https://www.treatlyme.net/guide/cytokines
Updated: 8/8/24
By Dr. Marty Ross
About Cytokines in Lyme Disease and Related Conditions
Lowering inflammatory cytokines made by the immune system is essential for persistent infections, like Lyme disease, and related conditions recovery. In this article, I discuss why this is so and lay out a nutritional support plan using supplements to lower cytokines. I also recommend adequate sleep.
Cytokines are proteins made by various types of white blood cells to turn on the immune system to attack invaders like:
- bacteria (for example, Lyme germs and the co-infections),
- intestinal yeast,
- parasites,
- viruses like Covid,
- mold toxins,
- environmental toxins, and
- heavy metals toxins, like lead and mercury.
In the video found in the top link, Dr. Ross discusses cytokines plus two of his favorite supplements to address cytokine excess. For dosing information see the Treatment Approach in the article.
Cytokines are Good, Right? Well, Yes and No.
In the right amount, cytokines promote healing. In excess, they cause most of the major persistent infection and mold toxicity symptoms and dysregulate the immune system. The problem in persistent infections and mold toxicity is that cytokines are usually made in excess. Fortunately, there are some great steps you can take to lower cytokines.
Good: The Right Amount of Cytokines
- make antibodies work more effectively,
- increase active white blood cells,
- recruit white blood cells to where they are needed,
- turn on white blood cells, and
- decrease viral and bacterial replication.
Bad: Too Many Cytokines
- dysregulate the immune system,
- cause pain,
- decrease hormone production from organs, like the thyroid and the adrenal glands,
- disturb sleep,
- decrease brain function,
- increase fatigue and tiredness,
- waste muscles,
- cause depression, and
- decrease the function of various organs throughout the body, resulting in many other symptoms and medical problems. (See link for article and video)
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For more:
Madison Area Lyme Support Group 