Infection
Infections are caused by microorganisms, usually bacteria or viruses. Not all microorganisms cause infections in the body, and exposure to a disease-causing microorganism does not always result in symptoms. The body’s immune system plays a large role in determining whether the body will fight off infection.
Refer to the immune function section for more detailed information about the role of the immune system in infection. Other useful topics to refer to are: common cold/sore throat, influenza, cough, recurrent ear infections, urinary tract infection, yeast infection, athlete’s foot, herpes simplex/cold sores, HIV support, shingles, and parasites.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful: Stress can depress the immune system, thus increasing the body’s susceptibility to infection. Coping more effectively with stress is important.
1 Exercise increases natural killer cell activity, which may help prevent infections.2Dietary changes that may be helpful: Nutrition is a major contributor to the functioning of the immune system, which in turn influences whether or not the body is resistant to infection. Specifically, it makes sense to restrict sugar, because sugar interferes with the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria.
3 Alcohol interferes with a wide variety of immune defenses.4 Excessive dietary fat reduces natural killer cell activity.5Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: The nutrients discussed in the immune function section are also applicable for preventing infections. The skin and mucous membranes act as barriers to microorganisms; without adequate amounts of vitamin A, infections are more likely.
6 Zinc supplements taken in moderate amounts may increase immune function.7 8 Some nutritionally oriented doctors recommend zinc supplements for individuals experiencing recurrent infections, suggesting 25 mg per day for adults and lower amounts for children (depending on body weight).Vitamin C has antiviral activity, helping to prevent virus infections or, in the case of the common cold, reducing the severity and duration of an infection.
9 10 Lactobacillus acidophilus (the friendly bacteria found in yogurt) produces acids that kill invading bacteria.11Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual supplement for complete information.) Women who are or could become pregnant should take less than 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day of vitamin A to avoid the risk of birth defects. For other adults, intake above 25,000 IU (7,500 mcg) per day can in rare cases cause headaches, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone problems, and liver damage.
Individuals who take 30 mg or more of zinc per day for more than a few months should balance the zinc with copper in order to prevent copper deficiency. For 30 mg per day of zinc, 2 mg per day of copper is usually taken. For 60–90 mg per day of zinc, 3–4 mg per day of copper is a reasonable amount. Zinc intake in excess of 300 mg per day may impair immune function.
12 Although the preliminary research is contradictory, patients with Alzheimer’s disease should avoid zinc supplements until further studies clarify the role of zinc in this disease.13 14 Zinc has been reported to increase glycosylation with IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)—an indicator of trouble.15 (This problem does not occur with NIDDM.16) While doctors of natural medicine believe this increase may be an error,17 people with IDDM supplementing with zinc should consult a nutritionally oriented doctor. Zinc competes for absorption with iron,18 19 calcium,20 and magnesium.21 A multimineral supplement will prevent mineral imbalances that can result from taking high doses of zinc for extended periods of time.Some individuals develop diarrhea after as little as a few thousand milligrams of vitamin C per day, while others are not bothered by ten times this amount. However, high levels of vitamin C can deplete the body of copper, an essential nutrient. It is prudent to ensure adequate copper intake at higher intakes of vitamin C (copper is found in many multivitamin/mineral supplements).
There are no reported side effects with even large intakes of acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria.
Herbs that may be helpful: Echinacea helps bolster the body’s resistance to infection. In particular, echinacea lowers the risk of colds and upper respiratory tract infections.
22 Garlic has natural antibiotic abilities.Complex polysaccharides present in astragalus and the maitake mushroom have the unique ability to act as immunomodulators. Pau d’arco, according to laboratory tests, has antifungal properties to prevent fungus infections.
23 Sandalwood, as an essential oil applied topically, possesses antibacterial properties.24 Components of St. John’s wort—hypericin and pseudohypericin—are believed to have antiviral properties, although there is a lack of human research in this area.25Many herbs have roles in boosting resistance to infection, including goldenseal, elderberry, cranberry, green tea, American ginseng, Asian ginseng, eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), tea tree oil, lomatium, Oregon grape, rosemary, usnea, and licorice (the glycyrrhizin in licorice appears important in licorice’s effect on the immune system).
Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual herb for complete information.) Echinacea is essentially nontoxic when taken orally. People should not take echinacea without consulting a physician if they have an autoimmune illness, such as lupus, or other progressive diseases, such as tuberculosis or multiple sclerosis. Those who are allergic to flowers of the daisy family should take echinacea with caution. There are no known contraindications to the use of echinacea during pregnancy or lactation.
Most people enjoy garlic; however, some individuals who are sensitive to it may experience heartburn and flatulence. Because of garlic’s anticlotting properties, persons taking anticoagulant drugs should check with their nutritionally oriented doctor before taking garlic. Those scheduled for surgery should inform their surgeon if they are taking garlic supplements. There are no known contraindications to the use of garlic during pregnancy and lactation.
Astragalus has no known side effects when used as recommended.
There have been no reports of any side effects with the use of maitake.
High doses of lapachol, the active ingredient in pau d’arco, can cause uncontrolled bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. Use of the whole bark is much safer than isolated lapachol; the whole bark has no known serious side effects. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid use of pau d’arco.
Some people may experience mild skin irritation from topical application of sandalwood oil.
St. John’s wort makes the skin more light-sensitive. Persons with fair skin should avoid exposure to strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light, such as tanning beds. It is also advisable to avoid foods like red wine, cheese, yeast, and pickled herring. St. John’s wort should not be used at the same time as prescription antidepressants. St. John’s wort should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.
Taken as recommended, goldenseal is generally safe. However, as with all alkaloid-containing plants, high amounts may lead to gastrointestinal distress and possible nervous system effects. Goldenseal is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Elderberry has no known side effects when used as recommended. There are no known side effects with cranberry concentrate, and it is safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. Green tea is extremely safe. The most common adverse effect reported from consuming large amount of green tea is insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms caused by the caffeine content in the herb.
Used as recommended, ginseng is generally safe. In rare instances, ginseng may cause overstimulation and possibly insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of overstimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Persons with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use ginseng. Long-term use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women. Ginseng is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Tea tree oil should not be applied to broken skin or to areas affected by rashes not due to fungus. The oil may burn if it gets into eyes, the nose, mouth, or other tender areas. Some people have allergic reactions, including rashes and itching, when applying tea tree oil. For this reason, only a small amount should be applied when first using it. The oil should never be taken internally.
Use of extracts containing the lomatium resin can, in some people, cause a whole-body rash. High intakes may also lead to nausea. The safety of lomatium during pregnancy and lactation is unknown and is therefore not recommended.
Oregon grape is safe in moderate amounts, however long-term use of standardized extracts is not recommended. Berberine (a component of Oregon grape and some other herbs) alone has been reported to interfere with normal bilirubin metabolism in infants, raising a concern that it might worsen jaundice. For this reason, berberine-containing plants should be used with caution in pregnancy and breast-feeding.
At higher intakes, rosemary can cause mild stomach upset. There is no evidence to indicate that intermittent intake of moderate doses of rosemary poses any threat during pregnancy or lactation.
There are no known side effects of usnea, and it has not been reported to interfere with the action of common medications. It is considered safe for use in children.
Licorice products without the glycyrrhizin removed may increase blood pressure and cause water retention in some people. Long-term intake of products containing more than 1 gram of glycyrrhizin per day can cause these side effects. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice extracts do not cause these side effects.
Nutritional Supplements |
Herbs |
Homeopathic Remedies |
| Vitamin A | Echinacea
(Continued) |
No homeopathy commonly used for this condition |
References:
1. McIntosh WA, Kaplan HB, Kubena KS, et al. Life events, social support, and immune
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3. Sanchez A et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr
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4. Ahmed FE. Toxicological effects of ethanol on human health. Crit Rev Tox 1995;25(4):347–67.
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interactions. J Am Diet Assoc 1996;96(11):1156–64.
6. Glaszious PP et al. Vitamin A supplementation in infectious diseases: A meta-analysis. BMJ
1993;306:366–70.
7. Duchateau J, Delespesse G, Vereecke P. Influence of oral zinc supplementation on the
lymphocyte response to mitogens of normal subjects. Am J Clin Nutr
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References (continued):
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12. Chandra RK. Excessive intake of zinc impairs immune responses. JAMA
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13. Bush AI, Pettingell WH, Multhaup G, et al. Rapid induction of alzheimer A8 amyloid
formation by zinc. Science 1994;265:1464–65.
14. Sardi B. Winning over the public: The battle between pharmaceuticals and nutritional
supplements. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 1996;#156:74–79.
15. Cunningham JJ, Fu A, Mearkle P, Brown G. Hyperzincuria in individuals with
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: Concurrent zinc status and the effect of high-dose
zinc supplementation. Metabol 1994;43:1558–62.
16. Niewoener CB, Allen JI, Boosalis M, et al. Role of zinc supplementation in type II
diabetes mellitus. Am J Med 1988;63–68.
17. Gaby AR. Literature review and commentary. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
Jan 1997:25 [review].
18. Dawson EB, Albers J, McGanity WJ. Serum zinc changes due to iron supplementation in
teen-age pregnancy. Am J Clin Nutr 199;50:848–52.
19. Crovton RW, Gvozdanovic D, Gvozdanovic S, et al. Inorganic zinc and the intestinal
absorption of ferrous iron. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;50:141–44.
20. Argiratos V, Samman S. The effect of calcium carbonate and calcium citrate on the
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References (continued):
21. Spencer H, Norris C, Williams D. Inhibitory effects
of zinc on magnesium balance and magnesium absorption in man. J Coll Nutr
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22. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima
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23. Guiraud P, Steiman R, Campos-Takaki GM, et al. Comparison of antibacterial and
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Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.