Immune - Unspecified
What Does It Mean?
- Immune dysfunction refers to an imbalance in immune system function, which can manifest as increased susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune-like symptoms.
- This dysfunction may result from chronic stress, poor nutrition, gut dysbiosis, environmental toxins, or metabolic imbalances.
- Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes, such as nutrient deficiencies, immune dysregulation, and inflammatory triggers.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress leads to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, impacting immune function.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate levels of vitamin D, zinc, and essential fatty acids can weaken immune responses.
- Gut Dysbiosis: Imbalances in the gut microbiome contribute to systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction.
- Toxic Load: Exposure to environmental toxins, heavy metals, and mold can impair immune function.
- Metabolic Dysfunction: Insulin resistance and chronic inflammation negatively impact immune system regulation.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Frequent infections, slow wound healing, and increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
- Chronic inflammation leading to joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog.
- Allergic reactions, food sensitivities, and autoimmune-like symptoms.
- Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or leaky gut syndrome.
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help evaluate immune dysfunction and its underlying causes:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Altered | 45.00-100.00 U/L |
| Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen | Negative | Negative |
| Antistreptolysin O (ASO) Antibody | Altered | 0.00-200.00 IU/mL |
| AST (SGOT) | Altered | 10.00-26.00 U/L |
| Basophil % | Altered | 0.00-1.00% |
| C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) | Increased | 0.00-0.55 mg/L |
| Eosinophil % | Altered | 0.00-3.00% |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) | Increased | 0-1.00 mm/hr |
| Globulin | Altered | 2.40-2.80 g/dL |
| Lymphocyte % | Altered | 30.00-40.00% |
| Monocyte % | Altered | 4.00-7.00% |
| Neutrophil % | Altered | 48.00-60.00% |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity | Altered | 250.00-350.00 µg/dL |
| UIBC | Altered | 130.00-300.00 µg/dL |
| WBC | Altered | 5.5-7.510^9/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on restoring immune balance, reducing inflammation, and optimizing immune resilience.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports immune modulation and gut health | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | Aids in electrolyte balance and hydration | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Supports urinary tract and immune function | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Provides antioxidant support for cellular health | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| N-Acetyl Cysteine | Supports detoxification and antioxidant activity | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports estrogen metabolism and immune balance | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Zinc | Essential for immune cell function | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Enhances digestion and nutrient absorption | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant that supports detoxification and immunity | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Candid | Helps regulate gut microbiome balance | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports energy production and immune function | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Aids in inflammation reduction and immune balance | 2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces chronic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Immune system support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Supports immune and nervous system function | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Promotes tissue repair and immune integrity | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Enhances gut barrier integrity and immune modulation | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Supports liver detoxification and immune function | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Probiotic blend for gut and immune health | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Provides immune-boosting vitamin C | ¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Comprehensive immune support formula | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Supports nitric oxide production and vascular health | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Optimize Nutrition: Include immune-supportive foods such as leafy greens, berries, and lean proteins.
- Gut Health Support: Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics to promote a balanced microbiome.
- Stress Reduction: Engage in meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness practices to regulate stress responses.
- Reduce Toxic Exposure: Minimize exposure to heavy metals, mold, and environmental toxins.