The Big 3 Amid all the dire reports about flu vaccines running low, you'll rarely see a TV reporter point out (I assume because it wasn't in the drug company press release) that your defense against the flu is only as strong as the state of your immune system. Get all the flu shots you like (if only they had them); if your immune system isn't prepared, you'll still be vulnerable to the flu. But what if you take every step necessary to strengthen your
immune system, and then still come down with a nasty bug?
Fortunately, some of the treatments that can help you stay well can also help you bounce back when you're laid low. During this season that puts us in contact with so many people while socializing or shopping, it's inevitable that many are going to come down with the flu or one of those other viruses that cause colds and digestive "bugs" that are so easily passed around. With that in mind, I called on HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., to ask him about three natural antibiotics that he told us about in the e-Alert "Be Afraid… Be Very Afraid - Part II"
(10/17/02). I wondered if these three natural agents (vitamin C, grapefruit seed extract, and olive leaf extract) might also help provide protection against the flu or be useful as treatments once the flu has set in. His response: "In my opinion, absolutely! Since I don't take the flu shot myself, these are my main armamentarium." When I asked about recommended dosages for anyone who feels like they may be coming down with something, Dr. Spreen told me that at the fist sign of aches, sore throat, cough or any other symptoms of flu (or cold, or other infections), he starts with a "hit" of several thousand milligrams of vitamin C, and then follows that with 1000 mg (one gram) every hour until symptoms recede. Sometimes the vitamin C alone will do the trick, but when more is needed, olive leaf extract (OLE) and/or grapefruit seed extract (GSE) may be added or used alone. Dr. Spreen explained, "OLE is the simplest to work with, as its concentration is not a problem. 500-1000 milligrams every few hours is what I do, with or without the C, depending on the situation (I'm usually a 'shotgunner' when getting well fast is an issue). Normally, for straight oral use, the C and OLE are a great pair by themselves (the OLE lowers the needed amount of vitamin C, which can get into very high amounts for a serious flu attack)." As for grapefruit seed extract, Dr. Spreen recommends taking it in capsule form, using the suggested dosage on the label. He adds, "The full-strength liquid GSE is bitter beyond
comprehension, and must be diluted. The advantage of GSE is that there are different forms available, such as throat spray, ear drops, topical, etc. Bio/chem Research in California, has done extensive research on the antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of this amazing substance." I asked Dr. Spreen if he would add any other natural therapies to what he calls "my big three," and he said there is one, but it's not a preventive agent against the flu. He said, "I'd add some acidophilus culture (also called probiotics) to the mix, during and for a few days after the use of OLE. The situation here is that OLE is such a good antibacterial that it can also kill the 'good guy' bacteria that we need in our
gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. A capsule or so of acidophilus
before meals should be adequate insurance for keeping these beneficial organisms established." And apparently another natural agent that helps with
digestion just might help fight the flu as well. In last week's e-Alert "Chew On This" (12/4/03), I told you
about a new enzyme formula called Proteolytic Enzymes, a
full-spectrum systemic enzyme formula developed by HSI Panelist Jon Barron. This week Jon sent me an e-mail with this message:
"As it turns out, among everything else they do, proteolytic
enzymes may also help with the flu." Jon included an article from Infinity2 Nutrition in which the
authors state that when the proteolytic potential is raised in
the blood it provides an efficient therapy as well as prevention of viral infection. According to the authors, "Successful inhibition of infection has been accomplished in many different viruses including six different influenza type A viruses." You can find more information about Proteolytic Enzymes at
baselinenutritionals.com. Needless to say, with all the rush and deadline pressure that
comes with the holidays, it's often difficult to do the four key
things necessary to maintain optimum immune system health: - Exercise regularly
- Eat nutritious foods (preferably fresh, whole foods)
- Manage stress levels (See the e-Alert "Easy Does It" 11/26/03)
- Get the right amount of sleep
For more tips on strengthening your immune system, see the
e-Alert "Debugging Kit" (9/24/03), because it's never too late
to take a few simple steps to give your immune system the
advantage against viruses. To Your Good Health, and… Go Ravens! Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
Sources:
"Big Shot" Robert Bazell, MSN, 12/1/03, slate.msn.com "Flu Season Starting Early and Strong" Associated Press,
11/17/03, msnbc.com "Health Officials Warn of Severe Flu Strain" NBC11, 12/3/03,nbc11.com "Therapeutic Use of Enzymes" Jennifer Hammer, M.S., CCN, and Stan Bynum, Ph.D., Infinity2 Nutrition, 2001, infinity2.com
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