Natural killer cells (NK) cells are innate immune cells that are critical to the body’s antitumor and antimetastatic defense. [i] NK cells make up 10% to 15% of the immune system’s white blood cells. NK cells perform a cytotoxic function and play an important regulatory role in the immune system. Immunologists, who named these cells NK cells and have described them as the “sentinel cells” of the immune system, have been developing immunotherapies to treat patients with metastatic disease. Importantly, ImmPower, a dietary supplement made by American BioSciences, supports peak functioning of Natural Killer (NK) cells. While immunotherapies can often have unpleasant side effects, extensive published research shows that ImmPower is safe and non-toxic (see below for documentation and detailed information provided by American BioSciences). This post is not to imply that AHCC is a replacement for cancer treatments such as immunotherapy, it is simply for educational purposes. Always speak with your medical doctor before taking any supplements.
IMMPOWER®, AHCC® – UNSURPASSED SUPPORT FOR NATURAL KILLER CELL ACTIVITY
American BioSciences’ ImmPower® dietary supplement introduced the US to Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC®), a best-selling Japanese product. AHCC is a standardized fermented mushroom extract that contains a unique low molecular weight, alpha-1, 4 glucan. It has been the subject of more than 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals describing research in animals and humans. These studies show that AHCC supports peak Natural Killer (NK) cell function and associated immune system activity (including enhanced cytokine production and optimal t-cell and macrophage activity). These are available via the website of the National Library of Medicine, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=%22active+hexose+correlated+compound%22 The full text of many articles are available via the website www.ahccpublishedresearch.com
Extensive published research shows that the ingredient in ImmPower is safe and non-toxic, and in the context of many types of health challenges, supports peak functioning of Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells make up 10% to 15% of the immune system’s white blood cells. Immunologists named them “Natural Killer Cells.” From birth, they have an inborn natural ability to distinguish healthy “self-cells” in the body, from pathogenic, “non-self cells,” which they attack. NK cells perform a cytotoxic function and play an important regulatory role in the immune system. They have been described as the “sentinel cells” of the immune system.
Like the sentinels which guard a fort, NK cells are constantly patrolling the body, on the look-out for cells which don’t display the self-antigen (a feature on every healthy cell which tells the NK cells, “I’m one of the good guys, don’t attack me”). NK cells shoot a packet of enzymes at non-self cells, which will often kill them out right, or create cell debris that acts like a siren, calling the rest of the immune system army into the battle. When NK cell function is high, they send out an “all clear” signal to the immune system army, so that immune system resources remain rested and ready until they are needed. When NK cell function is low, the immune system army does not get the “all clear” signal and is subsequently more active than it needs to be. If it is too active, there can be an over production of compounds, which stimulate white blood cell proliferation, excessive inflammation, and other conditions.
NK cell activity declines with age, and in response to emotional and physical stress. Additionally, a decline in NK cell activity is associated with the onset and progression of many health problems. Because NK cells regulate the immune system, they have the potential to dampen overactive immune system activity that can damage healthy tissue.
In clinical trials, people taking ImmPower’s primary active ingredient, AHCC, took the equivalent of six capsules per day. Many physicians recommend two with each meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although they can be taken on an empty stomach as well. For more information and links to research, visit The Harmony Company.
American BioSciences was established in 1999, and is involved in research, manufacturing, and marketing of dietary supplements. They have collaborated with leading medical researchers in the US and abroad, and our products contain ingredients which have been extensively studied to show safety and health benefits. Their dietary supplements are sold via many health food stores and pharmacies, Amazon.com, and direct to consumers via The Harmony Company.
I have been taking ImmPower for many years and attribute that in part to my good health. I hope this information is helpful to you. Next up is Metatrol, a fermented wheat germ extract by American BioSciences that supports mitochondrial and immune function, modulates Th1/Th2 balance, and more.
In your everlasting good health,
Elyn
~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~
Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make healthier, less-toxic choices for their healing. She emphasizes the importance of not just surviving cancer but surviving well and reducing the risk of recurrence. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn has written for numerous journals and publications. She was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and the creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. To contact Elyn, visit www.elynjacobs.com. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone, or in-person. Elyn does not provide online advice.
DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment. This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice, nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice. I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence. Elyn Jacobs Consulting, Inc. does not provide endorsement for the content, claims, or products discussed in this article.
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