Section 1

General Problems
Part 6
Immune Problems

WEAKENED AUTOIMMUNE SYSTEM

SYMPTOMSIt is the immune system which fights infections, and it does this by triggering defenses
against invading bacteria. The antibodies and antitoxins of this system recognize these foreign bodies
and send white blood cells to attack them. With his immune system weakened, a person is less able to
withstand Epstein Barr virus, candidiasis, food allergies, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, etc.
Infections occur more easily. The person is more susceptible to colds, infections, and viruses.
CAUSESAutoimmune disorders can result from conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to
kidney disease. Unrelenting stress, chronic allergies, chronic infections can exhaust the immune system.
Medicinal drugs, such as cortisone, prednisone and chemotherapy cause immune depression! Beware of
them! Other causes of a weakened immune system are vaccinations and immunizations against common
childhood and epidemic diseases. The thymus gland seems to be the most affected by this weakening.
The thymus gland is especially important due to its production of T-helper cells.
Prolonged stress, or toxic exposure to chemicals or radiation can weaken the immune system. Severe
infections can both result and cause it. An example of this would be allergies (resulting from immune
malfunction) which follow a severe case of rheumatic fever, hepatitis, mononucleosis, or other acute
viral or bacterial disease. Lack of proper rest is yet another cause.
Yet another cause are nutritional deficiencies. Some natural healing specialists believe that any
infectious disease may be considered an immune deficiency problem.
The taking of aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, asthma, low birth weight and birth defects.
Meat contains hormones, antibiotics, and bacteria which brings on disease. Alcohol, nicotine, and a highsugar diet weaken the immune system. Air pollution is yet another problem (move out of the city!)
Hypothyroidism can also result in immune deficiency. Marijuana, cocaine, and the morphine family are
other culprits. Mercury amalgam fillings are yet another incipient cause.

TREATMENT
Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Obtain adequate protein from vegetables, not from
meat. Eat broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, onions, garlic, and similar worthwhile food.
Skip the junk food.
High doses of vitamin A in the form of carrot juice (beta carotene) are especially helpful.
That, along with vitamin C, may be the most important vitamins for the immune system.
Essential fatty acids (fresh or newly purchased flaxseed oil is especially good); zinc at 50
mg, three times a day; selenium at 300-900 mcg per day, germanium at 50 mg/day.
Vitamin B complex, especially B6, B12, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin E:
400-800 units.
Herbs include echinacea root, dandelion, red clover, and kelp.
ENCOURAGEMENTWhen the soul surrenders itself to God, a new power takes possession of the
new heart. A change is wrought which man could never accomplish for himself. By faith in His
overcoming strength, obey all the Word of God, and you will be blessed.

LUPUS

SYMPTOMSIt usually begins suddenly with fever, fatigue, arthritis and/or joint pain. Those with it
are frequently misdiagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis. Ninety percent of lupus occurs in women in
their 30s. Other symptoms include a characteristic facial "butterfly" rash, severe hair loss, and papular
skin lesions. This rash forms over the nose and cheeks in something of a butterfly shape (which tends to
intensify because of sunlight).
The skin lesions are small, yellowish lumps. They leave scars when they disappear. ("Lupus" means
"wolf" in Latin; indicating the rough-skinned appearance it gives to the skin.)
Also generally present are kidney disease (in 50% of those with lupus) and low white blood cell count.
All this, in turn, produces inflammation of the joints and/or blood vessels, affecting many parts of the
body.
Sometimes the first appearance of the problem is an arthritic-like condition, with swelling and pain in