Immune Health - Dr. David Williams

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Immune Health - Dr. David Williams

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Here are my top recommendations to boost and support your body's

immune function naturally.

http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/c/immune_health_recs.asp

 

Vitamin C: When you need extra immune support, I recommend you take

500 to 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours. Even without the onset of a

flu or cold, I personally take 2,000 mg of C each day, along with

bioflavonoids and other synergistic nutrients like vitamin E. When

Vitamin C is taken with zinc, propolis and elderberry extract, a

good daily maintenance dose is 100 mg.

 

Zinc: Promotes immune function. One 23-mg zinc gluconate lozenge

every two wakeful hours after an initial double dose, has been found

to provide symptom relief. While the only side effect associated

with zinc is its bad taste, this routine shouldn't be continued any

longer than a week. Excessive zinc can eventually create a copper

deficiency and weaken the immune system. The recommended daily dose

for zinc when taken with vitamin C, propolis and elderberry extract

is 10 mg.

 

Bee Propolis: Research shows that this waxy resin used by bees to

waterproof their hives has immune enhancing properties. The

recommended daily dose when taken with elderberry extract, zinc and

vitamin C is 75 mg.

 

Elderberry Extract: The active ingredients in elderberries have been

found to protect your cells from harmful invaders. I recommend a

remarkable elderberry extract developed by Israeli scientists called

Sambucol (which comes from the Latin name for elderberry, Sambucus

nigra).

 

Research shows that this patented elderberry extract will provide

relief within 24 to 48 hours. I've been so impressed with this

extract that I've worked with the researcher who developed it to

incorporate it in my own formula. Whatever product you use, I

recommend taking 4 g daily of elderberry extract in conjunction with

the Vitamin C, Propolis and Zinc.

 

Vitamin A: Initial doses as high as 100,000 units daily can be very

beneficial. The dose should then be dropped back to 10,000 to 25,000

IU daily to avoid problems with toxicity.

 

Turmeric (from root): has been used for centuries in India and China

for a variety of health concerns, including boosting the immune

system. To support immune health I recommend taking 200 mg per day.

 

Garlic: helps to fortify the immune system. For overall health, I

recommend that you consume at least a clove of garlic each day.

Studies suggest that you can get similar benefits from cooked

garlic -- if you first let it sit out a while after peeling. When

garlic is peeled an enzyme called allinase begins a series of

chemical reactions that create beneficial health effects.

 

If you take garlic extract in liquid form, a recommended serving is

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mixed with fruit or vegetable juice, twice daily

with meals. As for garlic capsules, take 1 to 3 capsules daily,

depending on your level of free-radical exposure.

 

Grapefruit Seed Extract: Drinking three to four drops per 8 oz of

water per day helps maintain immune system function. This extract is

also a good remedy for cleansing your sinuses:

 

1. First, in a clean sink or large saucer add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt

to a quart of fairly hot water. Once the salt has dissolved, immerse

your face in the water for five to 10 seconds; repeat this three or

four times. Allow the water to run into your nose, but keep your

mouth and eyes closed.

 

2. Follow the facial with a quick nasal rinse by adding a few drops

of grapefruit seed extract to 1/2 cup of warm water. Cup a small

amount of the water in the palm of your hand, and then lean over and

gently " inhale " the water into your nasal passages. Do this two or

three times before bed and first thing in the morning. You may

momentarily feel a very slight tingling or burning sensation as the

extract coats the nasal and sinus passages. Once it gets to these

hard-to-reach areas, it can begin to eliminate the harmful

irritants.

 

Purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia): helps increase certain

responses of the immune system. Powdered echinacea capsules can be

found in most health food stores (recommended dosages are given on

the product labels). You can obtain some of the best results with

echinacea by using the liquid plant extracts -- for adults five to

10 drops in 1/4 cup of water taken five times daily is generally

recommended).

 

Note: Certain individuals don't seem to benefit from echinacea,

including hyperactive persons, those who are extremely sensitive to

environmental pollutants and chemicals, and AIDS patients.

 

Tea tree honey: For years I've recommended using tea tree oil from

Australia for a variety of health concerns (see the April 1992

ALTERNATIVES, vol. 4, number 10). To help boost your immune system,

I also encourage you to take 250 mg a day of tea tree honey (also

known as Manuka honey). This sweet alternative is from New Zealand

and has been shown to have natural immune-supporting properties.

 

Shark cartilage: Long-time ALTERNATIVES readers know that I've

written about the benefits of shark cartilage for years. Among its

many beneficial properties, shark cartilage helps support your

overall healthy immune system function. I recommend 100 mg daily.

 

Slippery Elm: This herb has mucus-eliminating properties and helps

promote respiratory health. 20 mg daily is recommended.

 

Peppermint powder: Helps support immune function. 17 mg a day is

recommended.

 

Eucalyptus Oil: I wrote about the advantages of the immune-boosting

properties of eucalyptus in the October 1999 ALTERNATIVES. For best

results, I recommed taking 2 mg daily along with the other herbal

immune boosters mentioned here. Newsletter readers know that I've

been working on an herbal immune formula for some time now and have

finally developed one that combines these and a number of other

herbs I've discussed in previous issues.

 

Balance your life

 

Physical and emotional stress, poor diet and chronic illness can

suppress your immune system. Yet another great reason to eat right,

exercise, cultivate a positive outlook and take care!

_________________

 

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