Guest guest Posted March 15, 2003 Report Share Posted March 15, 2003 http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/nc/immune_health.asp In the coming years, you can expect to see new disease-causing viral (and bacterial) strains cropping up around the world. Unlike the horse and buggy days, when news and disease epidemics spread slowly, these newly emerging diseases can now spread to every country on Earth in a matter of hours. With current airline systems in place, people can travel from one place to almost anywhere else in the world within a single day. And with the overuse of antibiotics helping to create stronger mutant strains of viruses and bacteria, our immune systems are growing increasingly unable to combat these new microkillers. There is hope, however. As we learn more about diseases and how to prevent them, one thing becomes obvious. Health can be maintained or restored without the side effects and growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics. To learn about natural ways to boost your immune system, Or keep reading for my latest research findings. Antibiotics: The Newest Threat to Immune Health One of the most important health breakthroughs of the last century was the development and widespread use of antibiotics. Ironically, however, their overuse and misuse have also helped unleash one of the most dangerous health threats now facing us in the new century: deadly forms of mutant bacteria. You can defend yourself against the upsurge of these microkillers with effective and natural alternatives to antibiotics. Learn more. A " Berry " Effective Folk Remedy that Protects Immune Health ISRAEL - During the 1992-93 flu epidemic here, science validated what folk medicine has known for years: that elderberries are a powerful weapon in fighting influenza. To learn more about the unique extract that helped 90 percent of flu patients feel better in just three days, Antibiotics and Immune Health: New Threats for a New Century The development and widespread use of antibiotics undoubtedly was one of the greatest health advances in the 20th century. Thousands of lives have been saved along with numerous epidemics nipped in the bud by antibiotics. Ironically, their overuse and misuse have also undermined the health of millions by helping to create one of the most dangerous health threats confronting the next century: newly emerging forms of deadly mutant bacteria. The impact of antibiotics on natural immunities Despite what we've been conditioned to believe, the human body was designed to deal with foreign bacteria. Every time your immune system overcomes an infection it emerges stronger. Through the body's production of natural antibodies, it becomes better able to deal with future assaults on your health. If, however, antibiotics are given at the first sign of infection, several serious events can occur: •The body's own immune system becomes suppressed and produces fewer natural antibodies.•As bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics they begin to mutate. Through a series of mutations, they can quickly become immune to a drug's effect. Our inability to stop the spreading infection of these mutant bacteria costs thousands of people their lives each year.•Antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract. In a healthy intestinal tract trillions of beneficial organisms help: -Form vitamins and enzymes-Deactivate cancer-causing compounds-Regulate cholesterol and hormone levels-Protect against the overgrowth of disease-producing bacteria and fungi I don't want to be a doomsayer… But I am a realist. Every day it seems we hear reports that the threat of contracting a fatal disease from drug-resistant bacteria is increasing. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these " doom and gloom " reports, especially when conventional medicine has contributed to the problem. But there are several natural ways to boost your body's natural immune system and fight infections without antibiotics. A " Berry " Nice Way to Boost Immune Health Traditional folk medicine throughout Europe has used the flowers, leaves, berries, bark, and roots from the elder tree for centuries. While much of this use has been shrouded in superstition (the elder tree has been thought to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck), for over 300 years people have drank warm wine made from elderberries to combat influenza (or that's the excuse they gave, anyway). Thanks to the breakthrough research of an Israeli virologist (someone who studies viruses), modern science has proven the effectiveness of the elderberry as a flu remedy. It's a fascinating story, but to understand how this elderberry extract works, you first need to know what influenza is. What is the flu? Influenza, commonly called " the flu, " is a respiratory infection that can be caused by a variety of viruses. These viruses are spread from person to person through airborne droplets of respiratory fluids, transmitted mainly by coughing and sneezing. Flu viruses can enter the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth. To survive, they must puncture the wall of normal body cells. Once inside the cells, viruses hijack the small organs and energy-producing centers, and alters the cell's functions. Using all of the cell's " machinery, " a virus can then replicate and begin the process of spreading throughout the body. Symptoms usually appear within two to four days after infection. The infection is contagious for another three to four days after symptoms appear. Although the common cold is also a respiratory infection and resembles influenza, its symptoms are milder and colds do not induce the fever, severe aches, and extreme exhaustion of the flu. From folk remedy to potent flu cure The most effective way to treat influenza is by inactivating the flu virus once it has infected the body. This is no small feat. Despite folk medicine's claims that elderberries possess healing qualities, proven antiviral preparations have been few and far between, especially natural ones. In 1992, however, this all changed when Israeli researcher Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu (pronounced mum-shu-glu) developed and patented a procedure that isolates certain active compounds from elderberries. The extract Dr. Mumcuoglu developed proved itself as effective at inactivating viruses during a flu epidemic as it did in laboratory testing. Dr. Mumcuoglu's extract proves itself under fire We know of the effectiveness of Dr. Mumcuoglu's elderberry extract thanks to the Southern Israeli flu epidemic of 1992-93 (that's probably the only time you'll ever hear me thanking a flu epidemic). Because elderberries are nontoxic, Dr. Mumcuoglu was able to test her newly developed extract on patients during the epidemic. The results were very encouraging. Within 24 hours, 20 percent of those patients taking her elderberry extract had dramatic improvements in symptoms like fever, muscle aches and pains, and coughs. By the second day, 73 percent were improved, and by day three 90 percent. In the untreated group, only 16 percent felt better after two days. The majority of that group took almost a week to begin feeling better. What's the elderberry's secret? I've talked to numerous doctors and patients using the product, and everyone agreed that if it is taken at the first sign of flu, the problem will disappear within 24 to 48 hours. Some report that it is just as effective for treating colds and even the herpes-like Epstein-Barr virus. Dr. Mumcuoglu's extract seems to work because the active ingredients in elderberries bind with viruses before they have a chance to penetrate the wall of a normal body cell. Her extraction process produces a natural medicine that appears to be far more potent than more conventional elderberry formulas, yet still has no side effects. For other effective and natural ways to support your body's innate healing capabilities that you may not know much about, Here are my top recommendations to boost and support your body's immune function naturally. Vitamin C: When you need extra immune support, I recommend you take 500 to 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours. Even without the onset of a flu or cold, I personally take 2,000 mg of C each day, along with bioflavonoids and other synergistic nutrients like vitamin E. When Vitamin C is taken with zinc, propolis and elderberry extract, a good daily maintenance dose is 100 mg. Zinc: Promotes immune function. One 23-mg zinc gluconate lozenge every two wakeful hours after an initial double dose, has been found to provide symptom relief. While the only side effect associated with zinc is its bad taste, this routine shouldn't be continued any longer than a week. Excessive zinc can eventually create a copper deficiency and weaken the immune system. The recommended daily dose for zinc when taken with vitamin C, propolis and elderberry extract is 10 mg. Bee Propolis: Research shows that this waxy resin used by bees to waterproof their hives has immune enhancing properties. The recommended daily dose when taken with elderberry extract, zinc and vitamin C is 75 mg. Elderberry Extract: The active ingredients in elderberries have been found to protect your cells from harmful invaders. I recommend a remarkable elderberry extract developed by Israeli scientists called Sambucol (which comes from the Latin name for elderberry, Sambucus nigra). Research shows that this patented elderberry extract will provide relief within 24 to 48 hours. I've been so impressed with this extract that I've worked with the researcher who developed it to incorporate it in my own formula. Whatever product you use, I recommend taking 4 g daily of elderberry extract in conjunction with the Vitamin C, Propolis and Zinc. Vitamin A: Initial doses as high as 100,000 units daily can be very beneficial. The dose should then be dropped back to 10,000 to 25,000 IU daily to avoid problems with toxicity. Turmeric (from root): has been used for centuries in India and China for a variety of health concerns, including boosting the immune system. To support immune health I recommend taking 200 mg per day. Garlic: helps to fortify the immune system. For overall health, I recommend that you consume at least a clove of garlic each day. Studies suggest that you can get similar benefits from cooked garlic -- if you first let it sit out a while after peeling. When garlic is peeled an enzyme called allinase begins a series of chemical reactions that create beneficial health effects. If you take garlic extract in liquid form, a recommended serving is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mixed with fruit or vegetable juice, twice daily with meals. As for garlic capsules, take 1 to 3 capsules daily, depending on your level of free-radical exposure. Grapefruit Seed Extract: Drinking three to four drops per 8 oz of water per day helps maintain immune system function. This extract is also a good remedy for cleansing your sinuses: 1.First, in a clean sink or large saucer add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of salt to a quart of fairly hot water. Once the salt has dissolved, immerse your face in the water for five to 10 seconds; repeat this three or four times. Allow the water to run into your nose, but keep your mouth and eyes closed.2.Follow the facial with a quick nasal rinse by adding a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to 1/2 cup of warm water. Cup a small amount of the water in the palm of your hand, and then lean over and gently " inhale " the water into your nasal passages. Do this two or three times before bed and first thing in the morning. You may momentarily feel a very slight tingling or burning sensation as the extract coats the nasal and sinus passages. Once it gets to these hard-to-reach areas, it can begin to eliminate the harmful irritants. Purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia): helps increase certain responses of the immune system. Powdered echinacea capsules can be found in most health food stores (recommended dosages are given on the product labels). You can obtain some of the best results with echinacea by using the liquid plant extracts -- for adults five to 10 drops in 1/4 cup of water taken five times daily is generally recommended). Note: Certain individuals don't seem to benefit from echinacea, including hyperactive persons, those who are extremely sensitive to environmental pollutants and chemicals, and AIDS patients. Tea tree honey: For years I've recommended using tea tree oil from Australia for a variety of health concerns (see the April 1992 ALTERNATIVES, vol. 4, number 10). To help boost your immune system, I also encourage you to take 250 mg a day of tea tree honey (also known as Manuka honey). This sweet alternative is from New Zealand and has been shown to have natural immune-supporting properties. Shark cartilage: Long-time ALTERNATIVES readers know that I've written about the benefits of shark cartilage for years. Among its many beneficial properties, shark cartilage helps support your overall healthy immune system function. I recommend 100 mg daily. Slippery Elm: This herb has mucus-eliminating properties and helps promote respiratory health. 20 mg daily is recommended. Peppermint powder: Helps support immune function. 17 mg a day is recommended. Eucalyptus Oil: I wrote about the advantages of the immune-boosting properties of eucalyptus in the October 1999 ALTERNATIVES. For best results, I recommed taking 2 mg daily along with the other herbal immune boosters mentioned here. Newsletter readers know that I've been working on an herbal immune formula for some time now and have finally developed one that combines these and a number of other herbs I've discussed in previous issues. Balance your life Physical and emotional stress, poor diet and chronic illness can suppress your immune system. Yet another great reason to eat right, exercise, cultivate a positive outlook and take care! Gettingwell- / Vitamins, Herbs, Aminos, etc. To , e-mail to: Gettingwell- Or, go to our group site: Gettingwell Web Hosting - establish your business online Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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