Alternative Treatments for MAC: immunotherapy, etc.

@windwalker @jspremich my doc recommended 4Life Transfer Factor chewable for immune health that is directed to the lungs...a bit pricey but worth it if it works for you!

Hi Terri. I take the Chinese herb Astragalus for boosting the immune system. I understand cancer patients are sometimes put on that to help their immune response when in Chemo. I do not see any down side to it. Google Astragalus and immune system for many articles reporting this benefit. Here is one https://www.alive.com/health/astragalus-the-immune-warrior/ Also taking NAC which is good for the lungs and for the immune system. I am always looking for ways to get my immune system response kicked into gear. Still waiting for my broncoscopy MAC results to come back in. I read your posts often and have to comment that you are a remarkable woman...so very kind and caring.

Can you say how it helped you? Thanks.

Terri...me again...just adding one on NAC. I am surprised I have not seen the mention of it on this site as it is very beneficial to the lungs as well as building the immune system.https://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/nac-super-nutrient

@boomerexpert Thank you, I will have to look into this.

@boomerexpert Have you ever tried it?

@alleycatkate I looked up NAC on NIH and Mayo sites. Certainly worth trying. Both sites say that it is effective as an antioxident, it breaks down mucus, is an anti-inflammatory, and is also used in psychiatry to calm OCD, bi-polar, and schizophrenia. It helps restore the liver also. It contains sulphur, which is an antifungal and has amino acids which is protein to build muscle and tissue. It comes in pill form as well as an inhaleable. Can buy ovet the counter, but suggested that you get prescription strength. I will ask my doctor about it. Thank you for the post.

@alleycatkate Thank you for the Kudos, it always makes my day to know that the time I put in for this support group makes a difference to others. I am not doing this alone, our 'mac' community is pretty special. We all collectively jump in and support one another. Some days I need to lay low and take a break from this. When I return, I see frightened newcomers welcomed by our moderator, Colleen, or by other steadfast members like @ling123, @tdrell, @nick52, @irene5, @jkiemen, @heathert, @lindam272, @megan123, @unicorn, and others. These gals never let us down. That is what we are about, being here for each other. Boy, I have been wanting to say all of that for awhile now. I just needed the spot to interject my gratitude to our members.

@alleycatkate I actually have and use astralagus (& ashwanda) Does it help? I cannot tell. I wasn't good about being consistant with it. Have you been taking it?

@boomerexpert and @flib I looked up the 4Life Transfer Factor and read the ingredients in it. The ingredients are immune boosters. The first ingredient is cow colostrum (the first fluid out of mammals before their real milk comes in) it is loaded with rich nutrients and lots of antibodies. It is most effective if it is unpasteurized, but that can be dangerous to immunocompromised people. I am sure this ingredient is paturized in this case. Next in 4Life is chicken yolk = protein, there is baker's yeast that has live good bacteria for the gut, there are also two kinds of mushroom extracts, shitake & maitake. These contain elements that fight inflammation. You can buy and consume these things regularly by adding them to your meals. Or buy the convenient capsules. I bought a jar of the bakers yeast and sprinkle it onto some of my food. It tastes like pork seasoning, so it is a good one to put into stringbeans or over a salad. Another excellent immune booster is kefir milk. It is loaded with probiotics. It is fermented milk. The flavored store bought version is good. It tastes like liquid yogurt.