Your Immune System: How to build a strong foundation.

Dandelions Can’t Grow in Concrete

Consider this fact: Dandelions cannot grow in concrete. They seem to grow everywhere, menacing lawns and parks the world over, but they cannot grow through concrete. Imagine your immune system as that concrete. When it is healthy and strong, no weeds can take root within it. However, if we do not care for our immune system, if we eat poorly and fill our bodies with toxins, the concrete begins to crack allowing room for those dandelions to grow.

Louis Pasteur, the father of the Germ Theory of Disease, initially stated that microorganisms are the primary cause of disease. His life-long rival, Antoine Beauchamp, father of Terrain Theory, postulated that the condition or health of the host organism is the primary cause of disease. Surprisingly, on his deathbed Pasteur declared that Beauchamp was correct.

However, I feel that both theories offer an understanding of disease causation as well as prevention and healing. Many germs and microorganisms can be the causative agents promoting disease. However, they can only take root if the terrain allows. Remember there must be susceptibility before infection. This would explain why, when exposed to the same infectious organisms, some people will get sick and others will not.

How do you improve your terrain and prepare your immune system?

An infection prevention protocol to improve immune health must start with diet and gut health. We know that 70-80% of immunity resides in our gut! Then add safe micronutrients in the form of supplements to bolster the nutrition found in our food.

Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet (SAD, as I call it), is loaded with inflammatory high-fat, high-sugar foods which suppress our immune systems. The people at highest risk of COVID-19, based on statistics from the outbreak in Italy, are those with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases.

Most people do not consume an optimal quantity of vitamins and minerals by diet alone, especially with the consumption of processed and prepared foods. At minimum, consider taking both a probiotic and broad-spectrum multivitamin. Inadequate intake of nutrients has long been recognized as a contributing factor to many diseases in western culture. When choosing a multivitamin, consider products made from natural sources like our Renew Multimax vs. cheaper, synthetic sources that are heat compressed into a small tablet to make it easier to take. The many natural micronutrients in your Multimax contribute to proper function of your thyroid, adrenal glands, and hormone systems vital to the body’s natural defense functions, including supporting physical barriers (skin/mucosa), cellular immunity, and antibody production.

The following supplements can be taken daily to boost your immune system response:

Vitamin C: 2,000 – 4,000 mg daily, in divided doses
Vitamin D3/K2:  5,000 IU daily that contains Vitamin K2
Magnesium:  400 mg daily
Zinc:  10 – 20 mg daily - be careful with higher doses or this must be balanced with copper intake.
Selenium:  100 mcg daily

To make it even simpler we have our Renew Immune Daily supplement that contains a blend of some of the above nutrients and some others to balance and maintain optimal immune system function.


Herbal supplements include:

Elderberry
Echinacea
Medicinal Mushrooms:  Reishi, Turkey Tail, etc.
Quercetin
Garlic
Oregano

Other options known to help the immune system kill bacteria and viruses:

Iodine
Colloidal Silver

You can view a detailed list of ways to boost your immune system here:  https://www.drrohde.com/blog/dr-rohdes-tips-for-a-strong-immune-system

You can view Doc's full video here:  https://youtu.be/D9VoqYR64sw 

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to reduce stress which will significantly depress your immune system by increasing cortisol. Turn off the TV and your cell phone, enjoy nature, spend time with your family and friends, and work on improving your lifestyle.

Remember: weeds can’t grow in concrete! Keep your terrain strong and healthy so you can Live Your Best Life!

Author
Dr. Thomas Rohde Dr. Thomas Rohde Anti-Aging and Functional & Regenerative Medicine Physician