Immu Stem - Viral Powerhouse
Immu-Stem Viral Support contains 440 mg of Spirulina and 100mg of Trace Minerals per serving (2 capsules) along with supporting herbs, vitamins and minerals. Ingredients found in Immu-Stem Viral Support have been clinically shown in studies by UC Davis, Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition and International Immunopharmacology to enhance the bodies response to viral contagion.
Spirulina Modulates the Immune Response
Spirulina has long been revered for its ability to support the immune system. Because it actively promotes cell regeneration, it helps wounds heal, and makes recovery occur faster. Spirulina fortifies one’s immune system, leaving the person less likely to experience colds, flus, and other contractible illnesses.
Spirulina is made up of essential amino acids which assist in general nutrition. These amino acids found in Spirulina activate the immune system when a foreign attack is present. Working as an antiviral agent, it targets the uptake, penetration, and multiplication of viruses in the bodies’ cells – inhibiting viruses at every step.
In a study where blood cells were observed before and after administration of Spirulina it was found that natural killer cell function and cytolysis was improved in more than 50% of subjects. (3)
Immunologists at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center say “Adding spirulina to cultured immune system cells significantly increases the production of infection fighting cytokines. Increases in these cytokines suggest that spirulina is a strong proponent for protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites and can potentially increase the expression of agents that stimulate inflammation, which also helps to protect the body against infectious and potentially harmful micro-organisms. (1)
Spirulina works to activate of the human innate immune system by augmentation of interferon production and significantly increases the production of infection fighting cytokines NK or Natural Killer Cells. (1)
What are Natural Killer Cells?
Natural killer cells, also known as NK cells or large granular lymphocytes (LGL), are a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. NK cells provide rapid responses to virus-infected cells. NK cells are unique as they have the ability to recognize stressed cells in the absence of antibodies and MHC, allowing for a much faster immune reaction. They were named “natural killers” because of the initial notion that they do not require activation to kill cells that are missing “self” markers of MHC class 1. (4)
NK cells are activated in response to interferons and serve to contain viral infections while the adaptive immune response generates antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells that can clear the infection. NK cells work to control viral infections by secreting IFN? and TNFa.
A number of trace elements have been shown to be important for adequate functioning of the immune system, including copper, zinc, and selenium. Both deficiencies and luxus levels of trace elements can influence various parameters of the immune system, such as antibody responses, cell-mediated immunity, and natural killer (NK) cell activity. (2)
A functional immune system is required for the ability of the host to prevent or limit infections. Clearly, the optimum level of trace elements and other nutrients for immune function needs to be included in any diet. (2)
In addition to the effect of trace elements on immune function, recent studies from Beck et al. (1995) have demonstrated that selenium (Se) levels can influence the genetics of a viral pathogen. Thus, trace element nutrition influences not only the host response to a pathogen but also the pathogen itself. (2)
Barley Grass is naturally high in many key nutrients that help to support the immune system, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and enzymes.
It is extremely high in vitamin C which is crucial to the overall health of the body in its efforts to fight off infections – both bacterial and viral. White blood cells contain 20 times the amount of vitamin C than other cells and require constant replenishment to keep the immune system working to its optimum capacity.
Sources:
1 – https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-news/newsroom/uc-davis-study-shows-spirulina-boosts-immune-system/2000/12
2 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK230971/
3 – International Immunopharmacology Volume 2, Issue 4, March 2002, Pages 423-434
4 – Vivier E, Raulet DH, Moretta A, Caligiuri MA, Zitvogel L, Lanier LL, Yokoyama WM, Ugolini S (January 2011). “Innate or adaptive immunity? The example of natural killer cells”. Science. 331 (6013): 44–9. doi:10.1126/science.1198687. PMC 3089969. PMID 21212348.
