cold and flu season Archives - Amazing Health Advances

2025: 6 Natural & Integrative Strategies to Prevent & Fight the Flu

The AHA! Team — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:12:29 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Understanding the Different Types of Influenza. There are four main types of influenza, but Influenza A and B are the most concerning for humans: ✔️ Influenza A – The most severe and capable of causing pandemics. Strains like H1N1 and H3N2 have led to major outbreaks. ✔️ Influenza B – Also responsible for seasonal flu, but does not cause pandemics. ✔️ Influenza C – Causes mild respiratory illness and is not a major health concern. ✔️ Influenza D – Primarily affects cattle and is not known to infect humans. 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: The immune system is your best defense against any strain of the flu. He recommends boosting immunity naturally with a healthy diet, proper rest, hydration, and strategic supplementation. Why the Flu Changes Every Year You may have heard that the flu is “different every year.” This is because of: ✔️ Antigenic drift – Small genetic mutations in the flu virus that cause new variants to appear each year. This is why flu vaccines need to be updated annually. ✔️ Antigenic shift – A major, sudden change in the virus that can lead to a pandemic. 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: Instead of relying solely on yearly flu shots, he suggests strengthening your body’s natural defenses with Vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics, which play a crucial role in immune function. What Makes Some Flu Strains Worse Than Others? Not all flu viruses are created equal. Some are far more severe due to: ✔️ Mutations – Some strains mutate in ways that make them more aggressive. ✔️ Immune response – Certain flu types trigger an intense immune reaction, leading to high fever, inflammation, and respiratory distress. ✔️ Lack of immunity – If a strain is new, most people have little to no immunity, allowing it to spread rapidly. 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: A weak immune system increases the risk of complications. He recommends cutting back on sugar and processed foods, as they can suppress immune function for hours after consumption. How Contagious Is the Flu? The flu spreads easily through: ✔️ Respiratory droplets – Coughing, sneezing, and talking can spread the virus up to six feet. ✔️ Touching contaminated surfaces – The virus can survive for hours to days on objects. ✔️ Before symptoms appear – You can be contagious one day before symptoms start and up to seven days after. 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: Avoid crowded places during flu season, and wash your hands frequently. He also recommends using natural antimicrobials like oregano oil and elderberry to help fight off viral invaders. How Long Does the Flu Virus Last on Surfaces? The flu virus can survive for different lengths of time depending on the surface: ✔️ Hard surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, countertops) – Up to 24–48 hours ✔️ Soft surfaces (clothing, fabric, tissues) – A few hours ✔️ Hands and skin – Minutes to hours 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: Regularly disinfect surfaces in your home using natural antiviral agents like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus. How Do Most People Catch the Flu? The most common ways people get the flu include: ✔️ Direct contact with infected individuals – Being around someone who is sneezing or coughing. ✔️ Touching contaminated objects – Flu germs can linger on surfaces like shopping carts, door handles, and cell phones. ✔️ Poor hand hygiene – Touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) after contact with contaminated objects. 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: One of the simplest yet most effective flu prevention strategies is washing your hands often and keeping your immune system strong with nutrient-dense foods. What to Do When a Family Member Gets the Flu If someone in your home gets sick, take these steps to protect the rest of the family: ✔️ Isolate the sick person – Have them stay in a separate room if possible. ✔️ Use separate utensils and towels – Prevent cross-contamination. ✔️ Disinfect frequently touched areas – Doorknobs, remote controls, and countertops. ✔️ Encourage hydration and rest – Proper fluids and sleep help the body recover faster. ✔️ Wear a mask – If caring for a sick family member, a mask can help reduce exposure. 🔹 Dr. Colbert’s Take: Supporting the body’s natural recovery process is crucial. He recommends bone broth, herbal teas, and immune-boosting supplements like quercetin and vitamin C to speed up recovery. Conventional Approaches: Flu Shots and Antivirals While many doctors recommend annual flu shots, Dr. Colbert believes they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you choose the flu shot, ensure it is thimerosal-free to avoid mercury-based preservatives. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is commonly prescribed to shorten flu duration but may cause side effects such as nausea and dizziness. Dr. Colbert encourages natural antiviral and immune-boosting strategies before resorting to medication. 6 Integrative and Natural Strategies to Strengthen the Immune System 1. Essential Vitamins Vitamin D3: Supports immune function; recommended dosage: 5,000 IU daily. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that combats oxidative stress; take 1,000-2,000 mg daily. Zinc: Antiviral properties that reduce flu symptoms; recommended intake: 25-50 mg daily. 2. Herbal and Natural Remedies Echinacea: Boosts immune response. Oregano Oil: A natural antimicrobial. Garlic: A potent antiviral that strengthens immunity. 3. Probiotics for Gut Health A strong immune system starts with gut health. Probiotics balance gut bacteria and enhance immunity. Consume fermented foods or take a high-quality probiotic supplement. Diet and Nutrition for Flu Prevention Diet plays a crucial role in immune support. Certain foods strengthen immunity, while others compromise it. 4. Foods to Avoid Refined Sugars: Weakens white blood cells, making infections more likely. Hydrogenated Fats: Increase inflammation and slow immune response. Excess Alcohol: Depletes immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc. 5. Foods to Include Leafy Greens: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants for immune defense. Citrus Fruits: High in vitamin C, aiding in flu symptom reduction. Garlic and Onions: Contain natural antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Bone Broth: Supports gut health and provides key immune-enhancing amino acids. Green Supremefood: A nutrient-dense blend of greens, probiotics, and antioxidants for enhanced immunity. 6. Superfood Supplements for Immune Support Green Supremefood: Antioxidants, probiotics, and nutrients to fortify immunity. Immune Support Supplement: A blend of quercetin, zinc, and elderberry, vitamin c and vitamin d3. Nano-Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant for detoxification and immune resilience. Final Thoughts Instead of solely relying on flu shots and medications, strengthening your immune system naturally can make the difference in preparing your body’s natural defenses to ward off the flu. With nutrient-rich foods, strategic supplementation, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can defend and recover from the flu effectively. By taking an integrative approach, you can restore, rebuild, and renew your body’s defenses. After all, God designed our immune system with incredible capabilities—let’s support it the right way! To read the original article click here.

The post 2025: 6 Natural & Integrative Strategies to Prevent & Fight the Flu appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Breaking NEWS: Data Suggests COVID-19 Is NOT Significantly Different in Terms of Deadliness Than Seasonal Flu

AHA Publisher — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 07:00:27 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – We can be sensitive to the fact that an unknown pandemic illness should be handled with care and caution. But it’s hard not to be disillusioned when finding out that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, appears to be far less deadly than previously believed. In fact, new nonprofit research indicates that the fatality rate of COVID-19 isn’t all that much different than the fatality rate of the seasonal flu. The reason we’re finding out more about COVID-19 as time goes on is because of increased antibody testing and other investigative measures that are beginning to draw some answers. Such answers can’t come soon enough, as far as we’re concerned – not when the threat of mass vaccine programs with a rapidly developed drug is bearing down on the global public. Just How Deadly Is COVID-19, Really? Data Suggests Fatality Rate of Pandemic Disease “Comparable” to Seasonal Flu The case fatality rate (CFR) of an infectious disease is calculated by taking the total number of deaths and dividing it by the total number of infections. But when you consider that the the true number of infections of COVID-19 isn’t known, this makes finding an accurate CFR a bit difficult, to say the least. As noted in a recent release by the nonprofit organization Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC), the CFRs of COVID-19 in various American cities are estimated as follows: Los Angeles: 0.12% Santa Clara County (CA): 0.17% Miami-Dade County (FL): 0.23% Arizona: 0.24% New York City: 0.52% These CFRs were estimated based on a combination of public health records and data from research institutions. As you might notice, there isn’t one single CFR of COVID-19 – nor for any type of infectious disease for that matter. Why? Simply because so many different factors can affect how many people end up dying of a disease in different parts of the world, including socioeconomic status, physical environment (think of the microcosm that is NYC), age, overall health status, cultural practices and norms, and (of course) whether testing is even accurate. That said, based on their analysis, PIC was able to determine that the average CFR of COVID-19 is 0.26% (a figure surely brought up by the insane pandemonium that happened in New York City). This figure is “comparable” to CFRs of many previous seasonal and pandemic flu periods. Just take a look at some of them: 2017-2018 flu season: 0.14% 2016-2017 flu season: 0.1% 1957-1960 flu pandemic: 0.28% 1918-1920 flu pandemic (Spanish flu): 2.25% What may be even more surprising to know is who readily admits that COVID-19 may not be all that different than the seasonal flu we experience every year in terms of death rates: Dr. Anthony Fauci himself! Along with his colleagues, Dr. Fauci recently acknowledged in a March 2020 article from The New England Journal of Medicine that if one were to assume “that the number of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic cases is several times as high as the number of reported cases, the case fatality rate may be considerably less than 1%. This suggests that the overall clinical consequences of COVID-19 may ultimately be more akin to those of a severe seasonal influenza.” Right. And yet we certainly don’t go around shutting down the economy during severe flu seasons, do we? Even while being a bit more conservative than Fauci’s assumption, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still estimates that well over a third (35%) of all SARS-CoV-2 infections are asymptomatic and therefore, we can presume, undiagnosed and unreported. When these unreported cases are factored in, says PIC, we end up with the overall CFR for COVID-19 of 0.26% – or, as Dr. Fauci said, “considerably less than 1%.” Meanwhile, the CDC estimates that for the 2019-2020 flu season, as many as 62,000 flu deaths have occurred in the U.S. Importantly, this number is based only on flu-related deaths occurring in hospitals, and does not include non-hospitalized people who may have died of the flu this year. Hands up: how many of us “forgot” about the flu season this year … maybe because the media seemed to forget all about it, too? As the Push for COVID-19 Vaccine Increases, Doctors Warn Against Mass Vaccination and Express Concern for Public Safety Making vaccines is big profitable business. And even though some people are calling for any future COVID-19 vaccine to be free to the public, plenty of other experts are exercising necessary caution over the urge to mass vaccinate. For example, founder and president of PIC, Dr. Shira Miller, logically points out that “safety studies of any potential COVID-19 vaccine should be able to prove whether or not the risks of the vaccine are less than the risks of the infection.” She goes on to add: “Regardless of proof of safety, however, a potential COVID-19 vaccine should only be voluntary, in order to safeguard a patient’s human right to determine what will happen with his or her body.” Here, here! Even the suggestion that we must “prove” we are immune to COVID-19 with a vaccine certificate or immunity passport is absurd and frighteningly Orwellian. And as we learn more every day about the true impact and severity of COVID-19 for the vast majority of people, the idea of a mass vaccine for COVID-19 becomes a harder and harder pill to swallow, no pun intended. Sources used for this article include: Physiciansforinformedconsent.org, Physiciansforinformedconsent.org, Livescience.com, CDC.gov, Time.com, NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Breaking NEWS: Data Suggests COVID-19 Is NOT Significantly Different in Terms of Deadliness Than Seasonal Flu appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

8 COVID-19 Myths

AHA Publisher — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:00:42 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – In the age of information, it’s challenging to keep everything straight with any disease, even those that have been around for centuries. As for a new virus unknown to humans before? Almost impossible. There’s a lot of information out there, and unfortunately, a lot of it is misinformation and COVID-19 myths. In fact, due to the rapid onset of this pandemic, and even the possible mutations of the virus itself, information has been false, or at least not currently. Here are 8 COVID-19 myths as we know at this time. As you continue to follow recommendations and information online, be sure to look for up-to-date postings. 8 COVID-19 Myths 1. MYTH: COVID-19 IS NO WORSE THAN THE SEASONAL FLU There were many initial reports pointing out how many die every year from flu to reduce worry about COVID-19. However, we now know that COVID-19 has a higher transmissibility rate and a higher case fatality rate – about 10-20 times that of the seasonal flu. And, the bigger issue is our lack of established immunity as humans. The COVID-19 virus is a novel coronavirus; it was not previously found in humans, but only animals. As humans, we don’t have an immunity to it, so it’s more difficult for our bodies to respond quickly enough to fight the initial infection and/or progression of it. 2. MYTH: SENIORS AND THE ELDERLY ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SHOULD TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS. While the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are a risk of being most severely sick, people of all ages can become sick with COVID-19. Although a lot of initial data indicated that only a very low percentage of children get COVID-19 (<1% in China) (1), many now think that their symptoms were simply so mild they were not suspected of having it, but may have passed it onto others. What’s more, infants under 1 year of age had about the same mortality rate as the elderly in at least one study on the Chinese population. Since children may be able to spread this coronavirus without even showing symptoms (see below), and can still potentially face difficult symptoms, everyone should take precautions no matter their age. 3. MYTH: YOU’RE CONTAGIOUS ONLY IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS. This is one of the biggest issues to containing the spread of COVID-19; there are generally several days between contracting the virus and showing symptoms, and you can spread it before symptoms start. What’s more, some people will never have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus, and they can still transfer it to others. In fact, it’s now estimated that up to 10% of the cases in China were transmitted by someone who never had symptoms (2). 4. MYTH: THE VIRUS WILL DISAPPEAR WHEN IT GETS WARMER. While this virus does seem to thrive in colder, dryer environments, there’s no great evidence that it will die off due to warmer weather. Unfortunately, there are known cases in warm environments around the world already. 5. MYTH: STAYING AT HOME IS NECESSARY ONLY IF YOU’RE SICK. Earlier in the pandemic, the recommendation was to stay home if you had symptoms. Now that we know you can carry and spread COVID-19 even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s imperative that almost everyone stays home to stop the spread. As we avoid physical contact and close proximity with anyone outside our home, we’re hoping to reduce transmission from airborne particles from spittle, sneezes, coughs, etc. 6. MYTH: EVERYONE’S SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE SIMILAR. While the COVID-19 virus is especially harmful to the respiratory system, the reported symptoms and severity of each have varied widely. Many people experience headaches, muscle aches, and fever. For others, it’s almost entirely respiratory symptoms. At least one study has stated that approximately 50% of 200 patients studied in the original Wuhan China outbreak also experience gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea (3). 7. MYTH: COVID-19 ONLY LIVES IN THE AIR MINUTES AFTER A SNEEZE OR COUGH After a sneeze of a cough, the COVID-19 virus can actually live in the air for up to 3 hours. In fact, scientists have confirmed that it is detectable in aerosols for hours. Think about that. Hours before you enter a store or building, the virus could be coughed into the air and still be there when you breathe it. What’s more, it can live on cardboard for a day, and plastic and stainless steel for 3 days. The amount of virus does diminish on the surface over these timeframes (4). While there’s not much you can do about what happens to the air hours before you arrive somewhere, here’s what you can do: Stay home as much as possible to minimize your risk If you’re at high risk of severe symptoms, wear a mask Wear gloves or sanitize your hands before and after all interactions with public surfaces and spaces 8. MYTH: ONCE YOU’VE HAD COVID-19, YOU ARE SAFE AND WILL NOT GET IT AGAIN. Unfortunately, this is not known for sure. But, experts suspect that immunity to COVID-19 is similar to other common coronavirus colds, and is likely short-term. The takeaway? Even if you’ve have COVID-19 and are recovered, still practice all the same precautions as are recommended for everyone else. Stay home. Practice social distancing. Wash hands and sanitize. Bottom Line While a lot of the truth that’s coming out from new studies is scary, the more correct information we have the better equipped we are to avoid and fight this virus. COVID-19 myths are rampant, but the recommendations are clear. Stay home, wash hands, and sanitize. Stay diligent and don’t let up your precautions. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

The post 8 COVID-19 Myths appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Loss of Smell Hints at Coronavirus Infection

AHA Publisher — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 07:00:54 +0000

King’s College London via News-Medical Net – The most common signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include fever, dry cough, and difficulty of breathing. But patients who were infected recall another bizarre symptom tied to the coronavirus infection – loss of smell. Doctors from across the globe are reporting cases of patients with COVID-19 who experienced anosmia, or the loss of their sense of smell and others lose their sense of taste or ageusia. In the latest report based on the data gathered from the COVID Symptom Tracker app suggests that one symptom tied to coronavirus infection is losing one’s sense of taste and smell. The app, which was developed by scientists at King’s College London as part of a Twins UK study, focuses on determining the symptoms most experienced by patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease. App Symptoms Tracker The app was downloaded by about 1.5 million users between Mar. 24 and 29. Based on the analysis of the data gathered by the app, about 26 percent of all users reported one or more symptoms. About 1,702 of the users had the coronavirus test, where 579 people tested positive, and 1,123 had negative results. Among those who tested positive with COVID-19, 59 percent had experienced the loss of smell and taste. In fact, the symptoms can be a predictive factor in diagnosing COVID-19, or in having the person get a test, than self-reported fever. Fever can be caused by a variety of factors, unlike the loss of smell and taste, which were seen in previous coronavirus outbreaks. With all the information gathered by the users, the team developed a model to determine which combination of symptoms could predict positive COVID-19 cases. The team found that the most reliable predictor is the loss of smell and taste. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, persistent cough, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. In some instances, people experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea. Further, the team found that nearly 13 percent of about 400,000 people reporting symptoms who had not yet been tested for COVID-19 are more likely to be infected by the virus, which means an extra 50,000 people are likely to have COVID-19 but have not been confirmed yet. The app was developed by King’s College London scientists, in partnership with the Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, a healthcare start-up called ZOE Global LTD, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Center. The app’s aim and purpose are to help researchers understand how the virus spreads, the progression of COVID-19, and how many people have symptoms. Loss of Smell Loss of smell happens with the common colds and other viral infections, especially those affecting the nose and throat. Reports from doctors who handled patients with coronavirus say that the loss of smell may be one of the first symptoms of COVID-19. In fact, doctors have reported that up to 70 percent of patients who tested positive for the coronavirus experience anosmia and ageusia. Some countries affected, such as Iran, China, Italy, Germany, and France have all reported cases of the coronavirus disease where patients reported a temporary loss in their sense of taste or smell. Both symptoms were found in many patients, even in the absence of other symptoms. Public Health England has received reports about anosmia as an early sign of COVID-19 infection. Hence, health officials urged health care personnel always to employ full personal protective equipment (PPE) when dealing with patients, especially if they report anosmia as a symptom. “This primary research is only possible thanks to the 1.8 million citizen scientists logging their symptoms every day. This also gives us an evolving map of the UK of where symptoms are occurring two to three weeks before a strain on the NHS, which is why it’s vital to continue logging your health and symptoms, even when you feel completely healthy, and encourage others to use the app,” Professor Tim Spector, lead researcher, said. Further research is needed to definitively show how our sense of smell is affected by COVID-19. Still, it appears that anosmia may signal an infection. To read the original article click here.

The post Loss of Smell Hints at Coronavirus Infection appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Lessons From the Spanish Flu: Early Restrictions Lowered Disease, Mortality Rates

AHA Publisher — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 07:00:27 +0000

Loyola University Health System via EurekAlert – Large events are cancelled, restaurants and non-essential businesses are closed, and in many states, residents have been asked to shelter in place, all to limit the spread and impact of the COVID-19 virus. But are strict and early isolation and other preventative mandates really effective in minimizing the spread and impact of a disease outbreak? Stefan E. Pambuccian, MD, a Loyola Medicine cytologist, surgical pathologist and professor and vice chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, has reviewed published data and research from three papers dating back to the 1918-19 Spanish flu pandemic, which infected one-fifth to one-third of the world’s population and killed 50 million people. According to the data and analysis, cities that adopted early, broad isolation and prevention measures–closing of schools and churches, banning of mass gatherings, mandated mask wearing, case isolation and disinfection/hygiene measures–had lower disease and mortality rates. These cities included San Francisco, St. Louis, Milwaukee and Kansas City, which collectively had 30% to 50% lower disease and mortality rates than cities that enacted fewer and later restrictions. One analysis showed that these cities also had greater delays in reaching peak mortality, and the duration of these measures correlated with a reduced total mortality burden. “The stricter the isolation policies, the lower the mortality rate,” says Dr. Pambuccian. He studied the Spanish flu, including prevention measures and outcomes, to help develop standards for staffing and safety in the cytology lab, where infectious diseases like the COVID-19 virus are diagnosed and studied at the cellular level. His broader article appeared online this week in the Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology. Like today, not everyone in 1918 and 1919 thought the strict measures were appropriate or effective at the time. An estimated 675,000 people died in the U.S. from the Spanish flu, “and there was skepticism that these policies were actually working,” says Dr. Pambuccian. “But they obviously did make a difference.” In 1918, the world was still at war “with overcrowded barracks,” and much of the U.S. lived with “poverty, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, household/community-level crowding, and a lack of preparation of the population and decision makers due to cognitive inertia and poor medical and insufficient nursing care,” says Dr. Pambuccian. “Although the world is a much different place than it was 100 years ago, the efficacy of the measures instituted during the 1918-19 pandemic gives us hope that the current measures will also limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” To read the original article click here.

The post Lessons From the Spanish Flu: Early Restrictions Lowered Disease, Mortality Rates appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How and Where to Allocate Stockpiled Ventilators During a Pandemic

AHA Publisher — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 07:00:26 +0000

Mary Ann Liebert, INC./Genetic Engineering News via EurekAlert – Key factors must be taken into account in determining the need for and allocation of scarce ventilators during a severe pandemic, especially one causing respiratory illness. New Rochelle, NY, March 20, 2020–Strategies to help state and local planners in allocating stockpiled ventilators to healthcare facilities, including pre-pandemic actions and actions to be taken during the pandemic, are detailed in a timely article published in Health Security, a peer-reviewed journal from by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. Click here to read the full-text article free on the Health Security website. Lisa Koonin, Health Preparedness Partners, and colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, GA), coauthored the article entitled “Strategies to Inform Allocation of Stockpiled Ventilators to Healthcare Facilities During a Pandemic.” Prior to a pandemic, planners should determine existing inventories and facilities’ ability to make use of additional ventilators in the event of a public health emergency. This information needs to be updated at the time of a pandemic. Determining where to allocate stockpiled ventilators should be based on an assessment of need, the consideration of ethical principles discussed in the article, the ability of facilities to absorb additional ventilators, and the ability to ensure access to ventilators for vulnerable or high-risk populations. “Ventilators will be pivotal to saving countless lives in this COVID pandemic. Understanding CDC’s plans and recommendations for state and local planners around ventilator management in this kind of crisis will be key for helping them make decisions under very difficult conditions,” says Editor-in-Chief Thomas V. Inglesby, MD, Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Baltimore, MD. To read the original article click here.

The post How and Where to Allocate Stockpiled Ventilators During a Pandemic appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How to Boost Your Immune System — Top 19 Boosters

AHA Publisher — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 07:00:55 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – We are continually exposed to organisms that are inhaled, swallowed or inhabit our skin and mucous membranes. Whether or not these organisms lead to disease is decided by the integrity of our body’s defense mechanisms, or immune system. When our immune system is working properly, we don’t even notice it. But when we have an under- or over-active immune system, we are at a greater risk of developing infections and other health conditions. If you are wondering how to boost your immune system, be advised that it doesn’t necessarily happen over night. It’s a matter of strengthening your immune response with lifestyle changes and the use of immune-boosting antimicrobial and antiviral herbs. But hopefully you find comfort in knowing that your body is made to combat germs and protect your body from harm. What Is the Immune System? The immune system is an interactive network of organs, white blood cells and proteins that protect the body from viruses and bacteria or any foreign substances. The immune system works to neutralize and remove pathogens like bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi that enter the body, recognize and neutralize harmful substances from the environment, and fight against the body’s own cells that have changes due to an illness. Our immune system works to protect us every day, and we don’t even notice it. But when the performance of our immune system is compromised, that’s when we face illness. Research indicates that underactivity of the immune system can result in severe infections and tumors of immunodeficiency, while overactivity results in allergic and autoimmune diseases. For our body’s natural defenses to run smoothly, the immune system must be able to differentiate between “self” and “non-self” cells, organisms and substances. Here’s a breakdown of the differences: “Non-self” substances are called antigens, which includes the proteins on the surfaces of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Cells of the immune system detect the presence of antigens and work to defend themselves. “Self” substances are proteins on the surface of our own cells. Normally, the immune system has already learned at an earlier stage to identify these cells proteins as “self,” but when it identifies its own body as “non-self,” and fights it, this is called an autoimmune reaction. The amazing thing about the immune system is that it’s constantly adapting and learning so that the body can fight against bacteria or viruses that change over time. There are two parts of the immune system: Our innate immune system works as a general defense against pathogens. Our adaptive immune system targets very specific pathogens that the body has already has contact with. These two immune systems complement each other in any reaction to a pathogen or harmful substance. Immune System Diseases Before learning exactly how to boost your immune system, first understand that most immune disorders result from either an excessive immune response or an autoimmune attack. Disorders of the immune system include: Allergies and Asthma: Allergies are a immune-mediated inflammatory response to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens. The body overreacts to an allergen, causing an immune reaction and allergy symptoms. This can result in one or more allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and food allergies. Immune Deficiency Diseases: An immune deficiency disease is when the immune system is missing one or more of its parts, and it reacts too slowly to a threat. Immune deficiency conditions, like HIV/AIDS and drug-induced immune deficiency, are due to a severe impairment of the immune system, which leads to infections that are sometimes life-threatening. Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases cause your immune system to attack your own body’s cells and tissues in response to an unknown trigger. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Immune System Boosters When searching for how to boost your immune system, look to these herbs, foods, supplements, essential oils and lifestyle factors. Herbs 1. Echinacea Many of echinacea’s chemical constituents are powerful immune system stimulants that can provide significant therapeutic value. Research shows that one of the most significant echinacea benefits is its effects when used on recurring infections. A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that echinacea showed maximal effects on recurrent infections, and preventive effects increased when participants used echinacea to prevent the common cold. A 2003 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin Medical School found that echinacea demonstrates significant immunomodulatory activities. After reviewing several dozen human experiments, including a number of blind randomized trials, researchers indicate that echinacea has several benefits, including immunostimulation, especially in the treatment of acute upper respiratory infection. 2. Elderberry The berries and flowers of the elder plant have been used as medicine for thousands of years. Even Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” understood that this plant was key for how to boost your immune system. He used elderberrybecause of its wide array of health benefits, including its ability to fight colds, the flu, allergies and inflammation. Several studies indicate that elderberry has the power to boost the immune system, especially because it has proven to help treat the symptoms of the common cold and flu. A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research shows that when elderberry was used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract reduced the duration of the flu, with symptoms being relieved on an average of four days earlier. Plus, the use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. 3. Astragalus Root Astragalus is a plant within the bean and legumes family that has a very long history as an immune system booster and disease fighter. Its root has been used as an adaptogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Although astragalus is one of the least studied immune-boosting herbs, there are some preclinical trials that show intriguing immune activity. A recent review published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that astragalus-based treatments have demonstrated significant improvement of the toxicity induced by drugs such as immunosuppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics. Researchers concluded that astragalus extract has a beneficial effect on the immune system, and it protects the body from gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers. 4. Ginseng The ginseng plant, belonging to the Panax genus, can help you to boost your immune system and fight infections. The roots, stems and leaves of ginseng have been used for maintaining immune homeostasis and enhancing resistance to illness or infection. Ginseng improves the performance of your immune system by regulating each type of immune cell, including macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T cells and B cells. It has also proven to possess antimicrobial compounds that work as a defense mechanism against bacterial and viral infections. A study published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine suggests that ginseng extract successfully induces antigen-specific antibody responses when it’s administered orally. Antibodies bind to antigens, such as toxins or viruses, and keep them from contacting and harming normal cells of the body. Because of ginseng’s ability to play a role in antibody production, it helps the body to fight invading microorganisms or pathogenic antigens. Foods 5. Bone Broth Bone broth supports immune function by promoting the health of your gut and reducing inflammation caused by leaky gut syndrome. The collagen and amino acids (proline, glutamine and arginine) found in bone broth help to seal openings in the gut lining and support its integrity. We know that gut health plays a major role in immune function, so consuming bone broth works as an excellent immune system booster food. 6. Ginger Ayurvedic medicine has relied on ginger’s ability for how to boost your immune system before recorded history. It’s believed that ginger helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in our organs due to its warming effects. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. Ginger root and ginger essential oil can treat a wide range of diseases with its immunonutrition and anti-inflammatory responses. Research shows that ginger has antimicrobial potential, which helps in treating infectious diseases. It’s also known for its ability to treat inflammatory disorders that are caused by infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as physical and chemical agents like heat, acid and cigarette smoke. 7. Green Tea Studies evaluating the efficacy of green tea show that it contains antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. It works as an antifungal and antivirus agent, and may be helpful for immunocompromised patients. Strengthen your immune system by drinking a good-quality green tea daily. The antioxidants and amino acids present in this tea will help your body to fight germs and get well. 8. Vitamin C Foods Vitamin C foods, like citrus fruits and red bell peppers, improve the health of your immune system by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies display that getting enough vitamin C (along with zinc) in your diet may help to reduce the symptoms of respiratory infections and shorten the duration of illnesses like the common cold and bronchitis. The best vitamin C foods to add for a strong immune system include: citrus fruits, including orange, lemon and grapefruit black currant guava green and red bell pepper pineapple mango honeydew parsley 9. Beta-Carotene Foods Beta-carotene has powerful antioxidant activity, allowing it to help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress. Instead of taking beta-carotene supplements, researchers propose that beta-carotene can promote health when taken at dietary levels, by eating foods rich in the carotenoid. The richest sources of beta-carotene are yellow, orange and red fruits and veggies, and leafy greens. Adding the following foods to your diet can help promote a strong immune system: carrot juice pumpkin sweet potato red bell peppers apricot kale spinach collard greens Supplements 10. Probiotics Because leaky gut is a major cause of food sensitivities, autoimmune disease and immune imbalance or a weakened immune system, it’s important to consume probiotic foods and supplements. Probiotics are good bacteria that help you digest nutrients that boost the detoxification of your colon and support your immune system. Research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition suggests that probiotic organisms may induce different cytokine responses. Supplementation of probiotics in infancy could help prevent immune-mediated diseases in childhood by improving the gut mucosal immune system and increasing the number of immunoglobulin cells and cytokine-producing cells in the intestines. 11. Vitamin D Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses and a vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection. Research proves that vitamin D works to maintain tolerance and promote protective immunity. There have been multiple cross-sectional studies that associate lower levels of vitamin D with increased infection. One study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital included 19,000 participants, and it showed that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to report a recent upper respiratory tract infection than those with sufficient levels, even after adjusting for variables such as season, age, gender, body mass and race. Sometimes addressing a nutritional deficiency is how to boost your immune system. 12. Zinc Zinc supplements are often used as an over-the-counter remedy for fighting colds and other illnesses. It may help to reduce cold-related symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold. Research evaluating the efficacy of zinc shows that it can interfere with a molecular process that causes bacteria buildup in the nasal passages. Essential Oils 13. Myrrh Myrrh is a resin, or sap-like substance, that is one of the most widely used essential oils in the world. Historically, myrrh was used to treat hay fever, clean and heal wounds and stop bleeding. Studies conclude that myrrh strengthens the immune system with its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. A 2012 study validated myrrh’s enhanced antimicrobial efficacy when used in combination with frankincense oil against a selection of pathogens. Researchers expressed that myrrh oil has...

The post How to Boost Your Immune System — Top 19 Boosters appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

COVID-19 Appears Less Severe in Children, Says Review in Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal

AHA Publisher — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 07:00:55 +0000

Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins via Newswise – Like previous epidemic coronaviruses, “SARS-CoV-2 [seems] to cause fewer symptoms and less severe disease in children compared with adults…” Newswise — March 13, 2020 – As outbreaks of COVID-19 disease caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue worldwide, there’s reassuring evidence that children have fewer symptoms and less severe disease. That’s among the insights provided by an expert review in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, the official journal of The European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. Like previous epidemic coronaviruses, “SARS-CoV-2 [seems] to cause fewer symptoms and less severe disease in children compared with adults,” according to the review by Petra Zimmerman, MD, PhD, of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland and Nigel Curtis, FRCPCH, PhD, of University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia. They summarize available evidence on coronavirus infections in children, including COVID-19. “There is some suggestion that children are just as likely as adults to become infected with the virus but are less likely to be unwell or develop severe symptoms,” Drs. Zimmerman and Curtis write. “However, the importance of children in transmitting the virus remains uncertain.” The Evidence on SARS-CoV-2 – Focusing on Risks to Children Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause infection and disease in animals. “Coronaviruses are capable of rapid mutation and recombination, leading to novel coronaviruses that can spread from animals to humans,” Drs. Zimmerman and Curtis write. There are four coronaviruses that circulate in humans, mostly causing respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms – ranging from the common cold to severe disease. Over the past two decades, there have been three major disease outbreaks due to novel coronaviruses: SARS-CoV in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and now SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Arising in the Chinese city of Wuhan, SARS-Cov-2 spread rapidly around the world and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. “The term COVID-19 is used for the clinical disease caused by SARS-CoV-2,” according to the authors. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 appears similar to that of the related SARS and MERS coronaviruses, but with a lower fatality rate. SARS-CoV-2 can still cause serious and life-threatening infections – particularly in older people and those with pre-existing health conditions. What are the risks for children from SARS-CoV-2? It’s a pressing question for pediatric infectious disease specialists and concerned parents alike. Children appear to have milder clinical symptoms than adults and to be at substantially lower risk of severe disease – which was also true in the SARS and MERS epidemics. In Chinese data from February 2020, children and adolescents accounted for only two percent of SARS-CoV-2 hospitalizations, Drs. Zimmerman and Curtis write. However, as children are less frequently symptomatic and have less severe symptoms they are less often tested, which might lead to an underestimate of the true numbers infected. Also, children are less frequently exposed to the main sources of transmission. Again based on Chinese data, “Most infected children recover one to two weeks after the onset of symptoms, and no deaths had been reported by February 2020,” the researchers add. Most reported infections with SARS-CoV-2 have occurred in children with a documented household contact. Children with COVID-19 may be more likely to develop gastrointestinal symptoms. The experts also review the diagnostic findings (laboratory tests and imaging studies) of children with COVID-19 laboratory and imaging findings in children. Whole genome sequencing approaches have enabled rapid development of molecular diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2. For now, treatment is supportive; no specific antiviral medications are available. Several approaches are being considered for development of new drugs and vaccines – some targeting a “spike glycoprotein” involved in interactions between coronaviruses and cells. Until such treatment and preventive measures are available, the researchers emphasize the importance of the full range of strategies for controlling SARS-CoV-2 – as for the “highly effective global public health response” that led to containment of the SARS epidemic. To read the original article click here.

The post COVID-19 Appears Less Severe in Children, Says Review in Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Expert Who Studies History of Epidemics: ‘Panic May Be the Worst Possible Response’

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:00:27 +0000

Virginia Tech via Newswise – A Virginia Tech professor who studies the history of international epidemics says the United States “should look to history for guidance on how to interpret news reports” about the spread of SARS-CoV-2, previously known as the 2019 novel coronavirus. “Our goal should be to deliver accurate information, convey appropriate levels of concern and encourage effective preventive measures,” E. Thomas Ewing wrote in The Washington Post today. Among other topics, Ewing studies the history of influenza epidemics; the history of information, knowledge, and data; and Russian and world history. Ewing calls on the public to be judicious about where they get their news, and to place what’s being reported in the proper context. “As consumers of media and as members of a community where collective decisions affect outcomes for individuals, we must learn to use historical examples to guide decisions about promoting good health,” Ewing wrote. In November 2019, Ewing wrote a similar piece in The Washington Post headlined “How the media can help fight the flu.” Published before the global community became aware of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Ewing wrote that “coverage should focus more on preventing common ailments and less on rare diseases, deaths and hysteria.” “While illnesses, ranging from the rare to fairly common, claim lives every day, we must understand these ailments in context. The media’s coverage of disease ought to be focused on what Americans can do to prevent the spread of communicable conditions, beginning each year with the flu. An emphasis on preventive measures, not the most tragic cases, will better help to contain any outbreaks, possibly decrease the number of deaths and certainly reinforce the public’s trust in expert guidance.” This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

The post Expert Who Studies History of Epidemics: ‘Panic May Be the Worst Possible Response’ appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.