With an immune compromised child, we have to be extra vigilant to keep him healthy.
To do that, we take a bunch of immune boosting supplements.
So far we have been extremely fortunate and Liam has avoided all of the flu strains, colds, etc.
Here are the supplements we take and a little bit of information on each one.
Probiotics
We use Klaire Lab Ther-Biotic Detoxification Support 50 billion cfu's.
Here is some information from their site:
High quality probiotics deliver large amounts of specific probiotics to the intestinal tract to complement detoxification protocols such as broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-fungal/anti-microbial medications, or heavy metal chelating agents that can compromise friendly flora. Toxins and metabolic by-products generated during use of these agents can exacerbate intestinal dysbiosis and disturb the healthy balance of intestinal flora.
Ther-Biotic Detoxification Support provides two colonizing Lactobacillus and one endogenous Bifidobacterium probiotic species that can support the body’s natural detoxification process by metabolizing or reducing the uptake of toxins in the gut thereby facilitating the elimination of toxins and by-products from the intestinal tract.
Lactobacilllus rhamnosus
• Favorably enhances innate and acquired immunity
• Modulates immune tolerance and inhibits production of the proinflammatory cytokines
• Outstanding adherence to colon epithelial cell lines
• Suppresses the internalization of pathogenic Escherichia coli
Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Colonizes the large intestine and vaginal tract controlling yeast populations
• Competes with pathogens for nutrients and attachment sites
• Produces acetic & lactic acids, lowering colonic pH and inhibiting pathogens
• Suppresses total & antigen-specific IgE production
• Promotes IgA response to C. difficile toxin A
Lactobacillus casei
• Makes a number of proline-specific peptidases enabling efficient break down of casein, casein-derived polypeptides, and gluten
• Beneficially modulates cells associated with innate immune responses
• Enhances the number of IgA-producing cells
• Decreases the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines
Black Elderberry Syrup
Black Elderberries have been recognized for centuries throughout Europe for their immune supportive properties. Modern research has identified potent flavonoid compounds, called anthocyanins, which may be directly related to their health promoting properties. Taken daily, or on occasion to support the immune system, this concentrated syrup, made from Certified Organic Black Elderberries tastes great.
Vitamin C
High amounts of vitamin C – several grams daily – have been advocated for optimizing both immune function and antioxidant support. Evidence for the efficacy of consuming high amounts of ascorbic acid is due in large part to the groundbreaking research conducted in the 1970s and 1980s by two-time Nobel Prize winner, Linus Pauling, PhD.
Taking high amounts of vitamin C can be a challenge for individuals who have sensitive or compromised digestive systems. For these individuals, Thorne Research has developed Buffered C Powder.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium and plays a major role in prevention of bone degeneration diseases, such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D plays vital roles in strengthening immune function and reducing inflammation. The vitamin generally absorbs into the body from sunlight. Many people get enough sun exposure for adequate doses of vitamin D. The best food sources include salmon, tuna, mackerel and fish liver oils. Beef liver, cheese and egg yolks contain small amounts.
Zinc
The health benefits of Zinc include proper functioning of immune system, digestion, control of diabetes, improves stress level, energy metabolism, acne and wounds healing. Also, pregnancy, hair care, eczema, weight loss, night blindness, cold.
Zinc, being an important mineral plays a vital role for the protein synthesis and helps in regulation of the cells production in the immune system of the human body. Zinc is mostly found in the strong muscles of the body and especially in high concentrations in the white and red blood cells, eye retina, skin, liver, kidneys, bones and pancreas. In a human body, even 300 enzymes or more than that requires zinc for the normal functioning. The researchers believe that 3000 proteins out of 100,000 are involved in human body consisting of Zinc.
The oil of the wild oregano plant has been shown to kill unwanted bacteria, fungus, yeast, parasites and viruses. It's a powerful antihistamine. New research is finding that oil of oregano is as effective against colitis as prescription drugs without the harmful side effects. It is also able to regenerate liver cells.
Oil of oregano is made from the leaves and flowers of the wild oregano plant found growing naturally in the remote mountainous regions of the Mediterranean where there is little pollution. It is a member of the mint family. The flowers and leaves are harvested when the oil content of the plant is at its highest. It has a history that stretches back to the ancient Greeks, whose name for it translates into "joy of the mountain". They used it to treating infection related illnesses and diseases. As the dangers of antibiotic use become more apparent, health conscious people as well as holistic healers are looking for natural alternatives to treat infections. They are finding oil of oregano to be the perfect natural choice.These are the ingredients found in oil of oregano that provide its unique properties:
Carvacrol has been proven in studies to be a powerful antimicrobial, so powerful that it can be used to preserve food and render it self-stable. Reseach has shown it to be effective against candida albicans, the aspergillus mold, staphylococcus, campylobacter, klebsiella, e.coli, giardia, pseudomonas, salmonella, and listeria. Carvacrol provides many of the health benefits of oil of oregano .
Thymol is a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties. It is the active ingredient in Listerine mouthwash. Thymol is also an immune system booster and a shield against toxins. It is capable of preventing tissue damage and encouraging healing.
Terpenes is the source of the word turpentine. Terpenes give off a pine scent and are also produced by pine trees. Terpenes have potent antibacterial properties.
Rosmarinic acid is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin E. It prevents free radical damage and is instrumental in preventing atherosclerosis and cancer. Rosmarinic acid has shown to be effective in the treatment of allergic asthma. It reduces fluid build up and swelling during an allergy attack, and is an effective natural antihistamine.
Naringin is the substance that gives grapefruit its bitter taste. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and helps boost the effect of antioxidants.
Oil of oregano also contains a good amount of the vitamin E complex, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, manganese, vitamins A and C, and niacin.
Herbal authority Steven Foster credits oregano as having been used successfully to treat indigestion, diarrhea, nervous tension, insect bites, toothache, earache, rheumatism, and coughs due to whopping cough and bronchitis.
Filtered Water
We drink plenty of pure, filtered water.
Since we are renters and can't afford a portable water filtration system, we buy ours from our co-op. It is free of fluoride, pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, lead, aluminum and pharmaceutical residual.
There are great filtration systems out there.
Two that I have looked in to extensively are the Aquasana and the Berkey.
Air Purifier
We use a Honeywell air purifier in our apartment.
Great for large rooms! Honeywell True HEPA air purifiers are the best choice for capturing airborne allergens. In fact, surveys show that more doctors recommend Honeywell enviracaire air purifiers to their patients than any other brand. It offers outstanding air cleaning performance with a HEPA filter. The True HEPA filter captures up to 99.97% of common airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns from the air passing through it such as dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, and cat dander. In addition, it also helps reduce airborne viruses and bacteria.
Diet
I make 95% of what we eat from scratch. Because lets face it, pre-packaged foods are full of hydrogenated oils, food dyes, sodium, fake sugars, GMO's, MSG and so on. These ingredients are not only inflammatory, but also neurotoxins. They can cause all sorts of immune, bowel and behavioral issues.
Please, if you are consuming any of these things, remove them from your diet today!
I could probably write out another entire blog post on how we stay healthy. But that's it for now. If you have any questions or would like any ideas, please feel free to ask in the comments section.
Stay Healthy Friends!
~Susie
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