Building Your Pet’s Natural Immunity
by Gregory L. Tilford ©2003
Whether for humans or animals, immune system support has become big business. Echinacea, one of Nature's most powerful immunostimulants, represents a multimillion dollar industry by itself. If you don't believe me, walk into virtually any health food store or thumb through the pages of any natural pet supply catalog and you will likely find Echinacea in several different forms. However, before you buy Echinacea or any other "immune-boosting" supplement for your pet, there are a few things you should know…
First and foremost, it is very important to understand something about how the immune system really works, and to put the concept of immune system stimulation into holistic perspective before using a product that is designed to boost your pet's immune system. In truth (and despite what some label claims might lead you to believe) there are no silver bullets to defend your companion against viral or bacterial infections. Natural immunity is not built from the daily use of Echinacea or any other "immune-boosting" product. Immune-supportive supplements can be helpful toward supporting a healthy immune system, but none of them should be expected to supplement an immune system that is dysfunctional or out of balance.
To explain, let us look at the immune system from a holistic perspective…
The immune system is comprised of a very complex assortment of various cells and molecules, all joined in an interdependent effort of health maintenance. Each and every organ, tissue and cell of your pet's body plays integral roles in this effort. The liver and kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the blood, and the skin serves as a first line of defense against pathogenic microbes and other exterior threats. Working beneath or within these and other structures is the immune system--- a sophisticated, fine tuned army of front line defenders consisting of millions of special cells, organs, chemicals and microbes. Each member of this elite army has special functions--- some serve as sentries and detectives with a sole purpose of seeking out harmful invaders or waste products, while others serve as responding attackers; to kill and remove invading entities.
Like any army, the immune system must reach the battlefront with speed and power to be effective. Blood and lymph serves as the army's transport and incursion system, carrying antibodies (specialized proteins that serve to detect and report foreign presence to the army's soldiers), lymphocytes and monocytes (which serve as first response assault teams), and interleukins and various other cytokines (messenger molecules that provide communication between other elements of the army) to wherever an immune response is warranted.
Immune System Deficiencies
The lymphatic system's purpose is to cleanse and nourish cells and tissues, and to carry the immune effort across barriers that cannot be effectively reached by the blood. Lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow, thymus (hence the term "killer T-cells" ) and various mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues throughout the body. The lymph (a clear, viscous fluid) then carries these warriors via an intricate network of tiny vessels on an endless journey in and out of the bloodstream and throughout the body's various tissue structures. As the lymphocytes seek and destroy foreign invaders, the lymph picks up their dead bodies and other debris. The waste is then filtered out by the spleen, which serves as a fatal trap for foreign bodies that were not killed by the body's warriors. Any surviving invaders that do not fall for the spleen's trap are destroyed at lymph nodes that are strategically positioned throughout the body.
It is well-known that immunostimulants like echinacea work by increasing production and activities of killer T-cells, macrophages, and various other cells and antibodies in the bloodstream. However, it is very important to realize that these supplements can only serve to influence immune system structures and functions that are already in place. If an animal's immune system is deficient or depleted by poor nutrition, immune-supportive supplements will not be useful. In fact, they may actually add to the confusion of an already confused immune system army, trigger allergic reactions or other immune-mediated problems. The bottom line in other words is this: the job of building natural immunity begins not with the use of immunostimulants, but with diet, exercise, and a clean, happy living environment.
Diet, diet, . . . diet!
For dogs and cats, strong immunity begins with a diet consisting of good quality meat, bonemeal, and well-balanced mix of vitamins and minerals, as all of these things are needed to build and maintain blood, muscle, and bone structure.
Essential fatty acid supplements are needed for healthy skin and coat. Digestive enzymes and probiotic supplements (such as acidophilus and bifidus cultures) will help maintain a healthy balance of disease-fighting bacteria in the digestive tract. Then, after all of the primary elements of nutrition have been brought up to the highest levels of quality, herbs and other immune-supportive, tonic supplements can be added to the picture--- a quarter teaspoon serving of spirulina, a pinch of garlic powder, a good green foods supplement, a scant dose of colostrum powder for instance, may be added to the diet to provide additional daily support to a well-nourished immune system.
Support natural immunity, but save immunostimulants for when they are needed.
Unless a threat of infection is apparent, there is no need to use herbs (like Echinacea) that boost immune functions beyond normal levels of activity. A strong, properly nourished immune system represents the most powerful form of disease resistance known to human kind--- when functioning properly it needs nothing more than good food, plenty of exercise, and a healthy environment from which to work its miracles.
Echinacea, Astragalus, Siberian ginseng and other types of immunostimulant herbs are best reserved for times when you suspect that your companion has, or soon will be exposed to infectious agents. This is usually evidenced by the earliest occurrence of sneezing, coughing, fever, nasal discharge, or perhaps even abnormal behavior, such as excessive sleeping. Immunostimulants may also be useful immediately prior to a trip to the veterinarian or groomer, or in advance of a kennel visit. Scientific studies show that the immune-stimulating activities of Echinacea peak after about one week of use--- meaning that if fed continuously in a preventative capacity, Echinacea may not be able to deliver a full punch when an actual need arises.
Proper selection is important too. Some herbs, like Astragalus, are best used in cool-mannered animals with depleted energy reserves, while others are indicated in cases where immune deficiency is associated with high levels of emotional or physical stress. Selecting which immune-boosters are most appropriate for your pet may require the assistance of a holistic veterinarian. But one thing is for sure--- the job of putting the elements of strong immunity into place is up to you. Everyday, at each mealtime.
Gregory L. Tilford is co-author of "All you Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets" (Bowtie, 1999)
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