The human body is a fascinating specimen. It is “designed” to defend itself against pathogens, or foreign matter that can wreak havoc with illnesses and diseases. Its cells capture and destroy invading germs. Its immune response targets specific pathogens, keeping you healthy and disease-free. Sometimes, however, the disease-fighting cells and immune system fail.
How does your immune system weaken? Can supplements like MAF capsules help restore its strength?
When Immunity Fails
When your body is simply not strong enough to defend itself, you can get sick more often than the average person. Your immune system may be compromised due to poor nutrition, certain medications, or deficiency at birth. In some cases, an immune system may even attack instead of protect you (i.e., autoimmune diseases).
Whether it weakens over time or the cause is unknown, your immune system will need help.
Help can come in the form of medical treatments and medications. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe lifestyle changes. In some cases, certain supplements, like MAF capsules, could be beneficial to your treatment.
What Is MAF?
The term “macrophage-activating factor” or “MAF” first appeared in 1979. In vitro evidence of this concept has been collected, with subsequent studies demonstrating the capabilities of macrophage activation in strengthening the immune system at cellular level.
MAF enhances various biological functions of macrophages (i.e., white blood cells that remove dead cells, kill microorganisms, and stimulate other cells). These functions include cytotoxicity to tumors, which attack and destroy tumor cells; cytokine secretion, which improves the production of immune cells, and pathogen clearance, which clears bacteria or viruses from the body.
What Can MAF Supplements Do?
MAF supplements, therefore, are formulated for the family of macrophages, activating them to normalise and regulate immunological conditions.
One recent study, which involved COVID-19 patients in the hospital, showed that oral MAF played a key role in preventing disease progression or mortality. The clinical trial studied 97 hospitalised patients with COVID-19, and aside from providing the standard of care, treated them with oral MAF and vitamin D3 supplement.
Although the clinical trial is limited in its scope, its results are promising and calls for further, wider studies to fully comprehend the capabilities of MAF for other medical diseases or illnesses.
It must be emphasised though that much like other supplements, MAF capsules are not solely responsible for preventing disease progression. These formulated capsules can work as an add-on standard of care treatment.
MAF supplementation has also shown efficacy with improving cognitive function in older adults. In a single-center, randomised controlled study, 43 participants who were older than 60 years old were divided into three groups. One was the control group, which received only rehabilitation, another received the same plus dietary guidance, and the third was given capsules of MAF triple in the morning and at bedtime, and dietary guidance. Of the three, the participants in the third showed improved cognitive function after six months. That effect, according to the study, was maintained for 12 months. No adverse effects were observed during the MAF supplementation.
Again, much like the randomised study on COVID-19 patients, the controlled study on cognitive function did not rely only on the MAF capsules. Along with dietary guidance that focused on vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed, and manner of cooking (i.e., slow steam rather than fried or baked at high temperatures), the participants who received MAF supplements fared better than the other groups.
Diseases That MAF Supplementation May Treat
In the last 20 years, macrophage-activating factor has received significant attention for its therapeutic effects on a number of conditions. Most notably, in the immunotherapy of different types of cancer. It may also be included in the standard of care for autism, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Here are other diseases wherein MAF supplementation may be useful.
- ADHD
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Autoimmune disorders
- Inflammation
- Fibromyalgia
- Leaky gut
- Epilepsy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Warts due to viral infection
- Dengue fever
- Chronic pain
MAF capsules may be included in the treatment of more diseases or medical conditions. But before using it, it is best to check with your primary physician. When you’ve started taking it, observe for allergic reactions. If that happens, consult your doctor once again before resuming supplementation.
Other Ways to Boost Your Immune System
Supplementation can be good for the body, especially if it's as effective as capsules of MAF. But if you have no access just yet to dietary supplements, there are other ways to strengthen your immunity against diseases.
A healthy lifestyle is your first line of defense.
Healthy living can keep you protected from illnesses. When you practice the following, your immune system will have a better chance at fighting of pathogens that could make you sick:
- Exercises regularly, even if it’s just 20 to 30 minutes a day and it’s low impact.
- Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, so choose more vegetables and fruits.
- Don’t smoke, or quit smoking because the effects of tobacco make you susceptible to pneumonia, influenza, and other long-lasting illnesses.
- Get enough sleep because it’s when your immune system produces protective cytokines, which fight infection or inflammation.
Adopt a pet.
Yes, a pet means adding to your budget. But consider the rewards of introducing a puppy or a cat to your home. People who take care of animals have lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, enabling them to maintain a healthy heart.
A pet at home could also boost your child’s immune system, making them less likely to develop allergies.
Laugh more, laugh often.
You feel good after watching a funny movie or your favorite stand up comic – with good reason. Humor and laughter have beneficial effects on your immune system. People who laugh a lot, according to lab tests at Stanford University, release more disease-fighting cells into the bloodstream than people who do not laugh.
The human body is fascinating. Although it’s designed to heal itself, sometimes it needs help to keep the bacteria and viruses away. With a strong immune response supported by the right supplements like MAF coupled with a healthy lifestyle, your body can continue to fight diseases.
