Immune System – Symptoms, Causes, Natural Conditions & Integrative Solutions

Immune System – Symptoms, Causes, Natural Conditions & Integrative Solutions

Introduction: Why Immunity Needs a Smarter Approach

Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against infections, toxins, and disease—but modern stress, poor diet, and environmental exposure can weaken it. At Patients Medical in New York City, we focus on strengthening your immune system at the root, not just masking symptoms.

Our integrative approach blends conventional diagnostics with holistic and functional medicine tools to optimize immunity, prevent illness, and restore balance. Whether you’re getting sick often or recovering from chronic illness, we help you build resilience from the inside out.

What Is the Immune System?

The immune system is a complex network involving white blood cells, antibodies, the gut microbiome, lymphatic organs, and chemical messengers—all working together to identify and eliminate threats.

When working properly, it shields the body from viruses, bacteria, and even cancer. But when weakened or imbalanced, it can cause:

  • Frequent infections
  • Fatigue and sluggishness
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Allergies
  • Slow wound healing
  • Chronic inflammation

Common Signs of a Weak Immune System

If your immune system isn’t working optimally, you may notice:

Root Causes: Why Is Your Immunity Compromised?

At Patients Medical, we investigate the deeper reasons behind lowered immunity using a functional medicine approach. Some common underlying causes include:

  • Poor nutrition and nutrient deficiencies
  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
  • Imbalanced gut microbiome
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Toxin accumulation (mold, heavy metals)
  • Inadequate sleep and circadian disruption
  • Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones)
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction (reduced energy production)

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use advanced functional and conventional diagnostics to uncover immune system imbalances:

White blood cell counts and immune markers

Vitamin D, zinc, and selenium levels

Stool microbiome and leaky gut testing

Cortisol and adrenal stress panel (DUTCH test)

Food sensitivity and allergy panels

Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, homocysteine)

Heavy metal testing (lead, mercury, arsenic)

Genetic susceptibility (MTHFR and detox genes)

Integrative Treatments to Improve Immune Function

Nutritional Therapy

We create immune-boosting meal plans personalized to your needs. These include:

  • Whole-food, anti-inflammatory diets
  • Gluten-free, dairy-free, or elimination plans
  • Mediterranean or immune-paleo diets
  • Superfoods rich in zinc, selenium, and antioxidants
Nutritional Therapy
IV Vitamin

IV Vitamin Therapy

We offer physician-administered IV infusions for rapid immune support:

  • High-dose Vitamin C
  • Glutathione (powerful antioxidant and detoxifier)
  • Zinc and magnesium
  • Myers’ Cocktail (multi-nutrient blend for immune resilience)

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Based on your labs and symptoms, we may recommend:

  • Elderberry, astragalus, echinacea
  • Medicinal mushrooms (reishi, shiitake, cordyceps)
  • Adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Vitamin D3 + K2, NAC, quercetin
  • Probiotics and prebiotics

All prescribed under the guidance of our integrative physicians.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support
Stress and Sleep Optimization

Stress and Sleep Optimization

Since chronic stress suppresses immunity, we help rebalance your nervous system through:

  • Meditation and mindfulness programs
  • Acupuncture for adrenal regulation
  • Adaptogenic herbal blends
  • Sleep hygiene plans and melatonin support

Gut-Immune Rebuilding Protocols

We address immune dysfunction from the gut up using:

  • Gut-healing nutrients (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, aloe)
  • Microbiome-balancing probiotics and antimicrobial herbs
  • Food sensitivity testing and elimination
  • Anti-parasite or yeast-cleansing plans if indicated
Gut-Immune Rebuilding Protocols

Real Case Study: Daniel’s Path to Immune Strength

Daniel, 46, struggled with frequent colds, brain fog, and chronic sinus issues. His labs showed low zinc and vitamin D, leaky gut, and adrenal fatigue.

We personalized a 4-month plan including:

  • Gut-healing protocol with probiotics and glutamine
  • IV vitamin therapy with high-dose C and B-complex
  • Adaptogenic support for stress
  • Clean, anti-inflammatory meal plan

By month three, Daniel experienced zero infections, improved clarity and focus, and restful sleep—without antibiotics or medications.

Testimonials

Meet Our Doctors

Rashmi Gulati, MD

Medical Director of Patients Medical

Stuart Weg, MD

A holistic pain management physician

Dr. Emine Cosar, MD

Consult Dr. Emine Cosar, MD. For Gynecology

Frequently Asked Questions

 Yes. With the right nutritional, gut, and hormonal support, your immune system can become more responsive and resilient.

 Absolutely. We have protocols tailored for post-viral syndrome, Epstein-Barr, and long COVID.

 We monitor all supplements and adjust as your labs improve—avoiding overuse or dependency.

 Yes. Chronic stress can suppress white blood cell activity and antibody production. Managing stress is key.

 Yes. We help regulate immune overactivity and reduce inflammation without suppressing the entire system.

 We are an out-of-network provider, but many labs may be reimbursable. We provide superbills to submit for coverage.

 Many patients notice more energy, fewer infections, and improved labs within 4–8 weeks.

 Yes. Our protocols are tailored for all age groups, including pediatric and geriatric immune support.

 Yes. We provide telemedicine consultations, at-home test kits, and supplement delivery.

 Not at all. Immune optimization is also ideal for prevention, longevity, and anti-aging support.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment