LifeCare Chiropractic

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immunity

Enhancement of immunity in the elderly by probiotic Bifido lactis – (11-29-01)

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Enhancement of immunity in the elderly by probiotic Bifido lactis

Articles like this just get me all warm and fuzzy. I use probiotics frequently in my practice, sometime with amazing results. There is a staggering amount of research on the benefits of this class of substances that I would consider it malpractice to put a patient on antiboitics (especially children) without thought to restore the normal flora after the course. This article demonstrates increased immune function in elderly (average age 69 yrs) using a probiotic supplement. Considering that side effects are very rare, might we possibly consider this as an adjunct or, preferably, replacement of a flu vaccine?

AJCN — Abstracts: Gill et al. 74 (6): 833

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Aging, Immunity, and Cancer – (01-02-01)

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Aging, Immunity, and Cancer

This is a review of the current literature supporting the idea that our immune system is constantly fighting off cancer, and it is the slowing of the immune system response with age that increases our risk for cancer. This really does shed new light on many new therapies coming out that focus on suppressing the immune response, such as the new TNFalpha inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. We don’t fully understand how our bodies work, and blocking a step in this process may have unforeseen consequences.

Cancer Control; JMCC 7(6):513-522, 2000 Background: The prime function of the immune system is to protect the entire organism from a variety of insults and illnesses, including the development of cancer. The question of how age-related declines in immune function contribute to an increasing incidence of malignancies continues to be a focus of discussion and speculation. Conclusions: Senescent decline in immune surveillance leads to the accumulation of cellular and DNA mutations that could be a significant factor in the development of malignancy and programmed cell death or apoptosis observed in the elderly.

Imperfect vaccines and the evolution of pathogen virulence – (12-17-01)

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Imperfect vaccines and the evolution of pathogen virulence

This issue has been of some concern lately, especially with the measles vaccine. The body’s immunity to an infection (active immunity) is much stronger than that derived from vaccination (passive immunity). This could cause problems if a particularly virulent strain of infectious disease comes along that the passive immunity is not strong enough to handle.

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