Study: Green Tea; a long- term solution to immune suppressing drugs in autoimmune disease

Posted by Katie McKeown ND on Sat, 08/27/2011

     A new study from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University has shown that one of the compounds in green tea (EGCG) greatly increases important immune cells that help in the suppression of autoimmune disease.  An estimated 4.5 million Canadians suffer from autoimmune diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to lupus.   The majority of conventional treatments currently available have long-term side effects due to toxicity and greatly suppress the immune system, leaving patients susceptible to a variety of viral and bacterial infections.  The new study shows that 50 mg/kg of green tea derived EGCG has the ability to increase regulatory T cells in mice, which improve the function of the immune system without the negative effects.
     The immune system is typically a tightly controlled process where a variety of immune cells work together to destroy unwanted invaders without damaging normal cells.  This is regulated by a specific group of cells, including regulatory T cells, which turn the attacking cells on and off when an invader is present.  In autoimmune disease, the process becomes dysfunctional and the attacking immune cells begin destroying healthy, normal cells.  The resulting wide-spread inflammation in the body is what causes the symptoms of autoimmune disease.  By affecting the expression of certain transcription factors of DNA, EGCG has been shown to greatly increase the number of regulatory T cells, thus controlling the immune response and reducing inflammation.
     Conventional immune-suppressing drugs are pivotal in the short-term treatment of autoimmune disease and flare-ups and these results do not alter the need for or use of these drugs.  It is the long-term toxicity effects that researchers and clinical practitioners alike are searching for.  This study has given new hope for a long-term treatment for autoimmune disease that has fewer risks and side effects.  In addition, the exciting new research from Oregon State University gives us more evidence that using dietary supplements and plant-based medicine can not only reduce symptoms but also act directly on DNA expression and alter the course of these debilitating diseases.

Immunology Letters
Volume 139, Issues 1-2, 30 September 2011, Pages 7-13


http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165247811001258

Apolo Anton Ohno being interviewed about proper Nutrition and Supplements

He is the most decorated American Winter Olympian of all time with eight medals in short-track speedskating. Now, Apolo Anton Ohno is gearing up for his next challenge as he transforms from sprinter to marathon runner.

Yahoo! Sports’ Summers Sanders, who is preparing to run a marathon herself, gained exclusive access to Ohno’s field and gym workouts.

He explains it very nicely about his food intake along with the need to take a vitamin supplement / nutraceutical.

Choosing a nutritional supplement that best fits your needs may seem confusing. However, knowing what to look for on the product label can help you understand which product is best suited for your needs. Here’s what you’ll find on a label and what it means:

Serving Size is the manufacturer’s suggested serving expressed in the appropriate unit (tablet, capsule, softgel, packet, teaspoonful). Serving sizes vary from supplement to supplement, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re taking the correct serving and not falling short or taking more than you need.

Amount Per Serving heads the listing of nutrients contained in the supplement, followed by the quantity present in each serving.

Percent Daily Value (DV) tells what percentage of the recommended daily intake for each nutrient for adults and children ages 4 and up is provided by the supplement. This comes from the U.S Food and Drug Administration. For example, if the supplement label lists 75% as its DV, it means that one serving provides three quarters of FDA’s recommended daily intake. An asterisk (*) under the “Percent Daily Value” heading is an indicator that the FDA has not established one for that particular nutrient.

Milligram (mg) and microgram (mcg) are units of measurement for water soluble vitamins (C and B-complex) and minerals. A milligram is equal to .001 grams. A microgram is equal to .001 milligrams.

International Unit (IU) is a standard unit of measurement for fat soluble vitamins (A, D and E).

The list of ingredients includes nutrients and other ingredients used to formulate the supplement, in decreasing order, by weight.

All supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place in their original containers, out of the reach of children, and should be used before the expiration date to assure full potency.

The manufacturer’s or distributor’s name and place of business or phone number are required to appear on the label. Don’t buy any supplements if you can’t clearly tell who is responsible for producing the product. How to read a label

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