How do you know if your child suffers from bedroom monsters? The symptoms typically present as reluctance to go to bed, frequent night-time wakings, and the child verbalizing the presence of monsters.  If left untreated bedroom monsters can pose a serious threat to quality of life for children and their parents alike.

This is why I have developed Dr. Erika’s Anti-Monster Spray.  Clinically proven (n=1) to remove dangerous monsters if used daily.

Simply add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water.  Shake to mix, spray in all dark corners before bedtime.  It is absolutely essential that the child participates in the spraying for all monsters to be eliminated.  90% success rate within 3 days, 99% success rate within 7 days.

Do your children suffer from Monsters?  Please share your experience below.

The post Dr. Erika’s Anti-Monster Spray appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

photo credit: Ryan M Mclaughlin via photopin creative commons license

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I have found this 3-step approach to ADHD to be very effective. I always tell my patients that my long-term goal is to permanently restore health. When we use this 3-step approach we systematically rule out other conditions that may either mimic ADHD or aggravate it. Once we have done our detective work the real healing can begin.

I love to see families whose lives are completely changed by this approach!

Here is a summary of my 3-step approach (watch the video for more information):

1. Is it really ADHD? It is truly astonishing how many cases of ADHD in children are actually misdiagnoses.  Things like iron-deficiency anemia, thyroid disease, or heavy metal toxicity (especially lead or mercury) often look just like ADHD.  Children in my practice are screened for these conditions first because let me tell you, at least 50% of the time I see kids have something other than ADHD.  Another of Dr. Erika’s observations: I have a hunch that a subset of kids with “ADHD” are actually in pain.  Sound strange?  I think it actually makes a lot of sense. People who are uncomfortable are often restless to get their mind off of the pain.  In kids I think it is even worse because they don’t have a good understanding of what different sensations mean.  It can be scary for a child to be in pain, and they may not even recognize it as such, especially if they have never experienced “normal” (pain-free) health.
2. WHY is it ADHD? Once we have exhausted step 1 we move on to step 2.  If we know for sure it really is ADHD Dr. Erika wants to know why.  I believe that ADHD symptoms are caused by something irritating the nervous system.  So what is it?  Leaky gut syndrome, vitamin D deficiency, sensitivity to food colorings and additives, genetic defects, oxidative damage, or social stress can all cause irritation to the nervous system.  In addition to removing these factors we need to add nourishing nutrients to help calm and soothe the nervous system and protect against future damage.
3. When all else fails – check the biochemistry.  Lots of naturopathic doctors I know start at this step because it is so effective.  Basically we can do a blood or urine test to check the levels of neurotransmitters and supplement the ones that are low or give cofactors to stimulate production. I use this as the last resort because changing the biochemistry in the brain doesn’t address the underlying cause.  It is always my goal for my patients to heal naturally and not be dependent upon supplements for the rest of their lives – when we follow steps 1 and 2 we are usually able to avoid that dependency.  When we skip straight to step 3 it usually means that patients are dependent upon taking those supplements in the long term.  Also, many of these biochemical imbalances resolve themselves just by following steps 1 and 2 – sometimes we can go crazy chasing lab results around because we forget that people are not lab results.

Do you have questions about this approach? Please feel free to comment/ask below!

The post 3 steps to solving your child’s ADHD appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

Good news for you who are in the Missoula, Montana area!  Together with Meadowsweet Herbs and Walking Stick Toys we are having a wonderful Kids event starting next Wednesday May 29th through Saturday June 1st.  Meadowsweet Herbs and Walking Stick Toys will be having sales on kids products, in addition to lots of fun events.

On Saturday, June 1st at 11:30 a.m. I will be having a talk entitled “Natural Remedies for ADHD.” Does your child have a diagnosis of ADHD? I will discuss some factors that commonly trigger ADHD-like symptoms, as well as talk about how ADHD is commonly misdiagnosed. I highly encourage you to attend. This information is life-changing.

In celebration of our upcoming event I have compiled a list of my favorite herbs for children.  You can find these at Meadowsweet Herbs as well!

Chamomile, Matricaria recutita
The quintessential “children’s” herb.  Chamomile is an unusual herb in that it is slightly sweet and mildly bitter at the same time.  The “bitter” component in chamomile (and in any other plant) stimulates the digestive system to increase stomach acid and pancreatic secretions.  Chamomile is unusual in that it is also has “carminative” constituents to help slow and calm the digestive tract.  This makes it an ideal herb for infant colic or for anyone with indigestion, gas and bloating.  It is also anti-inflammatory and calming – perfect for children with mild to moderate fevers.

Safety: in tea form it is completely safe for children of all ages, even infants.* Do not use if you or your child has an allergy to coneflowers.

Dose: Use 1 tbs/cup boiling water, cover and steep for 15 minutes.  Strain and let cool.  Children and adults can drink one cup three times per day. (Use smaller cups for smaller tummies!)  For infants with colic give 1 teaspoon of cooled tea at a time.

Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
An excellent, delicious, “minty” herb that tastes wonderful as a tea or glycerite.  Lemon balm is also a carminative and anti-inflammatory herb, like chamomile, but has the added benefit of being antiviral. It is a moderate “nervine,” a herb that acts in the central nervous system to relieve anxiety, nervousness and insomnia.  This is a classic children’s herb for cold sores, viral tummy infections and colds.  Lemon balm tea is a favorite in our house, also known as “happy tea” because it just seems to make life a little easier.

Safety: also completely safe.*

Dose: use as a tea just like chamomile.

Calendula, Calendula officinalis
Calendula is one of our best vulnerary, or wound-healing herbs.  It seems to speed wound healing by promoting the formation of granulation tissue (the “pre-skin” of a healing wound).  It also has wonderful anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which makes Calendula ointment ideal for diaper rashes, nasty scrapes, burns and for post-surgical wound-care.  Calendula is also a “lymphogogue” which helps drain swollen lymph nodes.

Safety: topically it is completely safe for scrapes, small cuts and burns with the skin intact.*  See a physician for use on post-surgical wounds or large areas of open skin.  Calendula can also be used internally, but it is probably best to use Calendula tincture internally under the supervision of a naturopathic physician or very experienced herbalist.

Dose: spread Calendula ointment or cream over the affected area several times per day.

Elderberry, Sambucus nigra
Elderberry is probably the most delicious medicine we have for kids.  It makes a wonderful tasting syrup or glycerite, and since it is really a food it is incredibly safe.  Elderberry is one of our most potent anti-viral herbs.  It has excellent research showing that it inhibits viruses from entering cells – particularly the flu virus!  I consider Elderberry to be a very safe, effective alternative to Tamiflu (which has never been shown to be efficacious, by the way).

Safety: very safe.* Elderberry is even considered safe in pregnancy and lactation (though you should always use caution and follow the dose recommendations.) May cause tummy aches if taken too frequently.

Dose: follow the dosing instructions on the bottle of elderberry syrups.  Most have different concentrations of extract, so each brand has its own appropriate dose.

Mullein, Verbascum thapsus
One of Dr. K’s favorite herbs for coughs and mucus in children (or adults for that matter).  Mullein tincture or glycerite is a nice mild respiratory herb that seems to soothe inflamed tissue while simultaneously loosening phlegm.  It is excellent for the lingering cough that can happen after a cold or flu.  I used it with great effect after the H1N1 post-flu chronic cough.  It is mild enough to not aggravate the sensitive lung tissue, unlike some other respiratory herbs.

Safety: also very safe.  There is some controversy over whether it is safe in infants – I feel very safe using it in any child who spends most of his/her day upright.  In other words, children over 6 months of age who are sitting are good candidates for this herb.  In “horizontal” children there is a concern that thinning mucus could just make the infection spread deeper into the lungs.  I have never seen this happen, but perhaps it is wise to be cautious.

Dose: The dose for this herb definitely depends on the concentration of the herb and the size of the adult or child.  For adults you can take up to 1 teaspoon of tincture or glycerite every 2-3 hours.  For children you need to adjust for body size, or check with your herbalist or naturopathic doctor.  It is KEY to take this herb very frequently to see good effects.

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* Always, ALWAYS check with your doctor first! Remember that medicine is not one-size-fits-all, and that there is always the 1 in a 1,000 child for whom certain types of herbal medicine is contraindicated.

photo credit: LJWDevon via photopin cc
photo credit: Images by John ‘K’ via photopin cc
photo credit: quinn.anya via photopin cc
photo credit: dorena-wm via photopin cc

The post Dr. K’s favorite herbs for kids! appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

So here’s the deal: as in life, with supplements you pay for what you get. I would rather my patients throw their Costco multivitamin in the garbage and not take anything at all.  It sounds rather harsh, but I cannot in good faith have my patients take something that I know is harmful.

In the last few years several studies have shown an increased risk of death when taking multivitamins.  Yikes.  Here is one study in older women. Here’s another that shows cancer deaths are increased. Here’s one that shows that women who take calcium have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease, heart attack and death).  And here is an older, landmark study that showed that taking beta-carotene causes increased risk of death in smokers.

Yet, in many other studies multivitamins or single vitamins have been shown to decrease certain cancers, prevent neural tube defects (and autism!), reduce the risk of heart disease, decrease the risk of osteoporosis, and on and on.

Okay, so what’s going on here?

The first thing you should know is that where a vitamin comes from is very important.  In the beta-carotene study the researchers were shocked to discover that supplemental beta-carotene was associated with higher death rates.  They were studying it because they knew that smokers who consumed high levels of beta-carotene in their diets were much, much less likely to die.  So what gives?  Well, the supplement they manufactured for the study was synthetic.  It is simply not processed in the body the same way as natural beta carotene.

The second thing you should know is that many molecules have chirality, or “handedness”.  Technically your left hand is identical to your right hand – but they aren’t, right?  One is a mirror image of the other.  In nature most molecules are “left” handed.  But when molecules are made in a laboratory it is difficult to sort out the left from right handed molecules.  Both end up in the supplement, and where one may prevent a disease, the other may cause it!

You should also be aware that there are many different forms of vitamins and minerals.  Some are better absorbed, some are better utilized and some are the equivalent of flushing the vitamin straight into the toilet.  Vitamin B-12, for example, can come in cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin.  Methylcobalamin is much better utilized by the body, but most multivitamins only contain the cyano type.  Folic acid can also come in a 5-methyltetrahydrofolate form (say that 3 times fast), which is absolutely essential for the ~20% of the population with an MTHFR gene defect (come see me if you want to get tested).  Iron in the form of ferrous sulfate is fine for “normal” people, but people with gut dysbiosis tend to get dramatically worse on it.  Instead I advise using iron picolinate which greatly increases absorption.

Finally, there are the fillers.  Titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, modified food starch, hydrogenated palm oil, modified corn starch (GMO), Red No 40 Lake, Blue No 2 Aluminum Lake, Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake are all found in the most popular brand of vitamin.  Many food dyes are carcinogenic, and for the majority of my sensitive patients they aggravate the nervous system (causing ADHD, migraines and other symptoms). Other fillers are cheap additives to fill space and hold the tablet together.

So skip the multivitamins that contain these types of fillers or synthetic versions of the vitamins.  See a nutritionist or naturopathic physician to get a personalized recommendation for a multivitamin as each person can benefit from a slightly different formula.

Here are some of Dr. Erika’s favorites.  They all contain the correct “handedness,” and are forms that are absorbable and useable by the body. Remember though, that each person may need something slightly different, you should always check with your doctor first.

Babies/toddlers: VitaSpectrum by Klaire labs or Pediatri Vite by Genestra/Seroyal.  (Note: I do not believe that most breastfed babies need a multivitamin).  These do not contain iron – have your child’s iron levels checked before adding a liquid iron, or food-based iron (no need to supplement iron if they have good iron levels).

Kids: Pure Pals or Pure Pals with Iron by PURE encapsulations.  Kids this age usually do need iron, though you may want to consider the iron-free formula for kids who have digestive complaints or are on the autistic spectrum.

Women of childbearing age: Thorne Basic Prenatal multivitamin, or New Chapter Organics Perfect Prenatal Multi.

Postmenopausal women: Vitanica’s Senior Symmetry (even though you’re not a senior yet, it has the best formula!), or Meta-Fem by Thorne.

Men under 40: Clinical nutrients for Men by Integrative Therapeutics.

Men over 40: Al’s Formula by Thorne, or Clinical Nutrients 50+ by Integrative Therapeutics.

Athletes, or anyone undergoing intensive detoxification: Nutrient 950 by Pure Encapsulations, or another personalized multivitamin (depending on their specific biochemical needs).  This has very high levels of active nutrients, which are needed for anyone under oxidative stress.  Anyone who has been exposed to heavy metals, pesticides or is doing a detoxification program should be on a similar high-level multivitamin.

Yes, these are physician-grade products, so that means they are not available over the counter.  Lots of naturopathic physicians sell these in their office (you can call them).  I don’t like to do that, so I have my patients order them online through Natural Partners (my patients get a sweet 20% off).  They are more expensive – that’s because they are pharmaceutical grade products.  These companies literally test every single batch that comes off the assembly line for purity and potency, and that is why Dr. Erika trusts them.

So seriously, skip the Centrum.

The post Skip the Centrum! (A guide to a good multivitamin) appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

This recorded lecture includes all the latest research regarding vaccines, vaccine adverse events and immunology.  Written and recorded by Dr. Erika Krumbeck, naturopathic physician (and worried Mom) who specializes in pediatrics and vaccine safety. Also included is an e-book workbook filled with the data included in the lecture and a blank vaccine worksheet.

This is not a “pro-vaccine” or an “anti-vaccine” webinar.  This lecture presents all the facts regarding vaccines in a non-biased, non-judgmental atmosphere.  This course also sifts out the facts regarding the link between vaccines and autism.  You will learn about the adjuvants in vaccines and what effects they may have on the body.  There is also a brief discussion on allergies and what to do with children who have other health conditions like asthma or severe allergies. Learn which vaccines are live virus vaccines, and which vaccines contain aluminum (and why this is controversial). Other topics include: thimerosal, the MMR scare, autoimmune disease, nosodes instead of vaccinating, breastfeeding instead of vaccinating, the use of Tylenol, abortion and pro-life parents, how to use VAERS, use of probiotics, glutamine and vitamin A when vaccinating.

Learn what vaccines are associated with multiple sclerosis, asthma/allergies, eczema, intusussception, febrile seizures and more.

This webinar teaches the facts about immunizations – what disease each vaccine is designed to prevent, when it is most appropriate to give them, and what is actually in each vaccine.  We will go over the actual data on the incidence of disease as well as the chance of having an adverse vaccine reaction.  You will also learn how to prevent vaccine adverse reactions and what not to do when vaccinating your child.

Vaccine information from someone you can trust. Learn about vaccines away from the media hype, internet hearsay and celebrity endorsement!

The best $18 you’ll spend this year.

Click on the images below for a sneak peak of the presentation and e-book:

The post Vaccines Demystified webinar available for sale. appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

April is national Autism awareness month. 1 in 88 American children have a diagnosis of autism, a number that has been climbing rapidly (a 1,148% increase, according to the Autism society).

As a physician specializing in pediatrics it is frustrating to continue to hear the conversation centered around vaccines causing autism.  I believe we are doing the autistic community a disservice by continuing to wage a war of words regarding autism and vaccines.  Though no study has looked at the totality of vaccines, at least the MMR vaccine/Autism link has been emphatically disproven in literature.

Celebrity-driven fear has shifted the conversation toward vaccines in the past decade.  Meanwhile a host of studies have shown other environmental, genetic or drug-induced associations with autism.  Studies have shown a link between exposure to vinyl flooring and autism, the culprit being high levels of phthalates. There is research showing associations between autism and flame retardants, heavy metals, defects in detoxification pathways (sulphation or methylation) or glutamine dysfunction. Some preliminary research shows an association between Tylenol use and autism.  When parents notice a change in their child’s behavior after a vaccine I always wonder – was it the Tylenol?

There are so many questions that need to be answered before we can move on with prevention and diagnosis of this common, disabling condition.  Please, autism is too complex a disease to be blamed solely on vaccines.

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Dr. Erika’s response to the many comments posted below:

“Thank you all for your comments, I truly appreciate your thoughts.

There clearly is much more to be said about the autism/vaccine debate than can fit into the Missoulian’s 300 word space. My point regarding autism is that we need to move beyond just vaccines – that autism is a multifactorial neurological process that is much too complex to be explained away by vaccinations.

I understand that many parents have seen regression in their children after vaccines – this post isn’t to diminish that observation in any way.

I think that Dr. Natasha Campbell-Mcbride (Author of the now famous “Gut and Psychology Syndrome” book) has a very intelligent answer to this debate. She basically states that vaccines can end up being the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” so to speak. I agree. For children who are genetically predisposed (low sulfation and methylation abilities), with environmental insults the vaccine ends up being the last thing that completely depletes glutathione. When that happens the body’s ability to scavenge free radicals is compromised which leads to oxidative damage, especially in the brain (or possibly at the blood-brain barrier). The result is regressive autism.

My point is that it is not the vaccine that is the culprit, necessarily. Epidemiological research shows us that rates of autism are similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated children – if not the vaccine, then something else would likely end up being the “final straw.” Many of the parents in my practice have the same hunch.

To that end, I believe that MMR is actually LESS likely to cause or be a partial culprit in precipitating autism compared with other vaccines. (Actually, one piece of literature shows LOWER rates of autism in children vaccinated for MMR!) As a physician I am much more concerned about the aluminum-containing vaccines like DTaP, PCV and HiB which I think place a greater strain on the body’s ability to detoxify. It is incredibly unfortunate that no study has ever been performed comparing the full CDC schedule of vaccines vs. unvaccinated children. It is also very concerning that the latest Cochrane review for the MMR vaccine states that safety data is lacking (though they did state that there is no evidence to support an MMR-autism link, since that is one thing that HAS been studied).

So no, I am NOT a “pro-vaccine” physician, though I am also in no way an “anti-vaccine” physician. There is much that needs to be worked out in science. Physicians like myself need to educate our patients to weigh the pros and cons of vaccinating vs not vaccinating. These vaccines were developed for a reason – to save parents the anguish of potentially devastating diseases. Some are more severe and more common than others, and some are much more likely in certain situations.

I am 100% supportive of parents in whatever decision they make, as long as they are aware of all these “pros” and “cons.”

Please read Jeff Walsh’s comment above as well, there is definitely a gut component to autism – I very much agree.

Okay, so I tried to respond to as many comments as I could! Please let me know if you have additional questions.”

© Showface | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

The post It’s time to move beyond the autism/vaccine debate. appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

Annika getting dirty.

Have you guys heard of something called the “Hygiene Hypothesis?”

The Hygiene Hypothesis states that much of the chronic disease in the First World is due to lack of exposure to dirt and “healthy” microbes.  In our Lysol-friendly American households we come into contact with way less germs than developing nations (or really any other nation for that matter).

What’s the consequence?  HUGE healthcare costs for our whole country because of the higher incidence of chronic disease.

So two weeks ago we talked about the difference between the Th1 and Th2-mediated immune systems.  If you haven’t read that post you should read it now.  (I know it’s a little heavy in immunology jargon – just bear with me.)

Lots of studies have shown that use of antibiotics in the first year of life leads to increased incidence of asthma, eczema and allergies (Th2-dominant diseases).  Ditto for the use of household cleaning products, lack of siblings, lack of daycare, etc.  Basically – the more germs, colds, flu’s and parasites you are exposed to the less likely you are to develop asthma, eczema and allergies.

What’s interesting is that at the same time as Th2-type illnesses have increased, so have Th1-dominant diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Type I diabetes.  Some authors suggest that exposure to bacteria and viruses helps stimulate our T-regulatory cells, which are the “balancing” cells of our immune system.

Okay, enough immunology.  What’s the take home?

Avoid antibiotics whenever humanly possible. Knock on wood, I have yet to have to prescribe an antibiotic in my practice.  We have LOTS of other options for stimulating the immune system and healing infections and illnesses naturally.

Throw out your Lysol.  Toss your Triclosan-containing soaps. (It’s an endocrine disruptor, leads to antibiotic resistance, and may be a carcinogen.)

For the love – get rid of those ridiculous aerosol products that claim to remove bacteria from the air.  YIKES!  We do NOT need to remove normal, healthy bacteria from circulating air! If your home stinks it’s time to clean whatever is making it stinky, not cover up the odor with harmful chemicals.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available.  And avoid the commercial name-brands, they are full of strange chemicals.

Let them get dirty.  Our bodies were meant to be exposed to soil.  We have lots of “probiotic” supplements and fermented foods to supply us with good intestinal bacteria, but what about skin flora?  I really think our skin was made to have contact with dirt and healthy bacteria in soil.  In fact, Dr. Erika has a hypothesis that many skin conditions could be improved with regular exposure to dirt.  (Okay, not open wounds, please don’t go home and rub soil into your cuts.)  But it is super important to avoid pesticide and herbicide-laden soil (no Roundup) – we need good organic compost.

Remember all those mud-pies we made as kids?  Turns out they may have benefits.  Small doses of healthy bacteria may be enough to stimulate the immune system and activate those T-regulatory cells that reduce chronic disease.  So…

Let them eat dirt!

The post Let them eat dirt (The Hygiene Hypothesis) appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

Annika is due for her 12 month appointment in a few days and she’s been speaking a couple of words (and rapidly picking up more it seems). I know that’s pretty normal, but I wanted to find out how many words other kids are speaking at that age and whether or not she was “advanced” for her age.

Bad Mom.

Annika a few months ago.

First of all because I should not be comparing. Secondly because “advanced” or “gifted” children aren’t “better” than any other kid. Thirdly because anytime I Google anything about parenting I always end up feeling guilty. And if you follow my writing at all you know my number one thing I cannot stand is Mom Guilt.

So no, Annika is not “gifted.” At least not compared to the other kids whose Moms claim they are speaking full sentences at a year and writing at two years. (Actually, ironically, my husband started writing really early, at around 3 years of age, but he didn’t speak until almost then either!) Nope, Annika is perfectly developmentally normal.

Thank God.

The one thing I’ve learned as a physician who sees lots of children is that every kid has their own uniqueness. Every child has something that makes them so unequivocally them. It is such a privilege as a physician to see children grow up and be nourished in what makes them individuals. It is so exciting to see their gifts and talents exercised in this world.

Some kids have great math skills, or reading abilities, or are awesome spellers. But for most it is something that cannot be measured on any standardized test. I’ve seen brilliant, witty, hilarious kids who are on a mission to light up whatever room they are in. I’ve seen some who take such great pleasure in reading – they share that passion with their parents or their friends. Some kids just LOVE sports and you can see them glow when they throw that baseball.

For a lot of children it is so subtle. Annika is a really sensitive kid – she gets big crocodile tears whenever another child cries, even across the room (and even when the other kid is faking!). I cannot wait to see how this sensitivity will be used to benefit others. She already wants to share her stiff, sucked-on crab puppet (her favorite lovey) with everyone. Maybe it is her way of making us feel better?

But that sensitivity IS her gift. She is the balance to the insensitive world.

What is your child’s gift? How can you nourish it?

The post Be happy with the child you have appeared first on Montana Whole Health.

It’s spring here in Missoula and you know what that means: hay fever season is just around the corner. If you’re a hay fever sufferer and you feel like the only way to cope is to dress yourself in a hazmat suit then you probably want to read on.  Ditto if you have asthma, eczema or food allergies (the anaphylactic kind).

Allergies, asthma and eczema are all interrelated.  In fact, many patients who have one of these symptoms actually have all three. This blog post will explain why these issues are primarily an immune-system balancing problem.  Skip the first part if you struggle with biology and immunology.

What is Th1 and Th2? What does this have to do with my immune system?
The immune system is a complex, integrated collection of cells and chemicals that protects against disease.  The primary function of the immune system is to recognize the difference between normal cells (“self”), and invaders (“non-self”).  The immune system must then protect “self” and work to eliminate “nonself,” which can include viruses, bacteria, parasites, even cancer cells.   The human body has an incredibly intricate system of defense, and uses multiple mechanisms to keep invaders (pathogens) out.

One of these mechanisms is called the adaptive immune system.  The adaptive immune system consists of special types of white blood cells called B cell and T cells (often called lymphocytes).   B cells make antibodies against foreign invaders so the immune system can “remember” the pathogen and quickly eliminate it in the future.  T cells are responsible for either actively killing (killer T cells), or helping to kill (helper T cells) the pathogen.

T lymphocytes activate and regulate the immune system by making cytokines, which are chemical signals that tell other cells in the immune system what to do.  Of all the types of cells in the body, helper T cells are considered to be the biggest producers of these cytokines.  There are two main types of helper T cells: Th1 cells and Th2 cells.

Th1 cells work to eliminate invaders that occur inside our cells (viruses and some intracellular bacteria).  Th2 cells aim to destroy pathogens that occur outside our cells (bacteria and parasites).  Th1 cells and Th2 cells each create different cytokines which triggers different effects in the body.

(Thanks to North Carolina State Wiki for this image. No copyright was listed.)

Why is this important?
A healthy immune system can “choose” which types of cells to produce and can easily switch back and forth between Th1 and Th2-type responses.  An unhealthy immune system can get “stuck” in one of these responses – leading to excessive production of only one type of cytokines.

Most people in the developed world get “stuck” in a Th2 response.  This is because our bodies are not exposed to as many parasites and bacteria as in the past (thanks to Lysol, toilets, and water sanitation systems).  An immune system without an invader to fight will start attacking anything it can – pollen, food particles, dust, dander, etc.  When Th2 becomes switched on it activates eosinophils and IgE-type reactions which leads to the symptoms we recognize as “allergies”.  For some people this can become severe, leading to asthma, eczema, and anaphylactic reactions.

Much of the balancing of the Th1/Th2 response occurs in pregnancy and early infancy.  Once the immune system gets “stuck” in an abnormal pattern we have a much more difficult time correcting it.  This is why treatments that aim to balance the Th1/Th2 ratio can take a long time to work.  It is very important to stick with it to see results!

How can I balance my immune system?
Naturopathic doctors have several strategies to balance an “unhealthy” immune system:

Probiotics and prebiotics. “Probiotics” refers to beneficial bacteria that normally reside in healthy human intestines.  “Prebiotics” refers to the types of food that promote the growth of these healthy bacteria.  Probiotic bacteria have been shown to alter Th2 cytokine production in both healthy and “allergic” people.  Probiotics also appear to stimulate the immune system in the gut called GALT (Gut-associated lymphatic tissue) which promotes healthy immune activity.

Fish oil. Fish oil blocks inflammatory cytokines by irreversibly binding to immune system enzymes.  Irreversible is good!  This means that when the body needs an appropriate immune response it can still have one.  For fish oil it is absolutely essential that you buy a high quality product – they are frequently contaminated with mercury (since some types of fish are high in mercury).  I like one called Finest Pure Fish Oil from Pharmax, which seems to be pricey but actually has the highest concentration of EPA and DHA per dollar.  Nordic Naturals is good too.  (No affiliation with these products, just for your information.)  They can be hard to find, e-mail me if you need helping locating them.

Vitamin A and vitamin D.  Vitamin A, in combination with appropriate amounts of vitamin D, seem to be able to turn off inflammatory immune responses.  The combination of these two nutrients can take immature T-helper cells and switch them to an anti-inflammatory version called T-regulatory (T-reg) cells.  This can be helpful for patients who have either excess Th2 OR Th1 responses.  BUT – please note that vitamin A and vitamin D, which are both steroid molecules, can be toxic in high levels.  You always need to consult a physician before you take either of these vitamins in levels higher than recommended by the FDA (the “daily recommendation”).

Herbs, fungi, etc.  Naturopaths have a long botanical formulary: ~300 herbs, many of which are anti-inflammatory or immune modulating.  There are lots of options for herbal formulations to alter your Th1/Th2 ratio.  That could fill up a whole blog post itself, so e-mail me or schedule an appointment if you have more questions.

Naturopathic doctors have many other tricks to balance the immune system – usually it depends on the individual and their own particular biochemistry.  Don’t give up if the first thing you tried didn’t work!  Every time a patient comes to me and something hasn’t worked it just gives me more information.  There are many different types of biochemistry – we just have to figure out what works for you as an individual.

Here’s two of many references I used for this:
Ghadimi D, et al. “Effects of probiotic bacteria and their genomic DNA on TH1/TH2-cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy and allergic subjects. Immunobiology. 2008;213(8):677-92.

Abrahamsson TR et al, A Th1/Th2-associated chemokine imbalance during infancy in children developing eczema, wheeze and sensitization.  Clin Exp Allergy. 2011 Dec;41(12):1729-39. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2011.03827.x. Epub 2011 Aug 1.

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