TelewellnessMD®

What are Immune Therapies

Immune dysfunction can cause the body to use up its energy stores as it tries to keep the body healthy. When the immune system is not able to function effectively it can cause disruption of other body systems. Immune system dysfunction is encountered when the immune system is in a heightened state from battling chronic disease, stress and inflammation, or when the immune system is suppressed directly from the battle or conditions such as aging, drugs and other lifestyle choices.

Ultimately inflammation and insulin resistance (pre-diabetes) are the driving factors of disease and disability and major causes of mitochondrial and immune dysfunction. Treatments targeted at bolstering our immune function should be directed at managing or preventing these two conditions.

Our mitochondria (power source of our cells) suffer as the body tries to fight infections and use up our valuable energy reserves in an attempt to keep the body healthy. Viruses, bacteria and funguses all cause the immune system to become a large consumer of mitochondria resources. For those already suffering from low energy, having poor immune and mitochondria function can be devastating.

It is not just physical disease that we have to worry about, mental illness can also lead to immune dysfunction. Studies have showed that both physical and psychological stressors can directly cause suppression of immune function. Those that are significantly affected by stress can have an exaggerated immune response that can suppress various aspects of immune function.

The first consideration for supporting and boosting the immune system is a healthy lifestyle. Creating a healthy lifestyle focused on sleep, diet and exercise is the single best step to take toward naturally keeping the immune system strong and reducing the incidence of disease.

Keys to a Healthy Lifestyle

Avoid the two most preventable health risks: tobacco and obesity
Sleep 6-8 hours per night
Exercise three days a week
Alcohol and cannabis consumption only in moderation
Active sex life
Be happy – you must create your own happiness through positive thinking and decision making

Beyond healthy living, there are other research supported therapies that can directly improve immune function. Immune supportive therapies are a great way to ensure mental and physical health. Our bodies are in a constant war between damage and repair and when the body is healthy our repair mechanisms should win. Eventually with aging and exposures, damage takes over and it is much more difficult to compete against as our innate immune response weakens.

Treatment Options

Alternative therapies can support our mitochondria, immune function and anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory response:

Maximizing health of the nervous system
Enhancing the immune system
Improving mitochondria function
Improving insulin sensitivity
Reducing inflammation
Reducing body fat
Increasing lean muscle mass
Improving sleep
Improving blood flow to the body and brain

Supplemental immune therapies can provide the energy for our mitochondria, balance to our hormone system, health to our gut’s microbiome and quality to our sleep cycle. These are the drivers of our immune system and when provided the right nutrients, hormones and immune stimulators, our immune system’s repair mechanism can win the battle against aging and disease.

~ Brent Agin MD Metabolix Wellness Center CEO