THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Q. My immune sysetem is in overdrive and is fighting itself. If herbs like maitake mushrooms and Echinacea overstimulate the immune system, are they healthful? Is it possible to overstimulate the immune system?

A. There is a difference between "stimulating" and "modulating" the immune system. Stimulants raise the white blood cells counts. Modulators can either raise a lowered score or lower an abnormally elevated one. Cancer patients in particular want to have a balanced immune system, not one in overdrive.

The herb Echinacea is a classic stimulant. It boosts low white blood cell (WBC) counts. For that reason, it should not be taken by people who already have too much WBC activity.

SEARCH FOR IMMUNOMODULATORS

Other substances are immunomodulators. One of these is mistletoe, such as Iscador. Richard Wagner, M.D., of Stuttgart, Germany, recently presented data showing that mistletoe could either raise or lower WBCs, depending on the patient. He performs blood tests to make sure that his treatment is having the desired effect.

It is important when using supplements to make sure you are achieving the desired effect. An alternative practitioner can provide this information.

We have a Moss Report on the topic of most cancers. Please see my latest book Antioxidants Against Cancer for more on the question of immune stimulation and modulation.

ABOUT OUR Q & A SERVICE: Each week we answer a new question from a visitor to our website. Questions posted at this site are chosen based on their general relevance and become the property of Equinox Press. They may be edited for reasons of space.

Moss Reports clients can ask followup questions by us at mail@ralphmoss.com

If you have questions about purchasing a Moss Report for a particular kind of cancer, you can call our office at 718-636-4433 or you can order your Moss Report BY CLICKING HERE via our secure order form, and ask your question in the box provided.

Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. is director of the The Moss Reports for cancer patients. Dr. Moss is the author of eleven books and three documentaries on cancer-related topics. He is or has been an advisor on alternative cancer treatments to the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the American Urological Association, Columbia University, the University of Texas, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the German Society of Oncology. He wrote the first article on alternative medicine for the Encyclopedia Britannica yearbook. He is listed in Marquis Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in Entertainment (as a film documentarian). This Web site does not advocate any particular treatment for cancer. We urge you to always seek competent medical advice for all health problems, especially cancer. Before consulting our site please read our full Disclaimer statement.

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