Strengthening your Immune System With the weather changing all the time, the combined effects of stress and lack of sleep and sometimes overwork make gay men particularly vulnerable to colds and the flue. According to herbalists, there are a number of herbs and supplements that can boost the immune system.

Echinacea
A cone-shaped, purple flower, Echinacea has been used by Native Americans for afflictions ranging from snake-bites to the flue. Over 440 studies have been performed on this herb, and research has found that Echinacea stimulates phagocytosis, or the engulfing of foreign particles (such as bacteria) by between 20-40%. As well, research has suggested that Echinacea stimulates T-cell formation and inhibits hyaluronidase, an enzyme that helps bacteria gain access to healthy cells. Echinacea is available fresh, freeze-dried, dried, as an alcohol-based extract, as a tea or in liquid or capsule form. Herbalists recommend taking Echinacea every hour as soon as symptoms of infection are noticed.

Astragulus
A second herb called astragulus is purpoted to have immune-strengthening functions. The root of astraguls has been used in China for thousands of years and recent research has found that Astragulus can increase the number of stem cells in marrow and increase the development of stem cells into active immune cells. A study at the University of Texas found that treatments with Astragulus was able to restore immune function to damaged immune cells, while another study found that Astragulus decreased common cold incidence as well as reducing the course of the illness. On average, the course of illness in patients receiving Astragulus treatment was 2.6 days while the course of the illness in patients in a control group was 4.6 days. Dosages of Astragulus range from 9-30 grams.

Goldenseal
Goldenseal has been recognized by most western pharmacopeias for its antibiotic properties. One of the components of Goldenseal, the alkaloid berberine, increases the blood flow through the spleen and increases the activity of white blood cells. The recommended dosage is 0.6-2.6 grams. Note that Goldenseal should not be taken daily for more than one week. Also, Goldenseal should be used with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.

Zinc
This supplement, zinc, is essential for proper functioning of the immune system, and studies have found that zinc deficiency is linked to impaired immune function. Zinc enhances the production of the cytokines interferon and interleukin II, regulatory proteins that activate white blood cells. Zinc should be taken in chelated form. A word of caution: studies have also found that too much zinc can actually weaken the immune system instead of strengthening it.

If you want to make it through the change in temperatures and climate without getting sick, the above may help strengthen your immune system, and reduce the likelihood of catching a cold or the flu. Don’t forget to get enough sleep, eat properly and exercise!

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