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Author Topic:   immune system
sVirgo
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Posts: 1079
From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted February 29, 2008 09:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
Please suggest something, which can improve my immune system.
It is too low at this time of my life.

I eat fresh fruits, raw veggies, lentils, yoghurt and rice. I am not getting what I am missing.

Thank you!

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Azalaksh
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From: New Brighton, MN, USA
Registered: Nov 2004

posted February 29, 2008 10:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Azalaksh     Edit/Delete Message
I take Astragalus daily. I've read Echinacea should not be taken for more than 3 weeks at a time. Here's some reading:
http://www.immune-boosters.com/herbal-remedies/immune-boosters/natural-immune-boosters

This one says, lack of iron lowers immunity:

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/

And From: http://www.oxymega.com/multi_vitamins_minerals.html
Multi vitamins/minerals with herbs added help to PURIFY blood and lymphatic system, detoxifies, improves skin, faster healing, and relieves allergies. Pau D'Arco is totally safe and natural blood purifier, which also cleans the lymphatic system. Researchers have discovered that Pau D'Arco is the only type of vegetation known that will not permit the development of fungus, making it very effective in the control of yeast and mold allergies. Pau D'Arco contains lapachol that's found to be an all powerful natural immunostimulant, antibiotic with anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor and anti-parasitic properties.

You probably have one of the most common helpers in your kitchen right now: garlic!!

I take lots of antioxidant substances -- goji berries are #1 on the ORAC scale and I put the dried berries in the hot water when I make tea.

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zanya
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Registered: Oct 2007

posted March 01, 2008 02:37 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for zanya     Edit/Delete Message
hi sVirgo ~ i found this thread for you...thought you might find it helpful.

http://www.linda-goodman.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001330.html

these sites also have some excellent suggestions ~

http://www.earthclinic.com/

http://curezone.org/

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sVirgo
Knowflake

Posts: 1079
From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted March 01, 2008 11:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you so much Zala and Zanya!

I will go through the links and would buy something today.

Thank you!

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zanya
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posted March 01, 2008 02:00 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for zanya     Edit/Delete Message

the following article may seem a little dire, considering the topic, but it seems that the low-level radiation penetrating our living spaces increases daily...esp with the depleted uranium building up in the middle east...as the fine dust is known to travel across continents.

it's true, we are swimming in an "electromagnetic soup" these days, so in light of that, i have found the remedies in the following article highly applicable. very helpful in bolstering my immune system and recovering from harmful environmental elements that sap my energy and health.

How to Detox Your Body of Depleted Uranium Residues, the Effects of Radiation, and Radioactive Contamination

It's sad but true that there are thousands of scientific references and medical studies out there on the fact that radiation and radioactivity can harm you, yet despite millions of dollars spent by the government to study radiation, virtually nothing is available about a detoxification diet or nutritional supplements you might use if you are exposed to radioactive contamination.

Here's some of the information we do know from the only book in the world on the topic. Keep this information in the back of your mind as it may one day help save you or someone you know.

Most people are aware taking potassium iodide (KI) or potassium iodate (KIO3) tablets will help block your thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine should there ever be a dirty bomb explosion or nuclear power plant mishap such as the Three Mile Island incident. In 1999, another such accident happened in Tokaimura, Japan where several individuals died from radiation exposure in a fuel processing facility.

What people don't recognize is that potassium iodide or iodate tablets only protect the thyroid gland and do not provide protection from any other radiation exposure, so taking them should not give you a false sense of security. It's important to detox your body after radioactive exposure!

One question is, what do you do if KI or KIO3 tablets aren't available during an emergency? Interestingly enough, according to research by Ken Miller, health physicist at the Hershey Medical Center, he found that an adult could get a blocking dose of stable iodine by painting 8 ml of a 2 percent tincture of Iodine on the abdomen or forearm approximately 2 hours prior to I-131 contamination. Potassium iodine tablets are best, but if they're not available this is the next best thing.

An entirely different problem arises after you've been exposed to radioactive contamination because now you have to get rid of any radioactive particles you may have ingested through the air you breathed, water you drank, or food you ate. Some people suggest Epson salt, Clorox or clay baths to remove any residues on your skin and to leach out any heavy metals you may have absorbed, but the big worry is internal contamination. To gain some insights into what to do, we have to turn to the story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

At the time of the atomic bombing, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D. was Director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis's Hospital in Nagasaki and he fed his staff and patients a strict diet of brown rice, miso and tamari soy soup, wakame, kombu and other seaweed, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt. He also prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets since they suppress the immune system.

By imposing this diet on his staff and patients, no one succumbed to radiation poisoning whereas the occupants of hospitals located much further away from the blast incident suffered severe radiation fatalities.

Much of this positive result has to do with the fact that the sea vegetables contain substances that bind radioactive particles and escort them out of the body. This is why seaweed sales usually skyrocket after radiation disasters, and why various seaweeds and algae are typically used to treat radiation victims.

In Chernobyl, for instance, spirulina was used to help save many children from radiation poisoning. By taking 5 grams of spirulina a day for 45 days, the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk even proved that children on this protocol experienced enhanced immune systems, T-cell counts and reduced radioactivity. Israeli scientists have since treated Chernobyl children with doses of natural beta carotene from Dunaliella algae and proved that it helped normalize their blood chemistry. Chlorella algae, a known immune system builder and heavy metal detoxifier, has also shown radioprotective effects. Because they bind heavy metals, algae should therefore be consumed after exposure to any type of radioactive contamination.

In 1968 a group of Canadian researchers at McGill University of Montreal, headed by Dr. Stanley Skoryna, actually set out to devise a method to counteract the effects of nuclear fallout. The key finding from their studies was that sea vegetables contained a polysaccharide substance, called sodium alginate, which selectively bound radioactive strontium and eliminated it from the body.

Sodium alginate is found in many seaweeds, especially kelp, and since that time the Russians have been seriously researching the use of their own kelps from Vladivlostok, from which they have isolated the polysaccharide U-Fucoidan, which is another radioactive detoxifier. Because miso soup was so effective in helping prevent radiation sickness, the Japanese have also done research identifying the presence of an active ingredient called zybicolin, discovered in 1972, which acts as a binding agent to also detoxify and eliminate radioactive elements (such as strontium) and other pollutants from the body.

The kelps and algaes aren't the only natural foods with radio-detoxifying effects. In terms of fluids to drink, black and green tea have shown "radioprotective effects" whether consumed either before or after exposure to radiation. This anti-radiation effect was observed in several Japanese studies, and studies from China also suggest that the ingredients in tea are radioactive antagonists.

In short, after any sort of radioactive exposure you want to be eating seaweeds and algaes along with almost any type of commercial heavy metal chelating formula to bind radioactive particles and help escort them out of the body. Whether you're worried about depleted uranium, plutonium or other isotopes, this is the wise thing to do which can possibly help, and certainly won't hurt. Many nutritional supplements have been developed for the purpose of detoxifying heavy metals, most of which contain the algaes and plant fibers and other binding substances.

Basically, an anti-radiation diet should focus on the following foods:

· Miso soup
· Spirulina, chlorella and the algaes (kelp, etc.)
· Brassica vegetables and high beta carotene vegetables
· Beans and lentils
· Potassium, calcium and mineral rich foods
· High nucleotide content foods to assist in cellular repair including spirulina, chlorella, algae, yeast, sardines, liver, anchovies and mackerel
· Cod liver oil and olive oil
· Avoid sugars and sweets and wheat
· A good multivitamin/multimineral supplement


Yet another benefit of the sea vegetables rarely discussed is their high mineral content, which is a bonus in the case of radioactive exposure. Consuming natural iodine, such as in the seaweeds, helps prevent the uptake of iodine-131 while iron inhibits the absorption of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239. Vitamin B-12 inhibits cobalt-60 uptake (used in nuclear medicine), zinc inhibits zinc-65 uptake and sulfur is preventative for sulfur-35 (a product of nuclear reactors) incorporation by the body.

Since nuclear workers are potentially exposed to radioactive sulfur, this means that workers in the atomic power industry need a higher content of sulfur in their diet. MSM supplements provide a source of dietary sulfur, but thiol supplements such as cysteine, lipoic acid and glutathione serve double-duty in this area because they help detoxify the body and attack all sorts of other health problems as well.

The immune system is usually hit hard after radiation exposure, and a number of steps can be taken to help prevent opportunistic infections after a radioactive incident. Though the full dimensions of the protective mechanism is still unknown, Siberian ginseng is one form of ginseng that exerts a definite radioprotective effect and has been demonstrated to lessen the side effects of radiation. It was widely distributed by the Soviet Union to those exposed Chernobyl radiation and is commonly used to help cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Consuming Reishi mushrooms is another proven way to bolster your immune system after radiation exposure and helps reduce the damage from radiation. It's been used to decrease radiation sickness in animals and help them recover faster after potentially deadly exposure.

Panax ginseng has prevented hemorrhaging after radiation exposure, prevents bone marrow death and stimulates blood cell formation, so it's another supplement to add to one's protocol. In short, yeasts, beta glucans, bee pollen and various forms of ginseng have all been shown to bolster the immune system after radiation incidents. In terms of radiation burns, aloe vera has a proven ability to treat serious radiation burns and offers other radioprotective effects, and can easily be grown in your house.

The amino acid L-Glutamine can be used to help repair the intestine in case of the gastrointestinal syndrome usually suffered due to radiation exposure, and a variety of substances can help rebuild blood cells to prevent hematopoietic syndrome. Those particular foods include beet juice, liver extract, spleen extract, and shark alkyglycerols. Most oncologists don't know that shark liver oil, with alkyglycerols, can help platelet counts rebound in days.

Depleted uranium is currently in the journalistic spotlight because US weapons are made from this material, and after being fired leave a legacy of depleted uranium dust in the environment, which anyone can absorb. Because the kidneys are usually the first organs to show chemical damage upon uranium exposure, military manuals suggest doses or infusions of sodium bicarbonate to help alkalinize the urine if this happens. This makes the uranyl ion less kidney-toxic and promotes excretion of the nontoxic uranium carbonate complex.

In areas contaminated by depleted uranium dusts, it therefore makes sense to switch to drinking slightly alkaline water and to favor a non-acidic diet to assist in this detoxification. Any of the heavy metal detoxifiers, such as miso soup, chlorella, spirulina and seaweeds, are also commonsense warranted.

Another thing you can do is use homeopathics for radiation exposure. People commonly argue over whether homeopathics work or not, but if you assume the position that they produce no results whatsoever then you must also assume that they certainly won't hurt you, which means the only loss from using them is a few dollars. Frankly, there are countless cases and double-blind studies where homeopathic tinctures do provoke physical healing effects in the body. Therefore they are a viable adjunct treatment option. One homeopathic, in particular, is URANIUM NITRICUM (nitrate of uranium) which homeopaths suggest should be used in cases of depleted uranium exposure or uranium poisoning. Not just soldiers or civilians exposed to battlefield dusts, but uranium miners and radiation workers may find it quite useful.

While we've discussed just a few of the many supplements and protocols you can use to help detox the body of the lingering results of radioactive contamination, including the residues of depleted uranium, the last thing that might be of interest is that there is a plant that is a natural geiger counter. The spiderwort plant is so sensitive to changes in radiation levels (its petals change color upon exposure) that it's often used as a natural radiation detector (dosimeter), just as they use canaries in mines as detectors of poisonous gas. Some people like knowing that they have an ongoing monitoring system for radiation in the environment, and this is just another tip available in "How to Neutralize the Harmful Effects of Radiation or Radioactive Exposure."


http://www.radiationdetox.com/depleted-uranium-detox.htm

some of the measures that i've incorporated into my life are more sea vegetables in my diet, as well as kelp and spirulina tablets daily. makes a difference!

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Randall
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From: Columbus, GA USA
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posted March 01, 2008 02:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Randall     Edit/Delete Message
I find that most people have a zinc deficiency, and once they get to a certain level, the immune system reflects it. I knew a girl who had very stubborn thrush that doctors couldn't cure. Two days after taking 50 mgs of zinc, it was completely gone! Your body will build its defenses back up if you replenish the zinc reserves.

------------------
"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Azalaksh
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From: New Brighton, MN, USA
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posted March 01, 2008 02:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Azalaksh     Edit/Delete Message
That's a fascinating and very helpful article, zanya -- thanks!!

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sVirgo
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Posts: 1079
From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted March 01, 2008 03:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you so much for being so helpful!

Thank you for wonderful information that I am able to narrow down my problem.

I think, I am exposed to radioactive rays due to my nature of work. However, I am taking ginger from so long in my food and tea. It might be helping me to survive but could not cure fully. Everyday, my meal has soup of lentil, tomato and ginger.

I can start with zinc, iron, and multi vitamin. I can try Pau D'Arco product.

Thank you!

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zanya
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posted March 01, 2008 03:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for zanya     Edit/Delete Message
blessings and vigor to you sVirgo

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zanya
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posted March 01, 2008 03:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for zanya     Edit/Delete Message
Azala

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sVirgo
Knowflake

Posts: 1079
From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted March 01, 2008 03:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you zanya!

You are a great moderator and helpful!

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Mannu
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posted March 01, 2008 07:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mannu     Edit/Delete Message
You have to have a healthy mind.

Get rid of negativities or watch it. That is the best immune support because mind controls the body.

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Yin
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posted March 01, 2008 08:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Yin     Edit/Delete Message
sVirgo, what are the healing properties of lentil soup?

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sVirgo
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From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted March 01, 2008 08:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
Hi Mannu,

I don't think that I keep negativity, yes I have a weak nervous system.

Hi Yin,

I don't know the healing properties of lentil soup. This is my everyday meal being an Asian with white rice.


Thank you!

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Mannu
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posted March 01, 2008 09:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mannu     Edit/Delete Message
I am glad that you think you don't keep negative things. Also stress , change in food habits , lack of exercise they all add to bad immune.

Ok after mind next comes body.

Is it possible you are suffering from Ulcers? Ulcers are actually caused by bacteria.

A healthy colon really helps keeping a healthy immune system.

I also hope your bowel movements are not abnormal.

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sVirgo
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Posts: 1079
From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted March 01, 2008 10:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
I have gone through colon test and barium test, and there is no problem. Being a Virgo, I have all test done, just to make sure.

I had constipation problem earlier, which I already cured. I am taking every night a cup of herbal tea before bed from last one year, and I am thankful to that herbal tea.

Though, Doctor mentioned few times that I am anemic(it was not so bad 10.5).

Thank you!

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Mannu
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posted March 01, 2008 10:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mannu     Edit/Delete Message
Oh I see for Anemia. I can suggest few things.

You need to have healthy supply of folic acids (especially Vitamin B-12) [see below article]

Also its possible your iron absorption may be lacking. There may be tests to find out.
Vitamin C helps in iron absorption. I hear bell pepper is rich source of vitamin c.
One raw pepper provides more vitamin C than one cup of orange juice.

quote:

Source of Vitamin b12
The only reliable unfortified sources of vitamin B12 are meat, dairy products and eggs. There has been considerable research into possible plant food sources of B12. Fermented soya products, seaweeds and algae have all been proposed as possible sources of B12. However, analysis of fermented soya products, including tempeh, miso, shoyu and tamari, found no significant B12.
Spirulina, an algae available as a dietary supplement in tablet form, and nori, a seaweed, have both appeared to contain significant amounts of B12 after analysis. However, it is thought that this is due to the presence of compounds structurally similar to B12, known as B12 analogues. These cannot be utilised to satisfy dietary needs. Assay methods used to detect B12 are unable to differentiate between B12 and it's analogues, Analysis of possible B12 sources may give false positive results due to the presence of these analogues.

Researchers have suggested that supposed B12 supplements such as spirulina may in fact increase the risk of B12 deficiency disease, as the B12 analogues can compete with B12 and inhibit metabolism.

The current nutritional consensus is that no plant foods can be relied on as a safe source of vitamin B12.

Bacteria present in the large intestine are able to synthesise B12. In the past, it has been thought that the B12 produced by these colonic bacteria could be absorbed and utilised by humans. However, the bacteria produce B12 too far down the intestine for absorption to occur, B12 not being absorbed through the colon lining.

Human faeces can contain significant B12. A study has shown that a group of Iranian vegans obtained adequate B12 from unwashed vegetables which had been fertilised with human manure. Faecal contamination of vegetables and other plant foods can make a significant contribution to dietary needs, particularly in areas where hygiene standards may be low. This may be responsible for the lack of aneamia due to B12 deficiency in vegan communities in developing countries.

Good sources of vitamin B12 for vegetarians are dairy products or free-range eggs. ½ pint of milk (full fat or semi skimmed) contains 1.2 µg. A slice of vegetarian cheddar cheese (40g) contains 0.5 µg. A boiled egg contains 0.7 µg. Fermentation in the manufacture of yoghurt destroys much of the B12 present. Boiling milk can also destroy much of the B12.

Vegans are recommended to ensure their diet includes foods fortified with vitamin B12. A range of B12 fortified foods are available. These include yeast extracts, Vecon vegetable stock, veggieburger mixes, textured vegetable protein, soya milks, vegetable and sunflower margarines, and breakfast cereals.

http://www.vegsoc.org/info/b12.html


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Mannu
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posted March 01, 2008 10:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mannu     Edit/Delete Message
Causes:

Women are more likely than men to have anemia because of the loss of blood each month through menstruation. Iron deficiency anemia is common and in adults is most often due to chronic blood loss. This can be from menstruation or from small amounts of repeated bleeding (which can be very subtle) and in children is due mainly to not enough iron in the diet. Anemia is also often due to gastrointestinal bleeding caused by medications including such very common drugs as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin).

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sVirgo
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From: Pa, US
Registered: Jul 2002

posted March 01, 2008 10:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sVirgo     Edit/Delete Message
Yes, Mannu you are right.

I had Indian herbal blood purifier today, Safi from Indian store beside I already started zinc, calcium, vitamin C, Iron, and folic acid.

I should see results in few days.

I am strange that I am eating so carefully, like oranges, carrots, tomatoes, banana, blue berries etc. and still I am feeling low immune.

Thank you!

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Mannu
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posted March 01, 2008 11:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mannu     Edit/Delete Message

I heard Safi is good.

They say tannin found in green tea can block iron absorption. So I would advice you to stop green tea if your bowel movement is fine by now.


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