Boosting Immunity: Creating Wellness Naturally Paperback – Illustrated, February 9, 2002

I read this book looking for answers as to why one of my children doesn't respond well to conventional treatments for allergies and why she seems to constantly be sick. We already knew about diet. When we saw a new doctor trained in both conventional and holistic medicines, he wanted to start with diet--but none of that was helpful because her diet was already pretty close to ideal. This book helped me identify other potential sources for her poor immunity to every cold and bug that goes through the school--(the culprits could be stress, food sensitivities, and/or dehydration (antihistimines can be very dehydrating)). This book also has a chapter on blood sugar which I found very interesting and informative. I have been reading everything I could get my hands on and the chapters in this book offer both practical information and information about mechanisms. I found the level of detail and information just right (enough for a well educated lay person). I just wish there was more.

Len Saputo, M.D. practices integrative medicine and promotes a "person centered" medical treatment. Nancy Faass, M.S.W., M.P.H. has written "Optimal Digestion" and "Integrating Complementary Medicine into Health Systems." In "Boosting Immunity," these two writers/editors strive to fill the gaps left by traditional medical care, by focusing on the immune system. They have compiled chapters written by specialists in internal medicine, nutrition, environmental medicine, and alternative and complementary therapies.If you are a medical practitioner who's frustrated at your inability to help some of your patients, "Boosting Immunity" offers a different perspective in treating disease Many people are ill today with a syndrome of symptoms of unknown origin. These people (I have been one of them) are slipping through the cracks of traditional medicine. No matter what the cause of illness, strengthening the immune system helps the body rid itself of toxins and operate more efficiently, leaving energy to fight unwanted invaders. This book is of value to anyone wanting to enhance his or her health and vitality."Boosting Immunity" is easy to understand, but contains some noteworthy details for patients/readers who are already savvy about medical treatments. It is based on common sense but includes ideas that are on the cutting edge. Chapter One's description of the body's assault forces, i.e., phagocytes, T-cells, antibodies, etc. is the key to understanding how our actions impact our own immune systems. In other words, we've all heard, "drink more water," or "eat less junk," but seeing how specific components of the immune system work, shows how the behaviors we choose make a difference.The remaining chapters explain the importance of getting enough sleep, the beneficial effects of water, the impact of nutrition and digestion on immunity, how to clear the body of allergens and toxins to enhance health, and how the mind-body-spirit connection affects our immune system and, therefore, our well-being.Some of this information I've come across before, but having it compiled under one cover makes it easy for me to take responsibility for my own health by asking myself if I am, in fact, doing everything possible to strengthen my immune system. I can go through each chapter as a checklist. Am I giving my body actual building blocks by eating the right kinds of food, or am I clogging it up with useless garbage? Am I drinking enough water, or am I drinking a good quality of water?Speaking of water, "Boosting Immunity" has an excellent resource section that includes how and where to get your water tested. The unique resource section helps this book become a working tool, instead of leaving me hanging and wondering what to do next. Besides other books, the resource section provides websites for further research, lists for finding alternative and integrative practitioners, and where to get state-of-the-art medical testing done.I highly recommend this book for anyone with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, lupus, hepatitis, or any ailment with a compromised immune system."Boosting Immunity" is an easy to read, practical reference book. Because I can periodically review a section here and there and ask myself if I am doing everything possible to strengthen my immune system, the book empowers me to take charge of my own healthcare. This feeling of empowerment prevents me from becoming despondent or discouraged or victimized while working to get well.

Do not get this book if you are serious about your health and want trustworthy information on how to improve your immunity. For some background, the book consists of a series of chapters written by multiple authors about various topics related to immunity, such as digestion, exercise, and nutrition. Some of these chapters contain solid, if rather predictable information. Gentle exercise, taking a multivitamin, not eating too many carbs and sugars, etc. However, it also includes flat-out quackery from a chiropractor—a profession already known for its dangerous, pseudo-scientific practices (if you haven't heard of the damage these charlatans do and need a primer, feel free to watch one of the many Youtube videos on the subject, such as "Chiropractors Are Not What You Think They Are"). There are whole chapters dedicated to spreading malarkey such as fad "juice cleanses," "coffee enemas," and the idea that things like radio waves, bad vibrations, and the earth's magnetic fields are making people sick.Some people may be able to gloss over these chapters, but personally, the fact that they're included at all completely undermines the trustworthiness of the rest of the book to me. I feel like I've wasted my time reading it, and would like nothing more than to excise it from my mind so I can start over with a book that actually respects its readers enough not to peddle snake oil under the guise of actual medical advice.

The good: not only is this book full of practical information on boosting immunity, it is also a great read! I was engrossed by the descriptions of immune function while I simultaneously picked up new habits and useful information, such was what to look for in a vitamin.The bad: oh my, the typos! Certain chapters of this multi-author, contributed text are worse than others. The errors rarely obscure meaning, but they do annoy.

My Mother is dealing witg health issues and a friend mentioned this book to her and said it is very useful. She has gotten many ideas from it and swears it has helped.

What a disappointment! Boosting Immunity is a collection of chapters by different authors that is poorly focused and lacks continuity. There is nothing new in this book. It is mostly a rehash of commonly available information and some of the chapters, like chapter two, read like they were copied out of an enclyclopedia. The most attractive thing about this book is the title. Save your money.

This is an excellent primer on immunity that covers all the basics without being overwhelming (or terrifying, for that matter). The moderate sized chapters are written in user friendly language by eight experts in a variety of fields. Each chapter offers helpful and practical suggestions. The book makes getting well and staying well seem pretty easy.