Natural killer cells slay fatigue

Better Nutrition, April, 2007 by Michael E. Rosenbaum

Up to 20% of adults report fatigue so severe that it impairs work and home life. Recent research that looks at the interaction of the body's immune, endocrine and nervous systems, as well as the role of specialized white blood cells called Natural Killer cells, offers new hope.

Natural Killer (NK) cells, discovered by immunologists in the 1980's, are a type of white blood cell that earn their name because they have a "natural," or innate, ability to identify and kill any "non-self cells" (the microscopic invaders or abnormal cells that mean us harm). NK cells patrol your tissues and blood stream on the look out for "non-self cells." Once identified, they immediately attack, destroying these harmful cells before they have a chance to take root and cause problems.

When NK cells are overwhelmed, they "sound the alarm" that the body is under attack or injured, initiating a cascade of cytokines (immune system messenger compounds), that recruit other white blood cells to the scene. The production of antibodies and inflammatory factors are stimulated, metabolism and body temperature change to make the body a hostile environment for abnormal cells (which is why we feel fatigued and tired), and the brain gets the message to seek rest and recovery. When the injury or infection is cleared, NK cells help rebalance the immune system and we feel better.

NK cell function fluctuates throughout our lives. It generally declines with age and in response to emotional stress (like grief, or pressure at work or home) and physical stress (such as injury and exposure to toxins). When NK cell function is low, susceptibility to infection increases, so "flu-like" symptoms are more common. In addition, the NK cells send a weaker "all clear" signal so illness-related immune, endocrine and nervous system activity is higher than it should be, producing many fatigue symptoms.

Over 30 research studies show that the ingredient in ImmPower[TM] helps maintain peak NK cell function while promoting optimum T-Cell activity. (To see research, visit www.americanbiosciences.com). Taking two capsules of ImmPower can result in measurable improvement in NK cell function in just 4 hours, and long term use can result in the enhancement of NK cell activity of several hundred percent. *

Studies of emotional and physical stress show ImmPower's ingredient reduces NK cell suppression, a result that improves fatigue and supports the immune system's first line of defense.

Natural Killer Cells

NK cells are your immune system's front-line defense. They inject invaders with cytotoxic granules. The granule lysis dissolves cell membranes causing invaders to "explode" in seconds.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Michael E. Rosenbaum, MD is a 30-year veteran and pioneer in the field of nutritional medicine. He has co-authored several books including: The Natural Way to Energize and Revitalize Your Life; Super Supplements; and Solving the Puzzle of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.