COVID-19

Cytokine Storm in COVID-19 Simplified

Here’s what you need to know about a COVID-19 cytokine storm. 

DATA:

Timestamps
0:04 What is cytokine storm?
0:59 What is a cytokine? 
1:49 The macrophages 
2:33 The B-cell
2:52 The mast cell 
3:12 Interferon 
3:28 The cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells
3:42 Perforin 
5:15 Zinc and perforin 

Today I want to explain a little bit about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) cytokine storm. 

What is a cytokine storm?
A cytokine storm is a situation that can occur in critical cases of the coronavirus. 

A few things that are associated with a cytokine storm are:

• High fever 
• Enlarged spleen 
• A decrease or increase of the white blood cell count 
• Low blood pressure 
• Massive inflammation 

Another name for cytokine storm is macrophage activation syndrome. A macrophage is a white blood cell. 

A cytokine storm will typically occur when someone’s immune system is weak, they have a genetic weakness towards this condition, or they are overweight. 

What is a cytokine?
A cytokine is a communication messenger. It signals the cells to do certain things. When the virus invades the cell, the cell will then send out these messages to let the immune system know there is a problem. 

This is why a huge inflammatory reaction can occur. If it happens in the lungs, there can be destruction in the lungs. The cytokines basically tell your “soldiers” to fight. 

The macrophages are large immune cells that can eat and dissolve certain things like microbes, viruses, and bacteria. 

The B-cell is a part of the immune system that helps you develop antibodies. If you’re exposed to the virus later on, you have protection. 

The mast cell is involved with histamine reactions. 

Interferon releases cytokines, but this is not a cell, it’s a body chemical. This is heavily involved in attacking viruses.

Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells have a weapon to kill off the cell that’s infected with the virus. This weapon is called perforin. 

It has been found that with a cytokine storm, perforin is defective. If a person has a genetic defect or problem making perforin and is deficient, that person may have a tendency to have a cytokine storm in the body. It could also be that a person’s immune system is weak and they are deficient in perforin. 

Zinc can actually enhance perforin. This is just another reason to get more zinc. 

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:
Dr. Berg, 53 years of age is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of The New Body Type Guide and other books published by KB Publishing. He has taught students nutrition as an adjunct professor at Howard University. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

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Disclaimer:
Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients so he can focus on educating people as a full time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The Health & Wellness, Dr. Berg Nutritionals and Dr. Eric Berg, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this video or site.

Thanks for watching! I hope this video helps you better understand a COVID-19 cytokine storm.