce friendly bacteria, resulting in diminished immunity.

2. Immunity will be compromised if the mucus layer is thinned by the following:

a) NSAIDs (acetaminophen, ibubrufen, aspirin, naproxen)-medications commonly used to reduce fever, inflammation and pain have a dramatic effect turning off or markedly reducing the ability of the mucus cells in the intestine to produce effective mucus. Without a mucus layer, the intestine is vulnerable to damage (gastric and duodenal ulcers) and cannot support an effective probiotic layer.

b) illness like gastroenteritis or food poisoning may decrease the mucus layer.

c) alcohol and coffee may be a problem for some people. Alcohol, especially wine and beer, tends to promote yeast (Candida) growth. Coffee enhances intestinal peristalsis and may promote cramps and ulcers.The birth control pill seems to increase susceptibility to yeast infections. Prednisone, used for treating inflammatory conditions including asthma, is also a promoter of yeast infections.

The birth control pill and oral steroids also my be responsible for enhanced Candida growth, thus reducing digestive immunity.

Factors which Promote Digestive Immunity

Diet
• use spring or filtered water

• use good quality fresh vegetables, cooked and raw plentifully, include some fruit

• if possible always use organic produce

• try beans and legumes for protein instead of meat

• cook whole grains and whole-grain pastas. Use whole-grain, preferably sourdough, bread.

• use meats and dairy products in moderation. Some people will do best when they completely eliminate cow milk products from their diets, with the exception of butter. Goat milk is often an acceptable alternative.

• restrict simple sugars and alcohol

• some people with digestive problems may benefit by eliminating wheat because it easily breaks down into simple sugars which can promote Candida overgrowth resulting in intestinal gas and bloating. Others may need to eliminate gluten completely. For more information about a diet to help deal with Candida, please see (Preliminary Candida diet)

• eat a good balanced breakfast. It really does keep you going through the day, helping to reduce the afternoon carb binges and helps to reduce weight.

Lifestyle Issues

• try to eat your larger meal in the middle of the day. Eat lightly at supper. Protein eaten later in the day stresses the the body. Similarly, larger meals later in the day interfere with restful sleep.

• cook on the stove and use the oven. Don't use the microwave. Microwaves may be harmful and they are thought to alter the shape of proteins rendering them more difficult to digest

• relax when you eat. Avoid disturbing distractions.

• chew well - aim for 30 chews per mouthful

• during the meal, restrict drinking in excess, even water. Drink enough good quality water between meals.

• sleep is important. Try to get six to eight hours nightly.

• Attitude. Happy contented people have fewer illnesses.• Exercise. Moderate exercise such as walking daily helps a great deal.

Supplements to support Immunity

1. Take probiotics daily.

Having adequate intestinal friendly bacteria gives a tremendous assist to innate immunity. Traditional cultures that have people who live a long time have always eaten foods that contain probiotics, i.e. yogurt, sauerkraut(middle Europe),miso and pickles, (Japan), tempeh (Indonesia). Most of the food we consume has no live beneficial bacteria. Even yogurt, unless it is specifically created with human probiotics is of no benefit. Supplementing with high-quality acidophilus, bifidus and other friendly bacteria has been shown to increase immunity not only in the intestine but through the whole body. Recent studies have shown a benefit in treating irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis.

Please buy your probiotics from a store where they are kept cold or order them from a reputable company where it is kept fresh and shipped quickly. Keep your probiotics in the fridge. The bacteria die rapidly when warm. Always take extra probiotics during and (perhaps for as long as one month) after using an antibiotic.

2. Take a diet rich in micronutrients

Every cell in our body requires a wide range of nutrients. For health, we require both a balance of macronutrients (protein, fats and carbs) as well as a smattering of micronutrients ( boron, silica, manganese, zinc etc.). However, with modern "chemical" farming practices, the nutrients in the average diet are deficient.

In addition, many of the "nutritional supplements" which are currently offered for sale have been produced in a chemical laboratory. Our body perceives these supplements as chemicals and, in many cases, cannot use them or is hampered by only partial effectiveness. By contrast, food, especially those organically farmed, contain a much wider range of micronutrients which can be used to support your health.

One of the foods richest in mineral micronutrients is a family of foods known collectively as blue-green algae.This family of edible algae comes from three different sources.

1.Spirulina-a spiral shaped blue-green algae growing in Japan and Hawaii.

2.Chlorella-another farmed algae mostly from Hawaii which has a tough outer shell which needs to be ruptured prior to eating.

3. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), a wild crafted algae growing in a lake in the pure, contaminant-free, volcanic sediment rich water in the mountains of Oregon.

 

 

All these algae are fine sources of mineral micronutrients as well as being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chlorophyll and a blue pigment, phycocyanin, found predominantly in AFA, which has been demonstrated to have a number of health benefits including being, what investigators think may be an anticancer agent and which may also promote stem cell migration to sites in the body where immune defenses or regeneration is required.In my practice, I have seen very impressive results with many patients who have used AFA. It is also the algae which I and my family have eaten since the mid-80's and continue to eat daily.

Which blue-green algae should I use?

I strongly recommend AFA from Upper Klamath Lake. For more information on this wonderful food.

 

Include a betaglucan supplement on a daily basis.

What is Betaglucan?

Betaglucan is a simple, highly purified, complex carbohydrate which provides a safe and extremely effective boost for immunity.

Introduction

Traditional healers in the East have known about betaglucans for a long time. They are found in the cell wall of many of the mushrooms (reishi, shitaki) traditionally used as immune boosting supplements. Betaglucans are also found in yeast and grains like wheat and oats where they create the structural element that reinforces the cell wall.

When cooked, betaglucans produce the thickening in sauces and gravy. Betaglucan is a complex carbohydrate; build of simple sugar molecules much the same way as is cellulose. It does not contribute in any way to problems with sugar intake in the case of diabetes.

In the 90’s , a patented process was developed so that betaglucan could more successfully be delivered intact to the small intestine. Previously, betaglucan, because it is like a starch, was subject to digestion, making the immune benefits of eating mushrooms less significant.

Betaglucan Description:

WGP betaglucan™, the new patented product is derived from the highly purified cell wall of baker's yeast. It has been of extraordinary benefit to many of my patients who, when they take it daily, have experienced a reduction in the number of viral illnesses, an improvement in energy and well-being and a reduction in Candida problems. It has helped my patients clear up illnesses, both bacterial and viral more rapidly than would have been expected. It can safely be used at the same time as an antibiotic. It is currently being researched as an adjunct in cancer therapy. During the anthrax scare, the Canadian military tested WGP betaglucan™ and found it extremely effective in preventing anthrax infections.

How Does WGP betaglucan™ Work?

The islands of lymph tissue in the small intestine are programmed to look out for yeast and to defend against it. WGP betaglucan™fools the immune system into thinking that immunity is in jeopardy thus, waking it up.

When yeast is present in the intestine, the macrophages in the lymph islands become activated to defend against an invasion.

In a usual yeast invasion, whole yeast cells which includes protein, chitin and carbohydrate, are identified by the lymph tissue in the small intestine where special receptors pass the information to macrophages which become much more active, greatly enhancing immune surveillance.

WGP betaglucan™ gives the immune system in the intestine the signal that a yeast invader is coming. WGP betaglucan™ does this because it contains the highly purified sugar molecules whose physical shape the receptors are designed to identify as yeast (and thus a likely pathogen).

These receptors take in the WGP betaglucan™ which is transported to local macrophages. They in turn activate other local macrophages and neutrophils. The local immune surveillance is thus 'ramped up'. Part of this activity involves making the white blood cells more able to travel to areas of trouble and rapidly deal with infection. Another benefit is that the 'turned on neutrophils' travel quickly through the body, reaching distant lymph tissue in a matter of minutes and waking it up too.

The body does not tire of this 'wake up' and clinical experience has demonstrated that people can use WGP betaglucan™ every day for years without the benefit diminishing.

How to take Betaglucan

This betaglucan is usually supplied in 250 mg. capsules. In order for it to work as an immune support it must be taken on an empty stomach (at least TWO hours after eating or 1/2 hr before food). One capsule per day is usually enough to give support to most people. In the case of an impending illness, or when illness is already established up to three may be taken spaced out through the day. More will not be of benefit but will not be harmful. It may safely be taken be people of all ages including children. It may be combined with a non fibre food (like yogurt) or a clear juice. It may be taken concurrently with an antibiotic when it will speed healing. It will not interfere with an antiviral medication. People with severe yeast allergies may be intolerant.

Please read on to learn more about respiratory immunity, Next.