Intelligent Medicine®

ENCORE: The Father of the Modern Science of Immunology, Part 1

(Originally published July 2016.) This year, we celebrate the centennial of the death of Elie Metchnikoff, the Russian zoologist who is recognized today as the father of the modern science of immunology. Metchnikoff discovered the white blood cells that act as cellular “pacmen” to devour foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. But Metchnikoff is probably best known today as the originator of our understanding of the role probiotics play in human health and disease. Metchnikoff kicked off a sensation in 1904 when he touted live cultures as an anti-aging elixir, igniting a world-wide yogurt craze. Metchnikoff was one of the first to systematically study the aging process; he linked it to “autointoxication” in the intestines. While his theories fell into disrepute in the mid-Twentieth Century, were he to be alive today he would be gratified with the current resurgence of interest in the Microbiome and its impact on health and longevity. The modern concepts of “endotoxins” and “leaky gut” owe a debt of gratitude to Metchnikoff’s seminal discoveries. At first greeted with skepticism and derision, Metchnikoff was ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize for his research. Click HERE for part 2.

You may also like...

Featured Article
Latest Podcast
Featured Product

One ingredient. One focus. Unmatched results.

What if one supplement could make your entire immune system smarter? Not stronger in an aggressive way—smarter.

That’s exactly what BWH-85™ Beta Glucan does. It works with your immune system, helping it recognize threats, respond effectively, and protect you the way nature intended.

BWH Labs has spent over 25 years perfecting the purest, most biologically active beta glucan on the market—an 85% pure formula that’s been tested against 200 competitors and named the most effective immune modulator in peer-reviewed research. With more than 20,000 published studies behind this ingredient, the science speaks for itself.

Doctors and integrative health practitioners trust BWH-85™ Beta Glucan–and so do I. 

Learn more…