Combatting Cytokines

Since the advent of Covid, we’ve heard about the dangers of a “cytokine storm” – a massive overproduction of immune chemicals by the body’s immune system at the end stage of virus infections. This uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines by the body’s immune system involves more than 150 known inflammatory mediator chemicals. There are many factors involved and this post is not meant to explain the physiology but to offer a possible solution and prevention.

curcu-clear-dietary-supplement-conners-clinic-cancer-nutrition
Cytokines signal immune cells such as T-cells and macrophages to travel to the site of infection when the immune system is fighting an enemy. This signaling activates those cells, turns them ON and even stimulates them to produce more cytokines. The feedback loop is normally managed efficiently by the body to keep from over production, but in some cases, the process becomes unregulated and out of control.

A recent study looked at how curcumin influences cytokine storms. The article reported on the effects of curcumin on cytokine expression in a mouse model of virus-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. The authors stated: “Curcumin blocks cytokine release, most importantly the key pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. The suppression of cytokine release by curcumin correlates with clinical improvement in experimental models of disease conditions where a cytokine storm plays a significant role in mortality.” The research team concluded that curcumin may offer support to those experiencing cytokine storms.

Adding products like either Curcu Clear or Tumero Clear to one’s immune protocol may greatly reduce one’s risk of cytokine storms!