Every person has multiple viruses in their body, and everyone has experienced a viral infection at some point in their life. In spite of this, the vast majority of people know very little about viruses and how they can protect themselves from the pain and suffering viruses cause.
What Are Viruses?
Viruses are very tiny germs; much smaller than bacteria. They are made up of genetic material with an outside protein exterior. They have some very unique characteristics.
- They are not able to make protein like some other cells.
- They are totally dependent on their host for survival.
- They can only reproduce while inside of a host cell.
- A strong immune system can keep viruses from multiplying.
- In a compromised immune system, the virus inserts its genetic material into a cell and begins to produce more virus in the host cell.
- Each virus has a unique shape, and is attracted to very specific organs in the body, such as the liver, lungs or even our blood.
What Are The Diseases/Illnesses That Are Caused By Viruses?
There is a long list of diseases caused by viruses including:
Treatments for viral diseases
Viruses are very difficult to treat with conventional medical approaches. A few of the more effective treatments include:
- Small pox—A vaccine has been effective.
- HIV—A few medications have proven to be effective.
- Hepatitis C—A few medications have proven to be very effective.
Vaccinations for the flu and measles have not been shown to be consistently effective, but show some promise for the future. These efforts deserve to be continued. However, there are several natural approaches, that deserve to be mentioned, and they are supported by excellent scientific evidence.
Animal caused viruses
Some viruses emanate from contact with animals.
Virus
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Animal Cause
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- Lassa, leptospirosis, etc.
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- Yellow fever and dengue fever
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- Insects-mosquitoes, lice, fleas
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Human spread of viruses
There are a few viruses that are spread by human contact.
Human transmission |
Virus type |
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- Cold viruses, flu, measles, mumps
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- Polio, Coxsackie, Hepatitis A
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- Herpes 1 and 2, HIV, Hepatitis B
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Preventing and treating viral disease naturally
There is mounting scientific evidence that a handful of vitamins, minerals and herbs
have been shown to be effective in prevention and treatments of many viral influenced
illnesses.
- Measles—In 2002, a study of children with measles, under the age of two, experienced a reduced risk of overall mortality, and pneumonia specific mortality, after taking 200,000 iu of vitamin A for two days. PubMed
- HIV—In 2018, a National Institute of Health study found that low vitamin D3 promotes inflammation and de-activation of key immune system elements. Supplementation with vitamin D3 to levels between 50-90 mg/mL can help provide excellent protection.
- Colds and flu—In April of 2012, a study found that low levels of vitamin D3 resulted in an increase in colds, flus and autoimmune diseases. These low levels, under 50 mg/mL, allow for genetic activation of reduced immune function. (Federation of American Scientists for Experimental Biology)
- TB and Hepatitis C—Vitamin D3 deficiency has now been found to have a strong co-relation to the development of TB, hepatitis C and bacterial vaginosis. Canadian AIDS Treatment and Information Exchange
- Polio—Nearly 50 years ago, Dr. Frederick Klenner cured 60 people with polio by using multi gram doses of vitamin C. He used both intramuscular and intravenous methods over a two-day period. 1974 Journal of Preventive Medicine
- Sepsis—Sepsis is not a virus, but it is a very dangerous infection caused by difficult to treat bacteria. Vitamin C used as an adjunct to antibacterial protocols has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the severity and length of the infection. Many lives are being saved in the hospitals using this integrated protocol. 2018 in J Crit Care
- Viral pneumonia—When Dr. Andrew Saul became ill with viral pneumonia, his doctor offered no treatment. Dr. Saul knew about the work of Dr. Cathcart, who was using mega doses of intravenous vitamin C (200,000 mg daily). Dr. Saul took 2,000 mg of vitamin C orally every six minutes and experienced dramatic relief within hours. After consuming 100,000 mg, he began to experience a considerable reduction of symptoms. www.doctoryourself.com and Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine)
In addition to the previously mentioned vitamin strategies for preventing and treating virus-related illnesses, there are several herbal remedies that are also effective. Here are a few with proven scientific evidence behind them:
- Elderberry—A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found elderberry can be used as a safe and effective treatment for influenza A and B.
- Calendula—A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center found that ear drops containing calendula can be effective for treating ear infections in children.
- Astragulus root—Scientific studies have shown that Astragulus has anti-viral properties and stimulates the immune system. One study in the Chinese Medical Sciences Journal concluded that Astragulus is able to inhibit the growth of coxsackie B virus.
- Licorice root—Licorice is gaining popularity for the prevention and treatment of diseases, such as hepatitis C, HIV and influenza. A review of these findings in The Chinese Journal of Virology
- Olive leaf—Olive leaf has been proven effective in the treatment of cold and flu viruses, meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis. One study at the New York University School of Medicine found that olive leaf extracts reversed many HIV-1 infections.
Following are a few examples of some natural prevention and treatment protocols:
These are just some of the many anti-viral agents that should be included in everyone’ home remedy medicine chest. It may also be helpful to know which foods can provide the best anti-vital protection. Certain foods can provide strong anti-viral production. Some of the strongest foods in this category are listed above.
It is a generally accepted fact that once a virus is in the body it very seldom leaves. The medications, vitamins and herbs that have been proven to be effective simply suppress the virus and limit its ability to reproduce. A strong immune system is the key to preventing and/or successfully treating any chronic illness. The key elements of this protection program include:
- Eating a plant-based whole food diet with very limited animal products.
- Adding daily nutritional supplements such as a multiple vitamin/mineral, 2000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids, maintain vitamin D3 levels of 50–90 ng/mL, 1000–2000 mg of Omega 3 oils, a vitamin B complex and about 400 mg of magnesium depending on your level of exercise.
- Avoid toxins and use detoxification programs periodically.
- Regular daily exercise-aerobic, resistance and flexibility.
- Avoid stress and use yoga and meditation to manage stress.
By adhering to this basic anti-viral strategy, it is possible to greatly reduce the risk of these virusrelated illnesses, as well as most other illnesses. Conventional medicine offers very little for the prevention or treatment of most viral illnesses. Natural medicine offers considerably more solutions.