Immunodeficiency is a collective term for various diseases of the immune system, characterized by a temporary or irreversible weakening of the protective function of the body.
Congenital immunodeficiencies are relatively rare diseases; most of them are caused by a defect in genetic information.
The most common cause of acquired immunodeficiency is HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus.
The disorder also occurs due to bone marrow diseases, malnutrition, and hypovitaminosis.
Why use folk remedies to increase immunity - a futile exercise?
The immune system includes cells, tissues and hormonal compounds that perform different tasks. Therefore, immunity can neither be reduced nor increased. Strengthening the function of one component of the immune system (anti-inflammatory, for example) leads to a decrease in the other (pro-inflammatory). Despite common misconceptions, folk remedies to increase immunity are ineffective for colds.
An increase in the activity of immunity is called allergic reactions, which can lead to fatal consequences - angioedema with subsequent death. Excessive "strengthening" of the immune system leads to autoimmune diseases: when the body's defense system is directed against its own cells.
Folk remedies for enhancing immunity: food
1. Dice the pumpkin, mix with hot water and add honey. Let it brew for 20-30 minutes and take 4 times a day.
Doctor's comment: pumpkin seeds are used for problems with the bladder and prostate gland. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamin E, and also contains phytosterols, which lower the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.
Fiber accelerates intestinal motility and reduces the likelihood of constipation. Vitamin E is a derivative of tocol and an antioxidant. According to the 2016 Cochrane Meta-Analysis, antioxidants do not increase life expectancy, as previously thought. Useless recipe.
2. Mix the chopped carrot slices with boiled water, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt and take 3 times a day.
Doctor's comment: carrots contain multivitamin A- mainly α- and β-carotenes. Depending on the variety and cultivation conditions, the concentration of carotene can vary from 5 to 30 mg per 100 g of fresh carrots. In addition to the sugar content, essential oils and fruit acids are responsible for the taste of the vegetable.
Carotene is a yellow-orange pigment that is a powerful antioxidant and a precursor to retinol. With hypovitaminosis A, a herbal remedy can normalize a weakened immune system, and in other cases, the effect is comparable to placebo.
3. The use of olive oil.
Doctor's comment: olive, like all vegetable oils, consists mainly of fatty acids associated with glycerin (triglycerides). It also contains 55-83% oleic, 7-20% palmitic, 3-21% linoleic, 0-5% stearic and 0-4% palmitoleic acids. About 0.15 to 0.37% are phytosterols. In addition, it contains a small amount of phospholipids, carotenoids, Α-tocopherol and about 300 IU of vitamin A.
Olive oil is not a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids or polyunsaturated fatty acids. With long-term consumption of oil, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases decreases, but it practically does not affect the immune system.
4. Boil 2 salmon fish, chop onion, garlic and take 2-3 times a day.
Doctor's comment: salmon is the most valuable food product that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon fish can be eaten raw, boiled, fried and smoked. Cultured salmon contains significantly more fat (6 to 10%) than wild salmon.
Omega-3 fatty acids are the precursors of anti-inflammatory mediators. Long-term use of salmon thins the blood, reduces inflammation and pain. However, with viral, bacterial or fungal infestations, salmon is useless because it does not contain antiseptic substances.
5.4-5 kiwi per day.
Doctor's comment: Kiwi contains more vitamin C (1 kiwi covers the daily need for ascorbic acid) than many other fruits, and is a source of potassium. Kiwi also contains pectin, amino acids, beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, manganese and vitamin A.
According to Spanish studies, kiwi reduces blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease with constant use. Contrary to outdated data, vitamin C in healthy people does not prevent the occurrence of colds or bacterial diseases. Useless recommendation.
Folk remedies to enhance immunity: herbal medicine
1. Ginger.
Doctor's comment: ginger extract has a positive effect on both the attention and cognitive functions of healthy middle-aged women. Ginger increases the concentrations of norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. 6-gingerol also inhibits the cholinesterase enzyme, which in turn increases the concentration of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter, which plays an important role in learning and memory.
Scientific studies have also revealed the analgesic properties of ginger. Ginger acts as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase, which inhibits the release of leucotrienes and prostaglandins. Therefore, ginger is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger does not contain either immunostimulatory or antibacterial substances, therefore it is useless for colds or bacterial diseases. In moderate doses, it helps reduce inflammation with an existing infection.
2. Daily use of motherwort in the form of tea.
Doctor's comment: motherwort has a negative chronotropic effect, reduces blood pressure, reduces spasms and anxiety. However, there are no results of pharmacological studies that confirm the above effects.
Essential oil consists of mono- and sesquiterpenes, 5-9% tannins, ursolic acid and various derivatives of caffeic acid. Antiviral or antibacterial effects have not been proven in any large randomized trial.
3. 2-4 g of dried linden flowers is recommended to pour boiling water and let it brew for 20-30 minutes.
Doctor's comment:linden tree contains pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances. The suppression of inflammatory processes is associated with flavonoids - kaempferol and quercetin. Linden flowers have a slight immunomodulatory effect, which does not statistically significantly affect the condition of patients.
4. Take a decoction of coriander cones before bedtime with lemon juice.
Doctor's comment: Coriander essential oil has digestive, antispasmodic and soothing effects on the stomach and intestines. Coriander, however, is weaker than caraway or fennel. It can also be used to combat bloating. With primary or secondary immunodeficiency, coriander is ineffective.
Statistics in Switzerland show that 15% of allergy sufferers are sensitive to coriander. This hypersensitivity is one of the most dangerous side effects of a herbal remedy. In sensitive individuals, coriander may also cause photoallergic skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Dangerous recipe.
Folk remedies for enhancing immunity: vitamin C
1. A large amount of ascorbic acid.
Doctor's comment:A systematic review of studies on the effects of vitamin C on colds by Cochrane Collaboration showed that consuming up to 2 g of ascorbic acid reduces the risk of colds by 5% - this is a statistically insignificant indicator. In the subgroup that performed hard physical work (marines in exercises in the snow), a clinically significant effect was observed - by 50%.
Vitamin C treatment after the first symptoms of a cold (7 studies, more than 3,000 episodes of the disease) showed no significant difference with placebo, neither for the symptoms, nor for the duration of the disease. The researchers who conducted the review concluded that "the use of excessively high vitamin C for the prevention of colds due to lack of effect is not justified."
Scientists argue that the effect will be noticeable only at very large doses; but in this case it is almost impossible to conduct a double-blind study, since there is a risk of life-threatening side effects. Therefore, the recipe is dangerous.
Folk remedies to increase immunity either do not have a therapeutic effect at all, or relieve the symptoms of diseases - inflammation, pain or itching. Any herbal remedies can be taken after consultation with your doctor. Self-medication is not recommended, especially with primary immunodeficiency.
