In another thread on this board the topic of a particular alternative herb which is claimed to be an immune booster surfaced. There was an opinion stating that what our bodies don't require/need is an immune booster. However, this isn't really true.
Taking a multi-vitamin, a single vitamin or mineral, receiving an immunization or a booster shot, glucosamine and chrondrotin, a cortisone injection, etc. are all immune boosters of some type.
In addition, there are different types of immunity, such as: innate, adaptive, natural, artificial, active, passive, etc.
Take Care
I would like to know how a multi-vitamin, immunization, etc etc are immnue boosters? That is not my understanding.
The item that was being talked about can be equated with things like echinasia(sp?) and are a big no-no for people with immune disorders.
Either way, I would suggest speaking with your doctor before starting any type of supplement or vitamin.
I have had many docs over the years say that "immune
We do need to have flu shots and a pneumonia vaccine as long as they are not the live vaccine or the spray that goes up your nose. I also had a tetnus booster that the doc said would not affect my RA. I am fortunate to have excellent docs that I trust and I generally listen to what they have to say. My family practice doc said absoloutely no to the things that boost your immune system to prevent colds like Airborne or Zicam. I am going to stick with listening to what he says.
Like with anything, please check with your doc first before taking it.
Hahaha it's cool, I just didn't want to confuse anyone else either!!!
Also - a cortizone injection is a steriod...which does the opposite of an immune booster. Steroids actually supress your immune system. Just F.Y.I.
From my understanding, glucosamine and chrondrontin are not immune boosters either. They promote cartilidge re-growth.
If there are immune boosters out there that we can take, I haven't heard of them, nor have any of my doctors. An immune booster and a supplement are two completely different things. The ones that were spoken about were the wild lingzi...whatever fungus stuff. LoL Which, from it's description would be a no-no if you were to ask your doctor. Zicam and Airborne and other OTC "cold stoppers" are also a no-no.
Caffeine has been shown to have many good effects on many people. It's only a bad thing in excess, as is so much in life.
Yes..I have read that too...in tons of places..about the caffiene..I think alot of people tend to get worried and I dont just mean people with RA...I mean the general population....when they hear things about caffiene and sugar substitutes...etc...but the key to all things is moderation. That applies to caffiene, sugar, salt, alcohol, fat, vitamins, and well anything else that you can think of.
As a matter of fact, in regards to the caffeine, on the Sushi blog we have a pretty cool article about combatting fatigue that talks about caffiene. I have also discussed these things with my RD and I rely on my morning cup of joe or afternoon tea and it is not a problem.
In relation to the immune boosters...I think it is just a clarification of terms...a flu shot is a vaccine..a preventative....it is not boosting the bodys immune system...we all are pretty much on the same page here...it is just terminology.
Vitamins, and other herbal supplements still should always be okay'd by your doctor if you are on any perscription or routine over the counter medcations....and should always be included on you list of meds when you visit the doctor, apply for SS, and especially check into a hospital. Serious interactions have occured and it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Well, I LOVE caffeine, but the pred has jacked up my blood
Oh oh oh...and...did you see the bit about Magnesium and Potassium in FM people? You can look it up too if you want more on it. Even if you are getting enough in your diet, you may not be retaining all of it. So try some cashews or something! See if it helps. I got this list from a friend she also has RA and found out the following vitamins and stuff are immune boosters::::GO figure Vitamin C Zinc Bee Propolis Elderberry Extract Vitamin A Turmeric (from root) Garlic Grapefruit Seed Extract Purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) Tea tree honey Shark cartilage Slippery Elm Peppermint powder Eucalyptus Oil Immune Boosters: Vitamin C increases the production of
infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of
interferon. Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural
killer cells. Carotenoids. Beta carotene increases the number of
infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of
viruses. Bioflavenoids. A group of
phytonutrients called bioflavenoids aids the immune system by protecting the
cells of the body against environmental pollutants. Bioflavenoids protect the
cell membranes against the pollutants trying to attach to them. Zinc. This valuable mineral increases
the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight
more aggressively. Omega-3 fatty acids. The omega 3 fatty acids in flax
oil and fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune boosters
by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up
bacteria. Perhaps I can illustrate this for you. Your immune system is an army made up of many divisions and each division has it's own function or responsibility in protecting the body. When a division of the army mutinees a chronic illness or autoimmune disease takes over the body. This by no means is a complete list but an example of the function of an "immune booster." Take Care
pressure (it goes back to normal off the pred, but anyway). Also
with the fibro any caffeine after my morning coffee tends to
interrupt my sleep! I just miss my diet coke Sara, did you read the blog about fatigue? I promise you those tips really do help! And it even allows you some caffiene. Imagine that. LoLI DID read the blog. It was very well put. I have already had all
the blood work done before, and it was normal. Exercise
usually controls the fibro, and since I am not working right now,
I am good at not overdoing things! Exercising enough to help
the fibro and not hurt the RA is the problem. Heat really helps
me relax, though! Oh, and my diet is normally VERY healthy,
until the pred munchies hit.
Most, but not all supplements, work to this end. However, people who deal with arthritis and other health issues do need to investigate and consult with their medical team to determine which supplements, vaccines, etc. will be of benefit to them.
Never have I indicated that supplements, cold remedies, etc. and so forth be taken without consulting with your medical team, if you deal with arthritis or any other health issues.
Watchingwolf - interested in the Glucosamine recommendation by your rheumy. Have you been taking it long enough to be able to report any benefits? Ta, Des.
Dessy: About four months after my initial diagnosis I tried glucosamine and chrondrotin(sp) together and my tummy couldn't take it. Have been taking the glucosamine ever since but am wondering why for I certainly haven't noticed any improvement. Actually after I finish off my current container of glucosamine I'm going to stop taking it. Take Care
An autoimmune disease results when the immune system isn't able to protect the body. An autoimmune disease is a chronic disease which over time destroys the body in some fashion, whereas as infection is short-term and usually the immune system can eventually rid the body of the invading bacteria/virus.
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