As a Culture, we in the United States have had many breakthroughs and due to our thirst for money and power, have both lead and trampled over others on the globe. Medicine is a great example where we’ve made huge discoveries; hygienic practices, antibiotics, vaccines, organ transplants, to name a few. These life-saving tools have allowed Western Medicine to rise to the top, in spite of glaring deficiencies in this allopathic (symptom-based treatment) system.
Having said this, the purpose of this article is not to bash Western Medicine as much as it is to suggest we’ve gotten certain things very wrong that are going to lead to a health crisis.
Let’s look at infectious disease. At one time, infection (wound, respiratory, skin, etc) would take a tremendous percentage of lives. We take this for granted in today’s world as hygienic practices, OTC first aid items, antibiotics and urgent/ER care are all readily available for almost everyone in the United States. The problem is that the overuse of antibiotics, both prescribed and in the treatment of our commercially-raised meat supply has led to antibiotic resistance and the creation of super-bugs (pathogens that have evolved to exist in spite of certain antibiotics). Our killing approach to pathogens, albeit heroic when it works, has allowed the enemy to become stronger, while the systems they attack to get weaker!
Our immune systems are really just about every part of our body, but key elements are the Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenals, Thyroid and Thymus glands, the Spleen, Pancreas, Lungs, Liver and Skin, as well as WBC (white blood cells) and RBC (red blood cells)…and this is a limited list as stomach acid is key to how we fight pathogens as is our levels of zinc, calcium, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, probiotics…and then there’s how our body metabolizes water. See what I mean? It’s everything! What I want to impress upon you, now, is that there are minor behaviors that can greatly affect how our body’s fight disease. A dehydrated body is less effective. A body that doesn’t get enough sleep is deficient in its defenses. Poor nutrition?
Same thing. Excessive stress? You got it…same thing!
So, how does using antibiotics knock down our body’s natural ability to defend itself?
Antibiotics kill the Pro (good) biotics (life) in us. That part of our microbiome (all that which lives within us) that helps us ward off attack. And by not strongly educating Patients and our Society to act in ways that are supportive of our immune systems, we see negative behaviors which lead to poor diets and reliance on OTC and Rx medications.
What else is contributing to increasing concerns around infectious disease? Aside from media scares and propaganda to vaccinate (I am pro-vaccine in that the theory is sound, but negative in some of vaccines safety and am a proponent of safer vaccine production and less political and more accurate reporting of effectiveness), let’s look at what damages our body’s ability to ward off illness and fight illness once contracted. Quality of our water supply and how much water we consume and utilize optimally is a big factor in immunity. How we cultivate, handle and prepare our food is another overlooked factor.
In fact, let me plug in some examples of this: How about the repeated romaine lettuce issues due to improper irrigation practices using diseased water on the crops?! How about GMOs (some are fine and some are very hard on the digestive system, thus creating more inflammation)? And then there’s the use of shellacs to prevent oxidation so that produce may be sent thousands of miles without decaying.
These shellacs are rarely properly washed off and thus, consumed in amounts that have not been tested. Exercise (oxygenation of the body as well as assisted removal of toxicity) is a key component that far too many people are not participating in with any consistency. And then there are those who OVER-exercise which creates a different kind of stress on the body!
Emotional health is an important factor as depression/anxiety have been proven immune suppressors. Those of us who treat these successfully, know that there are a number of potential underlying factors to consider…all of which may be examined in this giant pile of factors that affect our immunity!
I’m going to create a list of as many things that are considered in immunity from a Healthcare Practitioner’s point of view: Hydration, mineral balance, strength of pathogen, health of microbiome, diet, nutrition, exercise, attitude, mental health, job/career, exposure to toxins, appearance of skin, eyes, tongue, health markers, bowel habits, urinary habits, sleep, health history including surgeries, hormonal balance, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, illicit drugs, chronic diseases, relationship status, trauma, electro-magnetic field disruptors, digestive strength (need for improved function, enzymes, increased stomach acid, nutrient absorption), body type, weight, blood sugar/sugar handling, hygiene, and more.
In helping to produce stronger pathogens via our killing approach (including the sterility approach of using stronger cleaners and hand sanitizers) along with behaviors that deplete our natural defenses, we are seeing more and more acute health issues along the infectious disease spectrum, affect us in more severe fashion than over the past 40 years or so. Now, epidemics are not new, but my concern is that we are more connected, globally, than ever before, and coupled with what I’ve talked about in this article, it is an equation for seeing massive numbers of people in peril if, say, a strong virus is spread to cultures with many who have weakened immune systems.
Aside from what I’ve mentioned above, I recommend working with a Natural Health Practitioner to discover where function and nutrients need boosting and what should be minimized or omitted to optimize your immune performance. An Acupuncturist and/or Naturopath are optimal. Chiropractic and Massage may also be helpful in stoking the immune system as they remove structural blockages and allow for better removal of toxins and neurological performance.
Paul Gerst L.Ac. is a licensed Acupuncturist and Natural Health Practitioner of 24 years who has helped thousands of people recover from difficult chronic health issues. He has created health programs for many national companies and has been published in numerous health periodicals. And his use of Meridian Autonomic Testing, AK and Nutritional Assessments help identify and treat many issues including those involving the immune system. His Practice, The Balanced Path Wellness Center is in Medway, MA.