Your Immune System - Part 2

Are natural remedies silently killing you?

YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Part 2 of 4

This report reveals the hidden dangers of Elderberry, Cytokine Storms, & Your Genes…

Most people assume that if something is “natural,” it must be safe. But the truth is, not every natural remedy is good for everyone, especially during illness. In fact, some popular immune-boosting remedies, like elderberry, echinacea, and green tea (EGCG), can actually make infections worse for certain people, particularly those with genetic mutations like COMT, MTHFR, or other methylation issues.

If you’ve ever taken elderberry and felt wired, anxious, or even worse while sick, this is why. It’s called a cytokine storm.

What is a Cytokine Storm?

Your immune system operates like a highly trained army, launching attacks when viruses or bacteria invade your body. This is normally a good thing. But in some cases, your immune system overreacts and produces too many cytokines, which are the chemical messengers that control inflammation.

Instead of just attacking the virus, the immune system starts attacking your own body as well.

This uncontrolled immune response is called a cytokine storm, and it can cause severe inflammation, tissue damage, and even organ failure.

When too many cytokines flood your system, they can:

• Inflame and damage your lungs ~ Leading to severe pneumonia, ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and making illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu more dangerous.
• Cause blood vessel leakage ~ Leading to low blood pressure, fluid buildup, and swelling in vital organs.
• Increase blood clotting risk ~ Raising the chance of strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots in the lungs.
• Trigger multi-organ failure ~ The body goes into shock as inflammation spreads uncontrollably.

Cytokine storms were one of the leading causes of death in severe COVID-19 cases.

If your immune system is genetically prone to overreacting, you need to be very careful with what you take during illness.

Elderberry & quercetin can WORSEN cytokine storms, but they’re not the only thing that can.

Elderberry is widely promoted as an immune booster, but here’s what most people don’t know:

• Elderberry dramatically increases cytokine production – This means it can fuel a cytokine storm, especially in people with overactive immune responses.
• Quercetin (found in elderberry) inhibits COMT, a key enzyme that breaks down dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. If you have a COMT gene mutation, then taking high-dose quercetin can push you into severe anxiety, insomnia, and overstimulation.
• MTHFR gene mutations & poor methylation can slow down detox pathways, making it harder for your body to regulate inflammation. When your body can’t clear toxins and inflammatory cytokines fast enough, the immune system can go into overdrive.
• If you have slow COMT (Met/Met), then high-dose quercetin from elderberry can be especially problematic. During illness, it’s best to significantly limit quercetin-rich foods and supplements!

Do you carry the genes that play a role in cytokine storms?

Your genetics play a major role in how your immune system responds to infections. Some of the key genes to look at include:

COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase)

• Helps break down dopamine, epinephrine, and estrogen.
• Quercetin inhibits COMT, leading to excessive neurotransmitter buildup.
• If you are COMT slow (Met/Met), high-dose quercetin from elderberry can make you feel anxious, overstimulated, and worsen inflammation.

MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase)

• Regulates methylation, a process that controls detoxification and immune balance.
• Poor methylation means your body struggles to clear inflammatory cytokines, increasing cytokine storm risk.
• People with MTHFR mutations often have excessive inflammation and poor detox pathways.

IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-kB (Inflammatory Response Genes)

• Control how much inflammation your body produces.
• If you have genetic variants that increase these cytokines, elderberry can fuel excessive immune activation.

This is why genetic testing is so important

You may not be aware, but I offer a full methylation cycle and gene panel test that helps you understand your risk for cytokine storms, autoimmune disease, and inflammatory overload. One test, a lifetime of results. And, if you’ve already done a gene test through companies like Ancestry or 23&Me, then you can get your report at a fraction of the cost.

Want to know your risks? Check it out here:

Other Immune Boosters That Can Backfire...

1. Echinacea – Not Always a Good Idea!

Echinacea is another common immune herb that can be problematic for people with methylation issues:

• Stimulates the immune system: Can overactivate the immune response in people with autoimmune tendencies.
• Can slow CYP450 enzymes in the liver: This may impair detoxification, which is already slower in those with methylation issues.
• May increase dopamine levels: This could be an issue for slow COMT gene types, leading to overstimulation.

Better Alternative: Astragalus – Supports immune function without overstimulating cytokine production.

2. Green Tea (EGCG) – Not Great for Slow COMT!

Green tea is loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechins, which can be problematic:

• EGCG inhibits COMT, slowing dopamine breakdown.
• Can lower methylation demand (helpful for MTHFR), but can increase catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine) in COMT slow individuals, leading to anxiety, overstimulation, or mood swings.
• Lowers folate absorption, which is problematic for people with MTHFR mutations.

Better Alternative: Rooibos Tea – Antioxidant-rich without affecting COMT.

There are better choices for supporting your immune system. Instead of elderberry or high-dose quercetin, here are safer and more effective options that support immunity without triggering cytokine storms.

Unlike elderberry, my whole-food Vitamin C blend contains small, balanced amounts of quercetin, naturally buffered by other plant compounds.

• The quercetin content in my Vitamin C is similar to what you’d find in onions, apples, and grapes, not concentrated doses like elderberry syrup or elderberry powders.
• Made with whole-food sources like Amla Berry, Rose Hips, and Citrus Bioflavonoids, ensuring natural co-factors enhance absorption without overstimulating COMT.
• Pairs well with Magnesium and Methylated B Vitamins because COMT gene variants use more magnesium compared to the average person, so supplementing with Magnesium Glycinate + Methyl B12 & Methylfolate helps offset any potential issues.

Vitamin D3 + K2 – Regulates immune response, reduces inflammation, and protects against respiratory infections.

Zinc (Liquid Zinc Sulfate) – Activates T-cells, reduces viral replication, and directly lowers cytokine storm risk.

Medicinal Mushrooms (Resilient Formula) – Supports adaptive immunity without overstimulating cytokine production (includes Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and more).

How to Calm a Cytokine Storm Naturally

If you’re worried about inflammation and symptoms worsening while you’re sick, here are natural compounds that help stop cytokine storms:

• Curcumin (Turmeric) – Blocks IL-6, TNF-α, and other inflammatory cytokines.
• Omega-3s (Fish Oil, Flaxseed, Chia Seeds) – Lower inflammatory responses naturally.
• Astragalus – Supports immune function without triggering excessive cytokine release.
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – Boosts glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant that protects against immune overreactions.

• Resveratrol – Reduces cytokine activity and protects against lung inflammation.

• Magnesium Glycinate – Helps regulate COMT and supports immune balance.

• Methyl B – Helps support a healthy methylation cycle to clear excess cytokines.

If you’ve been relying on elderberry, echinacea, or green tea, it might be time to reconsider.

Your immune system isn’t just about “boosting” with whatever’s trending… it’s about balance and precision. Prioritize your health, because making the wrong choice in a critical moment could leave a lasting, unwanted impact.

What’s one change you’re making in your immune health today? Drop a comment below!