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Supplements can be helpful in preparing your body for possible exposure to the bird flu virus. But all viruses are not alike, and the H5N1 avian flu virus has some scary abilities that may make a few natural supplement products dangerous to you.
The problem is that the H5N1 bird flu virus is killing healthy young adults with strong immune systems. It does this by bringing on an immune system over-reaction called a cytokine storm. These cytokine storms are so severe that they destroy masses of lung tissue, and drive patients into respiratory and cardiac failure.
Cytokines are a good thing, usually. They are one of over over 250 immune system cells that save us from disease. But something about bird flu turns the process of staving off infection into a lethal attack on the lungs of healthy young people.
Cytokine storms don't seem to strike those with weakened immune systems, like the elderly.
Many natural supplements, from vitamin C to garlic, can be helpful in fighting infections. Every supplement or nutriceutical reviewed on this site has been demonstrated through scientific studies to help fight viral infections, or to boost the immune system in some other way. However, some natural products out there may also boost cytokine production.
Ordinarily, that would be just fine. But not with H5N1.
A great example is elderberries (Stambucol) Stambucol has been demonstrated by a study to successfully shorten the influenza cycle by stimulating the growth of cytokines. A lot of people have had wonderful success with it. Stambucol appears to be a great help with ordinary flu.
But in the case of the H5N1 virus, that kind of help may prove fatal.
Another great example is ImmPower AHCC. I love this product because there are so many years of solid scientific evidence behind it. However, along with the great job it does at promoting immune system health, it helps with cytokine production. Therefore I would never suggest it to a healthy young adult.
On the other hand, for the elderly, especially those on statins, with compromised immune systems, could benefit.
My immune system isn't what it should be, and I take ImmPower myself.
But I wouldn't give it to my 30 year old son with the black belt. I would suggest a beta-glucan instead.
| Tentative recommendations about immune enhancers and cytokines: Please remember that I am not a doctor or licensed health professional. I am a health and technical writer. I am merely trying to discover what will actually work so that I can help myself and my family.
I believe that any concerned person should engage in a thorough program of diet, exercise and immune enhancement to build up the immune response in the eventuality of a pandemic. The problem is that, when facing H5N1, some immune enhancers, with first-rate scientific studies supporting their efficacy, may be dangerous to some people that have already healthy immune systems.
To deal with a possible cytokine storms, while continuing to build up your immune system, you first need to know if your immune system is compromised.
The first article will help you evaluate if your immune system is healthy. The second article will help you understand the problem with cytokines.
If you believe your immune system is healthy, then avoid any immune enhancer that stimulates cytokine production.
There are many possible mitigating factors. For instance, commonly used statins, used to lower cholesterol, appear to lower immune response. So a person taking statin might want an immune enhancer that he or she otherwise may not need. However, the idea of facing a virulent flu by deliberately taking a drug that suppresses the immune response is frightening to many people.
Here's the real problem: We simply don't know enough yet. We don't even know if the mutation of H5N1 into a human transmissible virus will include the likelihood of cytokine storms, though it seems likely. We won't know until we get there.
I will follow research developments on this blog and at the Beat-Bird-Flu.com main pages.
Stay tuned. |
About the Author:
William Prescott is a health care researcher and author, focusing on the integration of science-based CAM (Complimentary and Alternative) healthcare solutions with conventional medicine. |
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