Immune Health – How It Works, Why It Fails & Integrative Solutions

Immune Health – How It Works, Why It Fails & Integrative Solutions

Introduction: Why Immunity Needs a Smarter, Root-Cause Approach

Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense—yet most people don’t understand how it truly functions. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond conventional care by identifying what weakens your immunity and applying functional, nutritional, and herbal solutions to restore it.

From chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions to recurring infections and inflammation, our integrative protocols help reboot, rebalance, and protect your internal defense system—naturally.

What Is the Immune System?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and signaling molecules designed to detect and fight off viruses, bacteria, toxins, and abnormal cells. It works 24/7—but it can become overwhelmed, confused, or suppressed due to modern lifestyle and environmental triggers.

The Immune System Includes:

  • Innate immunity: Your first-response defenders (e.g., white blood cells, skin, mucous membranes).
  • Adaptive immunity: Learns and remembers specific invaders, creating long-term protection (e.g., antibodies, T-cells).
  • Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT): Over 70% of immune activity starts in the gut microbiome.

Common Symptoms of Immune Imbalance

When your immune system isn’t functioning optimally, symptoms can be subtle or severe:

Root Causes: Why Is Your Immune System Weakened?

Using functional medicine principles, we investigate what’s silently suppressing or misfiring your immune system. Common root causes include:

  • Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, zinc, selenium)
  • Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
  • Gut dysbiosis or leaky gut
  • Toxin overload (mold, heavy metals, pesticides)
  • Chronic viral or stealth infections
  • Sleep disruption and circadian misalignment
  • Underlying autoimmune or inflammatory processes
Root Causes: Why Is Your Immune System Weakened

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We use advanced labs to identify and quantify what’s interfering with immune health:

Complete blood count with differential (WBC profiles)

Vitamin D, zinc, copper, and selenium levels

Stool testing for microbiome health, pathogens, and gut inflammation

Food sensitivity panels (IgG, IgA)

CRP, ESR, homocysteine (inflammation markers)

Toxin and heavy metal panels

Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme, CMV, and other chronic infections

ANA, thyroid antibodies, and autoimmune panels

Integrative Treatments for Immune System Support

Nutritional Therapy

We craft immune-supportive, anti-inflammatory food plans including:

  • Mediterranean, paleo, or elimination diets
  • Targeted foods to reduce histamine or mold exposure
  • Gut-healing protocols using bone broth, L-glutamine, and prebiotics
IV Nutrient Therapy

IV Nutrient Therapy

Custom IVs for immune restoration may include:

  • Vitamin C (immune modulator and antioxidant)
  • Zinc and selenium
  • Glutathione for detox support
  • B-complex and magnesium

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

We tailor herbal formulations that fight pathogens, calm inflammation, and restore resilience:

  • Astragalus & echinacea for immune activation
  • Reishi, turkey tail, and maitake for immune modulation
  • Quercetin & bromelain for mast cell and histamine regulation
  • Olive leaf, oregano oil, and berberine for antimicrobial support
Herbal & Nutraceutical Support
Stress & Nervous System Balance

Stress & Nervous System Balance

Since stress directly suppresses immunity, we offer:

  • Adaptogenic herbs (ashwagandha, rhodiola)
  • Acupuncture and guided meditation
  • Cortisol testing and adrenal support protocols

Autoimmune Modulation

We don’t just “boost” immunity—we regulate it if it’s attacking the body. Treatments include:

  • Autoimmune paleo diets (AIP)
  • Mitochondrial and cellular repair supplements
  • Gut repair (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, probiotics)
  • Functional medicine detox programs

Real Case Study: Daniel’s Path from Chronic Fatigue to Immune Resilience

Daniel, 38, suffered from constant fatigue, monthly colds, and severe food sensitivities. His primary care physician found “nothing wrong.”

Our in-depth testing revealed:

  • Reactivated Epstein-Barr virus
  • Leaky gut and dysbiosis
  • Low vitamin D, selenium, and IgA

We designed a 12-week integrative plan with:

  • Antiviral herbal protocol
  • High-dose vitamin C and glutathione IVs
  • Gut restoration using probiotics and L-glutamine
  • Sleep and stress optimization

After 3 months, Daniel regained energy, normalized his labs, and had no infections for over 6 months.

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. Diet, herbs, supplements, and gut health play major roles in immunity.

 Absolutely. We balance and modulate the immune system—not just suppress it.

 Yes. We take a functional approach using herbal and immune support strategies.

 Yes. Many patients come to us for immune resilience and post-viral fatigue.

 Only when absolutely necessary. We prefer natural antimicrobials and immune boosters.

 Yes. We adjust protocols for age, constitution, and existing conditions.

 All herbs and supplements are customized to avoid triggering your system.

 Yes. Chronic inflammation often results from immune dysregulation.

 Yes. We offer telemedicine and can ship supplements anywhere in the U.S.

 We are out-of-network but provide superbills. Labs may be partially covered depending on your plan.

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