This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Bad nutrition causes a decline in immune function and increases susceptibility to infection. Specifi c nutrients play important roles in supporting immune system balance. A defi ciency of any of these nutrients can adversely infl uence the function of T cells and B cells in the immune system: zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, B vitamins (especially folic acid), iron, copper, amino acids L-lysine and L-arginine, vitamin C and vitamin


E. Correct choices of supplements— vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, probiotics, and botanicals—has been shown to boost immunity and reduce the risk of disease. In addition, psychological health


infl uences the immune system and the course of many diseases. Depression, stress and anxiety increase production of pro- infl ammatory chemicals in the blood, which can compromise or suppress the immune system. High levels of anxiety are associated with decreased immune function. School


pressures combined with a less-than- nutritious diet can wreak havoc with immune system health. As you can see below, we’ve been


provided with the elements needed to strengthen our immune systems and overcome many of the unfortunate realities of our lifestyle today. Properly evaluating and treating the root cause of disease can help your child—and your entire family—stay healthier and happier.


Supplements that Support a Healthy Immune System


here are several supplements, herbs and foods that provide the nutrition needed to bolster the immune system. Be sure to get proper testing and an evaluation by your functional- integrative physician before administering any vitamins, herbs or supplements. Each child is an individual and must be treated that way. Taking supplements that aren’t needed wastes money, could be dangerous and only prolongs a correct diagnosis and treatment regimen.


T


VITAMIN D: Children with higher Vitamin D levels contract fewer colds, fl u and other viral infections.


GLUTATHIONE BOOSTERS: Glutathione is produced by the liver and is the most important free radical scavenger and a major antioxidant. Low levels of glutathione are linked to many diseases. Glutathione precursors may be used by the body to increase glutathione production. Glutathione precursors include: Glutamine, S-Adenosyl-L- Methionine (SAMe), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.


ANTIOXIDANTS: Because of their ability to scavenge free radicals, antioxidants are important immune system boosters. Supplementation with antioxidants like vitamins C, E and the Bs may improve immune function. Supplementation with Vitamin A stimulates immune responses brought about by antibodies.


B VITAMINS: These vitamins have considerable infl uence on immune function. Vitamins B12 and B6 are cofactors in the creation of cysteine, a key component in glutathione synthesis.


LIPOIC ACID: A potent antioxidant with immune-boosting qualities. It is able to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E and raise glutathione levels.


COENZYME Q10 (COQ10): Synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine, CoQ10 is an essential cofactor in the production of ATP, which is the body’s primary source of energy. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals, it inhibits lipid peroxidation (oxidation of fats in cell membranes, which causes cell damage), and works synergistically with Vitamin E. It has an important role in the stimulation of the immune system.


WHEY PROTEIN: This food has potent antioxidant activity due to its high concentration of glutamate and cysteine, which are precursors to glutathione. It contains several substances that enhance the immune system, including the following: Beta lactoglobulin (modulates lymphatic response), Alpha lactalbumin (directly affects B and T lymphocytes and has the ability to reduce oxidative stress), Lactoferrin (acts as an antioxidant, inhibits bacterial absorption through the intestinal wall, and activates natural killer cells).


MINERALS: Copper, zinc, and selenium infl uence the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduce oxidative stress. Defi ciencies of these minerals have been linked to weak immunity and infection.


DHEA: A hormone that has immune- enhancing effects. Low DHEA levels are associated with decreased production of IL-2 (a protein that stimulates white blood cells) and increased production of IL-6 (a protein that causes infl ammation).


POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (OMEGA-3S): Omega-3s have been shown to counteract the suppression of the cellular immune system, suppress TNF alpha production (a cell-signaling protein that causes infl ammation), and have an overall anti-infl ammatory effect.


PROBIOTICS: The gastrointestinal tract relies on live bacteria (microfl ora) to help


support a robust immune response. Probiotics prevent foreign bacteria and allergens from passing through the intestinal wall and have an important role for the overall health of the intestinal immune system.


GRAPESEED EXTRACT AND GREEN TEA EXTRACT have immune-boosting properties and increase the activity of antioxidants like glutathione. They increase the power of natural killer cells, enhance the production of IL-2 for healthy white blood cells and decrease production of IL-6, which is infl ammatory. One of the most important catechins (naturally- occurring compounds) in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).


In addition, Plant foods like blueberries, cranberries, garlic and pomegranate contain active substances that can keep the immune system working well. Echinacea and Andrographis are herbs that have immune-enhancing and anti- microbial properties.


Joseph Cannizzaro, MD has been practic- ing in Central Florida for over thirty years and is dedicated to providing children and their families with healthier, happier


and longer lives. As a classically-trained primary care physician who practices functional medicine, Dr. Cannizzaro believes that integrative medicine can bring conventional and complementa- ry healing modalities together, creating a highly personalized healing envi- ronment. Call Cannizzaro Integrative Pediatric Center at 321-280-5867 for a meet & greet with Dr. Cannizzaro.


September 2016 27


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48