Building Your Body’s Immune System

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by

Cheryl Stratos
in

I found there are many natural options to help build your body’s immune system, including wheatgrass, seaweeds, and mushrooms. They’re packed with antioxidants that help fight chronic inflammation. When the immune system reacts to a threat like cancer, it can sometimes cause other health issues. For example, wheatgrass has been shown to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy by supporting the body’s natural defense against unwanted cells. Studies suggest that when used alongside chemotherapy, wheatgrass may:

  • Boost the effectiveness of treatment.
  • Reduce chemotherapy’s adverse effects.”

There are a variety of grasses, greens, and mushrooms that can work together to help you have more energy.

Top Medicinal Mushrooms for Immune Support in Cancer Patients

1. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

  • Active compounds: Polysaccharide-K (PSK), Polysaccharide-P (PSP)
  • Benefits:
    • Boosts immune system activity (especially NK cells and T-cells)
    • Shown in studies to improve survival rates when used with chemotherapy (especially in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancers)
  • Clinical support: Widely used in Japan as an adjuvant cancer therapy.

2. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

  • Active compounds: Beta-glucans, triterpenes
  • Benefits:
    • Modulates immune response (enhancing or calming as needed)
    • May improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and increase immune cell counts
    • Potential anti-tumor activity in lab studies
  • Caution: May interfere with blood pressure or blood-thinning medications.

3. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

  • Active compounds: D-fraction beta-glucans
  • Benefits:
    • Enhances macrophage and NK cell activity
    • Some evidence for tumor inhibition and improved chemo response
  • Best used: Alongside conventional cancer treatments

4. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

  • Active compound: Lentinan (a beta-glucan)
  • Benefits:
    • Immune-enhancing may reduce chemotherapy side effects
    • Used in Japan as part of approved cancer immunotherapy

5. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

  • Benefits:
    • Strong antioxidant supports immune modulation
    • Used in folk medicine in Siberia and Eastern Europe
  • Caution: May interact with blood sugar or anticoagulant medications

Tips for Use:

  • Choose extracts: Look for hot water extracts or dual extracts (alcohol + water) to ensure maximum bioavailability.
  • Consult your doctor or oncologist: Especially if taking immunotherapy, chemo, or targeted agents, some mushrooms may interact.
  • Quality matters: Choose products tested for heavy metals and mycotoxins from reputable sources.

Top Grasses for Immune Support in Cancer Patients

1. Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum)

  • Key nutrients: Chlorophyll, vitamins A, C, E, selenium, amino acids
  • Benefits:
    • Supports detoxification and antioxidant activity
    • May reduce side effects of chemotherapy (e.g., fatigue, anemia, oxidative stress)
    • Shown in some studies to help normalize blood counts in patients receiving chemotherapy
  • Form: Juice or powdered form; fresh juice is highly potent

2. Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare)

  • Key nutrients: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), flavonoids, enzymes
  • Benefits:
    • Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
    • May protect cells from DNA damage
    • Supports a healthy gut microbiome (which is closely tied to immune health)
  • Form: Powdered juice or capsule

3. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

  • Key nutrients: Vitamins K, C, E, chlorophyll, saponins
  • Benefits:
    • Stimulates the immune system
    • It may help with detoxification and hormone balance
    • Antioxidant effects may support recovery and vitality
  • Caution: Avoid in people with autoimmune disorders or hormone-sensitive cancers unless cleared by a physician

4. Oat Grass (Avena sativa)

  • Key nutrients: Silica, B vitamins, calcium, iron
  • Benefits:
    • Calming to the nervous system
    • Mild immune support and antioxidant activity
    • Useful for stress resilience and fatigue during treatment
  • Form: Often found in green blends or tinctures

5. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

  • Key compounds: Citral, flavonoids
  • Benefits:
    • Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
    • Shown to have selective cytotoxicity in some lab cancer studies
    • May support digestion and detox pathways
  • Note: Not a cereal grass but often grouped due to similar immune-supportive and detox benefits

Tips for Use:

  • Best form: Cold-pressed juice or freeze-dried powder; avoid heat-processed products as nutrients are sensitive.
  • Blend with care: Many products mix grasses with algae like spirulina/chlorella for enhanced effect.
  • Medical guidance: Check with your oncology team, especially for patients on immunotherapy or with autoimmune comorbidities.