Cytokine Storm — What Causes Immune System Overdrive?

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With the increase of influenza and Coronavirus cases in the U.S., many people are concerned about the incidence of cytokine storm, or cytokine release syndrome (CRS). This refers to a severe immune overreaction. The term “cytokine storm” calls up vivid images of an immune system gone awry and an inflammatory response flaring out of control. But what causes this immune system overdrive?

Indeed, the occurrence of cytokine storm has caught the attention of the general public and the scientific community alike. You may have seen mention of it in both the popular media as well as scientific literature. According to a 2012 scientific review, the first real awareness of cytokine storm began with the avian flu in 2005, but researchers have actually studied it much longer, and they are just now beginning to understand this phenomenon.

Cytokines

One of the main functions of cytokine proteins is control of cell proliferation and differentiation and the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. Certain cytokines, including interleukins and chemokines, are immune system regulators. The mechanisms by which they operate during acute-phase response to infection results in a range of local and systemic effects, including inflammation. 

The body commonly releases these pro-inflammatory proteins in response to viral infection. This results in the recruitment of immune system cells to the site of infection. It’s one of the ways the body fights off the pathogen that’s making you sick.

Wait, so does that mean that inflammation is good?

That’s right. . .inflammation is not always bad. During an acute illness, you actually need inflammation. Increasing inflammation spurs the immune system into action to aggressively fight off pathogens.

Who is at Risk?

Most healthy people will never have to worry about this kind of immune system overdrive. The immune system works amazingly well at combatting pathogens and regulating the release of cytokines and other agents that boost immunity. But some people may be at higher risk for this type of reaction.

Targeted Therapy Patients

Individuals undergoing targeted immune therapy to combat diseases like cancer may be at increased risk. Monoclonal antibody drugs (MABs) are synthetic antibodies produced in a lab that specifically target a certain antigen, such as one found on cancer cells. These man-made proteins can confuse the body’s natural response to infection, thereby causing cytokine storm.

The likelihood of MABs causing cytokine release syndrome is so common, CRS is also known as infusion syndrome, and treatments revolve around removing the offending agent. In fact, cytokine storm not related to MABs is extremely rare.

Some researchers also note that chemotherapy patients may be at higher risk for cytokine storm. This is likely due to the fact that chemotherapy not only inhibits the body’s ability to clear infections, but may alter the regulatory immune response to infection.

Specific Viral Infections

Some virulent viruses, namely the H5N1 influenza, may also increase a person’s risk of cytokine storm. The mechanism by which certain viruses dysregulate the immune system is not clearly understood.

Symptoms & Treatment of Cytokine Storm

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fast breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, headache, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, tremor, and loss of coordination.

Supportive Care

Most occurrences simply require supportive care. Fever reducing medicines, extra sleep, and over-the-counter pain relievers will help most cases.

Prescription Drugs

Rarely, the use of immune suppressing drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be in order. However, most of the time these drugs are not used to treat CRS because of the contraindications and high risk of toxicity and adverse reactions.

Natural Support

One study discusses the value of natural melatonin as a preventive for CRS. Melatonin may inhibit the production of certain interleukins as well as help regulate immune system response.

Some evidence suggests that curcumin, found in turmeric and ginger, can help prevent and/or treat cytokine storm as well.

One review suggests the value of antioxidant support, flavonoids, and certain herbs for preventing CRS, but as of yet, no clinical studies exist to back this up.

The Burning Question: What About Elderberry?

A thorough search for documented cases where elderberry caused cytokine storm turned up fruitless. However, studies show that Sambucol Elderberry Extract activates the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production.

Moreover, elderberry inhibits the early stages of a viral infection by blocking key viral proteins responsible for both the viral attachment and entry into the host cells.

So yes, elderberry does increase cytokines. It’s immunostimulatory effects increase the release of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. As with all herbs, the actions are adaptogenic based on what the body needs.

However, it is highly unlikely that elderberry alone can be attributed to causing a cytokine storm. Rather, patients with a predisposition to CRS, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or taking MABs, may want to avoid elderberry and other immune-stimulating treatments.

If you take elderberry and experience symptoms of CRS, there may be an imbalance in the immune system such as an underlying deficiency in other vitamins and minerals needed for the immune system. Load up on vitamins D, C, Bs, zinc, and selenium.

The best option is to prevent getting sick in the first place. Check out this recipe for homemade Elderberry Syrup as well as 10 Ways to Avoid Getting the Flu.

Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus

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Coronavirus first made the news at the end of 2019 and became widespread news in January 2020. The sensationalism surrounding this worldwide epidemic makes it seem much worse than it is. Let’s take a look at the facts about Coronavirus and learn some common sense ways of protecting yourself and your family.

What is Coronavirus?

SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory disease that originated in Wuhan, China. The nickname Coronavirus is more ambiguous, as this term refers to a large family of viruses that affect people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.

Included in this family are the famed SARS (of the 2002 epidemic) and MERS (from 2012) viruses. This may actually be part of the problem. These two diseases, while not quite as contagious as the 2019 Coronavirus, were much more deadly. Naturally, many people hear coronavirus and they think of these two deadly outbreaks that killed 774 and 858 people, respectively.

For every 50 people infected:

  • SARS killed 5 (10% death rate)
  • MERS killed 17 (34% death rate)
  • Coronavirus killed 1 (2% death rate) (update, since the time of writing, death rate is now estimated at 3.4%)

Now, let’s not ignore the fact that the new coronavirus’ rate of spread is much faster than SARS or MERS. But we still have to be realistic and understand that the majority of people who do contract the virus will experience a mild cold and live to tell. Most people who die are elderly and have concomitant disease states like diabetes.

If you have a chronic disease, you are more susceptible to coronavirus. Like any other illness, people with reduced or compromised immunity should take necessary precautions to prevent illness. The statistics show that the virus affects mostly middle-aged people (between ages 39-55). Parents, take heart, the risk for this particular virus is very low in children.

How to Protect Yourself from Coronavirus

The media has done a great job of inciting fear and the news reports are scary, but we can take a few easy steps that prevent viral infections of all kinds. 

Everyone Remain Calm

First and foremost, don’t panic. Remember that though the virus is making waves on the news, it is really not very deadly. In fact, most people recover without any intervention at all. Stress completely hijacks the immune system and makes us less able to fight infection. Try some simple meditation and deep breathing exercises to help reduce stress. 

Your Mom Was Right

Here’s the broken record: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. And you may be surprised to learn that there’s no need to use antibacterial soap. Diverse bacteria on the skin actually support the function of the immune system. Plus, antibacterial soaps fight off bacteria, not viruses. So in the case of this specific outbreak, those chemical soaps have no added benefit.

Get the Juices Flowing

Regular exercise can help ward off illness. Cardiovascular exercise expands the lungs, and may help to flush bacteria and viruses from the system. Deep breathing associated with exercise also helps create an energetic barrier between you and the outside world.

Drink Up, Buttercup

Stay hydrated. Water ensures proper function of the immune system, while caffeine, alcohol, and exercise rapidly deplete it. Cut back on alcohol and coffee consumption when you feel run-down or when dealing with infection. Exercise is great for your body, but when you feel unwell, allow your body time to rest and conserve energy.

Gird Your Loins

Certain supplements can protect against coronavirus as they boost immunity and fight infections. You may want to beef up your intake of vitamin C, B-vitamins, multiple vitamins, and glutathione. Also, probiotics help prevent the ability of bacteria and viruses to enter the body.

Go to Bed, Sleepy Head

During sleep, the body produces cytokines that help to propel the immune system into action. Sleep is so important to recovery and fighting all kinds of infections.

You are What You Eat

A plant-based diet adds even more nutrients and vitamins to your diet. Plus, eliminating inflammation-causing meats and processed foods keeps the body healthier. Try to include as many antiviral foods as possible. Choose fruits and vegetables packed with antioxidants, like mushrooms, garlic, ginger, kimchi, berries, and elderberry. To learn more, read about the Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet.

Take a Raincheck

Avoiding contact with anyone who is infected is just a no-brainer. It is the simplest way to avoid infection. If someone you know feels under the weather, tactfully take a raincheck and give them time to recover before getting together.

It’s Worth Repeating

Going back from whence we came: Don’t panic. There is a reason that news is news. Go forth with confidence and trust that health and wellness is already within you.

And Another Thing

In your efforts to protect yourself from Coronavirus, don’t buy a mask. Studies show that they don’t work to reduce infection. Furthermore, crazed buying may increase shortages of masks and put healthcare workers who actually need masks at risk.

To learn more about staying healthy and avoiding illness, check out 10 Ways to Avoid the Flu this Season.

Benefits of Oil Cleansing

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Using oil-based cleansers to clean your face may seem counter-productive to you. I mean, we are so used to washing our face with soap and other sudsy cleansers. But the benefits of oil cleansing may surprise you. I bet that if you give it a try, you may never go back to your soap-based facial cleansers.

Benefits of Oil Cleansing

Even the most expensive and natural facial wash products can dry out and irritate your skin from time to time. Oil cleansing not only easily and completely removes make up, it nourishes your skin and leaves it hydrated and silky smooth.

Balances Oil Production and Decreases Acne

If you have acne prone or oily skin, you may feel that oil cleansing will make things worse. But in truth, dermatologists say that the dyes and perfumes in most skin cleansers can irritate and exacerbate acne. Many cleansers are too harsh and can result in excessive drying of the skin, which leads to overcompensation by the oil glands. This ultimately causes more oil on the surface of the skin and a worsening of acne.

In contrast, quality plant-based oils actually bind with and remove oil from your skin, thereby helping to regulate your skin’s natural sebum production.

Removes Dirt and Make Up

Oil also binds with dirt and make up to gently and easily remove it from your skin. It even absorbs dirt and bacteria from your pores to remove more impurities than most cleansers. You’ll be amazed at how well oil cleansing removes makeup; even waterproof eye makeup comes off easily.

Anti-Aging

Plant-based oils are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that protect skin and neutralize free radicals that cause premature aging. An extensive study of the benefits of plant oils for skin found that constituents of plant oils may have the following benefits:

  • promote skin barrier homeostasis
  • antioxidative activities
  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • direct and indirect anti-microbial properties
  • promoting wound healing
  • anti-carcinogenic properties

Hydrates Skin and Lashes

Plant-based oils contain beneficial fatty acids. Unlike facial cleansers that leave skin feeling dry and tight, these oils help to hydrate, smooth, plump, and moisturize the skin. Oils also help nourish eyelashes for longer, healthier results.

Ready to give oil cleansing a try?

Check out this luxurious Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream to get started.

Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream

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Oil cleansing has so many therapeutic benefits for skin. From moisturizing and protecting to reducing free-radical damage and acne, many women are ditching their facial cleansers and soaps in favor of a more gentle method of cleansing and nourishing their skin. This Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream combines the antioxidant benefits of blue tansy and frankincense essential oils with skin-loving plant-based oils.

Before we begin, come learn about the Benefits of Oil Cleansing.

Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream

Feel free to experiment with different oils in this recipe. I chose the ones listed because of their low comedogenic scores as well as their therapeutic benefits for skin. To learn more about different oil options, check out this Guide to Choosing the Best Carrier Oil.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive-derived emulsifying wax

3 tablespoons (about 1.3 oz.) ivory shea butter (You can use yellow shea butter, but your end result will be green instead of blue.)

2 tablespoons jojoba oil

2 tablespoons castor oil

1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil

20 drops blue tansy essential oil

10 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions

  1. Combine emulsifying wax and shea butter in a jar or glass measuring cup.
  2. Create a double boiler by pouring a few inches of water in a small saucepan, and carefully set the jar of ingredients in the water.
  3. Next, gently heat the pan over medium-low heat.
  4. Once the mixture is completely melted, remove from heat.
  5. Finally, stir in liquid oils and essential oils.
  6. Allow to cool completely. If you’re in a hurry, you can put it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  7. Once cooled and solidified, use a hand mixer to blend the cream. This step is optional, but it will produce a smoother, lighter texture.
  8. Scrape your cleansing cream into a small glass jar and store at room temperature.

To Use

Apply about a dime-sized amount of Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream to your palms and smooth over dry face. Gently massage oil into skin. If you are in the shower or bath, you can allow the cream to stay on your face for a few minutes for better penetration. When you’re ready to remove it, use a dry or moist washcloth to gently wipe away. You may want to use a cotton pad or tissue to wipe away eye make up. You may follow by applying moisturizer, but many women find they don’t need it.

Download a cute label for your Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream here!

Want to try another one of my favorite DIY recipes for your skincare routine? Check out this Green Tea Toner.