The Benefits of AHCC®

Female scientist studying AHCC

AHCC® Benefits Overview

The human body is a complex entity that needs careful balance to keep going. However, you can still boost some physiological functions by taking dietary supplements.

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC®) is one of these supplements that may revolutionize your health. It’s not all talk; there is plenty of evidence that AHCC® actually benefits the body. [1]

Of course, you still need to measure your expectations. Do not wait for a miracle after taking this supplement. It will simply boost your body’s natural abilities.

Here are the tops benefits of AHCC®:

1.    May boost immunity and fight HPV infections

The immune system has two different entities that work together – Innate and adaptive immunity. The former is responsible for neutralizing non-specific threats but offers a rapid response. The latter, however, is specific to microbes but takes a few weeks to become active.

AHCC® is a dietary supplement that boosts the action of both types of immunity. This will make your immune cells very effective at eradicating all sorts of threats. For instance, researchers found that AHCC® is effective against a virus known as HPV. [2]

Here is some of the research on AHCC:

  • There are more than 20 human trials that support the effectiveness of this as an HPV supplement.
  • PubMed-indexed journals published more than 30 papers on the action of AHCC®.
  • The most recent study about AHCC® was published in Frontiers Oncology, which was about the effectiveness of this compound in eradicating HPV.

Because bacteria and viruses are becoming more resistant to conventional medications, we need our immune system’s natural abilities now more than ever.

Keep in mind that adding more immune-boosting compounds to your regimen will undoubtedly help. These include vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.

Finally, make sure to speak with your primary care physician about any new supplements you are planning to take.

2.    Provides your body with antioxidants

Scientists keep emphasizing the role of antioxidants in boosting human health. You can find these compounds in foods, such as leafy greens and healthy fats.

Because AHCC® is derived from mushrooms, it has some potent antioxidants that eradicate the harmful effects of free radicals. [3]

Note that scientists linked oxidative stress to a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

3.    Optimizes liver function

The liver is the maestro of metabolism and detoxification in the body. Hepatocytes (i.e., liver cells) need to work perfectly to get rid of all the toxic molecules. Unfortunately, this process declines with age, which is why we need to do something about it.

An article published in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center noted the impressive effects of AHCC® on cirrhosis and chronic liver failure triggered by hepatitis. [4]

While scientists are still debating the mechanism of action that leads to this, many studies found that AHCC® improves the quality of life for patients with liver problems.

4.    Dampens Chronic Inflammation

While acute inflammation is a natural, necessary process that protects the body against foreign pathogens, chronic inflammation wreaks havoc on most organ systems.

Fortunately, AHCC® helps with regulating inflammation and eradicating the real threats that hinder your cells’ function.

Those who take AHCC® for a long time noted a significant relief in arthritic pain, migraine headaches, and painful episodes of irritable bowel syndrome. [5]

Moreover, dampened inflammation can improve your sleep, mood, daily activities, and productivity.

5.    Mitigates the symptoms of autoimmune disorders

We mentioned above the two entities that make up the immune system, as well as the downsides of poorly functioning immune cells. However, an overreactive immune system may lead to even more serious complications.

Auto-immune conditions are very serious and don’t have a cure yet. Every year, billions of dollars are spent to understand and treat these disorders; however, we still have a long road ahead of us.

AHCC® seems to help with autoimmunity. While we won’t promise you that it will cure your disorder, it may help control the symptoms and reduce the number of flare-ups.

There is evidence that AHCC® regulates the action of T-cells and macrophages, as well as the number of dendritic cells. [6]

In simple terms, AHCC® helps the immune system act properly when dealing with bacteria and viruses. It will also provide your immune cells with the right tools to keep functioning correctly.

As you can see, AHCC® is a complete immune booster that acts on every single aspect of your immunity. It keeps your tissues healthy and protects them from friendly fire.

6.    Mediates stress response

Despite how amazing the brain is, it still has some limitations. For instance, it cannot distinguish psychological from physical stress. As a result, your body reacts to day-to-day stress as if you are being chased by a lion. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for this fight-or-flight response.

The elevated levels of cortisol (i.e., the primary stress hormone) will wreak havoc on our cells, leading to brain fog and immune system suppression.

If you take a powerful dose of AHCC® once a day, you may be able to regulate your body’s response to chronic stress and the levels of cortisol. [7]

Aside from AHCC®, make sure to engage in a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, diet, and eliminating external stressors.

7.    May fight some types of cancer

The studies that took a look at AHCC®’s effects on cancer are not conclusive. However, there is some promising evidence that AHCC® may inhibit the growth of some types of cancer cells. [8]

WebMD states that recent clinical trials proved that AHCC® can help cancer patients feel better. This may be due to AHCC®’s effects on the side effects of chemotherapy (more on that next).

We still need more research before drawing any conclusions about the true effects of AHCC® on cancer and other debilitating diseases.

However, because AHCC® is relativelyh inexpensive and causes few side effects, it’s worth a shot, especially when other methods have failed.

8.    Alleviates Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most common anticancer treatment out there. While this therapy is life-saving for millions of patients, it still causes a wide range of side effects, making you miserable.

Some side effects of chemotherapy include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hair loss
  • Bone marrow suppression
  • Mood disturbances

The good news is that AHCC® is a natural treatment for the side effects of chemotherapy. There is an abundance of evidence to support this compound’s effects on cancer patients and how it improves their mood, strength, and overall quality of life.  [9]

9.    Regulates blood sugar levels

Unregulated blood sugar can lead to devastating effects over time. The number of people that have diabetes is just enormous. Even worse, we still don’t have any definitive cure for this condition.

Luckily, following the right diet and exercising regularly can help you control your blood sugar. What most people neglect, though, is the positive effects of supplements, such as AHCC®, on diabetes. If you want to have better control over your blood sugar and live a healthy life, consider taking this supplement.

AHCC® regulates glucose metabolism to keep it under control and helps boost the energy production process. This is why people without diabetes can also benefit from taking this supplement. [10]

10. Lowers blood pressure

The incidence of chronic blood hypertension is just insane. You are bound to know someone with this condition, which should tell you how common it is.

Sadly, the traditional American diet is extremely high in refined sugars and saturated fats.  This combination is destructive and causes a variety of problems, including high blood pressure.

Taking medications to fight chronic blood hypertension is an option. However, your doctor will always tell you to try and find a natural solution, which generally revolves around diet, exercise, and supplementation.

AHCC® is one of those supplements that significantly help with blood pressure and cardiovascular health. In fact, it was initially developed to treat blood hypertension. [11]

Conclusion

Modern medicine has revolutionized patient care and improved the outcomes of thousands of diseases. However, we need to rely on our immunity once again to fight off external and internal threats.

To achieve this goal, you need to supply your body with the necessary nutrients that boost the cells. This is where AHCC® becomes helpful.

AHCC® is a registered trademark of the Amino Up Co., Ltd., JAPAN.

References

1-Smith, J. A., Mathew, L., Gaikwad, A., Rech, B., Burney, M. N., Faro, J. P., Lucci, J. A., 3rd, Bai, Y., Olsen, R. J., & Byrd, T. T. (2019). From Bench to Bedside: Evaluation of AHCC Supplementation to Modulate the Host Immunity to Clear High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections. Frontiers in oncology9, 173. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2019.00173

2-Nogusa, S., Gerbino, J., & Ritz, B. W. (2009). Low-dose supplementation with active hexose correlated compound improves the immune response to acute influenza infection in C57BL/6 mice. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.)29(2), 139–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2009.01.005

3- Ye, S. F., Wakame, K., Ichimura, K., & Matsuzaki, S. (2004). Amelioration by active hexose correlated compound of endocrine disturbances induced by oxidative stress in the rat. Endocrine regulations38(1), 7–13.

4- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ahcc

5- Mallet, J. F., Graham, É., Ritz, B. W., Homma, K., & Matar, C. (2016). Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) promotes an intestinal immune response in BALB/c mice and in primary intestinal epithelial cell culture involving toll-like receptors TLR-2 and TLR-4. European journal of nutrition55(1), 139–146. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-015-0832-2

6- Olamigoke, L., Mansoor, E., Mann, V., Ellis, I., Okoro, E., Wakame, K., Fuji, H., Kulkarni, A., Francoise Doursout, M., & Sundaresan, A. (2015). AHCC Activation and Selection of Human Lymphocytes via Genotypic and Phenotypic Changes to an Adherent Cell Type: A Possible Novel Mechanism of T Cell Activation. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM2015, 508746. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/508746

7- Love, K. M., Barnett, R. E., Holbrook, I., Sonnenfeld, G., Fujii, H., Sun, B., Peyton, J. C., & Cheadle, W. G. (2013). A natural immune modulator attenuates stress hormone and catecholamine concentrations in polymicrobial peritonitis. The journal of trauma and acute care surgery74(6), 1411–1418. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e31829215b1

8- Suknikhom, W., Lertkhachonsuk, R., & Manchana, T. (2017). The Effects of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on Levels of CD4+ and CD8+ in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer or Peritoneal Cancer Receiving Platinum Based Chemotherapy. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP18(3), 633–638. https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.3.633

9-Hangai, S., Iwase, S., Kawaguchi, T., Kogure, Y., Miyaji, T., Matsunaga, T., Nagumo, Y., & Yamaguchi, T. (2013). Effect of active hexose-correlated compound in women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a retrospective study. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)19(11), 905–910. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2012.0914

10-Fatehchand, K., Santhanam, R., Shen, B., Erickson, E. L., Gautam, S., Elavazhagan, S., Mo, X., Belay, T., Tridandapani, S., & Butchar, J. P. (2017). Active hexose-correlated compound enhances extrinsic-pathway-mediated apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemic cells. PloS one12(7), e0181729. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181729

11-Doursout, M. F., Liang, Y., Sundaresan, A., Wakame, K., Fujii, H., Takanari, J., Devakottai, S., & Kulkarni, A. (2016). Active hexose correlated compound modulates LPS-induced hypotension and gut injury in rats. International immunopharmacology39, 280–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2016.07.023