The H1N1 "swine flu" has been a hot topic since it was identified in Mexico back in February and as it continues to spread, the question of how to protect ourselves from infection has become most important. We now have the H1N1 vaccine, but many are avoiding it due to negative press about the potential dangers associated with it. New information about how it and other vaccines can compromise the immune system and can cause the disease it is supposed to help one avoid, along with other illnesses, as well as the questionable link between vaccines and autism and other neurological & chronic illnesses, has made some think twice about getting it. In addition, one of the big concerns surrounding vaccination is the multitude of additives which are injected along with it, including thimerosal (a mercury derivative used as a preservative), formaldehyde (used to kill viruses), aluminum (used to promote antibody response), and ethylene glycol (used in vaccines as a disinfectant).
As a result, many people are much more interested in preventing and treating the flu by boosting the immune system naturally. with supplements that have been shown to be effective in studies and in clinical settings. Here are some of the top natural immune boosters that you should keep in mind this cold and flu season...
Vitamin A: Believe it or not, vitamin A has potent anti-viral activity and the skin and mucosal cells (that line the airways, digestive and urinary tracts) which are the body's first line of defense against infection require it to maintain their integrity and function. This vitamin also plays a key role in the development and differentiation of white blood cells, which are critical to immune response. Preformed Vitamin A is available in cod liver oil and mycellized Vitamin A supplements.
Vitamin C: There has been lots of conflicting research over the years about the ability of Vitamin C to fight the common cold. One study on marathon runners, skiers and soldiers training in the Arctic gave subjects doses ranging from 250 mg/day to 1 g/day and they were found to have a 50% lesser incidence of colds. Another study showed the preventive use of vitamin C reduced the duration of colds by about 8% in adults and 14% in children. Vitamin C seems to do its best job when taken as a preventative, before the onset of cold or flu symptoms; split into dosings every few hours for maximal absorption.
Vitamin D: A recent study which looked at a group of 19,000 Americans found that those with the lowest blood vitamin D levels had reported significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu than people with normal levels. It is widely known today that keeping optimal vitamin D levels is one of the best strategies for avoiding infections. Vitamin D is a potent immune system modulator and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed by most cells of the immune system, (including T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages) so there is lots of good scientific evidence that it enhances innate immunity. Most adults with sub-optimal levels would do well with several thousand units of Vitamin D3 a day.
Zinc: Sufficient zinc intake is essential in maintaining the integrity of the immune system and what's more, zinc-deficient people are more susceptible to a variety of infectious agents. Supplementation with zinc may also reduce the incidence of lower respiratory infections. When coming down with the flu or a cold, split your dosings of zinc and consider lozenges, which help ease sore throats.
Elderberry (Sambucol): Flavonoids are natural antioxidants which protect the body's cells from the damage caused by free radicals and certain flavonoids called anthocyanins, found primarily in the pigments of dark blue and deep purple fruits like the black elderberry, have ability to stimulate the body's immune system. A 2009 study has shown that Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro and bind to H1N1 virions, blocking those viruses from infecting host cells.
Don't forget other top immune-boosting herbs such as Echinacea, Larch Arabinogalactans and Astragalus which are often found in immune boosting formulas along with the above-mentioned supplements.
Bonus Tip: Flu-fighting foods
Though a well-chosen supplement protocol is best, there are also some wonderful "tools" to fight against cold and flu in the form of some of these basic foods that you likely already have at home:
- Garlic: boasts an incredible range of activity against bacteria, fungal infections, and viruses. It enhances immune function, like the activity of natural killer cells, can prevent the formation of toxins from staphylococcus bacteria, and wipes out H. Pylori, too.
- Black tea: Black Tea can neutralize germs, including some that cause diarrhea, pneumonia, cystitis and skin infections, and now new research finds that black and green tea deactivates viruses, like herpes. Adding lemon heightens the natural antioxidant activity in black tea.
- Turmeric: Its active ingredient called curcumin, helps our cells stay more resistant to infection and malignancy by altering the nature of cell membranes, and studies have shown that curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, as well.
- Oregano: Protects against the common cold, influenza, fevers and indigestion, and research has shown that oregano is one of the herbs with the most significant immune boosting powers, with powerful antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties as well.
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