Is Immune Intel AHCC safe for Autoimmune conditions?
F.A.Q.
I get this question so frequently that I thought she deserved her very own blog post.
A person with an autoimmune condition might hear me on a podcast interview, or see one of my instagram posts discussing AHCC, perhaps the 100+ published papers, or thousands of positive user testimonials and wonder, “I wonder if this could help me.”
Next obvious step…Dr.Google right?
If this person types into google, “Is AHCC safe for autoimmune conditions” here’s what they will likely see pop up:
This is how I know AI doesn’t actually have all the answers.
(Spoiler: THIS IS NOT CORRECT)
After seeing this on google, I totally understand why the average autoimmune warrior would be hesitant. And ultimately it’s always up to the individual and what they are comfortable with.
However, I know people who are battling autoimmune conditions may be desperate and open to anything that could help their symptoms. This post is for that person.
I’m going to be sharing evidence to push back on the misinformation around AHCC® and autoimmune conditions, and show you that it’s actually supportive for those with autoimmune imbalances . Keep reading!
What Immune Intel AHCC® Really Is
AHCC® is a one-of-a-kind functional health food—a patented extract from the mycelia (root-like structure) of several subspecies of mushrooms including shiitake. It’s classified as a health food, but this label doesn’t fully reflect the depth of clinical use and reliability.
At its simplest, AHCC® is an immune modulator not simply an immune booster like so many assume. This means that it has a balancing and normalizing effect on the immune system (and actually the whole body).
Boosting = pushing the immune system into overdrive.
Modulating = helping the immune system self-correct and communicate better between its branches (innate + adaptive).
Think of AHCC® like a coach who is able to direct his players on the court, responding in real time to what the defense is doing. It would be silly to keep running the same play no matter which team and style of defense you were facing.
The intelligence is in the adaptability.
What The Research Shows
There are 100+ published papers and 30+ human clinical trials looking at AHCC® for cancer recovery, HPV, liver disease, Lyme, and even autoimmune models with no evidence of immune overstimulation.
AHCC® enhances NK cell and dendritic cell function while regulating inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers). Dentritic cells are key players when it comes to autoimmune conditions.
Many practitioners worldwide utilize AHCC® with great success for patients struggling with Sjogren’s, Chrohn’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis and more.
Why Sites Like WebMD Get It Wrong
WebMD and other online medical databases or supplement caches like this categorize all mushroom extracts together, referring to them as “immune boosters” which automatically would disqualify it from use with an autoimmune condition.
AHCC® is a cultured mushroom extract, however, it’s not categorized as an “immune booster” as I’ve shared above. It’s an immune-modulator. Not all immune supporting supplements work in the same way. AHCC® is unique!
Real World Results
In 2019, a woman found me on Instagram who was desperate for an answer for her Sjogren’s autoimmune condition. We spoke on the phone for a long time and I explained exactly how AHCC® works and that it’s definitely worth a shot!
Here is her personal review after using Immune Intel AHCC® for a few months:
“I’m a photographer and my autoimmune diseases affects my eyes and overall joint and body pain, so you can imagine how defeating it is to lose function of parts of your body that you need not only to live, but to make money too.
Back in August I had met my match...my autoimmune disease & fibromyalgia was ruining my life. A friend of mine told me about Mimi and I began following her on IG. Her and I began talking and she educated me on AHCC. I was blown away. She sent me research and loads of info and took so much time out of her day to drop knowledge on me.
I began taking AHCC at that time and I haven’t looked back since. I even started seeing a naturopath and she was so happy I was taking it because it’s something she highly recommends to her patients with autoimmune issues.
My pain has lessened significantly and my symptoms are manageable. This stuff has saved me and given me my life back. I was depressed and hopeless over my condition and now I have hope again. Thank you Mimi for not only being the textbook of knowledge but for also helping people get their lives back. You are kind & funny & all around awesome. I’m so grateful you were placed on my path.”
This is just one instance. We’ve also received positive feedback from AHCC® users for conditions including Crohn’s, Lupus, hidradenitis suppurativa, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Dosing
If you’re thinking you want to try Immune Intel AHCC® to support an autoimmune condition, the recommended dose from research is 3 grams (4 Immune Intel capsules) for systemic issues. You could split this up am/pm like with breakfast and dinner if you like.
If you know that you are very sensitive to medication and supplements in general, then you can always start with 2 capsules if that makes you more comfortable. It’s not necessary—AHCC® has an extremely high safety profile—but you know your own body!
The Bottom Line
AHCC® has a long history of safe use and a powerful balancing effect in the body, for both a boost or a calm down of the immune system. This is why the research and clinical use is so vast.
If you have questions or need clarification on anything, please leave a comment below!
