Principle 4: Boosting your immune system

Our bodies constantly deal with mutated cancer cells, long before we are diagnosed with cancer. Most people don’t develop cancer, because their immune system is up to the task of destroying the cells before they take over. Too many toxins and not enough nutrients eventually take their toll on all of our systems, especially our immune system. Our bodies are wonderfully designed to heal themselves, if only we help them. Most of western medicine’s cancer treatments further compromise our immune systems, right when we need it most. In addition to getting rid of toxins and meeting our nutritional needs, we can boost our natural immunity in order to help our bodies to heal.

  • How the immune system works
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Our microbiome and immunity
  • Lymphatic circulation
  • Top 10 immune-boosting substances
  • Recipes

How the immune system works

The immune system is a network of cells, vessels, and organs working together to protect the body from pathogens. Key components are lymph nodes, organs, and tissue, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow. Lymph nodes trap bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens and immune cells kill them. Immune cells are lymphocytes (T-, B- and Natural Killer cells), neutrophils, and monocytes/macrophages. These are all types of white blood cells. WBCs are made in the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow.

Breasts are part of the lymphatic/immune system as well as the endocrine system and, in my opinion, should not be parted with willy-nilly. Please research the role of these organs and weigh the cost of compromising both systems, before you have them removed to simply prevent getting breast cancer. They are vital to your health and healing. It is possible to be monitored more closely if you are at increased risk and, frankly, you might need breasts if you do suffer health challenges.

Chemotherapy kills fast-dividing cells to target cancer. Unfortunately, bone marrow gets caught in the crossfire. Both chemotherapy and radiation damage the immune system for at least 9 months after treatment.1 The last thing you need is to succumb to other things because of a weakened immune system. If you do choose those treatments, it’s important you protect and boost your immune system through the ways we’ve discussed.

Toxins, chronic infections, and stress overwhelm the immune system and weaken it. Increased cortisol leads to inflammation, placing a higher load on the immune system, damaging the gut lining, and allowing food particles to leak into the bloodstream, triggering food allergies and confusion in the immune system as to what is an invader, creating more inflammation , and sometimes triggering an auto-immune response… not an optimal bioterrain.

  1. Immune system takes long time to recover after breast cancer chemo

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases, when your immune system gets confused and hyperactive and starts to attack your body’s systems inappropriately, are on the rise. Over 80 different autoimmune diseases have been identified, and it is estimated than between 23.5 and 50 million Americans are affected. Women account for 75% of autoimmune disease. Examples include systemic lupus, Hashimoto thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile (type 1) diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Addison disease, vitiligo, and pulmonary fibrosis. Type 2 diabetes is currently being reclassified as an autoimmune disease as well.

Like cancer, they are thought to be a function of genetic and environmental factors. Autoimmune diseases and cancer are linked but the nature of the relationship has not been determined. Are they both caused by shared factors, such as environmental toxins gumming up the works, or does one play a causal role? They both compete to control the immune system and auto-immune diseases can play a role in the efficacy of CCT, particularly immunotherapy. Whether your immune system is not firing on all cylinders or is in hyperdrive, the health of your microbiome is important.

Our microbiome and immunity

92% of the DNA in our bodies is not human and belongs to the roughly 100 trillion good and bad bacteria, fungi and viruses that live on/inside the body comprising our microbiome. The potentially huge role it plays in immunity and cancer represents the leading edge of cancer research. The healthier our microbiome is, the less the chain of events described above will happen, the better our immune system will function, and the healthier we will be.

Lymphatic circulation

We’ve discussed how the lymph system is dependent on us to circulate lymph since it has no muscles of its own. Dry skin brushing, massage, bouncing on a mini trampoline, long walks, yoga, and exercise can all facilitate this.

Research shows exercise can benefit the cancer patient by building bone marrow, moving lymph, and by regulating inflammation, thus boosting immunity. Yoga is a great exercise to boost lymph circulation as many of the asanas, or poses, twist and stretch our bodies in ways that release and circulate lymph.

To dry-brush, you need a dry brush (online or at the health store) and you need to be naked and dry. I start with my feet, making my way up to my chest in gentle, circular motions. You may need help for your back. Next do the arms starting with the hands. Finish with a shower to rinse off toxins.

My top 10 immune-boosting substances

There are many substances that boost your immune system and I include only those I use regularly here. Many are in my ‘magic powder.’  I rotate their use, taking occasional holidays to keep cancer cells guessing and my immune system on its toes. The Substances Grid in Part Three shows more. Discuss potential estrogenic effects with your naturopath if your cancer is HR+.

Medicinal mushrooms.

Pretty much all mushrooms contain beta glucans, which are great for boosting your immunity and can also boost the efficacy of monoclonal antibody immunotherapies. Beta glucans are known as ‘biological response modifiers’ because of their ability to activate the immune system. They make the immune system work better without becoming overactive. In addition to enhancing the activity of the immune system, beta-glucans also reportedly lower elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, aid in wound healing, help prevent infections, and have potential in cancer treatment.

Beta-glucans prevent oncogenesis due to the protective effect against potent carcinogens. They can be an immunostimulating agent, reduce tumor proliferation, and prevent tumor metastasis through anti-angiogenesis.1 And orally administered beta-D-glucan enhanced the anti-tumor effects of monoclonal antibodies against established tumors in mice.2

What does all this mean? First, beta glucans are good for you… they boost your immune system and they kill cancer. Second, if you are using a monoclonal antibody (Herceptin, Perjeta, etc.), then by ingesting beta glucans, you are most likely increasing the efficacy of that drug! And where do you find beta glucans besides mushrooms? Oats, barley, and brewer yeast. Isn’t that fascinating? A great example of ways in which we can augment our diet, boost our immune system, and help our body work with immunotherapy to fight our cancer! I heard about this from a naturopathic oncologist whose job it is to wed the two approaches. I then researched and found the abstracts in peer-reviewed medical journals, printed them out, and have shown them to numerous (regular) medical oncologists who say, “that’s nice” and then toss them into the garbage.

What? How can you be a medical oncologist and NOT be fascinated by something your patient can add to their diet to make the medicine you are administering more effective? If it doesn’t come from a pharmaceutical company, its doesn’t have legitimacy, I guess. In their defense, they are waiting for more clinical trials in humans. But many of us don’t have time to wait for the trial that is just a gleam in someone’s eye. We have nothing to lose by adding mushrooms, oats, and barley into our diet based on the research that has been done.

In addition to cooking wild and exotic mushrooms, I buy bulk powder containing 10 species of organic, medicinal mushrooms and put it in my ‘magic powder.’ I use Myco Formula Immune Defense.3 I also try to include oats and barley regularly in my diet as another source of beta glucans.

Astragalus (Huang Qi).

Astragalus is an adaptogenic herb that boosts immunity, kills bacteria and viruses, and fights tumor growth. I found many references to its effectiveness against breast cancer and even how it can overcome multidrug resistance when used with chemotherapy4 but I do have to report that I found a study that says calycosin, a biologically active component, can stimulate the proliferation of hormone receptor positive breast cancer cells.5 I am not ER+ so I have no qualms about taking it. It is in my magic powder and I take one tablet per day for a few days preceding my monthly infusion to ensure that my blood counts are good. Works like a charm. (See Part Three)

Resveretrol (Hu Zhang).

Resveretrol is a powerful anti-oxidant that decreases inflammation, stimulates mitochondrial activity, stabilizes blood sugar, and suppresses cancer-signaling pathways. It is touted as a powerful anti-cancer preventative but again, I have found warnings that it should be avoided with estrogen-positive cancer. Resveretrol is in red grapes (and wine), berries, chocolate, and other sources. Organic Japanese knotwood (Hu Zhang ) is the most concentrated source of resveratrol and I use it in my magic powder.

Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, Cayenne, Clove, and Cinnamon.

Okay, you caught me, that’s six, not one. But I consider them the magic healing herbs and when I use one, I use all. I keep powdered and fresh versions on hand and put them in virtually everything I cook, even the drinks and tonics I prepare, hot and cold. Have I mentioned that in addition to being NEAD since May 2014, I never get ill? When someone is sick, I make them my warm tonic from these spices with honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Garlic is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and boosts your immune system by increasing the rate that NaturalKiller cells are made. Allicin, its active compound, is 15 times more powerful than penicillin. Always use organic to avoid the radiated garlic from China and other toxins.

I have cured my plantar’s warts and a fungal infection on my cat’s nose by rubbing garlic on topically. Yeah, I know, you want to see the video of me rubbing garlic on my cat’s nose. : ) Ginger is an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which also boosts T-cell production. It contains 6-shogaol, a compound that targets breast cancer stem cells.6 Curcumin is the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric and kills cancer and prevents tumor growth. It is also an anti-parasiticide. Black pepper helps the body absorb curcumin. Capsaicin is the cancer-killing, immune-boosting component of cayenne. Clove reduces inflammation, boosts immune response, kills parasites, and inhibits tumor growth. Cinnamon reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, regulates blood sugar and contains cinnamaldehyde, a cancer killer. I carry a mixture of these spices in an old pill bottle in my purse and sprinkle them on food and drinks when out. Everything tastes better!

Oregano and Teatree Oils.

Both oregano and tea tree oils are powerful antimicrobials. Oil from the leaves and flowers is a very effective concentrated immune booster. An anti-oxidant high in phenols, they target fungus, bacteria, parasites, and viruses. An important difference is that tea tree oil should only be used topically as it can be poisonous when ingested. Use either topically to prevent infection in wounds, or kill nail fungus. (When my cat predictably rebelled against my rubbing garlic on his nose, I switched to a tea tree oil balm I made with coconut oil which finished the job with no more cat scratches on my part).

Oregano oil can be purchased in capsules or put under the tongue to internally boost the immune system and fight pathogens. It has been found to be more effective in neutralizing hard-to-kill germs than most chemical antibiotics. I dose it to anyone who feels their immune system is under attack with remarkable results. Put a few drops in boiling water and inhale the steam for stubborn sinus infections. A variety of essential oils have immune-boosting qualities.7 They bind to receptors that stimulate the immune system.

Wormwood (Artemesinin).

As we discussed, wormwood is a highly effective parasiticide. In addition to killing worms, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-malarial agent that kills cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. 8 It also strengthens immune systems.

Vitamins C and D.

Phagocytes and t-cells require Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant. A deficiency results in a reduced resistance against pathogens. It is often recommended as an immune-boosting protection. As discussed in Nutrition, Vitamin D’s power is in boosting the immune system by modulating innate and adaptive immune responses, ‘triggering and arming’ T-cells. Most of us are deficient to some extent, which has been linked to a weakened immune system allowing infections and disease conditions to thrive. Rectifying the deficiency boosts the immune system, allowing the body to heal itself from many conditions. Sunlight exposure and supplement with vitamins D3 and K .

Echinacea/Goldenseal combination.

Research suggests echinacea and goldenseal enhance immune function by increasing antigen-specific antibody production. They work to boost T-cell production and purify blood in different ways so using a combination delivers a good one-two punch.

Zinc and selenium.

In addition to being essential minerals the body uses for a variety of functions, these two micronutrients play an important modulating role of the immune system. Selenium is needed for the proper functioning of neutrophils, macrophages, NK cells, T lymphocytes and other immune mechanisms. Elevated intake may be associated with reduced cancer risk and may alleviate other pathological conditions including oxidative stress and inflammation. Zinc is required as a catalytic, structural and regulatory ion for enzymes, proteins and transcription factors, and is thus a key trace element in many homeostatic mechanisms of the body, including immune responses. Physiological supplementation of zinc for 1-2 months restores immune responses, reduces the incidence of infections and prolongs survival.9

Fish oil and Omega-3s.

Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation and boost the immune system by enhancing immune cell function. DHA-rich fish oil enhances the activity of white blood cells known as B cells. It is possible to have too much. I am allergic to fish but take fish oil with no ill effects.

  1. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system
  2. Orally administered beta-glucans enhance anti-tumor effects of monoclonal antibodies
  3. Mycoformulas Immune blend
  4. Reversal of multidrug resistance of human hepatic cancer cells
  5. Calycosin promotes proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive cells
  6. 6-Shogaol Inhibits Breast Cancer Cells
  7. 4 Aromatherapy Recipes to Boost Your Immune System
  8. Artemisinin induces apoptosis in human cancer cells
  9. Modulatory effects of selenium and zinc on the immune system

Immune-boosting Recipes

Immunity tonic.

Steep tea (green, moringa, pau d’arc, tulsi, etc.) in boiling water with thinly sliced or minced fresh garlic, ginger, horseradish, jalapeños, and turmeric, cinnamon and whole cloves, and fresh orange and lemon pulp and juice. Cool, strain, add honey and ACV to taste. Enjoy hot or cold.

Tinctures.

Make concentrated tinctures of any immune-boosting substances by using high-proof alcohol as a base. Mince roots, leaves, and/or flowers and infuse in alcohol in sealed glass for a month+. Tinctures can be placed under the tongue for maximum absorption . Chinese immune-boosting roots such as ashwagandha, rhodiola , and astragalus make powerful tinctures. Thieves oil, used in the middle ages by thieves looting corpses to protect themselves from the plague is made by combining equal parts of the following essential oils: rosemary, lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, orange, cinnamon, and clove. You can suspend it in water, pure alcohol or vinegar. During cold and flu season, I keep it in a small spray bottle in the car and spray my face and hands before and after I brave the germy world out there. I also fly with it.

Soups.

Using bone broth and fresh vegetables, I include the following if immune-boosting is a goal: astragalus root, wild mushrooms (the more variety the better), and as much onion, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and garlic as you can. Roasting the garlic first enhances the flavor and aids with digestion.

Immunity Syrup.

Puree onion, garlic, lemon juice, ACV, and honey.

 

This post, Boosting Immunity, is from Book 2 of my Thrive Tribe Series, What I Did and Do and Why, a naturopathic protocol that helps me to survive and thrive, available from the bookstore, starting at $7. I am posting the entire book sequentially, in its entirety, on this blog once a week. Subscriptions are free.

Nothing contained on this website nor in my blogs or books should be construed as medical advice. I am not a doctor. I am a Stage IV metastatic breast cancer thriver who is currently NEAD and simply sharing my journey in the hopes it helps you to find your power and path. Please research anything I share to determine if it is a good choice for you. I believe in you! Bless you all on the path you choose.

All original content contained on this blog, What I did and do and why, is copyrighted 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Kaiulani Facciani, Snarling Wolf, Inc.