Cathelicidin: The Vitamin D–Dependent Antimicrobial

One in 4 people is infected with this silent killer disease that’s deadlier than the plague. You may even have this infection! Find out about this deadly microbial threat and how to stay healthy so you don’t become the next victim.

0:00 Introduction: Infectious disease deadlier than the plague

1:30 Latent infections

2:59 Tuberculosis facts

4:39 Tuberculosis and vitamin D

7:38 Immune system function

8:20 Sun exposure and infrared rays

Many people are infected with a disease that’s worse than the plague! The plague killed 200 million people, and in total, this bacterium has killed 1 billion! It’s the world’s deadliest infectious disease and kills more people than HIV and malaria combined. It kills around 1.3 million people each year, yet you don't hear much about it.

Latent infections such as herpes, EBV, CMV, HPV, and Hepatitis B and C are able to go in and out of remission. Today, we’re going to talk about the pathogen that gives you tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) doesn’t evade the immune system, it invades it. TB hides inside the macrophage, which is responsible for cleaning up bacteria and infections in the body.

TB affects more people in the northern hemisphere away from the equator, and its incidence increases in the winter. Older people or those with type 2 diabetes, HIV, or low vitamin D are at an increased risk of an active TB infection.

TB blocks the vitamin D receptor, which lowers your immune function. There was an uptick in TB outbreaks in the 80s when sun phobia was promoted. This campaign significantly reduced vitamin D levels by reducing sun exposure.

Before the development of antibiotics, people with tuberculosis would go to sanatoriums for fresh air and sunlight exposure. Cod liver oil was also shown to be beneficial for people with tuberculosis infections.

The immune system destroys TB with a compound called cathelicidin, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial that depends on vitamin D.

Not only is the sun vital for vitamin D production, but it also exposes you to infrared light. Infrared reverses mitochondrial damage and can increase vitamin D signaling, further protecting you from a TB infection.

Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals and author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

Disclaimer:

Dr. Eric Berg received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1988. His use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to himself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Berg is a licensed chiropractor in Virginia, California, and Louisiana, but he no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients, so he can focus on educating people as a full-time activity, yet he maintains an active license. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berg and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.