Ask The Expert

To many people, boosting their immune system is what they say they want to do in order to avoid becoming ill. They feel that by strengthening or enhancing their immunity, they will be better protected from illness. While this may be true for some, many others will find that this is most certainly not true.

The immune system is composed of many complex parts, but can be basically described as having both an innate and an adaptive (or acquired) pathway. This adaptive immune response is antigen-specific and requires the recognition of specific “foreign” antigens. Adaptive immunity, can be further subdivided  into both a cell mediated and humoral component. Ideally, these two components function in harmony. When out of harmony or balance, one of these components may become ‘over reactive’, such as is the case with allergies. Autoimmunity is another example of a natural process, our own immunity, being out of balance in some way.

Not that natural substances work in this way, but it would be inappropriate to consume an herb or nutraceutical, which may stimulate or ‘boost’ a particular function or aspect of the immune response, for those suffering from allergies or an autoimmune disorder. To do so, may worsen symptoms or further aggravate the condition. “Balancing” the immune system implies that a person is correcting the overstimulated &/or underfunctioning component of their immune response, thereby potentially alleviating their symptoms, improving their condition and “strengthening” their resistance to disease.