Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that many people encounter during their lives, with an estimated 4.4 million Australians affected annually. While HPV often clears on its own without
causing harm, there are instances where it can persist, leading to serious health risks such as cervical, anal, and throat cancers.

In light of growing concerns about the connection between viral infections and cancer, Dr. Connie Trimble, MD, director of the John Hopkins Center for Cervical Dysplasia, highlights the alarming rise in throat cancers related to HPV. “The rate of cancers in the back of the throat is skyrocketing,” says Dr. Trimble. “Experts are now calling it an epidemic, and it’s on track to outpace cervical cancer in the coming years.”

The good news is, there are natural ways to support your immune system, and one of the most promising options is AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound). Derived from medicinal
mushrooms, AHCC is gaining attention for its remarkable ability to enhance immune function, making it an excellent addition to your health regimen, particularly for those dealing with HPV.
Dr. Janet Schloss, an Australian Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist with a wealth of expertise in
clinical research, is advocating for increased awareness among healthcare practitioners about the potential benefits of AHCC. As she prepares for her upcoming RN Labs webinar, Dr. Schloss emphasises the growing body of research supporting AHCC’s role in immune modulation and its therapeutic promise for a wide range of health conditions – including cancer.

‘AHCC has demonstrated its ability to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic
cells, and T-cells, which are crucial components of the immune system in defending against viruses
such as influenza, hepatitis, and HPV. Studies are also beginning to show that AHCC may help
reduce viral loads and improve recovery rates. In cancer research, AHCC has been studied for its potential to complement conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It may bolster the body’s immune response to tumour cells, alleviate treatment side effects, and possibly improve
survival outcomes’.
Dr. Schloss, who holds a PhD from the University of Queensland’s School of Medicine, has a diverse
background as a naturopath, clinical nutritionist, and medical researcher. She has dedicated much of
her career to conducting pioneering clinical trials, including one of the world’s first studies on
cannabis and brain cancer. Her deep expertise in trial design, implementation, and both quantitative and qualitative research has made her a leading figure in the field. Her work continues to bridge the gap between complementary medicine and conventional healthcare, making her a vital voice in
advancing the therapeutic potential of emerging natural treatments like AHCC.

What is AHCC?
AHCC is a patented compound made from the mycelium (root structure) of medicinal mushrooms,
including shiitake, maitake, and reishi. These mushrooms have been valued for centuries for their
health benefits, particularly in supporting immune function. But AHCC offers something unique. It
concentrates the power of these mushrooms, enhancing their ability to support the body’s defences.
The magic of AHCC lies in its ability to activate crucial immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells,
which play an essential role in identifying and destroying virus-infected or abnormal cells. When it
comes to HPV, strengthening these immune cells can be the most effective way to help your body
fight off the virus before it causes long-term issues.

How AHCC Supports Your Immune System
One of the most important aspects of managing HPV and other viral infections is having a well-
functioning immune system. AHCC offers significant support here. By enhancing the activity of NK cells, AHCC helps your body detect and destroy virus-infected cells. For those with HPV, this means
an immune system that is better equipped to fight off the virus and reduce the risk of complications.
While many of us think of the immune system as just a collection of cells that work in the
background, the reality is that it’s an incredibly intricate network that needs constant support. AHCC
provides just that by stimulating immune responses at the cellular level, helping the body stay
vigilant and resilient.

Can AHCC Help Clear HPV?
Some studies suggest that AHCC may not only help support immune function but could also play a
role in reducing the duration of HPV infections. Research has shown that women who took AHCC
experienced higher rates of HPV clearance compared to those who didn’t supplement with AHCC.
While this research is still in its early stages, it’s promising and speaks to the potential of AHCC as
a natural option for managing HPV infections. For those with high-risk HPV strains, AHCC may help
maintain cervical health by supporting the immune system in recognizing and eliminating abnormal
cells before they have the chance to turn cancerous. For many, this makes AHCC a valuable addition
to a proactive health approach, particularly for women concerned about HPV-related risks.

Supporting Overall Wellness with AHCC
Another key benefit of AHCC is its ability to reduce chronic inflammation. Persistent inflammation is
a known risk factor for cancer, and HPV is no exception. AHCC’s anti-inflammatory properties help to
reduce this inflammation, creating a more balanced and healthier environment for the body to fight
infections and heal naturally. By reducing chronic inflammation, AHCC supports not just immune
health, but your overall well-being.

The Science Behind AHCC
The body of research supporting AHCC is growing steadily. Studies show that AHCC helps enhance
the immune response, even in patients undergoing chemotherapy, suggesting its role in boosting
overall immune health. AHCC’s ability to support the immune system’s fight against viral infections
like HPV is promising. However, it’s important to note that much of the research on AHCC and HPV is
still in its early stages, and we need more data before we can fully understand its potential. That
being said, the immune-boosting effects of AHCC are well-documented. Whether you’re looking to
support your immune system in general or manage a specific condition like HPV, AHCC could be the
supplement your body needs to stay strong and resilient.

Patient Review:
“I’m a 48-year-old woman who has always been health-conscious. As an actress, I travel frequently for work, and in 2022, while in the U.S., I tested positive for HPV. The doctor I was working with at
the time introduced me to AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) and shared some promising
information: ‘AHCC is a natural supplement that has shown promise as a potential breakthrough in supporting the body’s immune response to HPV, a virus that is often difficult to treat. During a recent integrative oncology conference, Dr. Judith A. Smith, a pharmacist and associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, presented findings from a small study suggesting that AHCC could help the body combat HPV. The suggested treatment protocol also included high-dose vitamin C IV therapy and daily zinc supplementation at 50mg.’

“While it wasn’t a quick-fix, over time, I noticed my body clearing the HPV virus. One of the most
significant improvements was in my tumour marker (CA 125) for ovarian cancer, which was elevated
before starting AHCC. Within a year, my marker returned to normal levels. It has been a challenging
and emotional journey, but I truly believe AHCC played a crucial role in supporting my body’s ability
to heal.”

Where to Find AHCC Supplements
At The Health Lodge, we believe in providing our clients with the highest quality supplements and
treatment solutions available with personalised advice from integrated naturopaths who can guide
you on how to incorporate AHCC into your health regimen safely and effectively.

How to Take AHCC
AHCC is typically available in capsule or powder form, and the recommended dosage may vary
depending on individual needs and health concerns. It’s always a good idea to consult with a
healthcare provider, particularly if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, to determine the
appropriate dosage for you.

A Simple Recipe to Boost Immune Health
Incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your diet is another great way to support your immune
health. Here’s a delicious and nourishing recipe for Medicinal Mushroom Soup that my family enjoys
weekly, which includes shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms.