Supplements that Can Boost the Immune System

When I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease in September of 2008, I felt like the blinders had been taken off my eyes. I had struggled with illness off and on for years. I was always sick, and being ridiculed by friends and family for always being sick. I never wanted to be sick so I couldn't understand that, but I struggled with that as well for many years. Since traditional medicine wasn't working, I had to find other answers.

Grave's Disease tends to attack women more frequently than men, and it usually hits in the late 20's to early 30's. I was the textbook case, and I had every symptom of it except the bumpy reddish rash that many patients get on their shins. I was glad that I didn't have it because I didn't need any more problems or reasons for people to make fun of me.

According to John A. Seibel M.D, Grave's disease was named after Sir Robert Graves in the early 19^th century. Grave's disease is one of the most common thyroid problems, and can be characterized by many different types of symptoms, but is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones. If the condition is out of control going untreated, then it could have horrible effects and ultimately lead to death. There are so many who aren't familiar with this disease, don't understand the effects that it does have on the body. With that being said, I can attest to the fact that once you are prescribed medicines to deal with the symptoms, they last only for a little while. Once you have reached the max dosage and you still don't feel right, what do you do?

While traditional medicine has its place, so does nature. Many medicines only treat the symptoms, but they don't correct the real issue at hand. In my case, those medicines were beneficial while I was looking for answers. In my search, I found some supplements that worked well for me, but it did take trial and error. These may not work the same for you, but you can certainly try them, and I would definitely encourage that.

Because we are dealing with the immune system, it is beneficial to find out what strengthens it. One supplement I had not considered taking was Astragalus. According to Dr. Steven D. Ehrlich, Astragalus has been extremely favored in traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Often, it is used in conjunction with other herbs and strengthens the body against disease. In fact, some studies have shown that when Astragalus was administered to AIDS patients, the results were favorable. They were not cured altogether, but getting quality of life back is certainly a good thing, making life a little more livable. Something this strong, should be highly considered and at least administered to see how it affects someone when the side effects are so few and far between with herbs like Astragalus. However, do be mindful that it is wise to ask your pharmacist and see if it does interact with certain medicines.

Mass doses of Vitamin A are also helpful once you have been feeling ill, so small amounts everyday can help build up your body. According to Dr. Randall Fick, of Fick Chiropractic Centers in Cincinnati, Ohio, Vitamin A is not only beneficial for the eyes, but it is good for the immune system. In October of 2009, prior to the time I sought holistic treatment, I had pneumonia and Dr. Fick advised me to take 10 Vitamin A that day. Then, the next day I was to take 8, then 5, then 3, and then 1 a day. I took 10 that day along with the antibiotics I was on and felt 30% better by that evening. Following up treatment with herbs is the key just like any medicine that you would be prescribed. You can't take just one and expect a miracle to take place. Your body gets sick because it is deficient in something, so determining what that is can be a challenge.

Talk to your doctor, and see what treatments they recommend, and if they aren't helping you, then you may want to seek out a holistic physician in your area. Here is to health, and a love for natural well-being.

John A. Seibel M.D.
WebMD Medical Reference
www.webmd.com

Steven D. Erhlich M.D.
Verimed Healthcare Network
www.umm.edu

Randal Fick D.C. D.A.R.C.
Chiropractic Orthopedist, Acupuncturist
Fick Chiropractic Centers