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immune system support

  • Used in Eastern folk medicine for centuries, the health-giving properties of the Chaga mushroom are gaining more attention in the West. As a medicinal mushroom, emerging research has found that Chaga packs quite a punch, and demand for this antioxidant powerhouse has increased over recent years.

    Chaga mushrooms grow in cool areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Russia, Korea and North America. It typically grows on birch trees and can vary in size from five to twenty inches. The shape of Chaga can vary and it grows on different parts of the outside of 'host' trees. It has a hard, cracked exterior similar in appearance to charcoal, and a softer brown-golden yellow interior.

    Medicine through the ages

    Chaga mushroom has been referred to by a number of different names including, "The king of medicinal mushrooms," "A gift from God" and "The mushroom of immortality." Historically, it has been widely used in Eastern folk medicine to treat many diseases. These range from ailments of the stomach, lungs and kidneys to skin diseases. It has also been used as a general supplement for the vigor of the human body.

    Today, Chaga mushroom has not been forgotten and is used as a health supplement in a number of different ways. Most commonly it is made into a tea, but you can also find it in the form of tinctures, powders, capsules and creams. The quality of the supplement depends on the quality of the raw materials, method of extraction, and the dosage.

    Let's take a look at the little known benefits of Chaga mushroom from its antioxidant qualities, through to its potential for cancer therapy.

    1. An antioxidant powerhouse
    Antioxidants are widely known for their ability to help counter the potentially harmful effects of free radicals. Studies have shown that the Chaga mushroom has considerably higher levels of antioxidants when compared with other medicinal mushrooms and popular antioxidant juices.1

    Melanin is the primary chemical substance that gives Chaga mushroom its superior antioxidant properties.2 Evidence of the protective antioxidant effects of this fungus was found in a study of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.3 The study also determined that oxidative stress in lymphocytes was reduced in healthy individuals (the control group). These findings highlight the potential of Chaga as a valuable supplement to reduce oxidative stress in general.

    2. Potential for cancer prevention and treatment
    Phyto-sterols contained in Chaga are linked to its anticancer properties.4 Two of the main phyto-sterols contained in Chaga are lanosterol (45 percent) and inotodial (25 percent). Laboratory and animal studies have highlighted the anti-cancer effects of both of these ingredients. Research on humans is still needed. In one study, Chaga fraction prepared from dried fruiting bodies was subjected to anticancer evaluation. The elicited anticancer effects from the study were attributed to decreased tumor cell proliferation, motility and morphological changes induction.5

    Another study using human hepatoma cell lines shows Chaga mushroom as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of hepatoma.6

    3. A proven treatment for psoriasis
    A continued regular intake of Chaga can lead to a full disappearance of psoriatic lesions without any extra treatment. One study noted that effective psoriasis treatment was evident after nine to twelve weeks over continuous treatment. Of the 50 patients with different forms of psoriasis that were treated, 38 were completely cured, a further eight showed improvements, and only four did not show improvement.7

    The study found that psoriasis therapy with Chaga is especially successful in cases when psoriasis occurs in combination with chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and biliary system. There were no side effects observed during the Chaga treatments.

    4. Immune system support
    Studies support the immunomodulating properties of Chaga mushroom.8 This means that it can modify immune response or the functioning of the immune system by speeding it up when needed or slowing it down when necessary. This is largely as a result of beta glucans contained in the mushroom. These immune-boosting properties are powerful from a therapeutic point of view. They have seen Chaga used to support gastrointestinal health in Eastern cultures.

    5. Treatment for viral infections
    Studies have identified evidence of the antimicrobial action of Chaga mushroom. This is possibly due to the antiviral effect of lanosterol and/or the action of betulin and betulinic acid, all of which are components of the Chaga mushroom. Specifically, the benefits have been explored for cells infected by the herpes simplex virus.9,10

    Safety and precautions
    Chaga does not commonly produce side effects. However, caution should always be exercised, especially for those with medical conditions, or who are on any form of medication. Specifically, Chaga may affect blood-thinning and diabetic medications.11 Research is still emerging as are side effects and safety information. Most of the research has been completed in laboratory and animal studies. More studies on humans are required.

    Where to find out more about Chaga Mushrooms
    The Chaga 101 website offers a comprehensive guide to Chaga mushroom. It was created by a group of Chaga enthusiasts who wanted to separate truth from fiction and share their first hand experiences with Chaga. Here you can find more information on;

    • Where to find Chaga in the wild, and how to identify it
    • Harvesting with sustainability in mind
    • Preparation, including tried and tested recipes for Chaga tea, coffee and tinctures
    • Benefits, medicinal effects and side effects
    • Assistance in selecting high quality Chaga. Learn about what to look for during the buying process
    • Where to buy Chaga online

    The content in this article is not medical advice. All information is generalized, presented for informational purposes only, and presented "as is" without warranty or guarantee of any kind. Readers are cautioned not to rely on this information as medical advice and to consult a qualified medical, dietary, or other appropriate professional for their specific needs. This information has not been evaluated by the FTC, FDA or any other government agency and is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

    References:

    1. http://www.oriveda.com/e-resources.php
    2. http://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,3ff76b291e5f4359,4000bb317b94495e.html
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18997282
    4. https://oriveda.wordpress.com/chaga-the-facts/
    5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22135889
    6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2681140/
    7. https://www.chagatrade.ru/images/psoriasis_chaga.pdf
    8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21820502
    9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25069286
    10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23510282
    11. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chaga-mushroom
  • Dear Readers,

    Welcome the June 2020 issue of TotalHealth Magazine.

    Ken Redcross, MD, discusses, Vitamin D And At-Risk Populations for COVID-19. The virus has affected certain populations more than others; The aged, Blacks/African-Americans, Hispanics. Studies have found a common denominator in these populations is low-levels of vitamin D. Dr. Redcross gives us access to an easy at-home test for our vitamin D level. Now is the time to test, so we can begin the proper amount of supplementation and build our immune systems before the next flu and virus season.

    In Optimizing Our Immune System, Charles K. Bens, PhD, provides us with information on three of the most discussed natural strategies for preventing and treating COVID-19. Dr. Bens shows us that vitamin C, vitamin D3, and colloidal silver, all have good scientific studies to support there use; and he challenges all of us to question why the conventional medicine community doesn’t want us to believe these can prevent and treat viral infections.

    In Got Fibro & Sensitive to Everything, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, brings us part 4 of his series on CFS, Fibromyalgia and Mold. In this article he talks about the different prescriptions, and binders that are available to treat mold toxins in your body. It can be a long process to return to health, so if you think you’ve been exposed to mold, get tested today.

    Christine Horner, MD, provides us more proof on the importance of taking these essential nutrients in, Nutrients For Immune System During COVID-19. With so many media outlets preaching doom and gloom, it is critical we educate ourselves there are natural ways that can help us to avoid the worst symptoms of this virus.

    Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, shows us how to, Lose The “Quarantine 15” In Two Weeks. Try her Smoothie Shakedown approach to getting rid of the snacks many of us consumed over the past couple months. Her key to losing weight is eating protein, and never skipping breakfast. Check out her advice and the link on the TotalHealth site for her recipes.

    Gloria Gilbere, CDP, DAHom, PhD, offers two decadent recipes that could forever change how you serve deviled eggs. In Fried and Almost-Fried Deviled Eggs—EggstraOrdinary Recipe, Dr. Gloria provides us with a healthy way to enjoy fried food. Take these to your next picnic to receive rave reviews from your guests.

    Rudrani Banik, MD, brings us, Protecting Against Blue Light Increase During COVID-19. Our increased use of digital devices has brought with it the increased problems of exposing our eyes to this damaging light. Dr. Banik shows us three nutrients we can use to protect against the adverse effects of blue light.

    This month Shawn Messonnier, DVM, discusses the uses for Magnetic Therapy for Pets. This treatment has proven effective for dogs with fractures, by using a magnetic bed. The magnets are especially useful for fractures that haven’t healed using normal methods. Compared to other treatments it is relatively inexpensive and safe.

    IronCatch First Iron-Free Supplement For Iron Deficiency, by Victoria Rabi, MD, confirms to those who are iron deficient but can’t tolerate iron, there is now a safe supplement. One that will let you to be free of the side-effects of iron, and allow you to adhere to the needed treatment. For those interested in the details of the studies on both iron and IronCatch, Dr. Rabi has provided a detailed reference list for your use.

    Thank you to our authors, readers, and advertisers for making TotalHealth possible.

    Wishing you a healthy summer.

    The Wellness Imperative People

    Click here to read the full June 2020 issue.

    Click here to read the full June 2020 issue.

  • Building A Better Immune System With These Essential Nutrients

    Never before has there been a focus on preventative health like now. And all it took was a pandemic! In addition to the preventative measures of social distancing, such as hand washing and wearing face coverings, government officials have finally recognized that certain dietary supplements, especially vitamins D and C, are critically important for a healthy immune system and may help to lower the risk of influenza and upper respiratory tract infection such as COVID-19.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Research shows there are also several other supplements including amino acids and certain minerals that are critically important for a healthy immune system. Here are the top immune-supporting supplements you should consider taking.

    Vitamins C and D
    Vitamins C and D are particularly important for your immune system. Studies show that a deficiency in either of these vitamins causes impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infection, including the flu and upper respiratory tract infections. Supplementation with vitamin C appears to both help prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections, including coronavirus-type infections.1 The recommended dose of vitamin C is 1,000 mg a day. Because vitamin C is water-soluble and does not store in the body, experts recommend 1,000 mg up to three times a day, especially when your immune system is challenged.

    Unlike vitamin C, vitamin D is fat-soluble and can store in the body. A chemical reaction occurs between the ultraviolet rays of the sun and the human skin that manufactures vitamin D3. Unfortunately, most Americans do not get enough sun exposure throughout the year to create enough vitamin D3. In fact, studies show 80–90 percent of Americans are deficient in this vitamin. The health consequences of being deficient in vitamin D3 are much greater than you might imagine. The risk of a wide variety of diseases, ranging from neurological problems to cancers, increase dramatically. For those whose levels are in the ideal range (40–60 ng/ml), the risk of those diseases is minimal. This appears to also be true for COVID-19. A recent study conducted by Northwestern University found that COVID-19 patients who are severely deficient in vitamin D are twice as likely to experience severe complications, including death.3,6,7

    The only way to know how much vitamin D you should be taking is to test your levels. Right now, it may be difficult to schedule with your doctor, but you can still get your vitamin D level checked by ordering an at-home vitamin D test kit from www.nutrientpower.org.

    The kit arrives at your home with instructions. Shortly after you send your sample back, you will receive an email with your results. If your levels are very low, you will want to take the higher doses of vitamin D determined by a vitamin D calculator and re-check your levels in a few months.

    Amino Acids
    According to the British Journal of Nutrition11, a deficiency of dietary protein or amino acids impairs immune function and increases the risk of infectious disease. Amino acids play a major role in protein synthesis and the formation of white blood cell and antibodies, which your body’s immune system uses to help fight off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.10 With limited exercise options during lockdowns, quarantines and social distancing, muscle loss can play a bigger role than most realize—it can impair your immune system and increase your susceptibility to sickness. Lean muscle loss is a particular issue in those who are aged 60 and older because as we age, we lose lean muscle every year.

    Studies show that if you take a specific combination of amino acids as a supplement, it not only supplies your immune system with the nutrients it needs, but it also helps to prevent muscle loss. An amino acid supplement called Rejuvenate consists of the exact combination of essential amino acids—including higher concentrations of leucine, valine and isoleucine—shown in the studies to be most effective.8,12,13,14,15 As the subject of more than 25 clinical peer-reviewed published studies, Rejuvenate has been shown to be extremely effective, including increasing the body’s ability to rebuild and repair muscle by 57 percent with noticeable muscle mass improvement within just 30 days.

    In one study published by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism14, patients on bed rest gained muscle mass with Rejuvenate compared to those who experienced muscle loss who were not taking the supplement. Developed by one of the world’s leading researchers in protein and amino acid nutrition, Rejuvenate is affordable and easy to take. It comes in individual powder pouches and can be easily mixed with water.

    Minerals
    Your immune system cannot function well without adequate amounts of the minerals zinc, copper and selenium. Zinc not only helps immune function, but it has also been shown to prevent the replication of viruses inside cells and can decrease the duration of colds.16,18,19 Zinc lozenges are especially effective as reported in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.16 Although there is no direct evidence at this time that zinc lozenges can prevent or treat COVID-19, Dr. James Robb, a retired virologist at University of California San Diego believes it may be helpful because zinc was shown in a lab study in 2010 to inhibit the replication of coronavirus in cells.18 Zinc lozenges should not be taken for more than five to seven days because it may cause a copper deficiency, which can dangerously impair immune function.

    The link between copper and innate immune function has been recognized for decades. The immune system requires copper to perform several functions, of which little is known about the direct mechanism of action.20 Mild copper deficiency in humans and animals are characterized by neutropenia or a low white blood cell count.21 The recommended daily allowance is around 900 micrograms (mcg) a day for adolescents and adults.

    Selenium is an essential micronutrient found in the soil that plays a crucial role in a wide variety of physiological processes including effective immune responses. Viral and bacterial infections are often associated with deficiencies of selenium 22,23,24 as well as an increased incidence of influenza viruses mutating to highly pathogenic strains.23 Recommended daily amounts are 200 mcg.

    A Healthy Foundation
    Supplements, as their name implies, are meant to be used in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. For immune-boosting supplements to work well, you must provide your body with high-quality nutrition and engage in health-promoting daily habits, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, meditation or other stress-reducing techniques such as yoga. If you eat a lot of processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugar; stay up too late at night; drink excessive alcohol; smoke cigarettes; and are inactive, your immune system will be so severely weakened that no supplements will be able to counteract that damage. One of the big takeaways of the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of immune system strength. You should be working on your immune system daily, not just when we are getting older or feeling run down and sick. By making sure your diet and lifestyle is as healthy as possible, and supplementing with key vitamins (C and D), minerals (zinc, copper, and selenium) and the amino acids (the combination found in Rejuvenate), you’ll be much better prepared to face any future infectious disease challenges.

    References
    1. Hemilä H. Vitamin C and SARS coronavirus. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2003;52(6):1049–1050. doi:10.1093/jac/dkh002.
    2. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. Published 2017 Nov 3. doi:10.3390/nu9111211.
    3. Grant WB, Lahore H, McDonnell SL, et al. Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):E988. Published 2020 Apr 2. doi:10.3390/nu12040988.
    4. Cannell JJ, Vieth R, Umhau JC, et al. Epidemic influenza and vitamin D. Epidemiol Infect. 2006;134(6):1129–1140. doi:10.1017/S0950268806007175.
    5. Prietl, Barbara et al. “Vitamin D and immune function.” Nutrients vol. 5,7 2502-21. 5 Jul. 2013, doi:10.3390/nu5072502 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738984/.
    6. Vitamin D levels appear to play role in COVID-19 mortality rates.
    7. The Possible Role of Vitamin D in Suppressing Cytokine Storm and Associated Mortality in COVID-19 Patients. Healthy Vitamin D Levels Could Be Linked to COVID-19 Survival
    8. English KL, Paddon-Jones D. Protecting muscle mass and function in older adults during bed rest. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010;13(1):34–39. doi:10.1097/MCO.0b013e328333aa66.
    9. Knight J et al (2019) Effects of bedrest 5: the muscles, joints and mobility. Nursing Times [online]; 115: 4, 54–57. https://cdn.ps.emap.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/03/190320-Effects-of-bedrest-5-the-muscles-joints-and-mobility.pdf.
    10. Phillip C. Calder, Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Immunity, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 136, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 288S–293S, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.1.288Shttps://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/1/288S/4664141.
    11. Li, P., Yin, Y., Li, D., Woo Kim, S., & Wu, G. (2007). Amino acids and immune function. British Journal of Nutrition, 98(2), 237-252. doi:10.1017/S000711450769936X.
    12. Katsanos CS, Kobayashi H, Sheffield-Moore M, Aarsland A, Wolfe RR. A high proportion of leucine is required for optimal stimulation of the rate of muscle protein synthesis by essential amino acids in the elderly. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;291(2):E381–E387. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00488.2005.
    13. Børsheim E, Bui QU, Tissier S, Kobayashi H, Ferrando AA, Wolfe RR. Effect of amino acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength and physical function in elderly. Clin Nutr. 2008;27(2):189–195. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2008.01.001.
    14. Paddon-Jones D, Sheffield-Moore M, Urban RJ, et al. Essential amino acid and carbohydrate supplementation ameliorates muscle protein loss in humans during 28 days bedrest. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(9):4351–4358. doi:10.1210/jc.2003–032159.
    15. Ferrando AA, Paddon-Jones D, Hays NP, et al. EAA supplementation to increase nitrogen intake improves muscle function during bed rest in the elderly. Clin Nutr. 2010;29(1):18–23. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2009.03.009.
    16. Prasad AS, Fitzgerald JT, Bao B, Beck FW, Chandrasekar PH. Duration of symptoms and plasma cytokine levels in patients with the common cold treated with zinc acetate. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2000;133(4):245–252. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-133-4-200008150-00006.
    17. Shankar AH, Prasad AS. Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68(2 Suppl):447S–463S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/68.2.447S .
    18. te Velthuis AJW, van den Worm SHE, Sims AC, Baric RS, Snijder EJ, van Hemert MJ (2010) Zn2+ Inhibits Coronavirus and Arterivirus RNA Polymerase Activity In Vitro and Zinc Ionophores Block the Replication of These Viruses in Cell Culture. PLoS Pathog 2010 Nov; 6(11): e1001176. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176 https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1001176.
    19. Rao, Goutham, and Kate Rowland. “PURLs: Zinc for the common cold—not if, but when.” The Journal of family practice vol. 60,11 (2011): 669-71.
    20. Percival SS.Copper and immunity. Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;67(5 Suppl):1064S–1068S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/67.5.1064S .
    21. Karrera Y. Djoko,1 Cheryl-lynn Y. Ong,1 Mark J. Walker, and Alastair G. McEwan The Role of Copper and Zinc Toxicity in Innate Immune Defense against Bacterial Pathogens* J BiolChem. 2015 Jul 31; 290(31): 18954–18961.
    22. Avery JC, Hoffmann PR. Selenium, Selenoproteins, and Immunity. Nutrients. 2018;10(9):1203. Published 2018 Sep 1. doi:10.3390/nu10091203.
    23. Steinbrenner H, Al-Quraishy S, Dkhil MA, Wunderlich F, Sies H. Dietary selenium in adjuvant therapy of viral and bacterial infections. Adv Nutr. 2015;6(1):73–82. Published 2015 Jan 15. doi:10.3945/an.114.007575.
    24. Hoffmann, Peter R, and Marla J Berry. “The influence of selenium on immune responses.” Molecular nutrition & food research vol. 52,11 (2008): 1273-80. doi:10.1002/mnfr.200700330.
  • As fears about the COVID-19 virus continue to increase, there are more discussions about how the human immune system functions and whether natural strategies, such as vitamin C, vitamin D and colloidal silver are actually effective. The following explanation of science between these natural prevention and treatment approaches may help to clarify this discussion.

    A. Generally Speaking
    Our immune system has evolved over millions of years to successfully defend our cells against all manner of invading microbes, including bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. An important aspect of this defense mechanism is the food we eat. With the first priority being the elimination of these “germs,” or invaders, with certain nutrients that support our immune system. Dr. Bruce Ames established a three-level priority system that ensures we are protected as long as we consume these nutrients that our body has decided are good for our immunity.

    The first problem in this regard is that most people do not eat enough of these important nutrients found primarily in fruits and vegetables. A study of 16,000 people by the National Cancer Institute could not find one person with a truly good diet. In fact, most people were deficient in 11 out of 14 nutritional categories. When people say they eat a pretty healthy diet, this is simply not true.

    This deficiency becomes more serious when we consider that our nutritional needs increase under certain situations such as:

    1. Pregnancy
    2. Stress
    3. Exercise
    4. Injuries
    5. Operations
    6. Prescription drug use
    7. Colds/Flu
    8. Toxins
    9. Chronic illness
    10. Alcohol use
    11. Tobacco use
    12. Natural loss

    This is precisely why chronic illness has increased by over 600 percent in the past 60 years, from 10 to 70 percent of the adult population. It is also why life expectancy will decline for the first time in human history for people born in the year 2000 or later. (New science is now suggesting that this could occur with people born after the year 1980).

    The current COVID-19 outbreak can help to sharpen the focus on this nutritional crisis.

    B. Three natural strategies for the COVID-19 virus are Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Colloidal Silver

    1. Vitamin C—The science behind vitamin C began in 1912 when it was discovered. Then, in 1928, it was isolated, and in 1933 it became the first vitamin to be produced chemically. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi discovered ascorbic acid at that time and Linus Pauling became the champion of vitamin C in the 1950’s and beyond. James Lind, a Scottish Naval surgeon, found that citrus fruit prevented scurvy in the 1700’s, so some credit must also be given to him.

    Most recently, the Shanghai Government announced that vitamin C is an effective treatment for the COVID-19 virus. Dr. Andrew Saul has found that high doses of vitamin C can also be an effective treatment for a high range of viral infections. Very little has been reported in the main stream media on exactly how this protection happens in our body.

    Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it has an extra electron to give to toxins and germs in our body that are missing an electron, known as free radical damage. However, viruses are not free radical molecules, they are fragments that are smaller than bacteria and can only survive when they attach to one of our cells. They can then multiply and begin to overwhelm and damage key organs, especially our lungs. However, vitamin C can prevent this damage in the following way:

    1. Our body’s immune system uses phagocytes, such as white blood cells to capture and engulf harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
    2. Vitamin C is needed by white blood cells as 50 times the level usually found in our blood stream. Our bodies do not make vitamin C, although there are some theories that indicate they used to make it. We can only get this level of 50 times by consuming vitamin C from foods and supplements. Vitamin C is being moved into our white blood cells continuously to ensure a strong immune response when needed.
    3. Sugar and vitamin C have a similar chemical structure, which causes sugar to get into the white blood cells by mistake. If the concentration of glucose/sugar in our blood reaches the level of 120 mg/dl, that means white blood cells are filled with too much sugar, instead of vitamin C. This causes a reduced immune response of up to 75 percent for 4–6 hours.
    4. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and moves out of the body within four hours. Therefore, more vitamin C must be consumed, and properly absorbed, in order to build the 50 times concentration needed in our white blood cells.
    5. If the viral or bacteria challenge is more serious, such as the COVID-19 virus, this replacement process may need to be done sooner, such as every two hours.
    6. Intravenous infusions of vitamin C can help to improve concentration levels, however, even the IV approach must be repeated in order to create a sustained immune response.
    7. White blood concentrations of 50 times normal levels from food and supplements can be accomplished by gradually increasing supplement levels from 2,000 mg daily (500 mg every four hours) to 10,000 mg or more daily (1,000 mg every two hours).
    8. Vitamin C supplements should contain bioflavonoids because this is how the body recognizes it when it is found in fruits and vegetables. In fact, it helps to take vitamin C supplements with the foods they come from in order to ensure that other co-factors can also help in the absorption process.

    By increasing vitamin C levels to 50,000 mg to 150,000 mg daily with the proven co-factors, less sugar and the right foods, there is now mounting scientific evidence that vitamin C is effective against all viruses, as well as many cancers.

    Ref #1 In one study, asymptomatic adults with the flu were given 1000 mg of vitamin C on an hourly basis for six hours, they then received 1000 mg three times daily until their symptoms stopped. Their flu symptoms were reduced by 85 percent compared to a placebo group. Life Extension, “Disease Prevention and Treatment,” 2013, pages 825–6.

    Ref #2 Based on 30 clinical studies on vitamin C treatment for viruses, such as SARS, Bird flu and Swine flu, the effective dosage of vitamin C can range from 10,000 mg daily to over 100,000 mg daily, primarily via IV treatments. “Coronavirus: Exploring Effective Nutritional Treatments.” Andrew W. Saul, Orthomolecular News Service; January 30, 2020.

    2. Vitamin D3
    Vitamin D3 is proven to have anti-viral capabilities. Our bodies can make Vitamin D3 by way of exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, which helps to convert cholesterol into vitamin D. The body can make as much as 20,000 IU of vitamin D with exposure to sizable sections of our skin. However, there is also the risk of overexposure to the sun, resulting in skin damage, and even skin cancer. In the northern climate zones, it is often very difficult to get enough sunshine to produce sufficient levels of vitamin D3.

    Vitamin D can also be found in many foods, such as salmon, herring, sardines, cod liver oil, eggs and dairy products. For people who eat vitamin D rich foods on a regular basis and have some exposure to the sun, it makes it possible to achieve sufficient blood levels of vitamin D in order to protect our body from the flu, as well as many other chronic illnesses, including cancer. The effective level of vitamin D3, based on hundreds of scientific studies, is 50–90 ng/ml. Based on these blood test levels, about 90 percent of the US population is deficient in vitamin D3. (Dr. Joseph Mercola, “Top 5 signs of Vitamin D deficiency,” Jan 01, 2019).

    This level of deficiency is extremely dangerous since vitamin D helps to regular over 2000 of our genes related to chronic illness. Over 80 percent of all genetic material consists of on and off switches for disease, including viral infections and cancer. When people have sufficient levels of vitamin D3 in their blood, the risks of contracting many cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer, are lowered by 70–80 percent.

    Vitamin D3 also exerts a direct influence on our immune system by helping to produce an antibiotic protein called cathelicidin, which is known to kill viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Some studies have reported significant prevention benefits by consuming only 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily. Dr. John Cunnel recommends taking 50,000 IU daily for the first five days after initial viral infection symptoms occur, and 5,000- 10,000 IU daily as a maintenance dose.

    Ref #1 In one double-blind placebo controlled study, the treatment group consumed 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 during the cold and flu season, while the control group consumed a placebo. The vitamin D3 group had a 58 percent reduced risk of the flu. Vitamin D3 helps fend off flu, asthma attacks—American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 10, 2010.

    Ref #2In another placebo-controlled study, school children were given 1200 IU of vitamin D3 daily and experienced 51 percent reduced flu occurrence compared to the control group. Life Extension “Disease Prevention and Treatment,” 2013 page 825.

    Why did vitamin D3 not work for 100 percent of the people? The following explanation may help to explain this:

    • Some participants in the vitamin D3 group may have eaten a less healthy diet, including more sugar.
    • Some vitamin D3 group members may have had absorption difficulties related to genetic or biochemical challenges.
    • Some vitamin D3 group participants may have had less exposure to the sun.

    3. Nanoparticle Colloidal Silver
    The history of silver’s use over thousands of years is well documented.

    • Hippocrates (460 BC) the Father of Western Medicine, used silver to heal wounds and control infections.
    • Herodotus (484 BC) describes how the King of Persia used silver to prevent illness.
    • Alexander I of Russia used silver lined drinking vessels to sanitize water during the Napoleon Wars.
    • Paracelsus (1493) “Father of Toxicology” used silver as medicine.
    • Raulin (1869) observed that Aspergillus niger would not grow in silver vessels. (Aspergillus niger is black fungus/black mold)
    • Dr. William Halsted, Chief Surgeon, John’s Hopkins Medical School (1880’s) used silver in operations and infectious wounds.
    • Henry Brooks (1910) found that colloidal silver killed germs.
    • GA Kruise (1928) used silver to disinfect water in swimming pools.
    • 1900—1940 silver was the main antibiotic used in medicine.
    • Dr. Larry C. Ford, UCLA Medical School, (1986) studied 650 pathogens and found they were all killed when exposed to colloidal silver.
    • Currently many hospitals use silver to treat infected cuts and wounds, as well as bacterial infections known as the wasting disease.

    About 80 years ago, antibiotics (man-made) were discovered and began to take the place of silver. This approach has been effective for many decades. However, bacteria have been gradually mutating to build resistance to these synthetic antibiotics. Each year at least two million people in the United States become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, causing over 23,000 deaths. Silver is now coming to the rescue in this battle against the so called “super bugs.”1

    Ref #1 In a study published in 2013 (Collins, et al. 2013, Boston University) it was found that combining silver with antibiotics made the antibiotics 1,000 times more sensitive and effective.

    Silver has a wide spectrum of impact to kill pathogens, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

    • Silver is missing a single electron in the outer shell. When it comes into contact with any pathogen, it will steal an electron, which ruptures the pathogen’s cell membrane, causing death. This mechanism of action allows silver to avoid the resistance experienced by man-made antibiotics.
    • Silver also suffocates a virus, preventing access to oxygen, which the virus needs to stay alive. Silver also bonds to the DNA of the virus, thus preventing it from multiplying.

    A special form of silver, known as Nanoparticle Silver has proven to be even more effective than other types traditionally used.

    Ref #2 “Silver Kills Viruses,” Journal of Nanotechnology, October 18, 2009. University of Texas and University of Mexico.

    C. Guidelines for the use of supplements

    The three nutritional supplements featured in this article on the prevention and treatment of viral infections, including the COVID-19 virus, are not the only supplements needed by our immune system. There are several more that are also important. A few more of the key ones will be added now to help ensure the optimization of the supplements already mentioned.

    1. Zinc—One of the first symptoms experienced by most people with the COVID-19 virus is throat irritation accompanied by a cough. Zinc lozenges can be very effective at killing the virus at this stage, because it has not yet begun to multiple very quickly. Zinc is an antioxidant with proven ability to weaken bacteria and viruses. Sometimes these lozenges include vitamin C and elderberry, which also have antiviral effectiveness.

    2. Time to act—At this early stage of the infection, it doesn’t matter which bacteria or virus is involved, it is time to introduce the three products mentioned in this article. If vitamin C, vitamin D, and silver can be introduced early enough they will push the pathogen back and give our immune system a change to identify the invader and create the appropriate immune response.

    3. Key foods to add—As was previously mentioned, any supplement works better if it is taken with the foods that it comes from. In the case of vitamins C and D this includes fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fish. These foods have co-factors that help to increase the absorption of the supplements.

    4. Chewing our food—Many people do not chew their food good enough, which can cause a serious loss in the nutrients that are created and used by the body. Chewing helps to make the food particles smaller and easier to digest in the stomach and the small intestines. Chewing also causes the release of amylase enzymes, which are needed to begin the digestion process. Many foods should be chewed 20–30 times until they are nearly liquid. Poor chewing can cause the loss of up to 50 percent of the nutrients.

    5. Age related nutritional changes—As we age our bodies are programmed to help us to eventually die to make way for the next generation, By the time we are fifty years old our bodies are making 50 percent less digestive enzymes, 50 percent less stomach acid, 50 percent less probiotics and 50 percent less glutathione, our bodies primary antioxidant. Supplementing with these ‘nutrients’ can help to delay this aspect of our aging process, and improve our immune function.

    6. The problem with sugar—When we consume too much sugar our immune system is weakened by up to 75 percent for 4–6 hours. Sugar includes added sugar, fruit sugar, simple carbohydrates and alcohol. When fasting glucose levels exceed 85 mg/dl this immune impact begins to occur. When levels reach 129 mg/dl white blood cells are filled with sugar and the immune system is seriously challenged. The ideal sugar intake is no added sugar from pastries or other prepared foods, less than two fruits a day and no alcohol.

    7. The rotation factor—Bacteria and viruses seem to have the ability to adapt quickly to whatever is trying to kill it. It can mutate its DBA, and its surface to resist both natural and man-made molecules. Therefore, it helps to rotate the natural products every few hours to confuse the invader and make each strategy more effective. This strategy has helped to keep many people free of colds and flus for over 40 years.

    D. Conclusion
    When the conventional medical community says that natural strategies to prevent and treat viral infections do not have good scientific evidence, I don’t think they are looking at all of the evidence that is available. Only two references were provided for each of the three natural products mentioned. However, the medical literature has over 500 references for these three evidence-based strategies. The reader can draw his or her own conclusions about why this science is being avoided.

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