The "Cytokine Storm" that may be fueling this Virus"

So we spoke a little about "Cytokine Storm", inflammation, the immune system and this virus yesterday. So today let's dig a little deeper.

Cytokines are small proteins secreted by immune cells in the human body to communicate and alter the actions of other immune cells. Like an information highway! This is just another reason Antibodies are so important because Cytokines are part of our Antibody system.

They can be "pro"-inflammatory or "anti"-inflammatory, thus promoting or inhibiting the proliferation and functions of other immune cells. These guys are supposed to regulate immunity and inflammation, therefore, regulating the body's response to disease, infection and yes . . . this virus!

Now, cytokines are regulators of a host (that's us) response to infection, immune responses, inflammation and trauma. But some cytokines act to make disease worse . . . that would be "pro"-inflammatory cytokines. Those are the ones that may be fueling this virus. Remember from yesterday's Health Tip we spoke about "Cytokine Storm" being an "intense" inflammatory reaction in the body. A Hurricane so to speak. Where as other cytokines serve to reduce inflammation and promote healing, This would be the "anti"-inflammatory cytokines.

With that being said, there are many avenues we can take to regulate our cytokines and decrease inflammation by increasing our anti-inflammatory ones. So here are just a few foods that will help this process.

Kiwi

Cherries

Turmeric

Flax seed

Salmon

Trout

Mackerel

Sardines

Swordfish

Shark

Cod

Halibut