Swine Flu

I have been preparing a follow-up blog on heart disease but thought, given current concern over the swine flu problem, that the following might be more timely.

The recent outbreak of swine flu-bird flu hybrid has many people concerned about natural steps that they can take to strengthen their immune systems and fight off the latest flu bug. I hope that fears of a flu pandemic are overreactions However, it seems possible that the swine flu may spread to epidemic or pandemic proportions. The Center for Disease Control announced on April 25 that containment of the virus is "highly unlikely". Besides washing your hands frequently, taking mega doses of vitamin C and avoiding large groups of people what else can you do?

Vitamin D

Many Americans, especially young children, are alarmingly deficient in vitamin D. Most people know that vitamin D is essential for bone and central nervous system health. In addition it a critical role in enabling the immune system to successfully defeat viruses of all kinds. Cannell JJ et al (2006) demonstrated that vitamin D is extremely effective in fighting standard influenza strains. It is more important than ever that you drastically increase your intake of this critical vitamin. You can purchase vitamin D supplements over the counter, from health food stores, or get it from my favorite source Swanson Health Products (I am just one of their many satisfied customers) at http://www.swansonvitamins.com/.

Elderberry Syrup

Sambucol, a standardized extract of elderberry, has been shown by repeated scientific studies to fight standard strains of influenza. Elderberry has natural compounds that are safe for children and even infants and which appear to reduce the duration of colds and flu by several days. This means Sambucol is a must-have for surviving pandemic flu.More importantly, studies of elderberry syrup's efficacy have specifically focused on H5N1 bird flu, one of the core components of the swine flu pandemic's biology. Laboratory trials have confirmed that elderberry extract effectively defeats H5N1 avian flu with up to 99% efficacy (see H. Friel et al., 2006 for example). I ordered four bottles of Elderberry extract from Swanson for my family last night.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral and only relatively small amounts are needed for selenium to accomplish its biological role. Unfortunately it, like many other minerals, is not available in food in the quantities that it used to be because of mineral-depleted farm land. As a result many people are selenium deficient. Selenium is as important as more popular immune-stimulating supplements in preventing serious illnesses. In vitro studies have confirmed that selenium, like elderberry syrup, can effectively fight the H5N1 strain of avian flu.

Other immune-stimulating herbs and compounds, including the "classic" immune-boosters Echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, and vitamin C, may also be effective in preventing illness during an epidemic. While single supplement or combination of supplements is likely to completely eradicate swine flu, avian flu, or any other form of flu pandemic a balanced diet, common-sense precautions, and a combination of herbal and nutritional supplements, you may be able to protect yourself and your loved ones during a catastrophe.

Sources:

CDC Release- Swine Flu. Accessed 25 April 2009.

Cannell JJ et al (2006). "Epidemic influenza and vitamin D". Epidemiol. Infect.134 (6): 1129-40.

H. Friel et al. (2006)A nutritional supplement formula for influenza A (H5N1) infection in humans☆ Medical Hypotheses, Volume 67, Issue 3, Pages 578-587