Improving Immune System Function
While toxins certainly have an influence on immune system health and activity, there are many other factors involved. Genetics play a role and some individuals are prone to either immuno-suppression (reduced immune system function) or hyper-immunity (an over-active immune system that may cause oxidative stress or an autoimmune reaction). As an example, asthma sufferers are prone to the hyper-immune response that leads to an asthma attack. Medications can also cause immune system dysfunction. Steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs and medications to treat autoimmune diseases will reduce the activity of the immune system and increase the risk for opportunistic infection. As an alternative, there are compounds that function as “immuno-modulators”. These compounds act to improve overall immune system function without the risk of a hyper-immune response.
To reiterate, the immune system exists in a delicate balance. It needs to recognize foreign invaders to be able to protect the body, but the reaction needs to be measured. If the immune system over-reacts to a stimulus, it may cause much more damage than the original foreign body may have caused. As an example, an overactive immune system creates damaging free radicals that may increase risk for cancer or heart disease. It may also create inflammation that can cause tissue damage. Lastly, a hyper-immune response may create autoimmunity, where the immune system attacks normal, healthy tissue. Because of these risks, it is vital to create a viable check and balance system to maintain proper immune system health. This may be possible with natural immuno-modulating agents.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used as functional foods for thousands of years and clinically for more than a hundred years. The main constituents of the mushroom cell wall are polysaccharides that have been known to act as immuno-modulators. Specifically, β-glucans (“Beta-glucans”) have been shown to improve overall immune system health without the risk for hyper-immunity.
