If a person has a weakened immune system, are they more likely to get cancer?
Q. My friend has just had a malignant tumor removed, and is planning on taking a trip to India in two months. I'm worried that her weakened immune system combined with the exposure to foreign diseases may make her immune system even weaker. I'm afraid such a trip could make her body even more ill, and that her cancer may return. What do you think?
Asked by KBSCam - Thu Sep 27 16:52:34 2007 - - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Exposure to diseases and disease-causing organisms actually strengthens your immune system in the same way as vaccines do, by stimulating the production of antibodies. Interferon is a substance used by the body against cancers, too. If her immune system is actually weakened (depends on what sort of neoplasm she had), the risk of contracting infections would be the main worry, rather then weakening the immune system further. This would also be the case if she had chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which damage the immune system as an inevitable side effect. Psychologically, the sunny weather (not wise to go in Indian summer AApril-JulyA) in November is like the British summer (Indian winter), and might generally help boost mood and morale.
Answered by Mike Joy - Thu Sep 27 17:19:08 2007

Can the immune system actually help the brain to work?
Q. I have suggested in other questions that some depression may be caused by the immune system attacking the brain as in MS and other diseaes. One symptom of MS is depression caused by the immune system attacking the brain. But if some depression is an auto-immune disease that affects the brain, can the immune system also attack some part of the brain so that it actually works better. Manic-depressive people or bi-polar people are known for their highs and lows. Many brillant and successful people were manic-depressive: Abe Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Martin Luther King. The list is endless. The question is: if some depression is an auto-immune disease, does the immune system acutally help the brain run better or run… [cont.]
Asked by Michael D - Tue Jul 18 11:20:22 2006 - - 2 Answers - Comments

A. The immune system has "stop and go" molecules to regulate it. When it is in "go" mode, it generates an immune attack. Both B7-H1 and B7-H4 stop the attack -- and when regulated properly, are necessary to maintaining good health because they keep the immune system from attacking the healthy body. But the Mayo Clinic research shows that in kidney cancer, B7-H1 and B7-H4 are present in high amounts in the most aggressive tumors and the vessels that feed these tumors. This abnormality suggests that these concentrations may actually keep the immune system from doing its normal job, thus allowing the cancer to grow and spread
Answered by mohnish - Tue Jul 18 11:23:55 2006

What are the best ways to boost your immune system?
Q. Can you suggest andy supplements are methods to boost your immune system? I heard that 80% of you immune system comes from you gastrointestinal tract, is that true?
Asked by bananafanafofanni - Thu Dec 11 14:52:55 2008 - - 6 Answers - 3 Comments

A. -Get enough sleep at night. -Consume plenty of water. -Exercise. -Consume plenty of fruits and veggies. -Eat a healthy and well balanced diet.Cut back on junk and fast food. -Increase antioxidant and vitamin intake. -Keep your hands washed. -Stay away from sickly people. If you don't, you need to change many habits. -Eating.Don't eat junk food or processed foods.Stick to fresh fruits and veggies.Healthy snacks and cereals. -Take a good quality multivitamin.One-a-day vitamins don't do anything...get a good quality supplement. -Consume plenty of water.At LEAST 8 glassed of purified water a day. -Exercise.It does help build immunity. -Sleep.Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. -No stress.Cut down the stress. -No alcohol, drugs,coffee [cont.]
Answered by mommy - Thu Dec 11 15:02:05 2008

What foods increase the immune system most?
Q. A few months ago I had a cold that lasted two months. I didn't think much of it, but after a while, I realized that the cold lasted so long because my immune system is weak. I hate being sick, honestly. What can I do/eat to strengthen my immune system?
Asked by Isise - Mon Feb 11 21:24:25 2008 - - 8 Answers - Comments

A. lots of fruit, veggies, and vitamins.
Answered by happiestgirlintheworld - Mon Feb 11 21:26:33 2008

Is the immune system always affected in regards to endurance running?
Q. I've read that running for 40 minutes or longer weakens the immune system temporarily, but does an avid runner's body adapt to this thereby rendering this false?
Asked by Liquid Night - Sat Sep 26 12:11:40 2009 - - 1 Answers - Comments

A. When your body is in is state of stress (running) the immune is weakened because of that stress. However, once the stress is removed the immune system will stabilize and become stronger when you are not inducing stress. Your body is quite keen on adapting to stress and adjusting itself to fit the requirements of that stress. It's very important to remember that if you over train your body will not be able to return to a state of stability, henceforth hindering your immune system.
Answered by Running Man - Sat Sep 26 13:01:07 2009

How do you boost your immune system to fight off a cold, allergy, or flu if you have an autoimmune disease?
Q. Am writing a school paper about multiple sclerosis, so if you can relate your answer to MS, that would be awesome. I am very puzzled: The immune system is misidentifying myelin as a foreign invader, so if you "feed" nutrition to the immune system to fight off a virus or pollen, for example, doesn't it also increase the autoimmune response that destroys the myelin sheath?
Asked by bluemoonmuse2 - Sun Dec 6 22:35:30 2009 - - 4 Answers - Comments

A. i think you should really do a research paper on the credibility of the theory of autoimmune diseases. are they really the cause of the immune system fighting the body? autoimmune diseases are kind of controversial.
Answered by Jello F - Sun Dec 6 22:40:06 2009

How do I make my immune system strong again?
Q. For the past few months I can't seem to stop getting sick. It's like I get better from one thing and then another thing comes on. It started off with pneumonia, then I got strep throat, then I got the stomach flu, now I have a virus. It seems that I just can't increase my immune system back to where it was without something hitting me. Any suggestions on possible things I could take to increase my immune system would be great!
Asked by simplysoso70 - Sat Jan 3 10:40:50 2009 - - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Well pneumonia for sure will weaken your immune system. One thing i must stress is WATER! Staying hydrated will definitely help your body return to its normal state. Also, of course orange juice, or if you cannot stomach orange juice try vitamin c pills. Also, antioxidants. You can get those from blueberries, blackberries, almonds, several sources. And bare naked makes a drink called the antioxidant. It's fabulous. try those and I hope you feel better!! Also! Avoid germs. Carry hand sanitizer, and use it any time you come in contact with public things. Grocery carts for example. And wipe surfaces like desks clean. This will limit the amount of germs that you come in contact with. And last but not least try to avoid touching your face!… [cont.]
Answered by Lovey - Sat Jan 3 11:02:15 2009

What is better for your immune system, antibiotics or getting over something yourself?
Q. I always try to get over colds and flus on my own,even when they get quite bad. I figure it'll make my immune system stronger than wimping out and going for antibiotics. Am I wrong?
Asked by I Just Wanna Know - Wed May 6 13:31:01 2009 - - 5 Answers - Comments

A. If you are asking specifically about colds and flu, you are correct in not taking antibiotics. Antibiotics are necessary to cure bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections and strep throat, but antibiotics have no effect on viruses such as cold and flu. You could take all the antibiotics in the world when you have the flu, and they would have no effect on the flu, but they could effect how your body deals with bacterial infections and antibiotics in the future (create resistance). You should NEVER take antibiotics for viral infections such as cold or flu, but you NEED antibiotics to cure bacterial infections.
Answered by LINDA R - Wed May 6 18:37:21 2009

How is the immune system able to protect the body against all potential invaders without knowing in advance?
Q. How is the immune system able to protect the body against all potential invaders without knowing in advance what those invaders are like?
Asked by Emma S - Thu May 21 18:12:09 2009 - - 3 Answers - Comments

A. your immune system has the ability to differentiate your own cells as oppose to foreign cells by a protein on cells called MHC. When encountering a new invader, cells that are not recognized by the cytotoxic (killer) T cells are attacked and killed. Helper T cells then activate B cells which secrete anti-bodies which will mark the new invaders so other T cells can recognize it and kill it. If the same pathogen invades again, memory B cells then be able to quickly recognize it. Antibodies would then be quickly produced and T cells would quickly kill off the pathogen without us feeling "sick."
Answered by Henry - Fri May 22 21:00:53 2009

When will a puppy be immune to the parvo virus?
Q. I have the chance to get a puppy, and in the past I've had problems with puppies, and the virus. I read that it can live in your house for a few years, but I've also read that after so long, the pup will be immune. Does anyone know how old the puppy has to be before it's immune? FTR: The puppy is around 2 months old.
Asked by AAa AA - Thu Sep 25 10:10:17 2008 - - 1 Answers - Comments

A. I think it is a few months. About 5 months. My puppie had it and survived. He was about 3 months old.
Answered by John - Thu Sep 25 10:19:30 2008

Can the immune system be very effective at combating a new cold virus?
Q. .. that you've never had. i do a lot of weight lifting with VERY heavy weights and glutaime that is stored in my muscles expends so i beleive i have a very very strong immune system and much larger than average stores of gutamine in my muscles... is this a incorrect assumption?
Asked by John - Wed Oct 21 06:10:14 2009 - - 1 Answers - Comments

A. Developing immune system is a completely different issue. Skeletal muscle (of all) contains the greatest intracellular concentration of glutamine, comprising up to 60 percent of total body glutamine stores (that does not mean greater immune is reserved). 1. You may Learn how L-Glutamine can help you to preserve lean muscle mass during intense training ... bodybuilding.about.com/od /.../a/glutaminebasics.ht m - Cached - Similar 2. These glucocorticoids also contribute to the depletion of muscle glutamine stores by increasing the release of glutamine from muscle cells. ... www.getbig.com/articles/g lut-1.htm - Cached - Similar 3. Glutamine protects muscle tissue and supports immune function during periods ... www.herbs-wholesale.com/ [cont.]
Answered by M A Salam - Sun Oct 25 05:43:44 2009

What are some good ways to boost my immune system?
Q. I'm trying to avoid catching this stomach virus that is going around and someone said making sure I have a good immune system will help, but I don't know how to achieve this. Any advice?
Asked by PennyLane - Thu Mar 29 22:20:12 2007 - - 8 Answers - Comments

A. take vitamins (especially vitamin C, it helps boost your immune system)..drink orange juice, or eat oranges--alot of citrus!! carry purell around in a carry bottle nad use it frequently..germs are everywhere! and wash your hands after using the bathroom..dont put your hands near your face..dont share food or drink with people..they might be getting sick and you dont even know it...eat breakfast lunch and dinner...get PLENTY of rest..and make sure you dont overwork yourself beceause the minute you do you get sick because your immune system is working overtime. i hope i helped!
Answered by carly m - Thu Mar 29 22:24:36 2007

what is the best immune system booster for my pit bull?
Q. My 9 month old pit bull has been battling demodex mange and ive been giving her this powder called, Solid Gold Seameal, to help boost her immune system, but i dont know if it is really working that much. Just wondering if anyone knew of a great immune system booster to help my pup?
Asked by Robert G - Sat Sep 29 13:30:47 2007 - - 3 Answers - Comments

A. There is a great product you can buy from your vet. It is called Duralactin and is an immune system booster vitamin made from mothers milk and other supplements. Works great! I had a rescued minpin who was bald from demodex mange, and we fed her this every day while she was on her medication. She has a beautiful full coat of hair now, and we still give her this vitamin, because a compromised immune system can be permanent. My girl was about three months old when we got her, and by the time she was seven months, she was looking really good. You might also want to ask your vet about a special diet while your dog is battling this, because the healthier the dog, the faster they get better. Just remember, it does take quite a bit of time for… [cont.]
Answered by anne b - Sat Sep 29 17:39:18 2007

What are some creative ways to boost a trashed immune system?
Q. Hi! About a month ago I was hospitalized for a severe lung infection. The antibiotics/steroids etc have trashed my immune system and I have been sick nonstop. Do you have any suggestions for boosting my immune system? I started chewing garlic today and looking for other remedies/foods/suggestion s. Please help-I can't miss more work. :/ What works for you??
Asked by iheartrobots - Mon Jan 10 22:36:23 2011 - - 7 Answers - Comments

A. Start with your gut and start taking high quality, practitioner brand probiotics (not your ordinary over the counter stuff. The antibiotics probably cleared out most of your good bacteria. Once your interstinal flora is working you will start taking up nutrients optimally. Then you will be on the road to recovery. Also consider accupunture to get the chi (energy) moving.
Answered by ixlinxs - Tue Jan 11 01:50:48 2011

Where are immune definciency disorders located in the body?
Q. Like where is the chromosome (or maybe gene) generally located in the body for immune definciency disorders?
Asked by One Cool Cucumber - Sat Feb 12 01:25:50 2011 - - 2 Answers - Comments

A. In your blood. Specifically your white blood cells, the ones that are called lymphocytes. More information: Congenital immunodeficiency disorders Congenital immunodeficiency is present at the time of birth, and is the result of genetic defects. These immunodeficiency disorders are also called primary immunodeficiencies. Even though more than 70 different types of congenital immunodeficiency disorders have been identified, they rarely occur. About 50,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Congenital immunodeficiencies may occur as a result of defects in B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, or both. They also can occur in the innate immune system. humoral immunity disorders. Bruton's agammaglobulinemia, also known as X-linked… [cont.]
Answered by nochocolate - Sat Feb 12 01:34:11 2011

What is the best way to bolster my immune system?
Q. With all the current talk about swine flu, it is time to consider bolstering my immune system so if I do get sick, I'll recover faster. I know a good diet is important, but what besides vitamins is a good idea?
Asked by faern1 - Mon Apr 27 10:29:16 2009 - - 1 Answers - Comments

A. I would say healthier diet, less coffee, more exercise, laugh always and whole lot of good luck as immune system and disease are pretty much like playing in a casino, it's a game of probability.
Answered by azrul MVPTA - Mon Apr 27 20:41:35 2009

Would allergies to aniamls stimulatilate the immune systerm all the time?
Q. If someone live with a animal like a dog or cat and was allergic to them.Would that similate there immune systerm.Because there immune systerm is being stimulated all the time.Does that give them a stronger immune systerm than normal people.
Asked by tyquniaum1 - Thu May 22 19:30:59 2008 - - 2 Answers - Comments

A. Yes, it can. You can have continual allergic reaction to something like a cat, it might not be a severe one but can be stuff like wheezing, constant rashes, or things like that. Some people do become immune to the allergen, or at least appear desensitized, but other people will just continue to get worse until they have a full blown asthma attack or even anaphlaxsis.
Answered by Chicken in Black - Thu May 22 20:15:18 2008

Is it possible to become immune to a certain type of marijuana?
Q. I know someone that has been smoking marijuana a lot. He gets high the most when he buys from a new dealer. After the initial smokes he doesn't get as high. Can he actually be immune to a certain type of weed.
Asked by vdubs22 - Tue Aug 21 20:15:24 2007 - - 6 Answers - 1 Comments

A. It's a psychological thing. Changing from strain to strain will help overcome a perceived tolerance to a sort of weed. I don't mean you can go from a more potent form to a less potent and get higher. I mean if the THC content is consistent with another strain, switching back and forth seems to have some sort of placebo-like effect. The fact remains you do get a tolerance to THC, and that is ultimately what matters;but, if you prepare yourself into thinking "whoa man this weed is the bomb," it usually will be the bomb, but if you keep hitting the bomb, the bomb will lose it's explosive power. It's not that your "friend" is immune, it's that he's tolerant to THC, and even though they are tolerant to the actual drug… [cont.]
Answered by ajm48786 - Tue Aug 21 21:05:15 2007

What are 3 viruses and bacteria that attack the immune system?
Q. Im doing a project in my biology class about viruses and bacteria. The question is "Describe at least 3 viruses and bacteria that attack the immune system. Also explain how they work, live and survive." I already have one virus (HIV) but i need 2 more viruses and 3 bacterias that attack immune system. Also can you elaberate on how HIV attacks the immune system and how it survives? Thanks for all your help!
Asked by Aaron A - Thu Apr 2 12:43:33 2009 - - 2 Answers - Comments

A. Attack is kind of a bad word here!! Viruses "generate" an immune response. 3 such virus ..some common one:1-Herpes, Chicken Pox( varicella zoster virus), Rabies virus( Rabies disease), Measles Virus, Rubella virus. Bacteria: pneumonia( streptococcus pneumoniae),Salmonella(sa lmonella species), Gonorrhea( Neisseria gonorrhoeae)..other diseases- syphylis,cholera..you can google these and see the name of the bacteria. Viruses are parasites and their mode of operation varies. They can survive only when they parasitise another organism, you name the organism and there is a virus that lives on it.They live in our cells, the nucleus, cytoplasm and they live in a varied number of cells. Some specialise in cells of the nervous system,… [cont.]
Answered by Human in every way - Thu Apr 2 17:56:58 2009

How to improve immune system without spending too much money?
Q. My husband keeps getting a bad cough. NO, it's not H1N1. His immune system is low, and the constant temperature changes are taking him for a ride. Any ideas how he can boost his immune system without spending a lot of money?
Asked by Lucy!! - Sat Mar 20 16:13:43 2010 - - 12 Answers - Comments

A. Kelle is correct, he must eat more fruits and vegetables to boost his immunity. Carrots, broccoli, citrus, and practically any kind of plant food should help. He should cut back on dairy and meats. The immune system can be boosted. And that is not a myth, the top contributers have ulterior motives for suggesting otherwise. It goes something like this : " eat daily at McDonald's or KFC, forget about healthy food, Merck, Pfizer, et cetera, have these really good ( but expensive ) pills that will fix these health problems caused by immune system weakening diets. Cash or credit card "?
Answered by SkepCrock - Sun Mar 21 03:47:57 2010