Your Health In Mind with Michael Storm and Dr. Dean Lloyd, August 21, 2025

Immune Depression or a compromised immune system requires support;

Predisposing factors:

Factors predisposing to immune depression or a compromised immune system A weakened or compromised immune system, also known as immune depression or immunosuppression, can be caused by a variety of factors, making an individual more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.  Here are the main predisposing factors: 

1. Medical conditions Chronic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes (especially poorly controlled diabetes), heart disease, lung disease (e.g., COPD, cystic fibrosis), kidney disease, and moderate to severe asthma can weaken the immune system. HIV/AIDS: HIV directly attacks and destroys immune cells (specifically T cells), leading to AIDS, a severely immunocompromised state. 

Cancer: Cancers, particularly those affecting the blood and lymphatic system (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma), can weaken immunity. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, also suppress the immune system. 

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, which can also lead to a compromised immune response against external threats. Primary 

Immunodeficiency Disorders: These are genetic conditions present at birth that affect the development or function of immune cells, leading to chronic susceptibility to infections. Examples include Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia. 

Organ Transplants: Individuals who have received organ or stem cell transplants need to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent organ rejection, which significantly weakens their immune system. Severe Burns: Extensive burns can overwhelm and compromise the body’s immune defenses.  

2. Lifestyle factors Advanced Age: 

As people age, the immune system naturally becomes less efficient. Malnutrition: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly protein, can severely impair immune function, including the production and function of T cells. 

Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can suppress the immune system, potentially by affecting white blood cell counts and increasing inflammation. 

Lack of Sleep: Insufficient sleep can impair the immune system’s ability to produce protective proteins and fight off infections. 

Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can suppress the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and increasing the risk of diseases. 

Smoking: Smoking damages the body’s tissues, including the lungs, and can weaken the immune response. Poor Hygiene: While a strong immune system can handle most daily exposures to germs, poor hygiene can increase the burden on the immune system, potentially overwhelming it.  

3. Medications and treatments Immunosuppressants: These medications are intentionally prescribed to suppress the immune system in cases of autoimmune diseases or to prevent organ transplant rejection. 

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: These cancer treatments aim to destroy rapidly dividing cells, including immune cells, leading to temporary immunosuppression. 

Basic support:

Vitamin A (as palmitate and natural mixed carotenoids) (IU ratio 3:1), Vitamin C (as calcium and magnesium ascorbates), Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl acetate), Thiamin (B1) (as cocarboxylase chloride), Riboflavin (B2) (as riboflavin-5-phosphate), Niacin (as niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate), Pantothenic Acid (as calcium pantothenate), Zinc (as zinc gluconate and zinc citrate), Selenium (from vegetable culture† and selenomethionine), Copper (as copper gluconate), Manganese (as manganese gluconate), Neonatal Adrenal Complex (bovine), Neonatal Thymus (bovine), Neonatal Spleen (bovine), Neonatal Liver (bovine), Neonatal Pancreas (bovine), Parotid (bovine), Placenta (bovine), Trypsin & Alpha Chymotrypsin (porcine), L-Lysine HCl, Coenzyme Q10 (emulsified), Citrus Bioflavonoids (from citrus fruit), Superoxide Dismutase (from vegetable culture†), Catalase (from vegetable culture†), Echinacea angustifolia (root), Neonatal Lymph Tissue (bovine), Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) (fruit), Chlorophyllins, OOrganik-15, Lactobacillus acidophilus (DDS-1). 

Iodine, Sesame seed oil. Iodine, SOD, probiotics, thymus, Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin , 

 Foods to Include: 
Citrus fruits: . Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which can help fight infection.  
Leafy greens: . Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your immune system.  
Berries: . Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that can help strengthen your immune system.  Yogurt: . Yogurt with live and active cultures (probiotics) can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a role in immune function.  
Garlic: . Known for its antimicrobial and antiviral properties, garlic can help protect against bacterial and viral infections.  
Ginger and Turmeric: . These spices have anti-inflammatory properties and can be added to meals or enjoyed as teas. 
Poultry: . Chicken and turkey contain vitamin B6 and zinc, which are important for immune cell production and function.  
Nuts and Seeds: . Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds provide vitamin E, zinc, and other nutrients that support immunity.  
Omega-3 rich foods: . Salmon, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.  Other Important Factors: Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health and immune function.  
Exercise: Moderate-intensity exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system, but avoid overexertion.  
Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body to recover and function optimally.  
Stress Management: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is important.  
Supplements:  vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics..herbs see link:
Yin Qiao: 

Honeysuckle, Forsythia, Mint, Platycodon, Chinese Licorice, Schizonepeta, Phragmites, Lophatherum
https://www.herb-pharm.com/blogs/herbal-education/14-herbs-for-immune-support?srsltid=AfmBOoonVr1biGqlY41jjI7L1hEjmJzCA2YJyfi0M_-p_Ld4a2RA75jn