FAQs on Immune Intel AHCC®: Natural Immune Support for HPV, Cancer, Autoimmune Health, and More
In 2017, I noticed a growing health issue among my patients: more and more women were dealing with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). This sparked my curiosity and changed my path forever.
I was working at my fancy Seattle dental office as a hygienist, seeing 8-10 patients a day. And with every one, checking their medical history, updating any diagnoses or new medications. One thing I noticed was that a ton of women were dealing with HPV (Table this for now).
One afternoon, as I was typing up my chart notes and my fellow dental hygienist colleague came into my operatory wondering if I had heard of this specific “mushroom.” She knew about my interest in natural medicine and fascination with medicinal mushrooms in general. She explained that her mom got diagnosed with HPV within the last year, and her naturopath recommended this “mushroom” to help her clear the HPV.
I was instantly intrigued, but honestly, my ego was a little bruised as I explained to her that for all my mushy fascination, I had never heard of this “mushroom” AHCC® (It’s not actually a mushroom — AHCC® is a patented extract from shiitake mushroom mycelium.)
IT WORKED. The HPV was cleared. I had to know more about this AHCC® stuff.
I’ve been educating others on the power of AHCC® for seven years now. Including using it as a cornerstone of our HPV Support Program called CLEAR + FREE, which guides women in clearing HPV naturally.
In this blog post I’ll be sharing some of the most common questions I receive and other things you must know about the most potent immune supplement in the world.
What is Immune Intel AHCC®?
AHCC® is a patented, cultured mycelial product made from a very specific hybridized colony of Shiitake mushrooms. The mycelium is the root-like structure of the fungal organism (below the ground), and is packed with intelligence. Immune Intel AHCC® is our private label of AHCC® that we are so grateful to be providing to the world since 2019. For those seeking natural immune support, AHCC® offers a researched approach to immune regulation.
Where is it made?
AHCC® was formulated in Sapporo, Japan in 1986’s, patented by Amino up, Ltd, which remains the only source of all AHCC® to this day. Remember, it’s patented.
What are the benefits of Immune Intel AHCC®?
There is a laundry list of benefits. But for simplicity think of AHCC® like increasing your body’s natural immune intelligence by increasing the signaling and activity of different immune cell types like macrophages, Natural Killer cells, D cells and T-cells. AHCC® has also shown benefits for decreasing systemic inflammation in the body, as well as regulating stress hormones like cortisol.
Immune regulation. Inflammation control. Stress support.
This is full body support!
Over 1,000 health facilities across the world have used AHCC®. Patients with compromised immune systems, cancer, HPV, liver disease, and other viral infections have taken AHCC® and seen all kinds of benefits.
Is there clinical research on AHCC®?
Yes, a bunch! AHCC® remains the most clinically researched specialty immune supplement in the world. Research started in 1987 at Tokyo University and has been taken up and continued all over the world. There have been hundreds of studies, including over 30 human clinical trials. Today there is clinical research showing positive results related to HPV, Lyme disease, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, autoimmune disease and more! Learn more about the clinical research here.
Are there any contraindications or negative side effects?
AHCC® has a very robust safety profile with zero general side effects and safe to combine with other health supplements. Very rarely I will hear that someone got a stomach ache after taking. In this case I just recommend taking AHCC® with a fat and protein based meal and splitting up the dose through out the day. Again, any negative side effect is extremely rare. AHCC® is classified as a health food. In the animal safety studies, researchers gave rats a human-equivalent mega dose of 600 grams and they noted no negative side effects!
As with any new supplement, consider how it may interact with medications. AHCC® is metabolized via the enzyme pathway P450 2D6, which certain drugs (like Tamoxifen and Doxorubicin) use. If you are taking any other medication, and are unsure about its potential interactions with AHCC®, you should consult a primary healthcare professional to determine whether or not the medication you are currently taking is metabolized using the “P450 2D6” enzyme pathway — if not, it is not likely that AHCC® will interfere with your medication.
I read online that if I have an autoimmune disease, I should stay away from AHCC® because it boosts my immune system. Is that true?
Contrary to what some corners of the internet may say, Immune Intel AHCC® is not an “immune booster” and you will never hear me call it that. It has a modulating and regulating effect on the immune system. Many of my personal friends and family members with autoimmune issues have used Immune Intel AHCC® and seen incredible results.
What if I have an allergy to mushrooms?
Typically, people with mushroom allergies are allergic to the spores of the mushroom, which are produced in the outer “fruiting body” of the mushroom. AHCC® is produced using the mycelia of the mushroom, which is internal and underground, which does not contain any of the spores that cause mushroom allergies and is molecularly very different. Many people with mushroom allergies have been able to take AHCC® successfully. If you would like further reassurance, it is always recommended that you consult a healthcare professional. You may also open up the capsule and put a tiny bit of the powder on the tip of your tongue, and wait to see if you experience any kind of allergic reaction such as minor itching.
Is Immune Intel AHCC okay for healthy people?
Yes! We and many others take Immune Intel AHCC® daily to keep our immune systems at peak intelligence. I want this immune intelligence to be optimal year round!
Is it safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Well, I (Mimi) am currently 18 weeks pregnant and take it regularly for general health. Every woman who is trying to conceive, is pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult with her doctor about any supplementation. However, many women at all 3 of these stages take Immune Intel AHCC® safely, and anecdotal evidence shows it helping with lactation, sleep, and inflammation. Ultimately, it is up to the mother to decide for herself as we cannot give medical advice to anyone including pregnant women.
Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
Either is fine! There have been clinical studies taken with food and on empty stomach - both showed positive benefits.
What is the recommended dose?
Per clinical research, the recommended dose is as follows:
Generally healthy adult, no systemic issues: 1-2 grams/day (2-3 capsules)
Kids under 10 yrs old: 750 mg (1 capsule)
Coming down with sickness/traveling: 3 grams/day (4 capsules split am/pm)
Systemic condition like HPV, Lyme, cancer, autoimmune: 3-6 grams/day ( 4-8 capsules, split up throughout the day)
Could AHCC® be supportive of my pet?
Heck yes! Many of our Immune Intel customers also gift this immune intelligence to their pets! They receive the same regulating benefits as humans. Here is the general dosing guidelines for dogs and cats:
Cats: 1 capsule per day
Small dogs (under 10 lbs): 1 capsule per day
Medium dogs (10-30 lbs): 2-3 capsules per day
Large dogs (30+ lbs): 3-4 capsules per day
**You can simply open up the capsules and mix into wet food or stir into bone broth and pour over dry food.
Ready to explore Immune Intel AHCC further?
Learn more with our resources and connect with us for guidance!
Check out this book for patients or practitioners wanting to dive deeper into the history, safety standards, and clinical research. I call this my AHCC® Bible!
I created this free AHCC guide for anyone who would like to dive deeper into the amazing benefits of AHCC®.
Episode 109 of The Medicin Podcast is an audio deep dive into AHCC®.
***Everything in this post is for educational purposes only and is in no way medical advice. Do your own research. :)
xoxo,
