As you know, the challenge presented by the swine flu sweeping across the globe is that it's a new strain of flu that has mutated as it has replicated first in pigs, then in birds, and lastly and most recently in humans, each time picking up new genetic elements that make it a unique and novel virus.
Unfortunately, development of targeted vaccines typically lags behind the virus' ability to mutate. By the time the vaccine becomes widely available, the virus has developed strategies to resist it, or a different virus has become more prevalent. At times vaccines also have unfortunate side effects: the vaccine developed for the 1976 swine flu had to be pulled from the market for causing Guillain-Barre paralysis.
Any infectious disease is the result of the balance between the strength of the infectious agent and a person’s ability to resist it. While vaccination may be the mainstream mode of preventing infection, there is evidence that supporting the host's immune system may be a wise alternative or adjunct approach.
Prevention of infection and immune response in the first few days of exposure is very important, and will depend almost entirely on innate immune defenses.
PROBIOTICS
One way to strengthen innate immunity is through the use of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract and support healthy immune function.
SUPPORT NK CELLS
Another way to strengthen innate immune defenses is to support the activity of the white blood cells called Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells identify and kill any non-self cell, foreign invader or abnormal cell, without prior exposure. Research shows that the strength of NK cells can fluctuate from individual to individual. People with lower NK cell function are shown to develop more frequent and severe illnesses. Research also shows that various nutritional strategies, including specific dietary supplements, can support peak NK cell function and defend peak health.
Barry Ritz, PhD from Drexel University, presented research he did using the supplement, ImmPower-AHCC to the New York Association of Naturopathic Physician's in January, 2008. In his presentation, Dr Ritz explained the benefit of AHCC's NK Cell supporting effect, and its role in defense against the H1N1 strain of influenza.
Dr. Ritz' study, which was published in Journal of Nutrition, November 2006, had the following results:
* The mice that were fed AHCC, had a 96% lower viral load in the lungs compared to the control
* The treatment group maintained their weight, whereas control group experienced a 19% weight loss
* The AHCC group showed a 27% reduction in deaths as compared to the control
* The AHCC group NK cell activity was markedly increased immediately, achieving peak NK activity within 48 hours of administration
(To view the entire study, you can go to www.ahccpublishedresearch.com.)
VITAMIN D
Research suggests that vitamin D induces the production of antimicrobial substances in the body that possess neutralizing activity against a variety of infectious agents including influenza virus.
These are just a few methods of strengthening the immune system. Having a healthcare professional help you determine what methods would be the most beneficial for your specific health profile is recommended. I do recommend that everyone have their Vitamin D level monitored by their Naturopathic Doctor or Primary Care Physician.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Random Thoughts on Health-Conscious Consumption: From Bison to Beauty Products
Dear health-conscious consumer,
Which do YOU suppose is the most healthy?
a) hot dogs
b) grass-fed beef burgers
c) buffalo/bison burgers
d) deli turkey meat
I'm sure you know it's NOT (a), although you may have pined after a foot long or perhaps a corn dog at the state fair recently. I bet some of you are wondering if it could be (d) since turkey is a white meat which is often thought of as being healthier than red meat. Truth revealed, deli meat often contains undesirable nitrates that have been linked to increased risk for cancer. The answer could arguably be (b), because grass-fed beef, although a red meat, will have a heart-healthy ratio of essential fatty acids and will be antibiotic-free. However, (c) is likely the most healthy because in addition to being free-range with a heart-healthy ratio of essential fatty acids like grass-fed beef, buffalo meat (depending on the cut) tends to be leaner than beef, turkey, and chicken! Even more, buffalo meat is higher in protein AND iron than beef.
Has anyone seen FOOD, INC. yet? I am hopefully going to see it this`week and I have a feeling that my meat-eating ways will likely be affected greatly afterwards, as I have heard bits and pieces from friends/colleagues. I will keep you posted:)
One more thing: As a health-conscious consumer, it doesn't stop at food. What you put on the OUTSIDE of the body affects your health, too. Lotions, potions, soaps, cosmetics, and the list goes on...these little daily rituals of ours can contain known human carcinogens or developmental toxins. Most of these chemicals can penetrate the skin, and some we ingest from contact with our lips or hands. More than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer.
"How can I possibly begin to manage every little thing that comes into contact with my body?", we all wonder.
Fortunately, The Environmental Working Group provides a free online cosmetic safety database where you can look up the safety rating of products. To my surprise, my beloved Dr. Hauschka Rose-Toned Day Cream falls into the "high hazard" category. Thankfully, I recently opted to try a less expensive moisturizer, which coincidentally has a better safety rating and is working quite well(Avalon Organics Vitamin C Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer). Lesson here: more expensive does NOT mean safer bet.
Here is a recipe for a DIY face scrub that is made mostly of food ingredients. I am currently loving it and hope you do, too. Enjoy!
Lavender Oatmeal Facial Cleansing Grains
2 Tbs ground oatmeal (a coffee/nut/seed grinder works well)
2 Tbs ground almonds
2 Tbs french green clay (you could substitute white kaolin clay if desired)
2 tsp ground lavendar flowers
2 tsp ground rose petals
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop palma rosa or other essential oil (I used Palma rosa because it is safe in pregnancy - if you are pregnant, be sure to check safety before using a particular essential oil)
Which do YOU suppose is the most healthy?
a) hot dogs
b) grass-fed beef burgers
c) buffalo/bison burgers
d) deli turkey meat
I'm sure you know it's NOT (a), although you may have pined after a foot long or perhaps a corn dog at the state fair recently. I bet some of you are wondering if it could be (d) since turkey is a white meat which is often thought of as being healthier than red meat. Truth revealed, deli meat often contains undesirable nitrates that have been linked to increased risk for cancer. The answer could arguably be (b), because grass-fed beef, although a red meat, will have a heart-healthy ratio of essential fatty acids and will be antibiotic-free. However, (c) is likely the most healthy because in addition to being free-range with a heart-healthy ratio of essential fatty acids like grass-fed beef, buffalo meat (depending on the cut) tends to be leaner than beef, turkey, and chicken! Even more, buffalo meat is higher in protein AND iron than beef.
Has anyone seen FOOD, INC. yet? I am hopefully going to see it this`week and I have a feeling that my meat-eating ways will likely be affected greatly afterwards, as I have heard bits and pieces from friends/colleagues. I will keep you posted:)
One more thing: As a health-conscious consumer, it doesn't stop at food. What you put on the OUTSIDE of the body affects your health, too. Lotions, potions, soaps, cosmetics, and the list goes on...these little daily rituals of ours can contain known human carcinogens or developmental toxins. Most of these chemicals can penetrate the skin, and some we ingest from contact with our lips or hands. More than one-third of all personal care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer.
"How can I possibly begin to manage every little thing that comes into contact with my body?", we all wonder.
Fortunately, The Environmental Working Group provides a free online cosmetic safety database where you can look up the safety rating of products. To my surprise, my beloved Dr. Hauschka Rose-Toned Day Cream falls into the "high hazard" category. Thankfully, I recently opted to try a less expensive moisturizer, which coincidentally has a better safety rating and is working quite well(Avalon Organics Vitamin C Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer). Lesson here: more expensive does NOT mean safer bet.
Here is a recipe for a DIY face scrub that is made mostly of food ingredients. I am currently loving it and hope you do, too. Enjoy!
Lavender Oatmeal Facial Cleansing Grains
2 Tbs ground oatmeal (a coffee/nut/seed grinder works well)
2 Tbs ground almonds
2 Tbs french green clay (you could substitute white kaolin clay if desired)
2 tsp ground lavendar flowers
2 tsp ground rose petals
5 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop palma rosa or other essential oil (I used Palma rosa because it is safe in pregnancy - if you are pregnant, be sure to check safety before using a particular essential oil)
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