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Anti-Aging Strategies for Health and Longevity This year we have had quite a scare regarding influenza vaccine shortages in the United States. Programmed to believe that “one shot” may fix all possible flu infections, we forget that there are many different flu strains which affect the population. A global network of laboratories coordinated by the World Health Organization identifies and monitors new virus strains around the world. Based on the strains in circulation at the time, a new vaccine is formulated. Historically, outbreaks of the flu have been cyclic and unpredictable according to the Center for Disease Control. Flu outbreaks usually occur yearly, but the beginning, severity, and length of these vary from year to year and of course, before a season begins, it isn’t possible to accurately predict its pattern. This unpredictability is caused by the high level of immunity to the old strain and lack of immunity to the new strain within the human population. The new strain, provided that it possesses intrinsic viral properties such as virulence and transmissiblility, can cause a major outbreak of the flu even to those vaccinated, because an unpredicted virus may emerge after the vaccine has been manufactured and distributed, resulting in an infection. Over 500,000 deaths have occurred in the United States from epidemic influenza in the past twenty years. (1) Symptoms and Diagnosis of Influenza Influenza is a respiratory disease spread via airborne droplets of infected respiratory fluid (from the coughing and sneezing of an infected person). Influenza almost never causes gastrointestinal symptoms and should not be confused with “stomach flu,” which is characterized by vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Doctors diagnose influenza by the presence of flu symptoms in the community and whether the patient’s complaints fit the current pattern. Rarely is laboratory testing used to identify the virus. Flu viruses can be classified into three groups: types A, B, and C. Type A is the most prevalent and is associated with the most serious epidemics. Type B is milder and has rarely been associated with epidemics, and type C has never been associated with epidemic outbreaks. Usual flu symptoms include: • Fever and chills Treatments The most common treatment for flu is bed rest, plenty of fluids, and aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve the symptoms of fever and discomfort. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. New pharmaceutical drugs used in Europe are showing promise. Consult with your medical doctor for recommendations. There are also alternative therapies that can shorten the duration and severity of the flu and can help to avoid complications. • Oscillococcinum (a homeopathic remedy available in health food stores). When taken at the very first sign of the flu, this may totally stop the progress of the flu. • Echinacea liquid herbal extract at a dose of six full droppers in a small amount of water, followed by two full droppers every two waking hours until the two-ounce bottle is empty. Also consider taking 300mg of astragalus extract. • Elderberry extract (called sambucol) has been shown to keep the influenza virus from entering the cells. Sambucol should be taken in doses of one tablespoon, four times daily. Building the Immune System A simple definition of the immune system according to the Encyclopedia Britannica is that it is a complex network of organs containing cells that recognize foreign substances in the body and destroy them. It protects against pathogens, or infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other parasites. Although there are many potentially harmful pathogens, no pathogen can invade or attack all organisms because a pathogen’s ability to cause harm requires a susceptible victim, and not all organisms are susceptible to the same pathogens. After the age of 65, most people’s immune systems weaken and they are more prone to serious infections. This is why MDs are very concerned about providing flu vaccinations to this age group, hoping to protect them from getting the flu. Another concern is the prevalence of dehydration in the elderly during bouts of the flu. As mentioned in last month’s column, dehydration is a very serious condition that can result in illness and hospitalizations. (3) The following are recommendations from research and practice to help to build the immune system . • Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably organic if available. People of retirement age and older, whose immune systems generally become compromised as part of the aging process, may reduce their risk of serious illness, such as cancer and heart disease, by eating fruits and vegetables and the material found in them, especially people whose immune systems have been diminished. (4) • Consume powerful antioxidants such as pomegranates and cherries. Since much healing occurs while we are sleeping, a great night time immune system builder is a glass of cherry or pomegranate juice mixed with 1–2 packets of Alacer Emergen-C Lite. If you have a scratchy throat or are feeling like a cold is coming on, drink this, go to sleep and you will be surprised at how good you will feel in the morning. Balch in Prescription for Nutritional Healing recommends the following supplements and foods to add to your health regime: • Two of the most common immune suppressors include stress and an incorrect diet, especially a diet high in fat and refined processed foods, i.e. fast foods. • Supply your immune system with adequate amounts of the following nutrients and administer as suggested on the bottles or by your health care practitioner: • Vitamin A is the anti-infection vitamin. • Vitamin C is the most important vitamin for the immune system and is essential for the formation of adrenal hormones and the production of lymphocytes. It also has a direct effect on bacteria and viruses. It should be taken with bioflavonoids, natural plant substances that enhance absorption and reinforce its action. • Vitamin E interacts with vitamins A and C and the mineral selenium, acting as a primary antioxidant and scavenger of toxic free radicals. Vitamin E activity is an integral part of the body’s defense system. • Zinc boosts the immune response and promotes the healing of wounds when used in appropriate doses (100 milligrams or less daily). It also helps to protect the liver. Doses over 100 milligrams per day may actually depress immune function. • Begin a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably raw and organic) plus nuts, seeds, grains, and other foods that are naturally high in fiber. • Include chlorella, garlic and pearl barley in the diet. These foods contain germanium, a trace element beneficial for the immune system. Also add kelp to your diet in the form of red kelp or brown kelp. Kelp contains iodine, calcium, iron, carotene, protein, riboflavin, and vitamin C which are necessary for the immune system’s functional integrity. • Consume “green drinks” daily. Good products are KyoGreen, Green Magma and Dr. Schulze’s SuperFood. • Avoid processed foods, sugar and soda. • Be sure to get sufficient sleep to avoid stress. • Get regular moderate exercise (but don’t overdo it). Exercise reduces stress and elevates mood when you are feeling depressed, which has a positive effect on immune response. In addition, T lymphocyte production is stimulated by exercise. • Avoid overeating. • Do not smoke and be moderate in your intake of caffeine and alcoholic beverages. • Do not take drugs except for those prescribed by your physician. We hope these suggestions help you to have a flu-free season. Sources: 1. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Steven and Rose Novil are both doctors of nutrition and naturopathy. Steven practices in Chicago and has lectured at international conferences on Anti-Aging as well as locally, and is an advisor to major supplement companies. In addition to her degrees in health, Rose is also a Professor of Library Services, consulting with Steven and researching new developments in the field of Anti-Aging. Their goal is to help people become pro-active and informed partners in creating their own personal anti-aging programs. Readers are reminded to always check with their health care provider before starting any health regimen. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease; it is for educational purposes only. Steven can be reached by phone at 312-458-9676 (24 hour voicemail) or at livonlivon@yahoo.com. |
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