Immune System – Location, Function, Root Causes

Immune System – Location, Function, Root Causes & Integrative Strengthening Solutions

Introduction: Why the Immune System Needs a Holistic View

Your immune system isn’t in just one place—it’s everywhere. From your gut to your bone marrow, immunity is a system-wide defense network. Yet many patients with chronic infections, fatigue, or autoimmune issues don’t get a full-body approach to healing.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we use integrative and functional medicine to identify the root imbalances compromising your immunity—and restore your body’s natural defense system.

We don’t just boost the immune system—we rebalance it.

What Is the Immune System?

The immune system is your body’s defense mechanism against pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and toxins. It also plays a key role in managing inflammation, tissue repair, and even cancer surveillance.

Key immune system components include:
  • Bone Marrow: Where immune cells (white blood cells) are made
  • Thymus Gland: T-cell education and development
  • Lymph Nodes: Filter and trap pathogens
  • Spleen: Filters blood and recycles old immune cells
  • Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT): 70%+ of immune activity happens here
  • Skin and Mucosa: Physical barriers that alert the immune system
  • Blood and Lymphatic Circulation: Transport immune cells throughout the body

Common Signs of Immune Dysfunction

When your immune system is overactive or underperforming, symptoms can show up as:

Root Causes: Why Is Your Immune System Imbalanced?

At Patients Medical, we investigate the underlying factors that compromise immune health, including:

  • Poor gut health and dysbiosis
  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
  • Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, zinc, glutathione)
  • Chronic infections (Epstein-Barr, Lyme, Candida)
  • Mold and toxin exposure
  • Leaky gut and food sensitivities
  • Autoimmune triggers
  • Hormonal imbalances and poor sleep
Root Causes: Why Is Your Immune System Imbalanced?

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To understand your immune system’s health and pinpoint dysfunction, we use:

Immune cell counts and ratios (WBC, lymphocytes, CD4/CD8)

Food sensitivity and allergy panels

GI Map and stool testing

Micronutrient panels

Chronic virus and pathogen testing

Cytokine and inflammatory marker panels (IL-6, CRP)

Mycotoxin (mold) testing

Autoimmune panels (ANA, TPO, RF)

Hormone and adrenal testing

Integrative Treatments to Support Immune Function

Nutritional Therapy

We build personalized anti-inflammatory, immune-supportive meal plans that include:

  • Gut-healing protocols (bone broth, fermented foods)
  • Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) or Mediterranean diets
  • Elimination diets for sensitivity triggers
  • Blood sugar-stabilizing, nutrient-rich foods
Nutritional Therapy

IV Vitamin Therapy

IV drips deliver fast-acting nutrients that help rebalance immune responses. Custom protocols may include:

  • High-dose vitamin C
  • Glutathione (master antioxidant)
  • Zinc and selenium
  • B-complex and magnesium
  • NAD+ for mitochondrial and immune support

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Targeted immune-balancing supplements, dosed and supervised by a physician, may include:

  • Echinacea and astragalus
  • Medicinal mushrooms (reishi, maitake)
  • Quercetin and NAC
  • Vitamin D3 and omega-3s
  • Probiotics and gut lining support
  • Anti-viral and anti-microbial herbs (oregano oil, olive leaf)
Herbal & Nutraceutical Support
Hormone Optimization (Bioidentical & Thyroid)

Stress Management

Since stress weakens immune responses, we offer mind-body therapies to restore resilience:

  • Meditation and breathwork
  • Acupuncture
  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Guided imagery and sound healing

Hormone Balancing

Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones all impact immune activity. We address:

  • Adrenal fatigue
  • Estrogen dominance
  • Suboptimal thyroid function
  • Testosterone or DHEA deficiency
Balancing
Detoxification

Detoxification

Removing immune-suppressing toxins is vital. We offer:

  • Mold and mycotoxin detox plans
  • Heavy metal detox with chelation
  • Liver and lymphatic support
  • Infrared sauna and herbal cleansing protocols

Real Case Study: Peter’s Immune Recovery

Peter, a 40-year-old teacher, came to us with chronic sinus infections, fatigue, and autoimmune markers. His labs revealed:

  • Epstein-Barr reactivation
  • Mold toxicity
  • Gut dysbiosis
  • Low vitamin D and glutathione

We developed a 12-week immune restoration protocol that included:

  • Gut healing and mycotoxin detox
  • IV vitamin C + glutathione
  • Immune-modulating herbs
  • Stress reduction and sleep support

By week 10, his infection frequency dropped to zero, energy returned, and his autoimmune markers were significantly reduced.

Anonymized 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

 No. It’s spread throughout your entire body—especially in your gut, lymphatic system, and bone marrow.

 Yes. Diet, gut repair, supplements, sleep, and stress reduction all play key roles.

 Over 70% of immune cells live in the gut, making microbiome health essential.

Yes. We treat Hashimoto’s, lupus, RA, and more with personalized, integrative care.

Absolutely. Nutrient infusions like vitamin C and glutathione boost cellular immunity quickly.

We test immune cell levels, gut health, chronic infections, and inflammatory markers.

Yes. Mold can suppress immunity and trigger autoimmunity. We offer mold detox programs.

 Yes. We support the immune system while addressing underlying infections.

 We’re out-of-network but provide superbills. Some labs may be covered.

Yes. We work with patients across the U.S. and internationally via telehealth.

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