Super Supplements for a Strong Immune System

We live in an environment polluted with countless toxic substances and an ever-increasing deluge of harmful radiations and stresses.  Maintaining optimal health and balance can be challenging in today’s world, yet with a clear intention and willingness to nurture and care for our emotional and physical health we can experience a life of vitality and joy.  During the past 30 years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with many people experiencing a wide variety of health issues.  I am often asked what I would recommend to incorporate in a daily health regimen, and which supplements to have on hand when illness occurs.  While individual circumstances vary, the following recommendations can provide excellent nutritional and immune support for general health needs.

The foundation of health lies in creating a lifestyle that follows the natural conditions in which we were designed to live.  This includes daily meditation, contact with nature, fresh air, sunlight, exercise, spring or purified drinking water, fresh organic foods, periodic internal cleansing of toxins, adequate sleep and a positive attitude towards life. Avoiding drugs, vaccines, synthetic chemicals and heavy metals which are toxic to the body is also important, as well as excessive exposure to harmful electromagnetic fields cell phones, smart meters and other wifi devices. These unnatural substances and energies compromise the immune system and are at the core of most illnesses.

The healthiest diet for healing and maintaining health is brilliantly presented in the book, The Body Ecology Diet, by Donna Gates. This cleansing, nutritive and rejuvenating diet balances the pH of the body, is low-glycemic (low sugar), gluten-free, and incorporates food combining, the blood type diet, and fermented foods that are rich in enzymes and microflora (beneficial bacteria) that comprise 85% of a healthy immune system. This diet provides the nourishment and internal environment needed for healing digestive problems and bacterial, viral and fungal infections including candida.  It also supports the healing of chronic fatigue, cancer and neurological disorders such as ADD, autism, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.  As the body becomes balanced, weight and hormonal problems resolve and the immune system strengthens.  Those on the Body Ecology Diet experience increased energy and joy as the microflora in the fermented foods produce the feel-good neurotransmitters in the gut that are transported to the brain.  This diet is appropriate for both vegetarians and meat-eaters and can be adapted for paleo and ketogenic diets as well.  Menu plans and delicious recipes are included in the book which is a valuable reference for healthy living.

Body Ecology also has Starters for making your own fermented foods and Vitality SuperGreen, a tasty alkalizing, super-nutrient energizing powdered green drink, containing enzyme-rich fermented vegetables and seaweeds, algae, spirulina, gluten-free cereal grasses, fiber, probiotics and nutrients that enhance immunity and support intestinal health.

Antioxidant rich fruits containing high amounts of vitamin C and polyphenols such as goji berries, blueberries, pomegranates, camu camu, acerola cherries and red grapes provide a myriad of life-giving nutrients and boost the immune system.

Fresh bee pollen is a natural superfood containing over 180 nutritional ingredients including 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes and co-enzymes, and 14 fatty acids.  It is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, containing 50% more protein than beef.  It is rich in carotenes, the precursors of vitamin A, and high in B complex and vitamins C, D, E and lecithin.  Bee pollen speeds up the healing process and protects the body from free radical damage which is a major cause of cancer.  It also helps to clear acne, age spots and plump up wrinkles.  Its high rutin content helps to strengthen the capillary walls and heart and regulate blood pressure. Bee pollen boosts the reproductive, immune and nervous systems, has antibiotic properties and helps to relax the body and increase strength, stamina and energy

Nature’s Immune Stimulator is a capsulated formula that is especially beneficial when recovering from an acute or prolonged illness.  It contains a powerful blend of the following natural substances known for their immune stimulating abilities:  Beta glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that activates macrophages to fight bacteria, viruses and other foreign invaders. It also facilitates the transmission of cellular information among the macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, antibodies, interferons and interleukins, enhancing overall immune response.  Colostrum is secreted by the mammary glands of animals and contains essential immune factors that are vital for the newborn.  Studies show that colostrum recharges the immune system, destroys harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi, and speeds the healing of all body tissues.  Cordyceps is a rare edible mushroom that enhances macrophage, lymphocyte and anti-tumor activity and can provide protection against damage from chemotherapy and radiation.  Studies show that cordyceps polysaccharides support lung health, significantly inhibit leukemic cells by 83%, stimulate natural killer cells, and help to restore cellular immunological function in advanced cases of breast and lung cancer.  Maitake and reishi mushrooms have successfully been used in traditional Asian medicine to stimulate the immune system, and treat cancer and wasting disease.

While a healthy diet provides the elements of good nutrition, Vitamin D3, Iodine and Magnesium are three important nutrients that most humans are severely deficient in. These deficiencies contribute to the most prevalent modern diseases including all forms of cancer, weak immunity, hormonal imbalance, stress, chronic pain, anxiety and depression.  Daily adult intake of 5 to 10,000 IU of vitamin D3, 800 to 1200 mg of oral chelated magnesium and/or Magnesium Oil applied topically, and 13 mg of iodine (in the form of Seaweed Supplements or Nascent Iodine) are recommended to prevent needless suffering and enhance health. Higher doses may be needed in cases of illness, stress or severe deficiency.

Symptoms of illness such as headache, intestinal distress, respiratory congestion, fever, inflammation and pain are the body’s response to pathogens and toxins in the system.  Drugs that suppress these symptoms inhibit the body’s attempt to rid itself of the offending toxins that are the true cause of disease symptoms.  Drugs also add more burden to the body’s toxic overload which creates even more serious problems.  Periodic internal cleansing with herbs, colonics and liver-gallbladder flushes help to support the body’s natural healing process, increase resistance to disease, and keep the system in good working order.

Herbs that serve to cleanse the body of toxin-carrying mucus can be kept on hand to alleviate respiratory congestion and aid healing. Nature’s Sunshine’s ALJ is a highly effective herbal decongestant formula for colds, flu, and allergies which contains mullein, fennel, fenugreek, boneset and horseradish.  Available in capsule, vegetarian tablet or liquid form, it is safe for all ages and can be taken long-term for seasonal allergies.  Liquid Ginger Root is a natural remedy for nausea, and Intestinal Soothe and Build with slippery elm bark can help to soothe intestinal inflammation.  In cases of food poisoning or severe diarrhea, Activated Charcoal taken orally will absorb harmful pathogens and alleviate intestinal distress.

High Potency Colloidal Silver (150 ppm) is a potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal that can be sprayed into the nasal passages and throat and inhaled into the lungs for sore throat and sinus and bronchial infections.  Colloidal silver works by inhibiting the enzymes that pathogens utilize to survive. This is an effective natural alternative to antibiotics which destroy the beneficial microflora in the intestines and suppress the immune system.  I recommend spraying colloidal silver into the nasal passages and throat before boarding a plane or attending a public event to help prevent picking up any airborne disease-causing microbes found in crowded closed-in environments.  The rare case of argyria, resulting in the skin turning blue with long-term use is caused by poor quality unfiltered homemade silver, and should not be a concern with the purer grades of colloidal silver that are currently on the market.

One of the most exciting natural immune enhancers that is not commonly known is Lauricidin, derived from pure virgin unrefined coconut oil.  Lauricidin is a highly concentrated extremely pure extract of monolaurin which is a natural monoglyceride lipid (fat) that is a potent nontoxic antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.  Monolaurin is also present in a healthy mother’s breast milk, saw palmetto and bitter melon.  First discovered by Dr. Jon Kabara over 50 years ago, he formulated this extraordinary supplement that is far stronger an infection fighter than coconut oil or any other substance containing monolaurin, yet does not harm healthy cells or beneficial microflora.  Lauricidin also helps to regulate bowel function, biochemically balances the body, and can be taken with other medications when necessary.

Approved by the FDA, Lauricidin is the only monolaurin supplement that has undergone clinical trials and laboratory testing.  Its antiviral effect is due to monolaurin’s ability to disintegrate the lipid membrane of the virus and interfere with viral maturation.  Some of the viruses inactivated by Lauricidin are oral and genital herpes, Epstein Barr (chronic fatigue and mononucleosis), shingles, HIV, hepatitis C, cytomegalovirus, coronavirus (though not yet tested on the novel covid 19), visna virus, measles, several strains of influenza (including the swine flu), leukemia, viral pneumonia, vesicular-stomatitis, rubella, respiratory synctial virus, dengue virus, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis.  Research in Kenya with villagers suffering from HIV and other severe illnesses has shown dramatic improvements in the health of those given Lauricidin.

Lauricidin inactivates a large number of harmful bacteria, including dangerous antibiotic-resistant staph infections such as MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), enterococcus, and others. These superbugs continually mutate and become immune to even the most powerful drugs. MRSA infections are most common among those with weak immune systems and who are living in hospitals and nursing homes.  Infections usually appear around surgical wounds or invasive devices like catheters and feeding tubes.  It usually presents on the skin as a rash or sore that won’t heal but can spread throughout the body.  Rates of MRSA infection are rapidly rising around the world, causing more than 60% of staph infections.  Recently MRSA has been showing up in healthy people in the community with cases growing at an alarming rate.  One study of children in south Texas found that there had been a 14-fold increase of MRSA cases between 1999 and 2001.  In 2007 the CDC reported that 14% of all MRSA cases were acquired outside of health care facilities.  Unlike antibiotics, harmful microbes do not become resistant to Lauricidin.

Other strains of bacteria that are inactivated by Lauricidin are the gram-positive bacteria including bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Streptococcus agalactiae, clostridium perfringens, listeria monocytogenes, groups A, B, F & G streptococci, and mycobacteria.  Lauricidin inactivates some gram-negative bacteria including Chlamydia trachomatis, helicobacter pylorus (stomach ulcers), vibrio parahaemolyticus, mycoplasma pneumonia, neisseria gonorrhea, and salmonella typhimurium  (responsible for infecting those who ate contaminated peanuts).

Lauricidin is also effective against a wide variety of harmful yeasts, fungi and molds including candida utilis and candida albicans, toenail fungus, aspergillus niger (black mold), penicillum citrinum, and several species of ringworm.  Lauricidin will also kill a number of protozoa like giardia, and has been highly effective with Lyme’s Disease as well.  Further studies are underway at the Jon and Betty Kabara Cancer Institute at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin and the research is promising.  Lauricidin comes in tiny pellets that can be easily swallowed.  The pellets can also be melted in water and mixed with coconut oil or aloe to make a paste that can be applied topically to help quickly heal acne, skin infections and burns.  It has reportedly cleared up MRSA staph sores within a few days, while conventional medical treatments typically take weeks or may not be effective at all.  Lauricidin also appears to be effective for psoriasis and dental infections.

Lauricidin is safe for all ages and is highly recommended as a daily supplement to help enhance the immune system, prevent disease, and achieve optimal health.   Dosage should be increased gradually to ease detox symptoms from toxins released by the dead pathogens that are eliminated.

Carbon 60 may be the most powerful antioxidant available. The carbon 60 molecule consists of 60 carbon atoms that efficiently neutralize free radicals. When the cells are relieved of free radical oxidative burden, they can function at peak efficiency. Carbon 60 helps to detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, greatly enhance the immune system and increase energy and vitality. This miracle molecule also helps to protect the body from environmental toxins, radiation, and harmful electromagnetic fields. Tests show that Carbon 60 reduces tumor growth and extends lifespan in mice from 35% to 100%.

For all healing, regardless of the condition or choice of natural therapy, it is important to drink plenty of pure water and keep the eliminative channels open to allow the body to cleanse, rebuild and restore balance.

Terri Saunders is an Herbalist, Nutritional Consultant and Certified Natural Health Professional in Charlottesville, Virginia where she does in-person and telephone consultations and teaches classes on natural healing.  For information on consultations, classes and products mentioned in this article, call Sunrise Herb Shoppe at 434-984-2665, email sunherb@mindspring.com or see website at www.sunriseherbshop.com.