Are my supplements making me sick? Caution with herbal or food supplements
Herbal or food supplements can be a double edged sword. In some circumstances they can be very helpful,
but in others they can be detrimental. Some
of this has to do with the immune stimulating properties of many herbs and
foods. Some commonly consumed compounds
like mushrooms (Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake), chlorella, spirulina, panax gingseng,
ashwaganda, echinacea, licorice, astragalus,
lemon balm, pomegranate, goldenseal, and melotonin (hormone) stimulate cellular
immunity (Th1). Other things like coffee, green tea, chocolate, grapeseed, pinebark, pycnogenol, and, acai stimulate
humoral immunity (Th2). Consumption of
these foods or herbs can be problematic with autoimmunity (the immune system
attacks self -tissue). When someone has
autoimmunity (remember, it is more common than cancer or cardiovascular disease),
these immune stimulants can push the immune system into overdrive or tip it in
the wrong direction. This can promote or
perpetuate autoimmunity. Sometimes
immune challenges (purposeful consumption of immune stimulating herbs looking for a response) are utilized to identify if one has a reaction to Th1 or Th2
stimulating herbs. This can provide some
insight into this mechanism, and if positive reactions are noted can be very
suggestive of autoimmunity (if undiagnosed). For more information on autoimmunity visit my webpage at http://www.functionalneuro.com/autoimmunity.html or see my previous "Profound Yet Overlooked" posts.
Yours in health, Dr. Caffery
Disclaimer: The contents of this site are for educational purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical advice. Nothing here is a substitute for actual medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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