The Immune System

The strength of our immune systems ability to respond is easily assessed when we consider how often we get a cold in a year, or outbreaks of cold sores, warts, lymphatic swellings or recurrent infections. The answer to these questions gives rise to further investigation which aids in determining the risk factors at work in compromising our ability to fight off infections.

 

These factors include:

 

• Stress levels and our perception of that stress

• Nutrient availability and absorption

• Lifestyle choices (alcohol, tobacco and non medical drug use)

• Sleep quality

• Diet

• Body weight & caloric intake

• Regular exercise

• Hydration

 

The above issues are assessed and then considered in the diagnosis which would follow either of these two treatment paths:

 

Immune enhancement

• Prevention in supporting a healthy lifestyle

• Treatment of acute or chronic infections that may exist as bacterial, viral, fungal or of mixed origin

• Treatment of allergy responses that are either dietary or airborne

• Chronic degenerative illnesses with immune compromise (eg. Cancer)

• Chronic inflammatory reactions

 

Immune modulation

Immune modulation is important in autoimmune disorders where there is a production of autoantibodies to a self created antigen with resulting injury to the host tissue with persistent inflammation such as in Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus, Rheumatoid arthritis or Myasthenia Gravis.

Our mission is to first assess the strength, response and effectiveness of the immune system by using laboratory testing and physical examination. After these diagnostic tests are completed, therapeutic protocols are set up that will address the related immune compromise.

 

Depending on the protocol necessary, some of these therapies may be instituted:

 

• Diet modification and weight loss programs

• Nutritional supplementation

• Detoxification

• Traditional Chinese medicine

• Acupuncture

• Intravenous therapies that include nutrient boosts

• Antioxidant protocols such as Vitamin C and Glutathione therapies to reduce free radical damage

 

At Mind Body Spirit Center we see the stability and responsiveness of the Immune System as the basis of healing from any condition. Treatments are developed to address the body as a whole.