I only became aware of this disease when my niece was diagnosed. Her mom was diligent in getting to the root of the problem.  I always say that a parent needs to be their child’s advocate and push to get additional testing done, do your own research, network with others and change to another doctor if you find that it is not being taken seriously.

The USA Today has a 12 page supplement about celiac disease. The supplement, Celiac Disease: Your Guide to Living Gluten-Free, contains excellent information and is truly amazing awareness! There is great information from the Celiac Disease Foundation and Shelley Case, many advertisements, and even an Amy’s coupon. I found this article on Gluten Free Optimist blog which also has a lot of great info, resources  and products listed.
Additional resources:

Gary Null has referenced Celiacs  and benefits from antioxidant supplements in this article.

Zymactive is a high potency protein-digesting (proteolytic) formula is able to breakdown large allergenic food proteins into small non-allergenic peptides.  To read more about Proteolytic enzymes and their benefit read this article.

Gluten Free Diet

Low immune function refers to an underactive and poor performing immune system. The immune system’s prime function is to protect the body against infection and the development of cancer. Support and enhancement of the immune system is perhaps the most important step in achieving resistance to disease and reducing susceptibility to colds, flus, and cancer. Supporting the immune system involves a health-promoting lifestyle, stress management, exercise, diet, and the appropriate use of nutritional supplements and herbal medicines.

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, it is a sign that your immune system needs support:

• Do you catch colds easily?
• Do you get more than two colds a year?
• Are you suffering chronic infection?
• Do you get frequent cold sores or have genital herpes?
• Are your lymph glands sore and swollen at times?
• Do you have now or have you ever had cancer?

Recurrent or chronic infections-even very mild colds-only occur when the immune system is weakened. Under such circumstances, there is a repetitive cycle that makes it difficult to overcome the tendency toward infection: a weakened immune system leads to infection, infection causes damage to the immune system, which further weakens resistance. Enhancing the immune system can provide the answer to breaking the cycle.

What causes low immune function?

The health of the immune system is greatly impacted by a person’s emotional state, level of stress, lifestyle, dietary habits and nutritional status. Nutrient deficiency is the most frequent cause of a depressed immune system. An overwhelming number of clinical and experimental studies indicate that any single nutrient deficiency can profoundly impair the immune system.

What dietary factors are important in low immune function?

Optimal immune function requires a healthy diet that is (1) rich in whole, natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and nuts, (2) low in fats and refined sugars, and (3) contains adequate, but not excessive, amounts of protein. On top of this, for optimal immune function, an individual should drink five or six 8-ounce glasses of water per day (preferably pure); take a high potency multivitamin-mineral supplement; engage in a regular exercise program of at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise and 5-to-10 minutes of passive stretching daily; perform daily deep breathing and relaxation exercises; take time each day to play and enjoy family and friends; and still get at least 6-to-8 hours of sleep daily.

One of the more damaging food components to our immune system is sugar. In one study, the ingestion of 100 gram (roughly 3-1/2 ounces) portions of carbohydrate as glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and pasteurized orange juice all significantly reduced the ability of white blood cells (neutrophils) to engulf and destroy bacteria. In contrast, the ingestion of 100 grams of starch had no effect. These effects started within less than 30 minutes after ingestion and lasted for over 5 hours. Typically, there was at least a 50% reduction in neutrophil activity two hours after ingestion. Since neutrophils constitute 60-to-70% of the total circulating white blood cells, impairment of their activity leads to depressed immunity.

Some of the most important food components to enhance immune function are the carotenes. Many of the immune-enhancing effects of carotenes, as well as other antioxidants, are due to their ability to protect the thymus gland from damage. The thymus is the major gland of our immune system. It is composed of two soft, pinkish-gray lobes lying in a bib-like fashion just below the thyroid gland and above the heart. The thymus gland shows maximum development immediately after birth. During the aging process, the thymus gland undergoes a process of shrinkage or involution. The reason for this involution is that the thymus gland is extremely susceptible to free radical and oxidative damage caused by stress, drugs, radiation, infection, and chronic illness. When the thymus gland becomes damaged, its ability to control the immune system is severely compromised.

The thymus is responsible for many immune system functions, including the production of T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The thymus gland also releases several hormones, such as thymosin, thymopoeitin, and serum thymic factor, which regulate many immune functions. Low levels of these hormones in the blood is associated with depressed immunity and an increased susceptibility to infection. Typically, thymic hormone levels will be very low in the elderly; individuals prone to infection; cancer and AIDS patients; and when an individual is exposed to undue stress. Carotenes and other antioxidants may ensure optimal thymus gland activity by preventing damage to the thymus by free radicals and pro-oxidants.

Beyond protecting the thymus gland, carotenes have been shown to enhance the function of several types of white blood cells, as well as increase the antiviral and anticancer properties of our own immune system mediators, such as interferon. Simply stated, carotene-rich foods and drinks appear to be able to boost immunity.

Foods high in carotenes include colored vegetables, such as dark greens; yellow and orange squash, carrots, yams, and sweet potatoes; and red peppers and tomatoes. Also important for proper immune function, including protecting against cancer, is the inclusion of cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, collards, kale, and greens from mustard, radish and turnip), flavonoid rich berries, garlic and Jerusalem artichoke in the diet.

Yogurt has an ability to boost immune function, particularly when made with large amounts (billions per serving) of Bifidobacterium lactis. Consuming yogurt with Bifidobacterium lactis increases the proportions of total, helper, and activated T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Other effects include an increase in immune cells’ ability to phagocytize or engulf and destroy invaders as well as the tumor cell killing ability of their natural killer cells. Probiotic Supplement has no sugar and will give you the benefits without the sugar.

What nutritional supplements should I take for low immune function?

Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:

• MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
• Enriching Greens – a great tasting “greens drink” containing highly concentrated “greens” like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
• RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.

A high-potency multiple-vitamin and mineral formula is the first step in supporting the immune system with nutritional supplementation as it will address any underlying nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies of virtually any nutrient can result in significantly impaired immune function especially deficiencies of vitamins C, E, A, B6, B12, and folic acid. Minerals that are especially important are zinc, iron, and selenium. In addition to a multiple, some specific nutrients are helpful in boosting immune function: vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A.

The Seven Day Total Nutritional Cleansing Program from Natural Factors is a revolutionary approach to effectively eliminate stored toxins and tune-up your detoxification system. In my experience, increased exposure to gut-derived toxins and poor detoxification of environmental contaminants is one of the most common causes of low immune function. Since the launching of RevitalX and DetoxiTech as well as the Seven Day Total Nutritional Cleansing ProgramT at Natural Factors have received hundreds of life changing testimonials. For best results, follow the directions that come with the program kit. For more information, see my newsletter 02:02:2004 – Time to Revitalize and Detoxify.

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat viral infections including the common cold. Clinical studies in China have shown it to be effective when used as a preventive measure against the common cold. It has also been shown to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in acute treatment of the common cold, as well as raise white blood cell counts in chronic leukopenia (a condition characterized by low white blood cell levels). Research in animals indicates that astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system. In particular it appears to stimulate white blood cells to engulf and destroy invading organisms and cellular debris as well as enhance the production of interferon (a key natural compound produced by the body to fight viruses). Astragalus is one of the main components of the Anti-V product from Natural Factors. Other components of this formula include: EchinamideT – a patented, clinically proven, super-extracted Echinacea purpurea liquid that guarantees high levels of the three key active groups of compounds responsible for echinacea’s actions on the immune system: lomatium (Lomatium dissectum); reishi (Ganoderma lucidum); and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). As a general immune system tonic, take 50 drops or two capsules two times a day or as directed by your health practitioner.

Comment:

Our mood and attitude have a tremendous bearing on the function of our immune system. The bottom line is that when we are happy and optimistic, our immune system functions much better. Conversely, when we are depressed, our immune system tends to be depressed. When a person is under more stress or is depressed, they will need to make a conscious effort to boost their immune system – that includes taking their supplements. It is not only major life stresses that can cause depressed immune function, but the more significant the stressor the greater the impact on the immune system. Negative emotions suppress immune function while positive emotions enhance immune function. In my clinical practice, whenever patients are suffering from low immune function I will ask them who their favorite comedian is and then write a prescription for them to watch a movie or TV show that features that comedian. The bottom line is that if you want to have a healthy immune system, you need to laugh often.

How do I know if the program is working?

Fewer colds and other virus infections, shorter bouts of infections, and better overall resistance to infections.

One serving (1 tsp) of RxOmega-3 FactorsTM provides 1500 mg of EPA and 750 mg of DHA Omega-3 fatty acids. RxOmega-3 FactorsTM liquid oil has a pleasant orange flavor and is also available in softgel capsules.

Take the liquid over the softgel because it goes directly into your blood stream and you get the benefits much quicker then through a softgel.

Benefits

Dosage for liquid

Contraindications

Additional Information

Dosage for softgel:

Contraindications

Additional Information

Your digestive system, immune system, bloodstream, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas, as well as your ability to see, think, feel and breathe, all depend on enzymes. All of the minerals and vitamins you eat, and all of the hormones your body produces need enzymes in order to work properly. In fact, enzymes govern every single metabolic function in your body: your stamina, energy level, ability to utilize vitamins and minerals, immune system and more. The vast majority of metabolic enzymes in the body – the enzymes that regulate everything from liver function to the immune system – are proteases, or proteolytic enzymes, which regulate protein function in the body. When we eat foods that are enzyme dead (cooked or processed), we force the body to divert its production of enzymes away from proteolytic enzymes, which govern metabolic functions, into digestive proteolytic enzymes designed to break down dead proteins in our diets. The consequences of this’diversion are enormous. Conversely, the benefits of supplementing with proteolytic enzymes are profound. And by supplementing, I mean:

Supplementing with “digestive” proteolytic enzymes at meals to ease the burden on the body, so it no longer has to divert its resources.

Supplementing with “special” proteolytic enzymes between meals, so the enzymes can enter the bloodstream and augment the proteolytic functions of our metabolic enzymes.

It’s possible to use good-quality digestive enzymes for both functions and receive a significant amount of benefit. But it’s far more beneficial to use formulas that are optimized for each particular function. With that in mind, let’s now look at some of the profound benefits of supplementing with a dedicated proteolytic formula. These include:

• Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury. However, excessive inflammation retards the healing process. Proteolytic enzymes reduce inflammation by neutralizing the biochemicals of inflammation (i.e., bradykinins and pro-inflammatory eicosanoids) to levels at which the synthesis, repair and regeneration of injured tissues can take place.1 Reducing inflammation can have immediate impact on improved heart health, cancer prevention and recovery, and Alzheimer’s prevention. It also helps speed up recovery from sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, contusions, surgery and arthritis. In one study, football players who suffered from ankle injuries found that proteolytic enzyme supplements accelerated healing and got the players back on the field 50 percent faster than athletes who received placebo tablets. (My son and I would be great examples of that.)  Achilles heel injury and PCL injury healed much faster then any other patient they had in their office.

  Other trials have shown that supplemental proteolytic enzymes can help reduce inflammation, speed healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures), and reduce overall recovery time when compared to athletes taking a placebo. And even in patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries, treatment with proteolytic enzymes significantly reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness compared to placebo groups

• Cleansing the blood of debris: Proteolytic enzymes are the primary tools the body uses to “digest” organic debris in the circulatory and lymph systems. Supplementing merely improves the effectiveness of the process.
• Dissolving fibrin in the blood, reducing the risk of clots: Certain specialized proteases such as nattokinase are extremely effective at improving the “quality” of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system, and reducing the risk of clots.8 This is extremely important in reducing the risk of stroke. It also makes using proteolytic enzymes during long plane flights a no-brainer, as they minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs.
• Maximized immune system: The primary vehicle the immune system uses for destroying invaders is enzymes. Macrophages, for example, literally digest invaders with proteolytic enzymes. Supplementation significantly improves the ability of your immune system to do its job.
• Killing of bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi: Bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi are protein/ amino acid-based. Proteolytic enzymes taken between meals literally go into the bloodstream and digest these invaders.
• Elimination of autoimmune diseases: Large undigested proteins make their way into the bloodstream and form circulating immune complexes (CICs), which trigger allergies and autoimmune diseases. Supplemental proteolytic enzymes clean CICs out of the body, thereby reducing allergies and autoimmune conditions. In addition, this helps with sinusitis and asthma.
• Dissolving of scar tissue: Scar tissue is made of protein. Proteolytic enzymes can effectively “digest” scar tissue – particularly in the circulatory system.
• And finally, a properly designed supplemental proteolytic enzyme formula can help reduce the symptoms of MS, clean out the lungs and aid in detoxing.

  The vast majority of metabolic enzymes in the body – the enzymes that regulate everything from liver function to the immune system – are proteases, or proteolytic enzymes, which regulate protein function in the body.
  

Zymactive, Repair, ViraStop are all examples of supplements that have Proteoloytic Enymes.