boosting immune system??? Linda

[Sandra]

Hi just read a post regarding the immune system and boosting it....forever i have been told by my sister and others that I really need to boost my immune system. However full well knowing what they do not about getting my immune system reaved up. Can you explain to me the problems associated with boosting the immune system when you have AI disease?
Thanks Sandra

[Linda196]

There's not a lot of information about this available, but Dr Weil, who is known as a strong proponent of vitamins and natural supplements, did write an article about the use of Echinacea in MS patients, with overtones to other "immune boosters" and other autoimmunities.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA221677

His personal conclusion was

I think it is okay for MS patients to use echinacea on a short term basis for the duration of a cold or other minor infection. But I wouldn't recommend using it on a long term basis - we simply don't know whether the way echinacea affects immune function impacts the potential for autoimmunity. (This same caution applies to other immune-enhancing herbs such as astragalus).

You might be interested to know what the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has to say on the subject: "...echinacea may stimulate the immune system. This is a theoretical risk for people with MS because their immune systems are already inappropriately stimulated

Of course since there are two types of autoimmune patients: very simply stated, those with T-cell depletion (who are constantly catching illnesses and may benefit from IVIG) and those who have excessive T-cell activity and never catch anything; there are probably two totally different fields of experience with boosting the system. My personal stance, since I'm one of the ones who almost never catches a cold or flu, is that I avoid anything that may stimulate my immune response...I've been known to have a flare after over indulging on oranges!

[Sandra]

Well my gosh Linda, thanks so much for sharing, sure enlightens me. It is somehow what my body has always told me, I too flare at a gentle breeze.  I am so going to study up on this notion. Wonderful, thanks, Sandra.