Immune System Support
It is the immune systems job to recognise dangers to the body and respond in a way that helps to keep it safe. It has to distinguish between nontoxic and toxic substances, such as potentially harmful bacteria, viruses and even our own cells that no longer function properly.
Sometimes when our immune system is under stress it can recognise a potentially safe substance, such as a food as a 'harmful' substance and this is when we can become 'intolerant' to certain foods. This is particularly relevant with people who already have an auto-immune disease.
It seems that many of our common dis-eases today stem from problems within the immune system, either from hypersensitivity(over sensitivity) or deficiency.
There also now seems to be an epidemic with allergies and food intolerances/allergies. As many as 1 in 5 of us will have some kind of allergy or intolerance.
I would suggest the five "R" approach:
Remove - Allergens/intolerances, processed foods, and chemicals added to foods/water/cosmetics to remove stress from the immune system. Support stress in general, with therapies and supplements.
Replace - Have a whole food diet, full of immune supporting foods, hydrate with fresh water, supplements such as vitamins A,C and E, and the minerals selenium and zinc can also help with immune support. Essential fatty acids and probiotics should also be included in the diet. Lifestyle changes such as having more fresh air and exercise.
Repair - Allow time for damage to cells tissues and organs to heal. This may take several weeks or months dependent on how much damage there is
Re-introduce - Allergens gradually, and see if the immune response has improved (unless there has been anaphylactic shock, which needs to be supervised). It may be that someone that was once gluten intolerant may now only be wheat intolerant.
Re-live your life and feel great!
I have tried this approach with many clients, it truly works. I have seen so many people's lives change. Some allergies and intolerances go away and the person, who had 10 colds a year, starts to only have 3. It really does depend on how much work you are prepared to put in to improve your immune system.
References:
Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Elson M. Haas, MD 281 -283
http://autoimmunedisease.suite101.com
www.medlineplus.com
For more information, or for appointments with Jane Nayar
Nutritionist at Sussex Osteopath please contact 01273 835116
www.sussex-osteopath.co.uk
