Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Question:
As a biology teacher at Hoffman Estates High School I asked my junior
and senior students to fashion a question for the Ask A Scientist board.
We are presently studying the immune system and my students want to know
if there is any artificial or natural way in which to boost their immune
systems? Can you help us with this concept? Thanks from 6th hour biology.
------------------------------------------------
Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      Lou Harnisch
Text:        Antioxidants like vitamin C & E would offer protection.  Vitamin 
A strengthens mucus membranes to thwart invaders and enhance total resistance 
(not necessarily immunity).  Being generally physically fit is a huge factor, 
but studies with professional athletes suggest a faster spread of viruses and 
other agents through their system.  Ginseng, mineral springs (hormesis - low 
ionizing radiation stimulation), and other agents have not been proven 
beneficial scientifically.  In general, if you minimize damage via UV and 
other radiation to the immune system, minimize the aging process, you will 
maximize your immune response.  Since Louis Pasteur, we should not forget 
targeting specific immunity via vaccines.  Also, bone marrow transplants will 
help those that are immunodeficient.  It is hoped that biotechnology will 
produce antibodies and other agents to order, that will be the magic bullets 
against any immunoinvader.
=========================================================
Response #:  2 of 2

Text:        I was looking at the response to boosting one's immune system and 
I wonder if you would consider a couple of other options.  The first is that 
there are some new biotechnology medicines coming out on market which are 
called Colony Stimulating Factors.  These compounds will cause the bone marrow 
to produce more of certain kinds of white cells.  White Blood Cells of course 
are the specific component of blood which fights infection.  The second is 
perhaps irrelevant.  When one takes antibiotics one is in effect boosting 
one's immune system, this applies whether the antibiotic is prophylactic or if 
the med is for an existing infection.  Remember, an antibiotic cannot 
eliminate and infection without the aid of the bodies own immune system.
=========================================================