LE and Immune System

Suzybelle

Hi, gang:

I was wondering if any of you have found a way to boost your compromised immune system.  I catch way too many colds/sinus infections, etc., and I try to be so careful!  I take supplements, drink immunity-boosting juice, wash my hands constantly...you name it.

I'm hoping one of you has a miracle cure...

kira66715

Suzy, I have an actual diagnosed immune deficiency--IgG subset deficiency, my allergist figured it out after a gazillion sinus infections. 

Because of that, I'm on low dose azithromycin--which I only started after 5 sinus surgeries, and there's good research on the safety of low dose macrolides---but I also take Astragalus--which is immune enhancing, and seems to be a safe herb.

Sloan Kettering has a good site with info on herbs, you may have to accept their terms to use it, but here's the link:

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69128.cfm 

And, the neti pot.

Kira 

Suzybelle

Hi, kira:

Thanks for the reply and the good info.  I got on the Sloan Kettering site and read about the astragalus herb, but unfortunately am not bright enough to figure out what the heck they are telling me other than it does some good for immunity.    I just ain't the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to medical stuff.

I have been drinking this stuff that you mix up (grape juice, apple juce, honey and apple cider vinegar) and it's supposed to boost immunity, but I'm going to pick up some astragalus as well.

 Thanks!!!

kcshreve

Do you do any vitamins or herbs?  Have you had your Vit D levels checked? Statistically, many of us with breast cancer have had low Vit D levels, which is often connected to low immune responses.  When I got my dx, my Vit D level was below normal (darn it).  It took me several months of working at it to get it up to optimal levels. I had astragalus recommended to me, too, and was told it support the immune system without over-activating it.

kira66715

KC, excellent point--my vitamin D level was checked the week before diagnosis and was quite low. I've supplemented since--there is loads of controversy about the "best" level, but my endocrinologist likes to aim for around 50, and that's where I am.

Vitamin D supports immune system, lowers estrogen levels (new article), helps with general strength.

Loads of controversy between the NIH and the Vitamin D council, but the level at which it gets into breast milk is 50, so that's where I'm at, and I feel better.

And there are studies about vitamin D and immunity.

Great advice.

Kira