Microbes, whether they be bacteria, parasites, or fungi, seek conditions conducive to their growth. Pathogenic forms can only grow when the body’s defenses are low enough that they can get in without being destroyed, and they have optimal nutrition for their needs. Pathogenic microbe growth can make it more difficult to raise the body’s strength, because they are using up vital nutrients, but they do not really cause disease.
Many microbes of this sort grow well when they are near similar microbes or substances. For example, amalgam fillings are a common area for growth of pathogenic bacteria because the body’s defenses are lower around the site due to heavy metal toxicity.
In Live Blood Analysis, sometimes we see small, filamentous forms, known as the endobiont. These are a type of spore-like bacteria naturally present in all living organisms. Most often, it is a symbiotic combination of the species Mucor racemosus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans.
They are normally too small to see even under high magnification, but morph into larger forms as toxicity increases. This is why they are also known as Pleomorphic forms. It is known that in cases of heavy metal toxicity and Candida “infection”, taking measures to remove the candida can cause symptoms to worsen from the heavy metals. The candida helps to buffer the effects of the heavy metal and protect the body.
In these images, the blood has been allowed to sit for a small amount of time, which does cause the endobiont to develop more. As you can see, the red blood cells are spiky, which means they have been damaged from allowing to sit outside of the body (if it is like that even when fresh, there is free radical damage). The squiggly line is known as a chondrit, and the double walled line is an ascit, both stages of pleomorphic forms.
Just like friendly bacteria, there are viruses naturally present in the body. Our DNA even contains the genetic material of some viruses. It has not been fully proven that there are beneficial functions of these viruses. Some say that their purpose may be to help stimulate evacuation of toxins that are too deadly for the body’s cells to handle. Regardless, we do know that all viruses cannot cause symptoms of infection unless the body is in a weakened state.
Therefore, it is important to support the body and its defenses, to help prevent growth of pathogenic microbes, whilst supporting growth of those that are beneficial.
The first lines of defense against pathogens:
•Mechanical barriers like skin & mucous membranes
Sweat glands produce acid that inhibits bacterial growth, and dead skin cells are constantly shedding. Open wounds and thin skin are more likely to become infected. Mucous membranes rely on adequate hydration, protein, and minerals (especially sodium) to stay strong. With enough hydration & nutrition, all mucous membranes in the body are replaced daily.
•Chemical barriers like tears & stomach acid
The eyes are made of sensitive tissue, and though it may not feel like it, they are constantly being washed with tears, that drain into the back of the sinuses. The stomach is lined with a mucous membrane, to protect it from the harsh stomach acid. Most pathogens cannot survive the acid, as long as there is enough hydration & chlorine in the body to produce it.
•Reflexes like sneezing, coughing, vomiting, & diarrhea
Sneezing & coughing are easy to understand as defenses to evacuate pathogens from the body. Vomiting & diarrhea are reflexes induced by the body when toxins in the stomach and/or bowel threaten health. It may be a type of pathogen, or it could just be improper food combining causing fermentation. When acute, it often just needs to run its course.
So, what happens if these defenses aren’t strong enough, or if they are suppressed?
Second lines of defense against pathogens:
•Phagocytosis
If none of the above work, the cells injured by the pathogens secrete chemicals to signal white blood cells to come find and eat the pathogens. Many herbs that support the immune system encourage production and activity of white blood cells for this purpose.
•Inflammation
The tissues become inflamed because injured cells release histamine, which dilates blood vessels, bringing blood flow to the area to help increase the number of white blood cells that can kill the pathogens. The blood vessels can leak fluid and dissolved substances into the tissues, causing redness, swelling, and pain – inflammation.
With fresh wounds, application of cold is advised to help reduce inflammation and swelling, because it helps constrict the blood vessels. Hot applications dilate the vessels, which could increase swelling. It is better to apply hot later, if the wound is tight and not healing as fast or well as it should.
•Fever
Some white blood cells will secrete substances that signal the body to reset the normal temperature, causing a fever. This reduces the pathogen’s ability to multiply and increases the ability of white blood cells to destroy them. If the fever is low, wrapping up to keep warm, and warm herbs like yarrow can help to raise it quickly, so it passes sooner. If the fever is too high (103° or higher) cool applications and herbs like feverfew can help break it.
•Protective Proteins
Virus-infected cells secrete a protein called Interferon, which prevents viruses from infecting other cells and activates the natural killer and macrophage white blood cells. Compliment proteins are inactive and circulating in the blood at all times. When they encounter a bacterium, they don't like, they attach to it and punch holes in the outer membrane, killing it.
•Natural Killer Cells
A small population of lymphocytes that attack and kill pathogenic cells, whether they be foreign bacteria, or cancer cells. They cooperate with most other defenses of the immune system to work most effectively.
Supporting all of these processes is helpful in strengthening the immune system. It is important to have good nutrition, adequate hydration, and do what you can to ease the body’s ability to remove waste.
-Eat fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Try not to over-cook foods (especially vegetables), which breaks down enzymes, vitamins, and other nutrients. -Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables well.
-Drink ½ your body’s weight in pounds, as ounces of clean water daily.
(For example, 150lbs-75oz of water)
-Detoxing foot soaks can help to remove heavy metals and other toxins, as well as stimulate the body to detox over the next few days.
-Reflexology stimulates nerve endings from all over the body, to help activate different areas and keep the whole body functioning optimally.
-Dry skin brushing helps move lymph, and keep the skin functioning normally.
-Thymus tapping – the thymus is an important part of the immune system, where T cells are trained. Tapping on the chest stimulates the thymus.
-Making sure that you have a strong population of friendly bacteria is important for good health as well. Bacteria in the gut are responsible for much of digestion, and can synthesize vitamins. Antibiotics are found throughout our environment and can suppress friendly bacteria while pathogens thrive. There aren’t many people who wouldn’t benefit from probiotics.
Some herbs and supplements are well known for supporting the immune system and preventing infection, but why?
•Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Elder is one of the best herbs to help support the body while preventing illness. Proteins contained in the berries bind to viruses and disarm them, preventing infection. The berries are also quite high in essential nutrients and antioxidants. Syrups are a good way to get the most from Elderberry, otherwise, tinctures are good too.
•Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)
Also known as Brazilian ginseng, Suma is great for the immune system, adrenals, lymph, and hormone balance. The reason for its immune supporting ability is the high concentration of the element Germanium, which also helps increase cellular oxygenation. Suma supports healthy estrogen, and does not increase testosterone, as some other Ginsengs do. It is an adaptogen herb, so it helps the body deal with stress easier. Nature’s Sunshine’s “Suma” is a blend that contains Suma and other herbs that strengthen the body.
•Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Commonly cultivated as Purple Coneflower, Echinacea is best used at the onset of an illness. It inhibits viruses, bacteria, and snakebite enzymes. Compounds contained in the plant stimulate the protective proteins of the immune system, and white blood cell activity. Echinacea tea is the ideal form to use, but easier to take is the tincture, which can be added to a glass of water or juice.
•Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal contains Berberine, which stimulates white blood cell activity, especially macrophages. The herb inhibits growth of bacteria, especially in relation to mucous membranes. It is great for topical application, but many of its constituents are not easily absorbed through the intestines. Goldenseal is best used for later stages of an infection when there is stagnant mucous. It should not be used long-term (over 1 week), because it can dry out mucous membranes.
On another note, wild Goldenseal is endangered in some areas, so many companies sell Oregon grape that is labelled as Goldenseal. Oregon Grape is used for similar purposes, and makes a good replacement, but just make sure that whatever you get, it's from a reputable company.
•Pine (Pinus spp.)
Pine is rich in Shikimic acid, which is great for breaking down proteins. This makes it wonderful for protection from any viruses. White pine is said to be one of the best varieties. The resins and essential oils in pine are most concentrated with the medicinal constituents. They are antimicrobial, and great for internal application for respiratory trouble, or externally to heal and seal wounds. Use the tincture internally, and resin or essential oil topically. It is easy to make a simple tea with pine needles that’s rich in vitamin C.
•Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla)
This herb is great for helping control harmful bacteria and fungus, and has been used for centuries for cancers and other serious diseases in many countries. It is cleansing and strengthening, and supports several aspects of the immune system. It also contains some mildly antibiotic constituents, and essential trace minerals, helping to build red blood cell count and recharge cellular vitality.
•Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
A wonderful adaptogen herb often used for the lymph and adrenals, Astragalus helps to support the immune system by increasing activity of Interferon, phagocytic leucocytes, and lymphocytes. It helps regulate body fluids, therefore the lymph and immune system. Avoid using if there is already a fever, because it can help regulate the opening and closing of pores that bacteria could pass through, and that could interfere with the temperature regulation of a fever.
•Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Also called Una De Gato, this herb protects against free radical damage and EMF’s. It supports the immune system and increases activity of phagocytic white blood cells. It’s also said to be great for improving stress and mood, as well as restore color to graying hair. Some compounds reduce platelet aggregation and blood clotting, and help with viral infections.
•Colloidal silver
Silver is a wonderful antibiotic, great for when there is a present infection and to help keep wounds clean. It does kill some good bacteria when taken internally, so try not to take it for long periods and do support with probiotics.
•Bee propolis
Propolis is the thick, sticky, golden substance produced by bees to disinfect the hive, seal cracks, and line the edges of honeycomb. Bees make it from the resins of certain trees, enzymes, and wax. It is the strongest antibiotic substance known that doesn’t kill off as much friendly bacteria. It is rich in nutrition, helps absorption of vitamin C, supports the thymus, and is really great for all infections, inside or out.
•Mushrooms
Many healing mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, and shitake are great for the immune system, and help support white blood cell activity, especially T cells. They are high in long-chain polysaccharides, which trick the immune system into thinking it is being invaded. This helps the body to be more ready to fight possible infections.
•Colostrum
Colostrum is the special milk produced by mammals just before they give birth. It must be consumed by baby animals within 24 hours of birth, otherwise they have lacking immune systems and often succumb within a few days. Colostrum is rich in antibodies and nutrition, and is great for the immune system of all mammal species at any age. Because supplemental colostrum is taken from dairy cattle (that produce more than the calf will need), it is great for blood type O's.
•Elderberry D3fense
A Nature’s Sunshine blend of vitamin D, elderberry, echinacea, willow bark, olive leaf extract, and royal jelly. Vitamin D is strengthening to the immune system and is essential for good health. We often don’t get enough vitamin D naturally, this contains 2,000iu per dose.
•VS-C
A Nature’s Sunshine Chinese blend of metal-enhancing herbs that are great for supporting the immune system naturally. VS-C is used by many for all kinds of infections, but especially for viruses. It includes the herbs dandelion, purslane, indigo, thlaspi, bupleurum root, scute root, typhonium, cinnamon, licorice root and ginseng.
•Grand Unified Mineral Complex
Formulated by Dr. Richard Olree, this blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids is designed to strengthen the DNA and immune system. It contains balanced ratios of Selenium, Boron, Iodine, Magnesium, Vitamins C & D, and amino acid L-Taurine for best absorption.
•Immune Stimulator
A Nature’s Sunshine blend of mushrooms and other factors that’s designed to stimulate the immune system. It contains Beta-glucans, long-chain polysaccharides, colostrum, cordyceps mycelia, reishi mycelia and maitake mushroom.
Another aspect to the immune system is that of specific immunity. This is the part of the immune system that remembers previous infection and works to prevent it.
T cells attack the foreign antigens directly, while B cells secrete antibodies that attack the antigens by binding to them, which makes it easier for phagocytic cells to destroy them. Memory T cells and B cells will continue to circulate in the blood just in case there is another exposure to the pathogen. Often, the antibody response is so strong that you do not become infected, you are immune to the pathogen.
One problem with using vaccination to provide immunity is that it bypasses all of the body's natural defenses, preventing proper development of the cellular immune system and lowering the amount of time that antibodies will be produced for. Natural infection leads to lifelong immunity, but with vaccination, antibodies only last a few years. The underdeveloped cellular immune system sets us up for problems later in life, and prevents the ability to naturally become immune to pathogens. In addition, the chemicals and preservatives used in vaccines are extremely harmful for health on all levels.
Injections made with mRNA are even worse, for they alter cells so that they produce foreign antigens, attempting to make the body see it as self so that symptoms of infection are nonexistent.
Instead of vaccination, many use nosodes, or Homeoprophylaxis. Nosodes are made from diseased tissue that has been diluted in an inert substance, so far down that the substance itself cannot be found with machinery. In each dilution, the mixture is succussed (shaken vigorously). This potentizes the remedy, so that all of the inert molecules now have the same vibration as the diseased tissue. When the body encounters this vibration, it analyzes the information, and if needed, could make antibodies that would prevent later infection. This has been found to be very effective, and causes no symptoms.
Homeoprophylaxis is a great way to help provide immunity, but then again, is immunity without true infection the best way to go? The body is designed to fight invaders, and if it does not experience symptoms of infection ever, how would it deal with it later?
It seems that the ideal way provide immunity would be to allow natural infection when young, as long as the body's defenses are strong, to help develop the immune system to its full potential. Minimize exposure to toxins and keep nutrition supported, so that the symptoms of infection would be less severe.
Don’t stop supporting nutrition, ever. Our cells constantly need nourishment, and if they don’t get enough, you’re still susceptible to pathogens that you’ve developed immunity to. That’s why nutrition is so important, why we need to pay more attention to our food, and where it comes from. Supplements may be great, but getting all of the essential nutrients straight from food is much better than a multivitamin.
You can support your whole body with good nutrition, especially the immune system.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article! As always, if you have any question, please message us or leave a comment!
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