Covid Cytokine Storm Protocol
My survival guide
What is a covid cytokine storm?
Instant disclaimer: This is not medical advice, it’s what I do to stop a covid cytokine storm, and I’m sharing it purely because my doctors won’t help me with my ongoing covid cytokine storm issues. I am in the process of looking for a UK doctor that understands the urgency and severity of covid cytokine storms, who will let me have steroids AT HOME to take when it happens, to prevent further organ damage.
Covid is not “just a cold.” It’s not “the flu.” However, MANY people who contract covid feel no symptoms or, cold like symptoms. Then they get better.
When you are susceptible to covid cytokine storms, you may feel light, moderate or heavy covid symptoms, and then you’ll start to get better, like everyone else.
However, around day 7-10 of the start of your symptoms, something very sinister and life threatening happens in your body.
A catastrophic immune system malfunction that can lead to organ failure within hours.
A cytokine storm occurs when the immune system, instead of targeting the virus or infection, goes into overdrive and starts attacking the body’s own tissues.
Cytokines are signalling proteins that regulate inflammation and immune responses. While they are essential for fighting infections, in a storm, they flood the body unchecked, creating a chain reaction of inflammation and damage.
I’ve been through this several times now, and each episode has left a lasting impact on my health.
As a result, I’ve spent time researching, testing, and refining a protocol to manage this condition and prevent it from destroying my body.
What do cytokines do?
Some of the key cytokines involved in a storm include:
- L-6 (Interleukin-6): Triggers acute inflammation and is a key driver of cytokine storms.
- TNF-α (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha): Causes fever, inflammation, and tissue destruction.
- IL-1β (Interleukin-1 beta): Amplifies the inflammatory response.
- IL-8 and GM-CSF: Attract immune cells like neutrophils, which can damage healthy tissues.
These cytokines create a cascade that can lead to:
- Organ failure (kidneys, liver, lungs, and pancreas)
- Severe fatigue and muscle breakdown
- Brain fog and neurological symptoms
- Widespread tissue damage leading to necrosis
Why do only some people get covid cytokine storms?
Not everyone who gets covid — or any virus — develops a cytokine storm.
It’s believed that genetic predispositions, underlying autoimmune conditions, and metabolic imbalances play a role.
Factors like chronic inflammation, poor gut health, or even a history of severe immune responses can increase the risk.
For me, covid triggers an overreaction in my immune system, leading to storms rather than immunity. I’ve always had a crazy immune system, infected tonsils, allergies, skin falling off, face blowing up, etc, so I’m not surprised that I also get covid cytokine storms. Having an over active immune system is one reason I eat an extremely healthy diet and research so much. Again, I’ve tried going the doctor route but to no avail.
Symptoms of a Cytokine Storm
Symptoms can escalate rapidly and may include:
- High fever and chills
- Severe fatigue and muscle pain
- Shortness of breath and rapid heart rate
- Confusion or brain fog
- Swelling and fluid buildup in tissues
- Multi-organ dysfunction (like kidneys, liver, lungs)
If untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications or death.
I don’t get a fever. To me it feels like my body is expanding from the inside, I can’t eat at all or hardly anything, I cough like mad, and it’s completely unproductive, my lips go blue and I just want to lie down.
If you also get covid cytokine storms, it’s good to list your own symptoms in a diary so you can refer to them and get immediate help when needed.
I have an oximeter with me to measure my blood oxygen whenever I get covid.
What’s my experience of a covid cytokine storm?
I’ve had several covid cytokine storms. The first put me in hospital for a week, on steroids and oxygen. I was diagnosed with “Respiratory Failure” This was towards the end of 2021, and it was a Delta infection. As a result of this, I have some liver, kidney and pancreas damage, which I’m hopefully reversing with diet, NMN and stem cell supplements. I’ll know more when I’m next tested.
I’ve had covid symptoms many other times, but they didn’t result in a covid cytokine storm as I caught them early and took lots of zinc, NAC and DHA until they passed.
Urgent Care have once given me steroids and the covid cytokine storm has cleared up instantly. They’ve also refused steroids, which causes further organ damage to me.
In July 2023 I had covid again, and my symptoms weren’t too bad, but then 7-10 days later (as is its pattern), the covid cytokine storm came, and I ended up with a lung that was spasming (like a comedy clown car honker) and an immobility to walk far because of my breathing issues.
Two GPs have told me that steroid inhalers are the answer to my problem, but they aren’t because covid cytokine storms are systemic, they don’t come from the lungs, they put stuff INTO my lungs. Again, steroids are the answer, and it’s well documented.
They’ve said they won’t give me steroids because of the danger of taking them. Taking steroids once or twice a year is FAR SAFER than covid cytokine storm organ damage, which may actually result in death.
As mentioned, I am actively seeking a doctor who can help me.
Until then, I’m helping myself.
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Preventing a covid cytokine storm
There is good news. I’ve prevented covid cytokine storms before, and I’ve also stopped this most recent one, naturally. I’m going to tell you how I did it for information purposes only. I highly recommend you work with your doctor if you suffer from covid cytokine storms.
So I know if I can reduce the severity of my covid infection, I can can significantly lower the risk of a cytokine storm.
Here’s how that works
- Lower viral load: If I prevent or catch the virus early, my body deals with a smaller amount of the virus. This reduces the need for an aggressive immune response, which can escalate into a storm.
- Early intervention: If my immune system is well-prepared (via supplements, diet, and lifestyle), it can mount a more balanced response that fights the virus without tipping into harmful over activation.
- Reduced inflammation: Preventing severe infection minimises the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta, which are the main drivers of cytokine storms.
- Tissue protection: By keeping inflammation under control, I can avoid the tissue damage that exacerbates the storm and leads to organ failure.
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My daily prophylactic protocol
A prophylactic is any measure, treatment, or practice designed to prevent disease or a harmful condition before it occurs.
I was being sporadic in my supplements because I thought I’d got on top of my covid cytokine storms, but this one (November 2024) served as a warning.
That’s why, for the rest of my life, I’m going to take all of this DAILY without fail, to ensure I never have another covid cytokine storm.
I’ve designed it to balance my immune system and keep inflammation under control:
Morning
DHA and EPA: Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that reduce IL-6 and TNF-α, with EPA particularly effective in modulating cytokine production. (I take vegan algae DHA combined with EPA)
Choline: Supports liver health and reduces systemic inflammation by aiding cell membrane repair.
NMN: Boosts NAD+ levels, essential for cellular energy and repair, which helps immune resilience.
Quercetin: A powerful antioxidant and IL-6 inhibitor that stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine.
Rhodiola: Adaptogen that reduces stress-induced cytokine release and supports adrenal health.
Vitamin C: Antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and helps clear inflammatory cytokines.
Cytokine Modulator Supplement: (I’m testing this out, I bought it from iHerb. Mung bean extract + EGCG): Reduces IL-6 and TNF-α, calming the immune system.
Methylated B vitamins: Support detoxification and energy metabolism, reducing overall inflammation.
Afternoon (Empty Stomach)
L-glutamine: Repairs gut lining and reduces systemic inflammation, crucial for reducing immune overreaction. I’m adding this in because of my lifelong history of allergies and immune issues.
Night
Magnesium: Regulates inflammatory cytokines and calms the nervous system.
Vitamin D: Immunomodulator that reduces IL-6 and supports T-cell function.
NAC: Boosts glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, and reduces TNF-α and IL-1β.
L-theanine: Reduces stress and calms inflammation, especially in the brain.
Zinc: Essential for antiviral immunity and reduces IL-6 in the lungs.
Curcumin: Potent anti-inflammatory that inhibits IL-6, TNF-α, and other inflammatory pathways.
And hour before bed
Hops Flower Extract: Supports relaxation, improves sleep quality, and may reduce inflammation.
CBD: Helps regulate sleep, alleviate stress, and calm systemic inflammation.
Last thing at night
Serrapeptase: Reduces scar tissue and clears inflammatory proteins from the bloodstream.
How I stopped an active covid cytokine storm in its tracks
As mentioned, in 2021 I was admitted to hospital, where steroids and oxygen were administered for a week. I was in a bad way.
A second time, Urgent Care have administered home use steroids, and I recovered well.
Since then I’ve been refused treatment both at Urgent Care and my doctors, which isn’t OK when a covid cytokine storm can lead to organ damage or even death.
So this time around, I figured it out myself, and it worked. I could feel the covid cytokine storm subsiding within THIRTY MINUTES. I stayed on this for 7 days, and am now on my prophylactic protocol.
I have to say again, I am NOT recommending you do this. Steroids are the correct treatment and you must try to get them, fast before you suffer organ damage.
DHA: 2 capsules, 3 x a day to reduce IL-6 and TNF-α. If I didn’t feel a change so fast, I’d have increased this dose.
NAC: 3 x daily to boost glutathione and reduce oxidative stress.Quercetin: 1g daily for fast-acting IL-6 inhibition. (this is very fast acting, so it’s an essential)
Vitamin D: 3 x daily for immune modulation. (Check safe levels)
NMN: 2 x daily to maintain cellular energy and repair.
CBD: 2 x daily for systemic inflammation and pain relief.
Kyolic Garlic: 6 capsules daily to fight inflammation and support immunity.
Zinc: 4 x daily to stop viral replication in the lungs. (there is evidence to suggest the live covid virus stays in the lungs of those of us who get covid cytokine storms long after other people have recovered)
Vitamin C: 1g every hour to combat oxidative stress. (I have mega dosed before on Vitamin C, and it has got me out of some scrapes, monitor any tummy side effects)
Curcumin: 4x daily to block cytokine pathways.
More things
Salt inhalation
I also use a £10 Himalayan salt inhaler as often as I can to release the gunk in my lungs, stop my airways gurgling and eventually stop the coughing.
This is NOT an infection, it’s inflammation, and the mucus is extremely sticky, unlike regular phlegm, because it’s composed of inflammatory proteins, dead cells, and immune system byproducts, such as excess hyaluronic acid and mucins, that build up during a covid cytokine storm.
The salt helps to draw out this thick, sticky mucus by promoting hydration and thinning it, allowing the body to expel it more easily.
This process aids in clearing the lungs and reducing irritation without worsening the inflammation.
Essential oil steaming
I find that using essential oil steam inhalation is incredibly helpful for loosening the sticky mucus in my lungs during a cytokine storm.
The steam works to thin the mucus, making it easier to clear out, and the essential oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree, really help soothe my airways.
Their anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties seem to calm the inflammation and support the process of clearing the excess mucus.
As I inhale the steam, I can feel it penetrate deep into my lungs, breaking down the thick mucus and offering some relief from the pressure and discomfort caused by the inflammation.
I also have an essential oil diffuser in my house with the same oils. If you have pets, check compatibility.
Showers and baths
For the same reason as the steaming, showers and baths are very calming and soothing to my lungs.
Nebuliser
I don’t have one, but am thinking of getting one after this. With 3% sodium chloride, it can work fast. I’m not sure if it’s better than me sitting with my salt pipe in my mouth looking like a weirdo for ages.
On vaccines
I chose not to receive the covid vaccine because of my unique immune responses.
Given my history of severe immune reactions, I didn’t want to take the risk of triggering a potentially deadly cytokine storm with the vaccine.
I have a close friend who had the vaccine and experienced the same severe immune response as I did from covid. That reinforced my decision, as I knew it might be too risky for me.
Covid vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, helping the body recognise and fight the virus.
However, they don’t directly regulate or mitigate the hyperactive immune response (also known as a cytokine storm) that leads to widespread inflammation and damage in those who are predisposed, like I am.
While some evidence suggests that vaccines can modulate inflammatory pathways (like those involving IL-6, TNF-α, and other cytokines), they don’t target the inflammatory cascade once it’s triggered in susceptible individuals.
This means that for people with a predisposition to cytokine storms, vaccines don’t provide a solution to prevent the hyper-inflammatory response once the virus is contracted.
In fact, if I were to take the vaccine, I would also need to keep up with regular boosters, each carrying a risk of triggering an immune response that could potentially lead to a cytokine storm.
This is exactly why I’ve developed my own daily and emergency protocols to manage future potential covid cytokine storms.
The supplements I use have been carefully chosen to support my immune system without triggering harmful reactions. I am confident that none of these supplements in the doses I take would cause me harm, given the cross checking I’ve done.
On ivermectin
Ivermectin has been proposed by some as a treatment for covid, but its effectiveness in treating cytokine storms is not supported by clinical evidence.
Cytokine storms are driven by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1, which are not affected by ivermectin.
On natural immunity
Building up immunity to covid, or thinking that repeated exposure will eventually result in a mild infection, is a misunderstanding of how the immune system works in the context of cytokine storms.
Tolerance or immunity to covid may reduce the severity of illness over time, but it does not prevent the occurrence of cytokine storms, which are driven by an excessive immune response.
Cytokine storms are unpredictable and can occur even in individuals who have been previously infected or vaccinated.
This hyperimmune response happens when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, releasing an overwhelming amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
No matter how many times someone is exposed to the virus, the body may still react inappropriately, causing a storm.
The immune system’s failure to regulate itself in these situations is not about building tolerance but rather the need for specific treatments to prevent the inflammatory cascade.
Therefore, even if I’ve had covid 100 times before, the risk of a cytokine storm remains, making it essential for me to be proactive with anti-inflammatory protocols and treatments.
My new anti inflammatory diet
As well as the supplements, I’m adding as many of these anti inflammatory foods into my diet as I can. Luckily it’s all the food I love to eat.
Turmeric
Ginger
Garlic
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Red, yellow or orange peppers
Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Pineapple
Apples
Cherries
Avocados
Walnuts
Almonds
Flax seeds
Chia seeds
Hemp seeds
Cold pressed olive oil
Coconut oil
Green tea (it makes my teeth squeak but I can handle it in other things)
Mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, reishi, turkey tail etc)
Seaweed (nori, kelp, dulse)
Cucumbers YASSS
Carrots
Artichokes
Pomegranates
Oregano and basil
These foods are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols, which are crucial for reducing inflammation in the body.
Anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin in turmeric, gingerol in ginger, and anthocyanins in berries help neutralise free radicals and inhibit inflammatory pathways like COX-2 and NF-kB.
A plant-based diet rich in these foods supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress, offering natural protection against chronic inflammation and conditions like cytokine storms.
I’ve been vegan for almost 38 years, but my immune system issues have been with me since I ate meat as a child.
The worst foods for anyone with these immune responses
Certain foods are known to exacerbate inflammation and may potentially worsen conditions like cytokine storms. Here’s my top ten:
- Sugar: Increases inflammation by stimulating the immune system and raising cytokine levels.
- Processed foods: Loaded with unhealthy fats and additives that contribute to systemic inflammation.
- Fried foods: Contain trans fats that activate inflammatory pathways in the body.
- Dairy: Can trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals, worsening inflammation.
- Refined carbs: Spike blood sugar levels, triggering inflammation and cytokine production.
- Red and processed meats: High in saturated fats, they exacerbate inflammation and immune dysfunction.
- Alcohol: Increases oxidative stress and impairs immune regulation, promoting inflammation.
- Refined seed oils: Rich in omega-6 fatty acids that fuel inflammatory responses in the body.
- Gluten: Can trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals, leading to immune activation. (you don’t have to be coeliac for this)
- Artificial additives: Disrupt gut health and immune function, promoting systemic inflammation.
Trauma and over active immune response
Trauma, particularly chronic or early-life trauma, can significantly alter immune system responses and increase the likelihood of severe inflammatory reactions, such as cytokine storms, during infections like covid.
Individuals with a history of trauma, especially those prone to conditions like PTSD (which I have from being violently attacked in August 2017), are often more vulnerable to exaggerated immune responses.
Trauma can lead to persistent inflammation, which sensitises the body to future immune challenges, making it more likely for the immune system to overreact when triggered by various factors.
Research shows that trauma survivors often have an overactive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response and cortisol release.
This dysfunction can cause heightened immune activation and poor regulation of inflammation, contributing to the hyper-responsiveness seen in cytokine storms.
Additionally, trauma survivors often experience increased oxidative stress, which can further amplify inflammation and immune dysregulation. This link between trauma and immune system dysregulation helps explain why certain people are more predisposed to severe immune reactions.
To conclude
This isn’t about fear—it’s about being prepared.
covid isn’t “just a cold” for people like me, and covid cytokine storms are a very real, very dangerous possibility every time I come into contact with someone who is contagious.
My protocol gives me the tools to fight back, prevent damage, and keep my immune system balanced.
If you’ve experienced a cytokine storm or want to avoid one advocate for yourself with your doctors, research your options, and take control of your medicine cabinet well in advance.
Instant disclaimer: This is not medical advice, it’s what I do to stop a covid cytokine storm, and I’m sharing it purely because my doctors won’t help me with my ongoing covid cytokine storm issues. I am in the process of looking for a UK doctor that understands the urgency and severity of covid cytokine storms, who will let me have steroids AT HOME to take when it happens, to prevent further organ damage.
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