In addition to adapting an alkaline diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to keep the immune system healthy, certain cholesterol-lowering drugs may give patients immunity from bacterial infections such as sickle anemia, an illness that affects red blood cells, a new study is suggesting.
According to research from St. Jude Childrens Hospital, drugs known as statins which are used in cholesterol medication have several methods of stopping inflammation and blocking bacteria from spreading throughout the body, effectively preventing certain illnesses.
The scientists believe that these findings could lead to further investigation to determine if the medications typically used by adults can be given to children to help prevent them from developing sickle cell.
However, the researchers are quick to point out that further studies are needed, as it has still yet to be determined exactly how statins work to prevent the body against toxins such as bacteria. These findings indicate that there is a possibility for developing new immunity for children who are at risk for the blood disease.