Excerpted
from a lecture by K. Steven Whiting Ph.D., Director, Institute
of Nutritional Science. Reproduced by permission.
In this article you will learn about the following topics: Swine Flu, The Flu, Asian Flu, Hong Kong Flu, Bird Flu, Combined Strains of the Flu, Human Transmission, Flu Virus Mutations, The Doctors, Gupta, Outbreaks, California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, New York, Scotland, Mexico, New Zealand, Anti-viral, Tamaflu, amantadine, Reducing Risk, Increase Immune Function, Nutrients for Immunity, Full Spectrum Nutrition, Immune Boosting Supplements, Protecting Immune System Naturally
The recent outbreak of the Swine Flu has got millions of people in a panic. While this strain of the flu virus is particularly worrisome due to the fact that it appears to be a combination of more than one viral strain. Normally virus that affect animals are not readily transmitted to humans and visa versa, but in this case the virus we are dealing with may be a combination of more than one strain and as such is much easier transmitted to humans and from human to human. While any virus that becomes widespread is cause for concern, we need to remember that this is not the first time that such a flu outbreak has occurred and it won't be the last. Due to the nature of virus, they rear their ugly heads ever so often and are usually carried on air currents from one region of the world to others. In the past we have seen such famous flu viruses as the Asian Flu, Hong Kong Flu, and most recently the Bird Flu. Each of these various flu strains has their peak time and then fades into relative obscurity, only to return again in a few years.
Currently, there have been outbreaks in several countries including the United States. Here we have already seen cases of the Swine Flu in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York. Around the world there have been cases in New Zealand, Scotland, and Mexico, with other cases likely to develop in other countries as well. Combined strains of the flu always increase the risk of human transmission, which is why officials are readying supplies of antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. This current strain of the flu, which we have labeled the Swine Flu, is actually a combination of several strains of virus. This along with the fact that all viruses have the ability to mutate and change their makeup can make such viral strains more aggressive and resistant to treatments.
Prevention from contracting such viruses should be a combination of several aggressive steps. The age old concepts of cleanliness such as washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding concentrated crowds of people have been discussed on such programs as The Doctors, Oprah, and others. Dr. Gupta from CNN has often discussed these common medical recommendations for preventing the spread of this and other viruses. While there is no doubt that these common sense measures can go far in reducing exposure and the spread of any pathogen, there are other measures that can be taken to help prevent such viral threats as the Swine Flu.
It doesn't matter what strain of flu virus is currently active, reducing the risk of contraction, be it from the Swine Flu, Bird Flu, Asian Flu or the Hong Kong Flu of many years ago, requires the same basic steps. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu are recommended but it is also a good idea to boost your natural immune system as well.
Your Immune System: The First and Best Line of Defense
Every day your body is bombarded with dozens if not hundreds of pathogens, each with the potential to make you sick. The reason that we don't become ill and in fact are not even aware of such exposure is due to our internal department of defense called the immune system. As soon as you are exposed to these bugs, the body goes to work to build antibodies and other essential elements to combat the pathogen. It your immune system is strong and healthy, this will happen, in most cases, with such speed that you will be totally unaware of even having been exposed to the virus or bacteria at all. Have you ever wondered why so many people seem to catch every cold or flu that comes along? We all know such people and when to do get sick, it is often for longer duration than most everyone else. This can best be explained by a sluggish or deficient immune system. Therefore by these examples, we know that increasing immune function is extremely important to ward off such periodic attacks of viruses such as the current Swine Flu or others such as the Hong Kong flu, Asian flu or even the dreaded Bird flu.
In addition to antiviral agents such as Tamiflu, there are several ways to increase immune function and strength. The immune system regenerates during sleep and rest, so getting adequate sleep during higher periods of outbreak of such diseases as the Swine Flu, is helpful. Other ways in which we can boost our immunity and our protection are with immune supportive nutrients. There are several nutrients that have shown the ability to increase immune function. Here at our research center we have recommended that anyone at higher risk for airborne pathogens should use a combination immune support nutrition formula every fall to help prepare them for the normally occurring flu season. These nutrients include Vitamin C, the B complex, concentrated colostrums, beta D glucan and extracts of bovine glands. For further immune support we often us extra amounts of Vitamin A, Zinc, and Folic Acid, each of which has shown to have a direct impact on enhanced immune function.
Protecting the immune system naturally is often far more effective than having to treat the body once a pathogen gets control. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, the one currently being recommended for both treatment and prevention of the Swine Flu, can be effective and certainly should be considered in serious situations, but by nourishing your immune system and protecting the immune system naturally, we can often avoid the need for such powerful drugs. A healthy immune system will always protect you better than anything else. Certainly cleanliness procedures such as hand washing, recommended by the medical profession and such TV shows as The Doctors, on Oprah and even on CNN by Dr. Gupta, are very important, ensuring that your immune system is functioning at its very best is the first and best line of defense. The use of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, are indicated if you are in a high-risk situation.
Immune boosting supplements are very important during outbreaks such as we are currently experiencing. We have developed a natural immune support formula, which we have been using for several years with excellent results. It was originally developed for those with immune system compromise, but thousands of people have come to rely on it during the regular cold and flu season every fall. It is a good idea to carry such a formula if you travel, especially by air, often. These cramped spaces are often breeding grounds for the transmission of viruses and bacteria such as the Swine Flu. At the first sign of a scratchy throat or sniffles taking this formula aggressively can help the immune system to naturally protect us from these invading bugs. This process can be much safer and even more effective in the long run than the use of powerful antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu.
In addition to using an immune boosting supplement, the use of a daily Full Spectrum supplement that provides the 100+ nutrients the body needs for optimal health and wellness is also essential. By doing so, the body can maintain a state of balance and strength when it has all the essential nutrients needed to feed the chemistry. While the use of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can be helpful in an emergency or in very high-risk areas, keeping the body healthy with a Full Spectrum daily vitamin/mineral formula and the use of a specific immune boosting supplement can prevent the need for more drastic measures later on.
Instead of waiting until a crisis is upon you and you need to use drugs such as Tamiflu, reducing the risk of contraction of viruses and bacteria is best accomplished by increasing immune function. Nutrients for Immunity can be found in The Institute's Targeted formula called ImmuGuard. ImmuGuard provides all the known immune boosting supplements for protecting the immune system naturally. This together with a Full Spectrum base line vitamin/mineral formula can go far to protect you and those around you from falling victim to these pathogens that are routinely found in our environment.
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