Avoiding Swine Flu!
With the current media frenzy over the swine flu epidemic and some confusion over when an effectve vaccine will be available, we're going to look this month at whether infection is inevitable or whether there are steps we can take to stop us getting it. Let's start with a few facts about the disease. Flu is obviously nothing new. There are three main types of flu virus (Types A, B and C) and every year between 250,000 to 500,000 individuals worldwide will die of one of these main varieties. So why all the fuss about swine flu?
The key reason for concern over swine flu is that it is a strange new mix of genes which we have little immunity to. The swine flu virus can reach deep into our respiratory tract and possibly as far as our intestines causing some potentially nasty consequences. So let's look at how the disease spreads. There are two main routes of entry for influenza type viruses. Most people will become infected by breathing in droplets of the virus from the coughs and sneezes of other swine fu sufferers. Another route of entry is from physical contact through the hands and then touching the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.
So frequent handwashing may be of some benefit but won't help in the majority of cases. What we can do though is to focus on boosting a group of special type of white blood cells something called secretory IgA. These are really important as they gobble up foreign particles and protect us from infection. These white blood cells are located in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and genitourinary tracts where more than 95% of infections begin and there are quite a few things that we can do to boost these antibodies to give us added protection against the flu.
BOOSTING SECRETORY
IGA
1. Friendly bacteria supplements (also known as
probiotics) have been shown to increase secretory IgA and stop
viruses penetrating our cells. A good brand is Biocare
Bioacidophilus (adults). Take one capsule daily after food. Biocare
also do strawberry or bananna acidophilus powder for
children
2. A 'friendly' yeast called saccharomyces boulardii
has been shown to be a very effective booster of secretory IgA.
Allergy Research Group is a well known brand and recommended
dosage for adults is 1-3 capsules daily in between meals. For
children of 2 and above the dose is 1/2 -1 daily
3. Reduce
stress as much as possible. Stress lowers SigA
OTHER METHODS FOR REDUCING
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO SWINE FLU
1.
Optimize vitamin D levels - Recent research has shown that vitamin D
has profound effects on immunity including the prevention of
influenza. It works in a number of ways by encouraging the
production of strong substances to protect the lungs while at the
same time helping to prevent some of the more serious consequences
of flu. We recommend Biotics Research Group Bio D Mulsion Forte.
Follow dosage instructions. N.B. Long term supplementation with
vitamin D may be harmful. You should have your vitamin D levels
checked if using for longer than 3 months. Please contact us for
details.
2. Colostrum Supplementation - Colostrum is the pre - milk liquid that mother's produce after giving birth. It is rich in immune enhancing benefits and protective antibodies. Recent research has shown that supplementation with bovine colostrum was at least 3 times as effective as vaccination to prevent flu! Allergy Research Group do a colostrum spray which is lactose free. Suitable for adults and children follow dosage instructions.
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