Micronutrient therapy
| Micronutrients for immune stimulation | |
| Zinc studies show a direct influence on the risk of disease and the duration and intensity of disease. A deficient zinc supply impairs in particular the formation and activity of phagocytes and natural killer cells. It is also suspected that zinc inhibits the formation of inflammatory cytokines and thus has a direct influence on the infection process (daily dose 60-90 mg). In colds, timely and sufficiently high vitamin C supplementation (1-5 g/d) can significantly reduce the duration of the disease in adults and children. High doses of vitamin C can prevent a drop in the vitamin C concentration in the leukocytes and thus increase their phagocytosis activity. |
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| Supported by bovine antibodies | |
| Bovine colostrum is almost identical to human colostrum. This first milk is characterized by special ingredients, including immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and proline-rich polypeptides (PRP), whose spectrum of action lies primarily in broad-spectrum immunomodulation. | |
| Immunostimulation with “biological response modifiers” | |
| Beta-Glucan is a natural polysaccharide which docks to the beta-1,3/1,6-glucan molecule-specific receptor site of the macrophage and thus activates and strengthens it. In addition, a specific defense mechanism is triggered by messenger substances. In addition, beta-glucan suppresses the formation of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, which can weaken the immune cells through their effect as free radicals. An improvement in the activity of the natural and lymphokine-activated killer cells has also been demontrated. In addition to the extraction of beta-glucan from yeast cells, the medicinal fungi Reishi and Shiitake are frequently used in TCM natural sources of beta-glucan in TCM. Shiitake contains Lentinian, a bioactive beta-glucan fraction. It improves the release of immunoglobulin IgA on mucosal surfaces, increases the formation of monocyte-specific T cells and intensifies the cytotoxic effect of macrophages against bacteria and viruses. In addition, special antibodies are formed (IgG2 and IgM heterophilic antibodies), which can build up an additional specific immunological protection. Reishi contains a special proteoglycan, GLIS, which activates the B-lymphocytes. Studies have shown a stimulation of immune cell formation in the spleen and an influence of Reishi spores on the formation of immune-relevant tissue hormones. The fungus Coriolus contains the two protein-bound polysaccharides PSP and PSK as primary biological components. Additionally, tumor-inhibiting and antiviral effects have also been described in studies on Coriolus. |
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| Traditional plant extracts to strengthen the immune system | |
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Plant extracts can influence the performance of the human immune system via various mechanisms. There are immune stimulants which promote the activities of the non-specific immune system and additionally, many plant substances have a direct antibacterial and antiviral effect against antigens. The South African medicinal plant Pelargonium sidoides is used in the treatment of colds, especially bronchitis, due it is antbacterial, antiviral and immune-modulating properties. Phyllantus emblica, also known as Indien gooseberry or amla, is one of the best studied medicinal plants and is said to have antibacterial, fungidcidal, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, analgesic, antiatherogenic and antipathogenic properties, among others. The many minerals and amino acids and the high content of vitamin C as well as whole range of phenolic compounds such as tannins, phyllemblin, rutin and curcuminoids are responsible for these effects. |