STEROLS AND STEROLINS: THE IMMUNE SYSTEM MODULATORS

STEROLS AND STEROLINS: THE IMMUNE SYSTEM MODULATORS

Sterols are plant fats found in all plant-based foods. Sterols, including cholesterol, are in the same large classification family of steroids but they do not have the negative effects that often are associated with steroids. Sterolins are glucosides, which are molecular structures joined to the sterol. Sterolin is easily destroyed, and without it, the sterol does not have the same immune-enhancing benefits. In nature, plants never contain sterols only. The sterols are always associated with their glucoside sterolin. Now, before we consider how sterols and storolins elicit immune system regulation or modulation, let us understand the immune system.

Sterols are plant fats found in all plant-based foods. Sterols, including cholesterol, are in the same large classification family of steroids but they do not have the negative effects that often are associated with steroids. Sterolins are glucosides, which are molecular structures joined to the sterol. Sterolin is easily destroyed, and without it, the sterol does not have the same immune-enhancing benefits. In nature, plants never contain sterols only. The sterols are always associated with their glucoside sterolin. Now, before we consider how sterols and storolins elicit immune system regulation or modulation, let us understand the immune system.

HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS

The immune response has two ways of dealing with foreign pathogens. The B-lymphocytes synthesize specific antibodies called immunoglobulins. This is known as humoral immunity. The other system involves T-lymphocytes, which regulate the synthesis of antibodies as well as direct killer cell activity and the inflammatory response of delayed type hypersensitivity. This system is known as cell-mediated immunity.

The T-cells are further divided into helper lymphocytes (Th) and cytotoxic cells (Tc), also known as suppressor cells. When the T-cells encounter a foreign pathogen (antigen) they further secrete a number of communication molecules called lymphokines, cytokines, interleukins or interferons.

These factors further elaborate and direct the immune response to a specific antigen. The whole process is a symphony of many co-factors, which are orchestrated into a sophisticated immune response. The T-helper cells are directly involved in assisting B-cells as well as coordinating their own cell-specific defense. The T-helper cells are further divided into two distinct lines of defense. The Th1 cells promote the cell-mediated line of defense and inhibit the other line known as Th2 cells, which regulate the humoral defense. The Th2 cell lines control the B-cells and inhibit the cell-mediated response of the Th1 lymphocytes. A careful balance between these two functions is thus achieved.

IMMUNE SYSTEM MODULATION

When one line of the above response predominates, there is the opportunity for immune dysregulation to occur, resulting in either a hyper-immune response causing an autoimmune disease or a hypo-immune response resulting in an uncontrollable infection such as AIDS or tuberculosis. The Th1 helper cells secrete lymphokines such as interleukin-2 and gamma interferon. Th2 helper cells secrete pro-inflammatory lymphokines such as interleukin-6, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10. Interleukin-1 appears to be released in response to a specific injury and acts as an inflammatory mediator. Interleukin may be over-expressed in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Interleukin-1 deficiency is associated with metastatic tumors, nutritional deficiencies and certain autoimmune diseases. Interleukin-6 is associated with pro-inflammatory responses as well as mediating the proliferation and maturation of T-cells. High levels of interleukin-6 have been associated with a variety of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple myelomas and some cancers such as cervical and bladder cancer. Interleukin-2 is a growth factor for T-cell maturation as well as an inducer of T-cell cytotoxicity and natural killer cell activity. An interleukin-2 deficiency would cripple the cell-mediated immune response and its stimulation would enhance the overall efficacy of the immune system. Immune dysregulation occurs when the two sides of the immune response become imbalanced.

This is where Sterols and Sterolins play a huge part. sterols/sterolins are adaptogenic in that they modulate the immune and stress response (See my other material on stress response ). This makes them extremely valuable adjuncts to the prevention and treatment of a wide range of stress-mediated disorders, as well as immune dysregulation and inflammatory diseases.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEROL/STEROLIN (FOUND IN SWISSGARDE’S AFRICAN POTATO) AND HERBS THAT BOOST IMMUNE RESPONSE, SUCH AS ECHINACEA (FOUND IN IMMUNE BOOSTER)?

The key difference between echinacea and sterol/sterolin supplements is that echinacea only stimulates the immune system, while sterol/sterolin balances it. Echinacea is not recommended for prolonged use, or for people with autoimmune conditions. Sterols and sterolins allow the immune system to regulate itself: “upregulating” or boosting an underactive response and “downregulating” an overactive one.

We are proud to announce that, African Potato, a patented unique blend of sterols and sterolins, derived from the Hypoxis plant is available in Nigeria, courtesy of Swissgarde, Contact your nearest Swissgarde distributor to get yours or call our HEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT on 08035656966

GETTING A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR GYNAECOLOGICAL TESTS

GETTING A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR GYNAECOLOGICAL TESTS

The world of women’s health includes certain tests and screenings designed to help identify growths, like fibroids, polyps, and cysts, in order to protect you from the threat of cancer. How do you know what each of these growths mean, and which ones are something that you need to worry about? To understand the world of masses within the female reproductive system, you need to learn the difference between a polyp and a cyst, and how these growths differ from a fibroid. This is because not all of these growths can be cancerous, and some can become cancerous if they go undetected or untreated.

ARE FIBROIDS CANCEROUS?

Within the tissues of the uterus, you can commonly develop fibroids, which are also known as leiomyomas or myomas for short. These growths can vary in shape, size, and location, as they can be found on the outside or deep within the uterine tissue. Women between the ages of 30 and 40 are the most likely to have a fibroid diagnosis, but younger and older women can develop fibroids as well. If you experience severe menstruation changes, abdominal pain, cramps, infertility, or bowel or urination problems, tell your doctor. They can check for fibroids during a routine pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laparoscopy, which involves a probe-like tube that allows a surgeon to view and treat accessible growths.Fibroids are benign growths, which means they are not cancerous, and rarely require medical treatment. However, a small portion of women may need to have their fibroids removed if they experience chronic symptoms. Medical professionals use hormone therapy to treat severe symptoms, and in extreme cases, surgery may be an option. It’s important to note that not all surgical options leave a woman unable to carry a child because a full removal of the uterus, or hysterectomy, is not always necessary.

Herbs have been shown to crush these tumors and at the same time crush regulate hormones that have been postulated to be a likely cause. This is the reason why we have given our fibroid pack to lots of women and the testimony has been amazing.

CAN POLYPS BE CANCEROUS?

Polyps grow on the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and can push themselves out into the inner cavity of the uterus. Polyps can also be found growing in the lining of your cervix. These ball-like structures look like they are emerging from the end of a stalk jutting from the uterine lining of your uterus or cervix. Unlike fibroids, polyps can be malignant growths (meaning they can be cancerous), but this usually only happens rarely with older, postmenopausal women.

Unfortunately, polyps can be easily mistaken for fibroids because they look similar in imaging tests and they can both cause heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping, and abdominal pain. Therefore, in order to determine the malignant or benign nature of polyps, your doctor will need to remove them and send them to a pathologist for testing. If benign polyps cause you pain, or if your doctor discovers your polyps are malignant, surgery can be performed to remove these growths.
We administer the same set of products for this challenge with encouraging results.

ARE CYSTS SIGNS OF CANCER?

Cysts can become the most painful type of growth and can also be diagnosed as malignant, which is why you need to understand the difference between a polyp and a cyst. Generally, cysts develop on the ovaries as sac-like pouches that can either be solid or filled with fluid from the female reproductive system. Small cysts cause dull or slightly aching pain, but larger cysts can twist the tissues to result in severe shooting or stabbing pains. Unlike fibroids and polyps, cysts do not cause menstrual bleeding—the greatest danger with cysts, aside from cancer, comes when they burst and release their contents into other body cavities, which can causes blood-poisoning or other illnesses. Ovarian cysts can become malignant and result in cancer, but most cysts are benign.

Your doctor can diagnose cysts through blood tests, vaginal ultrasounds, or a laparoscopy. If the ovarian cysts are small, surgery can remove them; however, larger cysts threaten your health and require the removal of the entire ovary. If harmful cysts are left untreated, it is also possible that the cancerous cells will spread throughout your body.

Among our distributors today are women who battled with ovarian cyst, but have been helped to overcome the challenge. We believe God that yours will not be different if you have this challenge.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Although fibroids, polyps, and cysts possess the potential to cause you severe pain, the majority of these growths can be easily treated before they develop into cancerous tumors. We advice you to seek medical attention and encourage you to seek natural herbal therapy, if you so desire. So, reach out to us, and the next knock on your door will be a Swissgarde Distributor, who is ready to help you

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