Many of us have heard the expression “you are what you eat.” A good diet helps us stay healthy and function both physically and mentally.
However, there are factors in the environment, such as everyday stress, pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, or simply a certain genetic predisposition that act as burdens to be able to achieve our maximum potential.
In this article we will address Immunocal, a nutritional supplement used in the field of sports and also in people with chronic ailments, in addition to explaining its effects on the body and its benefits.
What is Immunocal?
The Immunocal, originally called HMS-90, is a food supplement which supplies all the amino acids that the human body needs in order to carry out their biological functions. It is sold in powder form and is mixed with water, yogurt or fruit juice.
It stands out for containing large amounts of the amino acid cysteine, which, through metabolic reactions, is transformed into a powerful antioxidant: glutathione.
Glutathione is a substance whose main function is to protect cells against oxidative substances. It also intervenes in detoxification processes of the body, fighting pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other harmful agents. It also eliminates free radicals, which harmfully affect cells.
Benefits of this supplement
Immunocal has a series of beneficial effects, listed below:
Antioxidant power and fight against free radicals. As we have indicated, it helps in the synthesis of antioxidant substances such as glutathione, thus preventing premature aging of cells.
When there are satisfactory levels of glutathione in the body, vitamins such as A and E are released, which act as protective substances against external agents.
In addition, it fights against free radicals, which are involved in cell death.
Helps the immune system
Immunocal contributes to the production of lymphocytes, cells that are essential in the functioning of the immune system.
It also helps in increasing the activity of other cells of great importance for the immune system, such as T lymphocytes, neutrophils and NK cells (natural killers), which are involved in infectious processes.
Reinforces sports activity
This supplement contributes to muscle recovery after performing high-effort physical activity.
Physical development occurs thanks to the action of different hormones and correct protein synthesis In order to form muscle mass, the body requires satisfactory levels of amino acids with which proteins that will constitute muscles will be made.
Immunocal favors the development and maintenance of muscle mass thanks to the fact that it offers a wide variety of amino acids.
Amino acid transport
In addition to being a source of amino acids, this supplement contributes to their transport through the body.
This helps the nervous, immune, respiratory and digestive systems to satisfactorily fulfill their biological functions.
pH regulation
This supplement appears to help maintain adequate pH levels.
If the body’s pH becomes too acidic, the cells can suffer hypoxia, that is, they may have difficulty receiving oxygen.
Consumption mode
The recommended doses of Immunocal vary depending on the characteristics of the patient or athlete.
In people with some type of mild ailment, about 20 grams of this supplement are administered daily. In the most severe cases, doses increase to 30 grams
To promote its absorption, It is recommended to take immunocal without too much food in the stomach and avoiding other sources with a lot of protein.
Therapeutic indications
This supplement is recommended for people over 35 years of age who are suffering from some serious chronic disorders, such as oxidative stress, immunobiological deficiency, infectious hepatitis, certain types of cancer, chronic lung problems, asthma, malnutrition, radiation and acetominophen poisoning, and processes related to biological old age
Practically, almost everyone can take Immunocal: children, pregnant women, diabetics, hypertensive people, athletes, seniors… And Its administration can be both therapeutic and prophylactic, although it should be remembered that it is not a drug but a supplement that must be combined with effective medication.
Contraindications
This supplement is contraindicated for people who have any type of organ transplant such as kidneys or liver, excluding people who have pacemakers and dental prostheses or other types.
Side effects
The Immunocal It can cause stomach bloating as its main side effect if adequate hydration is not given. Skin irritations can also occur, although this is not something that usually occurs frequently.
To date, the consequences of an overdose of this supplement have not been reported.
What scientific support does it have?
Immunocal is not a drug, but a dietary supplement. It is for this reason that doubt may arise as to whether what its defenders say is really effective and true.
This supplement is supported by several organizations specialized in testing the effectiveness of medicines and dietary supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has classified immunocal with the GRAS category, considered a safe product for human consumption
In the country where it was first produced, Canada, the CPS considers that it is an effective natural supplement to improve health status in various ailments, however, it is highlighted that It is not a substitute for medical treatment
The Physicians Desk Reference (PDR) describes this supplement as a good source of glutathione and cysteine, detailing the therapeutic effects it has been shown to offer.
These organizations highlight that since it is a supplement of natural origin, it has a low incidence of side effects. For this reason, and as long as the patient’s condition is not extremely serious and more powerful alternatives are required, Immunocal is indicated as combined treatment with pharmacological