by Dr. Frank Ervolino (ND)
Due to the recent outbreak of Swine Flu (or H1N1 flu), many patients are concerned about their risk of contracting this potentially deadly disease. There are simple steps one can take for maximizing a patient's protection against contracting the illness. These include:
• Washing hands
• Avoiding contact with sick people
• Avoiding crowds
• Use common sense
More importantly, however, are the natural, antiviral approaches. As with any illness, the immune system is the front line of defense against disease, or more specifically, Lymphocytes are the body's main line of defense against viral infections. The T and B cell line of lymphocytes need antigen presentation to become active. An antigen is a protein or polysaccharide that is present in the blood and prompts the generation of antibodies in the blood. The lymphocytes then react to the antibodies. Many viruses and bacteria have evolved to find ways to get around antiigen/antibody detection. To compensate for this we have another form of Lymphocyte called the natural killer or 'NK" cell.
NK cells are known for their ability to recognize and destroy virally infected cells and tumor cells. NK cells are more effective earlier against viral infection and show a capacity for limiting the spread of a virus early on in the disease process than T and B cells.
One of the best ways I have found to quickly stimulate NK cells is by use of a hybridized mushroom extract called AHCC. AHCC is an alpha glucan that stimulates the NK cells in a dose dependent manner to fight viruses, bacteria and tumor cells. In a study published in the November, 2006 issue of the Journal of Nutrition, titled "Supplementation with Active Hexose Correlated Compound Increases the Innate Immune Response of Young Mice to Primary Influenza Infection" AHCC supplementation:
• Boosted NK activity
• Improved survival
• Reduced the severity of H1N1 influenza infection in mice
The conclusion reached by the researchers was that "bolstering innate immunity with dietary bioactives may be one avenue for improving the immune response to primary flu infection."
One commercially available AHCC product that is manufactured to high quality standards by American Biosciences is ImmPower™ AHCC, and is available at The Harmony Company, among other places.
Also, essential oils are useful as well as they have broad-spectrum anti-viral properties and they enter the body quickly. The best oils for this are Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme. To use them one should take one ounce of carrier oil such as Jojoba, Almond or Grape seed oil and add 5-7 drops of each of the essential oils to the carrier oil. You can rub it on your chest like you would use a vapo chest rub or use the oil to coat the inside of your nostrils. Coating the inside of your nostrils with a medicated oil is a great way to avoid getting sick on an airplane as the air-conditioning of a plane can dry out your nasal passages causing them to crack which allows the virus to enter through the cracks.
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