The human immune system, our biochemical defense department, charged with protecting the body and its tens of trillions of cells, is a marvel of intelligence and responsiveness. Nonetheless, the speed with which it reacts to enemies can sometimes cause problems. Its hyper responsiveness can actually be a cause of symptoms and disease.
This phenomena is well recognized. In the case of pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, especially those that are activated by viruses, these hyper reactions are largely caused by an immune cell called a macrophage. Once cells are attacked, macrophages react quickly by firing inflammatory chemicals that are intended to kill bacteria, viruses and other would-be invaders.
In addition to their ability to destroy enemy agents, these inflammatory chemicals also act to recruit other immune system cells to the site of invasion. In the lungs, the end result is the production of acids, lots of free radicals and ultimately excessive inflammation, as well as fluid accumulation and ultimately respiratory disease.
One of the best ways to mitigate this inflammatory response and stabilize the functioning of immune cells is to use vitamin C, a powerful multi-functional nutrient that acts therapeutically as an antioxidant for lung cells, supporting their healthy functioning. At the same time, vitamin C acts as a pro-oxidant for immune cells, inhibiting their hyperactivity. This makes using vitamin C, particularly intravenous high-dose vitamin C, a likely preventative and a possible treatment for microbial and viral lung diseases.
