Olli Sovijärvi / Teemu Arina / Jaakko Halmetoja

INVINSIBLE IMMUNIT Y
B IOHACKE R’S H AND BO O K: SP E CIAL ISSU E

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Biohacker’s Handbook
Special Issue: Invincible Immunity
Version: 1.1

Publisher:
Biohacker Center BHC Inc.
PO Box 955
FI-00101 Helsinki, Finland

© Olli Sovijärvi, Jaakko Halmetoja, Teemu Arina 2017

Layout and illustrations: Lotta Viitaniemi

Advisor and studio critic: Dr. Sam Inkinen
English translation: Salla Williams
Proofreading: Kandace Hawley

ISBN: 978-952-68458-4-5

This book is based on the personal experiences of its authors, and the advice it contains is based on a combination of experience and scientific reseach.
This book and the viewpoints that it expresses should not be treated as medical advice. Consult with your doctor before ordering or using any of the herbs
or supplements mentioned in this book.

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 INVINCIBLE
IMMUNITY

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 TOXINS GERMS

FUNGUS PARASITES

VIRUSES CARCINOGENS

BACTERIA CANCER CELLS

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T he word “immunity”originates from the Latin word
immunis meaning exempt. Generally speaking immu-
nity consists of all of the body’s defense systems that resist
infections and toxins. The immune system therefore has a
crucial role in fending off intruders.
The immune system can be thought of as a military defense
system resisting uninvited guests. To put it dramatically,
the troops patrolling the body mercilessly attack intruders,
blasting bacteria, poisoning parasites, devouring viruses
and forcing cancer cells to commit suicide. However, some-
times the soldiers get hit by friendly fire.
Autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and psoriasis involve
a state of imbalance where the immune system erroneously
attacks the body’s own protein, sugar or cell structures.
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Food and pollen allergies on the other hand are examples
of exaggerated immune reactions.
Although functioning as a cohesive system, immunity
is made up of various parts. A rough distinction can be
made between innate (nonspecific) and adaptive (specific)
immunity.
As its name implies, innate immunity is what a person
is born with. It is also affected by the vaccinations received
as well as the foreign matter and microbes the person is
exposed to during their lifetime. Innate immunity functions
quickly, effectively and consistently.
The activation of the adaptive immunity, on the other
hand, is delayed by a few days in the event of detecting a
foreign pathogen.
IM MUNE SYSTE M

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IMMUNE SYSTEM C ELLS

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I N N ATE I M MUNITY
Another part of innate immunity is the so called comple-
The innate immune response occurs immediately thanks to ment system which consists of proteins in the interstitial
phagocytic cells such as monocytes (macrophages and NK fluid that are produced in the liver. They are able to identify
cells) and granulocytes (white blood cells). They are able to and destroy microbes occurring in the interstitial fluid.1
move through the cell walls of capillaries into the intersti-
tial fluid to kill pathogens. A phagocytic cell identifies the
receptor structure on the surface of a microbe and engulfs
the microbe in order to recycle it.

PH AG OSY TOSI S

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PARTS O F I NNATE I MMUNI TY
Adapted from Lumio, J. (2014). Elimistön vastustuskyky, immuniteetti. Lääkärikirja Duodecim.

ST RUCTUR E MECHANISM

• Cellular structures of the outer surfaces • Mechanically stop microbes from penetrating
on the body (skin and mucous membranes) tissues

• Skin oiliness, acid mantle and sebum
• Movements of mucous membrane cilia
• Fluid layer of mucous membranes (extra-
cellular fluid volume and microbe-killing
substances)
• Stop microbes from attaching themselves
onto cells
• Kill microbes physically and chemically

• Natural bacterial flora on the surface of • Stops invasive microbes from attaching
the skin and mucous membranes themselves onto cells
• Produce substances to destroy intruders

• Proteins and signal molecules in the blood • Promote the elimination of microbes in the
plasma (C-reactive protein, interleukins, blood and tissues (for example by accelerating
beta-2 microglobulin, etc.) the inflammatory reaction at the infection site)

• Stomach acidity • Protects the body from microbes found in food

• Digestive enzymes (acidic environment destroys microbes)
• Enzymes may break down microbes upon
encountering them

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 DID YOU K NOW
A D A P TI V E I MM UNITY I N E X PE R I M E N TS CON D UC T E D ON
M I C E , S C I E N T I STS AT LON D ON ’ S
I M PE R I A L CO L L E G E I SOL AT E D AN
Adaptive immunity can be divided into cell-mediated
L E M PROT E I N ( LY MPHOC Y T E
immunity and humoral (fluid-based) immunity. E X PA N S I O N M O L E CUL E ) T HAT
M U LT I PL I E S T H E PROD UC T I ON OF
C A N C E R- A N D V I RU S - D E ST ROY I N G
The adaptive immune response is kicked off by so-called
K I L L E R T C E L L S A ND I M M UN I T Y-
helper T cells. In the immune reaction antigen-presenting B O O ST I N G M E M O RY C E L L S. T HE
cells (APC cells, part of innate immunity) mark and eat the PROT E I N PRO DU C E S A M ASSI VE
VO LU M E O F T H E S E C E L L S, M AKI N G
pathogen. APC cells then move to lymph nodes where help-
I T I M PO S S I B L E F O R C AN C E R C E L L S
er T cells launch the actual adaptive immunity response. TO F I G H T B AC K . T HI S FI N D I N G M AY
L E A D TO G E N E T H ERAPY AS AN
E F F E C T I V E T R E AT M E N T OF C AN C E R
When a new pathogen is being encountered for the first
A N D V I R A L I N F E C T I ON S. 2
time, the reaction is slow and can take up to two weeks.
When the pathogen is previously known, the defense
reaction begins within a few days. Vaccines are used to
introduce pathogens to the immune system in advance.

If the pathogen has mutated, the immune system may no

longer recognize it as the same disease. This is why it is
possible to catch the flu again and again. Some pathogens
such as human papillomaviruses (HPV) and herpesviruses
also have the ability to hide from the immune system.

10

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HUMORAL AND CELL-MED I ATED I MMUNI T Y

HUMORAL IMMUNE SYSTEM CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE SYSTEM

Control of freely Control of intracellular
circulating pathogens pathogens

Intracellular antigens expressed

on the surface of a cell (or APC)
infected by a virus, bacterium,
Extracellural
or parasite.
antigens

T cell
1. A B cell binds to the antigen 1. A T cell binds to the surface
for which it is specific. B cell of the infected cell, and
proliferates and becomes activates.
plasma cells or memory cells.

Cytokines (intercellular
Activates
B cell transmitter)
helper T cell

2. Activation of macrophage
4. Cytokines transform
(enhanced phagocytic, ie.
B cells into antibody-
ingesting activity).
providing plasma cells.
2. The B cell, often with
stimulation from a
helper T cell, differenti-
ates into a plasma cell.
Cytotoxic 3. T cell (CD8) becomes cytotoxic
T lymphocyte T lymphocyte, and is able to
Memory cell induce cell death (apoptosis)
Plasma cell of target cell.
Some T and B cells differ-
entiate into memory cells
that respond rapidly to any
secondary encounter with
3. Plasma cells proliferate
an antigen.
and produce antibodies
against the antigen. Target cell with disrupted
cell membrane.

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CELL-MEDIAT ED I MMUNI T Y

Cell-mediated immunity is a part of adaptive immunity that These include viruses, mycobacteria and protozoa. Unlike
is based on lymphocytic function. It focuses primarily on humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity does not involve
fighting the pathogens multiplying within the body’s own antibodies.
cells.

PARTS OF CELL-MED I ATED I MMUNI T Y

Adapted from Lumio, J. (2014). Elimistön vastustuskyky, immuniteetti. Lääkärikirja Duodecim.

STRUC T UR E MECHANISM

T lymphocytes • Kill microbes after identifying them as foreign intruders

(helper and killer T cells) • Produce soluble substances that facilitate killing

Natural killer cells • Kill viruses and protozoa after activating the inflammatory reaction
• Produce virus-destroying interferons

Granulocytes • Remove intruder microbes from circulation by internalizing them

(a type of white blood cells) • Flock to the inflammatory site and form an abscess to stop infection
from spreading

Phagocytic cells • Occur in the circulation, lymph nodes, spleen and liver
(monocytes and macrophages) • Remove identified intruder microbes by internalizing them

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HUMORAL IM MUNI T Y

Like cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity is a part of The defense mechanisms of humoral immunity are the re-
adaptive immunity. It is responsible for fending off patho- sponsibility of the antibodies circulating in the blood and on
gens that occur outside cells. These include various bacteria the surface of mucous membranes, as well as cytokine and
and toxins secreted by this bacteria. complement systems.

PARTS OF HUMO R AL I MMUNI TY

Adapted from Lumio, J. (2014). Elimistön vastustuskyky, immuniteetti. Lääkärikirja Duodecim.

STRUCTUR E MECHANISM

Antibodies circulating in the • Produced by plasma cells developed from B-lymphocytes

blood (immunoglobulins: • Attach to the surface of the microbe, helping to identify and kill the intruder
IgG, IgM and IgA)

Antibodies occurring in the • Attach to the surface of the microbe, helping to identify and kill the intruder
surface fluids of mucous
membranes (IgA)

Cytokine and complement • Having identified the target, accelerate the inflammatory reaction to
systems eliminate microbes

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 DID YOU K NOW
FA C TO R S A F FECTING IM M UNITY S C I E N T I STS AT T H E UN I VE RSI T Y
O F V I RG I N I A R E C E N T LY FOUN D A
PR E V I O U S LY U N K NOW N CON N E C-
Hereditary immunity deficiencies or disorders are relatively
T I O N B E T W E E N T HE BRAI N AN D
rare. Impaired immunity is usually caused by environmental T H E I M M U N E SYST E M . 1 2 T HE SC I -
factors and general health factors. E N T I STS DI S COV E RE D T HAT T HE
B R A I N CO N TA I N S A LY M PHAT I C
SYST E M ( O R G LY M P HAT I C SYST E M
General immunity-impairing factors include chronic sleep DU E TO I TS DE PE N D E N C E OF GL I AL
deprivation,3 lack of physical exercise,4 poor diet,5 chronic C E L L S ) W H I C H I S L I N KE D TO T HE
G E N E R A L I M M U N E SYST E M . I T WAS
stress,6 social isolation7 and negative thoughts.8 Despite
PR E V I O U S LY B E L I E VE D T HAT T HE
conventional wisdom, changes in ambient temperature do B R A I N L AC K E D LY MPHAT I C VE SSE L S
not appear to have a significant immunity-impairing effect.9 CO M PL E T E LY. T H I S FI N D I N G W I L L
H AV E A N E N O R M OUS I M PAC T ON
In fact, changes in temperature may even boost the function
T H E T R E AT M E N T O F VARI OUS I N-
of the immune system.10 Isolated studies have found a link F L A M M ATO RY A N D D E GE N E RAT I VE
between a low nasal cavity temperature and the accelerated N E U RO LO G I C A L D I SE ASE S T HAT
DA M AG E T H E C E N TRAL N E RVOUS
multiplication rate of the rhinovirus.11 The impact of tem-
SYST E M .
perature changes on the function of the body are discussed
in more detail in the Exercise chapter of the Biohacker’s
Handbook.

Medicine-related immunity-impairing factors include
antibiotics, cancer and arthritis medication and cortisone
treatments. Unnecessary antibiotics interfere with natural
bacterial flora and may therefore increase the risk of infec-
tion. Related issues and treatment methods are discussed
13
in the Nutrition chapter of the Biohacker’s Handbook. Simi-
larly, the extended use of long-acting cortisone treatments
for various inflammatory conditions and diseases such as
asthma and arthritis may impair the immunity response14
and increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.15

14

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Exercise is a double-edged sword. On one hand,
exercise strengthens immunity – on the other hand,
overtraining may also impair it. Symptoms of over-
training include impaired performance, chronic fatigue,
frequent illness, impaired sleep quality and mood
swings. Overtraining may lead to a state of imbalance
in which humoral immunity becomes excessively
active at the expense of cell-mediated immunity.16

Typical symptoms of overtraining individuals include

a drop of 5–10 units in the maximum heart rate, the
decreased level of noradrenaline in the urine and a
decrease in the lactic acid, glutamine, natural killer
cell, white blood cell and immunoglobulin levels in
the blood.17

E F FE C TS OF T RAI N I N G ON I M M UN I T Y 1 8

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M E A S U R I N G THE CONDITION OF THE
I M M U N E S Y STEM
MA R K ER
White blood cells (leukocytes)
Erythrocyte sedimentation
rate (ESR)
C-reactive protein (CRP)
High-sensitivity C-reactive
protein (hs-CRP)
Interleukin 6 (IL6)
Homocysteine
Interleukin 8 (IL8)
Tumor necrosis factor alpha
(TNF-α)
Calcitriol
(1,25(OH)2D)
FRAS test (Free Radical
Analytical System)
When conducting laboratory tests, pay special attention to
the following factors in determining the condition of the
immune system:
DE S C R I PT I O N TARGE T
See image “Immune system cells” for more details Target within reference values
The rate at which blood cells sediment in a tube in a Target <15 mm/h
one-hour period
The primary marker of an acute infection or inflamma- Target value <1 mg/L.
tion. In the event of a bacterial infection, the CRP value In severe cases CRP may reach
increases significantly (roughly speaking, a value above 300–500.
50 is considered to be caused by a bacterial infection).
Marker of silent inflammation Target level <0.55 for men,
<1.00 for women
An elevated value may predict a subsequent increase Target <5.9 ng/L
in CRP
Related to oxidative stress Target <10 µmol/L, ideally 5–6
Increases as a result of a high level of homocysteine, Target <62 ng/L
may predict a subsequent increase in CRP
A key marker in systemic inflammation Target <8.1 ng/L
Often elevated in the event of chronic infection When suspecting chronic infection,
or inflammatory conditions in which macrophages the target level is <150 pmol/L
produce high levels of calcitriol and the level of
vitamin D receptors (VDR) is decreased
Assesses the body’s level of oxidative stress (d-ROMs) Target values: d-ROMs 250–300;
and the antioxidant potential of blood plasma (BAP) BAP 2200–4000
16
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 CO R R E C T I N G I M M U N I T Y- I M PA IRI N G FAC TORS 2 0 2 1
I M M U N I TY- B ALANCING FACTORS
I M M U N I T Y- I M PA I R I N G CO RRE C T I VE AC T I ON
Improving one’s immunity primarily involves balancing FAC TO R

the immune system. Many health products are marketed

Chronic sleep • Regular sleep (7–9 h)
with claims of immunity-boosting properties. However, it
deprivation • Improving sleep quality
is crucial to understand that many allergies, autoimmune
diseases and other inflammatory conditions are in fact Lack of physical • Regular and varied physical
symptoms of an overactive immune system. An overactive exercise exercise
immune system can be felt for example at the first signs of • At least 30 min each day
a cold. Deaths caused by some viruses (including Ebola)19 (combination of aerobic exercise
are due to the over activation of the immune system, also and weight training)
known as a cytokine storm. • Regular sex is associated with
higher IgA levels in the saliva22

Poor diet • Adequate but not excessive

energy supply
• Optimal intake of micro-
nutrients, particularly vitamins
A, D and B6, zinc, selenium
• Optimal intake of antioxidants

Chronic stress Everyday stress management

methods:
• Deep breathing exercises
• Sufficient rest and relaxation
• Meditation
• Relaxing music

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IM MUNITY-I MPA I R I NG CO R R ECTI V E AC T I O N I M M U N I T Y- I M PA I R I N G CO RRE C T I VE AC T I ON
FAC TO R FAC TO R

Lack of social contacts • Family Liberal consumption of • Reduce alcohol

• Good support network and alcohol26 consumption (< 7 units /
regular social interaction week)
• Avoid binge drinking in
Frequent negative • General fun and humor particular
thoughts and taking • Frequent laughing has been • If you decide to drink, favor
things too seriously found to lower the level of wines rich in polyphenols
stress hormones and boost
the production of white blood Obesity (particularly as • Reducing abdominal
cells and lymphocytes23 as abdominal fat)27 obesity with an anti-
well as increase the level of inflammatory diet and
IgA immunoglobulin in the exercise
saliva24 • Adequate sleep and stress
management
Travel, flying • Boosting immunity before a
and changes of flight Smoking28 • Quitting smoking
environment25 – Glutathione, vitamin C, zinc • Avoiding passive smoking
– Sufficient hydration (no
coffee or alcohol) Dehydration29 • Adequate daily hydration
• Use of probiotics and electrolyte intake (salt
• Recovery from jet lag etc.)

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IMM UNE SYST EM B O O STI NG B ER R I ES AND F RU I T • Green tea (catechins such as EGCG have an anti-
• Pomegranate, bilberry and cranberry juice TNF effect; decreases the occurrence of
(polyphenols have an anti-TNF effect)30 NF-kappaB protein)35
• Cherries (reduce CRP and IL6)31 • Cacao (reduces CRP)36
• Elderberries (may reduce the duration • Garlic (decreases the occurrence of
of the common cold: antiviral effects, NF-kappaB protein)37
increased cytokine TNF-α)32 • Ginseng and notoginseng (decreases the occurrence
• Acai (rich in anthocyanins – similar to elderberries of NF-kappaB protein)38
and bilberries) • Substances affecting the cannabinoid receptors,
such as Echinacea have an anti-TNF effect.39
Echinacea may lower the risk of upper respiratory
tract infection40 and may improve the impaired
immunity of mucous membranes, caused by hard
exercise.41 Echinacea may also decrease
IMM UNE SYST EM B O O ST I NG MED I CI NA L PL A N TS both the risk42 and duration43 of
• Turmeric (anti-TNF effect; activates PPAR gamma the common cold.
receptors33 and decreases the occurrence of • Astragalus or milkvetch
NF-kappaB protein)34 (anti-TNF effect; decreases
• Ginger (decreases oxidative stress; inhibits the occurrence of
prostaglandin synthesis and lowers the NF-kappaB protein)44
levels of several inflammatory cytokines
such as IL1, TNF-α and IL8 in the blood)

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IMM UNE SYST EM B O O STI NG FATS • Vitamin D (see section on ”Vitamin D”)
• Extra virgin olive oil (reduces CRP and IL6) 45 • Vitamin B1 (reduces NF-kappaB)52
• Omega-3 fats (EPA, DHA and ALA reduce CRP)46 • Magnesium (reduces hs-CRP)53
• Extra virgin coconut oil (polyphenols reduce TNF-α, • Zinc may decrease the risk and duration of the
IL6 and CRP) 47 common cold when a minimum daily dose of 75 mg
is taken,54 particularly in the form of an acetate.55
Adequate zinc intake also reduces IL6 and cytokine
TNF-α. Oysters are rich in zinc.
• Creatine (inhibits the increase of CRP and TNF-α)56
• L-lysine (may reduce the susceptibility to activated
IMM UNE SYST EM B O O STI NG D I ETARY S UPPL E M E N TS HSV infection).57 The balance between lysine and
• Vitamin C (reduces CRP).48 Vitamin C appears to arginine appears to be linked to herpes becoming
reduce the duration of the common cold when used active. Many individuals notice a cold sore forming
shortly after the onset of symptoms. The benefits
49 frequently after eating chocolate or nuts (a plentiful
may be the most significant for those who conduct source of arginine).
heavy exercise or live in cold climates.
50 • Probiotics may reduce the risk of illness58
• Vitamin E supports the function of T cells.51 For • Alpha lipoic acid, glutathione and N-acetylcysteine
example 100 grams of almonds fulfill the daily (may improve the function of impaired immune
vitamin E requirement. system by boosting the enzyme function of the liver)59

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 SOURC E S OF VI TAM I N D
UVB-rays from the sun
(80–90 %)

Provitamin D enters
circulation via skin Bones
Active form of
vitamin D

25(OH)D 1,25(OH)2D VDR Immune

system cells

Liver Intestine
Absorption from the Kidney
intestine into circulation

Food sources of
vitamin D (10–20 %)

V ITAM IN D

Vitamin D has a crucial role in balancing the immune sys-
tem. Vitamin D acts as a kind of a power supply for T cells.
When an immune reaction takes place, a phagocytic cell
traps the pathogen and presents it to a T cell which pro-
duces a VDR receptor. The receptor binds vitamin D from
the blood, waking up the T cell. As a result, helper T cells
give away the intruder and killer T cells attempt to eliminate
the uninvited guest. Without vitamin D the T cells will never
wake up to finish the job.60
Vitamin D also regulates the genes that determine whether
a T lymphocyte becomes a killer, helper or memory cell in
the immune system.
Vitamin D deficiency is a predisposing factor for autoim-
mune diseases such as MS, diabetes, psoriasis, intestinal
inflammation and arthritis. Additionally, those suffering from
vitamin D deficiency more often contract influenza and the
common cold.61

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HONEY – NATUR E’ S GO LD EN ELI XI R
The use of honey has a long history in medicine. It was used
in Ancient Egypt to treat wounds, prevent infections, in
embalming and even as a trading commodity. Raw honey62
is rich in minerals and vitamins as well as various other bio-
active ingredients such as enzymes, flavonoids and amino
acids.63
These days honey is known for its ability to kill bacteria as
well as its anti-inflammatory properties. Manuka honey
64
in particular has been studied for its wound-healing prop-
erties. Honey has also been proven to be an excellent
treatment for coughing,65 more effective even than dextro-
methorphan which is commonly used in commercial cough
syrups. In addition, unprocessed honey decreases silent
66
inflammation and blood sugar levels. 67
MEDICINAL FU NGI
Fungi have been found to contain several substances that
are likely to become more and more relevant in the treat-
ment of illnesses and the development of new medicines.
Many known fungi compounds kill bacteria and viruses.
They also possess immunoregulatory properties.
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Usually fungi have had to compete with various microbes
and other pathogens in exceptionally challenging circum-
stances. This is why they specialize in producing antibiotics
and various antiviral compounds.
Numerous important medicines such as penicillin, griseo-
fulvin, erythromycin and cyclosporin were isolated from me-
dicinal fungi. The medicinal properties of fungi are usually
polysaccharides or triterpenes. In addition to these, glyco-
proteins, sterols and secondary metabolites are utilized for
medicinal purposes.
Practically all medicinal fungi are rich in complex sugar
compounds such as beta-glucans which activate NK, T and
B cells and macrophages. They also increase the levels of
cytokines (interleukin 1 and 2), thus boosting the function
of the immune system. The structure of beta-glucans
makes it possible for them to attach to the receptors
of macrophages and other white blood cells,
forming free radicals that destroy bacteria,
viruses and parasites. Beta-glucans increase
the production of cytokines that act as neuro-
transmitters. Cytokines assist macrophages in
destroying tumors and inhibiting their growth.68
As a source of beta-glucans, fungi are better B E TA - GLUC AN S AN D I M M UN E SYST E M

than cereals. Beta-glucans make up 7%

of the total mass of button mushrooms
and ceps, 11% of chanterelles, 14% of
oyster mushrooms and as much as 17% of
shiitake mushrooms. Fungal beta-glucans
are partially similar to cereal beta-glucans
except more effective and multifunctional.69

The most well-known and studied medicinal
fungi by far are shiitake (Lentinula edodes),
reishi or lingzi mushroom (Ganoderma
lucidum), turkey tail (Trametes versicolor),
caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis),
hen-of-the-woods (Grifola frondosa), almond
mushroom (Agaricus blazei), matsutake
(Tricholoma matsutake), lion’s mane (Hericium
erinaceus) and chaga mushroom (Inonotus in the supportive therapy for certain types of cancer, as
obliquus). well as balancing the immune system during treatment.

Turkey tail and the extracts thereof (PSK, PSP),70 The effects of medicinal fungi on the immune system
hen-of-the-woods and the extracts thereof (Maitake may be more widely explained in the future by their
D-fraction)71 72 and shiitake and the extracts thereof effect on the intestinal microbiome.74
(AHCC, LEM, KS-2, lentinan)73 appear to be beneficial

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FASTING

Fasting is an immemorial practice that throughout time

has been suggested as a miracle cure for various ailments.
More recently indicative evidence has been found of fasting
in assisting the regeneration of parts of the immune system.

Prolonged fasting depletes the body’s glucose stores after

which the body starts to produce ketone bodies from fat
as an alternative fuel and repair damaged cells. In studies
conducted on mice, regular fasting of 2–4 days per week
for a period of 6 months decreased the function of the
PKA enzyme (protein kinase A), making it possible for the
immune system to rebuild damaged cells.75 Fasting has
also been linked to longevity due to the decrease in
PKA and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).76

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 RECIPES

IM MUNI T Y J UI CE F LU K I L L E R S O U P

• 2 cucumbers • 1 l (4 cups) bone broth (from the bones of

• 2 celery stalks grass-fed or wild animal)
• 4 kale leaves • 4 tbsp ground kelp
• 5 cm (2 inches) fresh ginger • 4 medium carrots chopped
• 1 lemon • 6 garlic gloves chopped
• probiotics (sachets or capsules) • 2 tbsp turmeric or curry powder
• a pinchful of unrefined sea salt • ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Process the ingredients through a juicer. • ½ tsp unrefined sea salt
Mix drink with probiotics and salt.
Prepare one litre (4 cups) of bone broth and add
the rest of the ingredients (except for the garlic).
Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. Add garlic
towards the end of the cooking time. Enjoy the
slightly cooled soup in good company.

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 RECIPES

ALCHEMI ST P OWER D R I NK T RY T H E S E M U S H RO O M E XT RAC TS:

• 6 dl (2 ½ cups) heated spring water - reishi

• 1 tsp mushroom extract - turkey tail
• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder - cordyceps
• 1 handful of cashew nuts - lion’s mane
• 1 tbsp local honey - chaga
• 1 tbsp cold pressed coconut oil - maitake
• ½ tsp Bourbon vanilla - shiitake

Mix the ingredients in a blender.

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 RECIPES

IM MUNE SYSTEM S UP P O RT I M M U N E SYST E M R E S E T

One-week regimen, to be taken during One-week regimen, to be taken for example

times when epidemics are rampant: after a stomach flu:

• 200 μg Vitamin D3, 1 x daily • 10 g L-glutamine, in an empty stomach before

• 1000 mg Vitamin C, 3 x daily a meal, 3 x daily
• 25 mg zinc acetate, 3 x daily • 200 mg NAC or L-cysteine, 3 x daily
• 1 ml Kyolic aged garlic extract, 4 x daily • 300 mg alpha lipoic acid, 30 minutes before
• 10 ml Echinacea extract, 4 x daily a meal, 3 x daily
• Elderberry extract, follow the • 400 mg turmeric extract (BCM-95), 30 minutes
instructions on the packaging before a meal
• Colostrum capsules, follow the instructions on
the packaging
• Probiotics, follow the instructions on the packaging
• 400 mg magnesium glycinate before bed

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 RECIPES

IRR ES I STI B LE B ER RY CR EA M

• 100 g (1 cup) blueberries Discard the liquid (coconut water) from

• 50 g (½ cup) cranberries the coconut cream. Mix the cream with
• Seeds from a half of pomegranate vanilla, honey and salt. Mix the berries
• 1 can of coconut cream and pomegranate seeds, and add to
• 1 tbsp local honey the cream. Garnish with bee pollen,
• ½ tsp Bourbon vanilla propolis and cacao nibs.
• ½ tsp unrefined sea salt
• 1 tsp bee pollen
• 1 tbsp bee propolis
• 1 tbsp raw cacao nibs

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S H AR E T H E B O O K W IT H Y OUR F RI E NDS
A N D J O I N T H E B IO H A C KE R’S NE WS LE TTE R
Did you find this special chapter on immunity useful? The feedback form and complementary material to the
book is available in the following address:
Would you like to receive new chapters of the book as they
are published?

Would you like to pre-order the upcoming book (image of

the Finnish version below)?
biohack.to/immunity
We would really appreciate it if you shared the book’s
homepage, www.biohackingbook.com, with your
friends, on social media, via e-mail, or by any other means.

We are grateful for your existence.

Best wishes,

Teemu Arina, Jaakko Halmetoja ja Olli Sovijärvi

www.biohackingbook.com

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Sources – Immunity
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A U TH O R S

O LLI S OV I J Ä RV I , M.D.

Dr Olli Sovijärvi is a pioneer of holistic medicine in Finland. At the beginning of his career Dr Sovijärvi
worked as a medical duty officer at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. In 2006 he graduated from
the University of Helsinki with a Licentiate degree in Medicine and became self-employed in 2008. In
2010–2011 Dr Sovijärvi completed an Integral Theory degree at the John F. Kennedy University, focusing
on psychology and philosophy.

For the first five years of his career as a physician Dr Sovijärvi was employed by Finland’s first medical
recruitment agency. The job description involved scheduled patient care as well as emergency care and
being on call. He has worked at nearly 50 different clinics around Finland.

His numerous media appearances, social media articles and Finland’s first health podcast have expanded
the general public’s awareness of what health care can be. Dr Sovijärvi has also acted as consultant to
various companies and service providers operating in the fields of wellness and health technology.

Since 2013 Dr Sovijärvi has been practicing medicine at a private clinic that specializes in nutrition and
holistic health care. The clinic employs physicians and nurses practicing functional medicine. The clinic
features the only trace element laboratory in Finland. He also runs training sessions and presentations on
the topics of biohacking, performance optimization, nutritional issues and maintaining the intestinal bal-
ance. In his free time he enjoys athletics, playing with his child, music and good humor.

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TECHNO LO GY EX PE RT T E E M U A R I N A

Teemu Arina is a world-renowned expert on digital work, learning and leadership, a serial technology
entrepreneur and a speaker specializing in futuristic themes. He is also a front man of the Quantified Self
movement in Finland as well as the founder and curator of the Biohacker Summit event.

Mr Arina is considered one of the key thinkers of digitalization worldwide. His special areas of interest
include key issues in online learning, social media, digital work, digital health and holistic well-being.
He is a 2015 Leonardo Award Laureate with the theme “Humanity in Digitization”. The science award is
sponsored by the European Parliament, the German Ministry of Education and Research and UNESCO. It
is awarded annually to individuals who have produced pioneering work in the field of learning.

As a professional speaker, Mr Arina gives an average of 100 lectures per year in countries such as the
United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Russia and Germany. In Finland
he was a finalist for the Speaker of the Year award. Mr Arina has consulted senior management on initia-
tives involving digitalization, coached startup businesses and acted as the chairperson for steering com-
mittees of online learning development projects funded by the European Union.

He started his first technology company at the age of 16 and worked as a high school teacher at 17.
Through teaching he developed an interest in online learning, intelligent human behavior and
overcoming various boundaries. In his free time Mr Arina enjoys tinkering with technology, cycling,
photography, spending time outdoors and cooking.

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NUT R I T I O N EXP ERT J A A K KO H A L M E TO J A

Jaakko Halmetoja is a nutrition expert, non-fiction writer and active lecturer. He is passionate about
maintaining a state of exceptional health through nutrition and lifestyle in a way that is fun and enjoyable.

Known as a pioneer of the superfood phenomenon, popularizer of the chaga mushroom and other
medicinal fungi and “chocolate alchemist”, Mr Halmetoja has introduced the general public of Finland
to the health benefits and unique uses of various foods and medicinal plants through TV and radio
appearances and more than 600 public lectures.

Mr Halmetoja has been running a business since he was 20 years old. He trained as a paratroop jaeger in
the Finnish Defence Forces and has previously won the Finnish championship in submission wrestling. As
an entrepreneur he manages cafés that specialize in producing super-healthy delicacies. More recently Mr
Halmetoja has acted as an advisor to several growth companies operating in the health sector, in Finland
as well as internationally. Jaakko spends his free time in the garden or outdoors getting exercise – with a
smile on his face.

Visual design, layout and illustrations: LOT TA V I I TA N I E M I

Advisor and studio critic: DR . SA M I N K I N E N

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