ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON H1N1: SWINE FLU AND STRATEGIES TO KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG

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.