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One Virus Particle Is Enough To Cause Infectious Disease

Sep 05

ENERhance
Boost and Restore Energy: natural herbs, vitamins & minerals

Secondary Benefits

  • ********************************************************************

One Virus Particle Is Enough To Cause Infectious Disease

ScienceDaily (Mar. 14, 2009) — Can exposure to a single virus particle lead to infection or disease? Until now, solid proof has been lacking. Experimental research with insect larvae at Wageningen University and Simon Fraser University in Canada has shown that one virus particle is theoretically enough to cause infection and subsequent disease.

A virus population is usually composed of a collection of variants of virus particles. In order to  investigate whether virus particles (virions) can cause an infection independently from each other, and therefore individually, the researchers set up an experiment with two ‘marked’ virus variants. They exposed a population of hosts (caterpillars) to both variants.

The experiment showed that exposure to a low dosage of virus particles resulted in a small number host infections (20%). The majority of these hosts (86%) turned out to be infected by a single virus genotype. In contrast, exposure to a high dosage of virus particles resulted in virtually all the hosts (99%) becoming infected, where most of the hosts were infected by both types of virus. Only 14% were infected by only one of the two variants.

Based on the assumption that every virus particle operates independently from all other virus particles, the researchers set up a probability model. This model predicts how many virus particles have caused an infection and how many different virus genotypes are present in infected hosts, such as plants, insects or people. The results of the infection experiment with the susceptible insects are in agreement with the model predictions. From this it can be derived that the virus particles have an independent effect, and that a single virus particle can indeed cause infection and/or disease.

If there are few virus particles that lead to an infection, the number of virus particles determines the degree of diversity that can be present within the host. This is an important finding because the interactions between virus variants, such as competition and exchanging genetic information, determine the progression of disease and the evolution of the virus.

Until now, it was unclear whether a virus must be seen as an individual that can infect a host independently, or whether a cloud of viruses ‘cooperates’ to cause an infection. It is not yet known if the viruses that affect people can also act individually, but this research shows that it is possible.

The researchers recently published this finding in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.


Journal reference:

1. Mark P Zwart, Lia Hemerik, Jenny S Cory, J. Arjan G.M de Visser, Felix J.J.A Bianchi, Monique M Van Oers, Just M Vlak, Rolf F Hoekstra, and Wopke Van der Werf. An experimental test of the independent action hypothesis in virus%u2013insect pathosystems. Proc. R. Soc. B, 2009; DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2009.0064..Adapted from materials provided by Wageningen University and Research Centre.

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Influenza And Bacterial Pneumonia Make For Harmful Super-infection

Jul 23

ENERhance

Boost and Restore Energy: natural herbs, vitamins & minerals

Secondary Benefits

  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Helps individuals speed recovery from illnesses
  • Contains Astragalus, Poria seed, Ginseng, Reishi Mushroom
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Influenza And Bacterial Pneumonia Make For Harmful Super-infection

ScienceDaily

Influenza, or flu, is an unpleasant affair with fever, cough, as well as head and body ache.
When this illness is further complicated by a
bacterialpneumonia, a harmful super-infection develops. Until now, researchers thought
that the flu facilitates an infection with pneumonia bacteria because it leads
to a decrease of immune cells in the blood and thus impairs the body's
defenses.
A joint venture from researchers from the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection
Research (HZI) in Braunschweig, the Otto-von-Guericke-University in Magdeburg,
and the Karolinska institute in Sweden have taken an in-depth look at the
connection between flu infection and pneumonia. Their results have disproven a
common theory about flu-like pneumonia.

Some viral infections trigger a decrease of immune cells in the blood – a
so-called "lymphopenia". The reasons behind it and whether this is
the case with influenza are unknown. To investigate the latter, HZI researchers
infected mice with flu viruses and measured the amount of immune cells in the
animal's blood every day. Some days later, flu-infected mice received a dosage
of pneumonia bacteria usually harmless for healthy mice. While the flu-infected
mice did develop a superinfection & subsequently died, surprisingly, they
were not suffering from lymphopenia. The healthy, non-flu-infected mice
defeated the bacteria successfully and recovered.

To discover whether a lack of immune cells encourages an infection with
pneumonia bacteria in general, an artificial drug-induced lymphopenia was
established in the mice. Without infecting these lymphopenic mice with flu
viruses, they received pneumonia bacteria. Despite a severe lack of immune
cells, the mice recovered completely.

With these results, the researchers could show that influenza facilitates
and intensifies an infection from pneumonia bacteria, while disproving the
common idea that this is caused by a lack of immune cells. "This result
was an enormous surprise for us because it directly contradicts widespread
assumptions", says Sabine Stegemann, researcher in the groups "Immune
regulation" at the HZI and "Molecular Immunology" at the
Otto-von-Guericke-University in Magdeburg.

"Now we want to understand the reasons for the increased
susceptibility", says Matthias Gunzer, head of the group in Magdeburg.
"It could be interplay of weakened mucous membranes and scavenger cells
that induce ideal conditions for pneumonia bacteria to create a deadly lung infection.
Another reason may be a reaction of the host immune system: It disables
hyperactive flu-fighting immune cells to inhibit destruction of healthy lung
tissue. "The immune system keeps itself under control and that makes it
easy for pneumonia bacteria to infect the lung", says Gunzer.
Increased Susceptibility for Superinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae
during Influenza Virus Infection Is Not Caused by TLR7-Mediated Lymphopenia 2009; 

Adapted from materials provided by Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres,
via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.



Popularity: 11% [?]

Why Some People Shake Off The Flu In A Couple Of Days, While Others Suffer Longer, Or Die

Jun 05

ENERhance: Boost and Restore Energy: natural herbs, vitamins & minerals

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ScienceDaily (Mar. 30, 2009) — For some people it is a certainty: as soon as the annual flu season gets underway, they are sure to go down with it. It is little comfort to know that there are other people who are apparently resistant to flu or overcome the illness after just a couple of days. It is this phenomenon that is now being investigated by researchers at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, using various strains of mice.

“Where there are many scientific works dealing solely with the flu virus, we have investigated how the host reacts to an infection,” says Klaus Schughart, head of the Experimental Mouse Genetics research group. In infection experiments the researchers have now discovered that an excessive immune response is responsible for the fatal outcome of the disease in mice. This overreaction has genetic roots.

For their investigations the researchers injected seven different inbred mouse strains with the same quantity of type Influenza A flu viruses. All of the animals within one mouse strain are genetically identical, like identical twins. However, one strain differs from another just like different individuals in the human population. To their surprise, the researchers were able to identify strong differences in the progression of the influenza between the seven strains. In five of the strains the illness was mild: the animals lost weight, recovering completely after seven to eight days. However, in two of the mouse strains the animals lost weight rapidly and died after just a few days.

The researchers looked for reasons for these differences: they investigated how the immune system of the animals responds to the virus. “The mice die from their own immune defences, which are actually supposed to protect them against the virus. The immune system produces too many messengers, which have a strong activating effect on the immune cells. These cells then kill tissue cells in the lungs that are infected with the virus,” says Schughart. At the same time, these overactive cells also destroy healthy lung tissue. In mice that died the researchers also found one hundred times more viruses than in animals that survived. “It appears that the animals have specific receptors on their cells that make them more receptive to a severe viral infection.” Flu infections in humans could take a similar course, here too, genetic factors could favour a severe progression of the illness. “It is only now that we are beginning to understand the role played by the genetic factors of the host and what increased receptiveness means in the case of influenza,” says Schughart.

Every year between 10,000 and 30,000 people in Germany die from influenza, the majority via pathogens of the Influenza A type. There are various sub-types of the main type A, in which the composition of the virus envelope differs. H1N1 and H3N2 are the most widely-distributed flu strains amongst humans, H5N1 the familiar avian flu virus. The H stands for the protein haemagglutinin, with which the virus latches onto the cells of the airways, infecting them. In order for the newly-created flu viruses to leave the host cells, in turn, they require neuraminidase (N). To evade an immune response the virus changes the H and N characteristics constantly. Sometimes light, sometimes heavy: the result is a completely new virus type with a new number, with the consequences generally a severe global flu pandemic.

Journal reference:

1. Srivastava et al. Host Genetic Background Strongly Influences the Response to Influenza A Virus Infections. PLoS ONE, 2009; 4 (3): e4857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004857

Adapted from materials provided by Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.


Popularity: 8% [?]

Natural Immune Booster Drink: Provides Energy & Immunity

May 27

ENERhance
Boost and Restore Energy: natural herbs, vitamins & minerals

Secondary Benefits

  • Strengthen and protect the immune system
  • Helps individuals speed recovery from illnesses
  • Contains Astragalus, Poria seed, Ginseng, Reishi Mushroom

ENERhance Energy Drink is designed to restore and enhance energy as well as strengthen the immune system. Specifically, it helps individuals during recovery from chemotherapy and other illnesses.
Maintaining a healthy immune system, while increasing resistance to virus, flu, colds, and infections is a challenge to everyone young and old. Strong enough for chemotherapy patients-strong enough to fight off what might be coming your way!

The combinations of astragalus, reishi mushroom, ginseng, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, green tea polyphenols and oligosaccharides are helpful in this challenge.

Benefits of ENERhance®

* Boosts and Strengthens the immune system
* Increases low blood cell counts
* Boosts energy
* Alleviates and Relieves fatigue
* Increase activity of white blood cells
* Promotes healthful digestion with fiber
* Provides anti-oxidants nutritionally

Ingredients found in ENERhance®

The formulation consists of the following natural ingredients:
Click each herb to see a photo and learn about its natural healing properties.
Vitamin C Vitamin B6 Folic Acid
Vitamin B12 Pantothenic Acid Calcium
Zinc Selenium Dietary Fiber
Green Tea Polyphenols Oligosaccharides Ginseng (root)
Astragalus (root) Reishi Mushroom (whole) Poria (root)

Each ingredient in ENERhance™ has been carefully selected for its unique property to produce a perfectly balanced supplement:

* Vitamin B is known to assist energy and amino metabolism.
* Folic acid assists the formation of red blood cells in the body (proper usage of folic acid has also been shown to reduce the chances of developing certain types of cancer and heart disease).
* Selenium is an essential mineral and an antioxidant. Scientific evidence suggests that consumption of selenium may reduce the risk of certain cancer.
* Green tea polyphenols protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals.
* Dietary fiber has been linked to a lower risk of colon cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, diverticular disease and constipation.
* Astragalus stimulates immune activity. Administration of astragalus was reported to act as a potent immune stimulant in cancer patients.
* Reishi mushroom has been shown to have effect in the increase of monocytes, macrophages and T-cells.
* Ginseng is known for its effects on immune, energy and mental function enhancement.

Visit http://www.immuneenhance.com/products/enerhance

Also see : http://www.immuneenhance.com/products/leucozepin

* Boosts and Strengthens the immune system
* Increases low blood cell counts

* Boosts energy
* Alleviates and Relieves fatigue

Popularity: 2% [?]

Boosting Your Immune System to Rocket Propulsion:Flu & Virus Protection

Apr 27

Leucozepin bestseller
Strengthen Immune System

Secondary Benefits

  • Regulates blood cell counts
  • Boosts energy
  • Activates NK cells
  • Stimulates macrophages
  • Relieves fatigue
After cancer is discovered, chemotherapy and radiation may or may not be part of the treatment. The purpose of these two treatments is to destroy the cancer cells, and thousands of cancer patients can agree firsthand to the negative effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the body’s immune system. Boosting the immune system is not considered a primary strategy of medical practitioners in the U.S.

It’s well known among these same health practitioners treating cancer patients that chemotherapeutic drugs and the steroids that follow them can easily predispose the body to develop opportunistic infections because the immune system function is low.

Countless cancer patients develop Aspergillus infections that then require additional drugs, drugs that can and often do have harmful side effects on the liver, kidney, and other organs. It’s only after cancer patients develop these horrible infections that they often wonder later what they could have done to fight cancer naturally.

There are certain signs that occur that indicate the body’s immune system needs a boost because it is suppressed or depressed: constant fatigue, low levels of white blood cells, cuts and wounds don’t heal quickly, fungal infections, a cold or the flu lingers for weeks and complications develop, frequency of colds or the flu has increased, cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks, shingles, and lymph glands that are swollen. These signs are the same in both cancer patients and also those without cancer.

Although many physicians tell their cancer patients that vitamins and mineral supplements and herbs should not be used during chemotherapy, many cancer patients have proven that the additional vitamin and mineral supplements and herbs help ease their side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. They simply feel better when they take them. They also realize there is something that they can do to fight cancer naturally and that these supplements boost the immune system. These patients did not arbitrarily decide to take a Centrum Senior MultiVitamin or one single herb, but generally take a combination of vitamins and minerals or a combination of herbs that is specifically designed to support the body of a cancer patient during his or her most difficult times. They may also consult with a nutritionist who understands the role of vitamins and minerals in cancer or a master herbalist who understands the role of herbs in cancer.

What these supplements do is provide some basic nutrients that the body needs to continue operating at least on a minimal level. In a way, the supplements are a crutch to help the cancer patient get through the hard times and start healing sooner. Chinese research studies have reported for years that adding herbal combinations can make a significant difference in the success of cancer treatments; American physicians are behind the times when it comes to acknowledging some of these proven methods.

After chemotherapy and radiation, the real healing begins. That’s when cancer patients need to boost their immune system function the most. White blood cells that kill microbes and cancer cells are activated to action with the use of certain herbs. When the herbs are used, it’s as if the cells have the chance to “blast off” like a rocket and do exactly what they are meant to do in the body.

One of these “blast off” immune system boosting formulas I have found is a proprietary formula of 15 herbs. I do not sell it; I do recommend it, though. The combination regulates the entire immune system, activating natural killer cells, stimulating white blood cells to engulf bacteria, viruses and fungi, and activates the T and B cells that are so important to the immune system. Clinical results are seen in an average of 7 days and patients reported less fatigue and restoration of normal blood cell counts.

The all-natural herbal immune system boosting formula raises the energy level and combats fatigue. There have been cases where cancer patients who are bed ridden are able to get up, go to work, and lead normal lives simply because they were taking it. The herbal formula clearly increases quality of life and clearly boosts the immune system.

Some of the herbs in the immune system boosting formula include Astragalus, Reishi mushroom, tangerine, lycium, Chinese licorice, Rehmannia, Dong quai, and bai-zhu atractylodes. Many of the herbs in this formula have been highly researched by Chinese physicians and herbalists for decades. It’s because of the research that the combination was able to be effective in boosting the immune system.

If you or a loved one is suffering from cancer, boosting the immune system is absolutely one of the strategies needed to help speed up recovery. Check out more info at : http://www.immuneenhance.com/products/leucozepin

Popularity: 11% [?]

Hot Drinks Help Fight Cold And Flu

Apr 27

ScienceDaily — A hot drink may help reduce the symptoms of common colds and flu, according to new research by Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre.

New research at the Centre has found that a simple hot drink of fruit cordial can provide immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness.

Published in the December 2008 edition of the clinical journal Rhinology, the research compared the effects of a commercially produced cordial apple and blackcurrant drink either ‘hot’ or at room temperature in 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms.

The Centre’s Director, Professor Ron Eccles, is urging people suffering from colds or flu to have a hot drink to help reduce their symptoms.

Professor Eccles said: “It is surprising that this is the first scientific research on the benefit of a hot drink for treating cold and flu symptoms.

“With temperatures falling and Christmas just round the corner, cold viruses love this time of year. Having a bottle of fruit cordial in the cupboard and making a hot drink could help fight off the symptoms of festive cold and flu. The big advantage of this type of treatment is that it is cheap as well as safe and effective.”

The Common Cold Centre is the world’s only centre dedicated to researching and testing new medicines for treatment of the symptoms of flu and the common cold. It is based in Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences.


Adapted from materials provided by Cardiff University.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer

Mar 09

leucozepin

Leucozepin bestseller
Strengthen Immune System: contains Astragalus

Secondary Benefits

  • Regulates blood cell counts
  • Boosts energy
  • Activates NK cells
  • Stimulates macrophages
  • Relieves fatigue

_____________________________

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer

Dina Hunter

Healing Herbs for Preventing and Curing Cancer No one knows exactly what causes cancer. Research has learned that when the immune system slows down or cannot work properly, cancer and other immune failure diseases seem to take over. The white blood cells are a main part of the immune system. When the white blood cells die or in some way become impaired, the immune system breaks down. Conventional cancer treatments usually consist of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These can all lower your white blood cell count and wreak havoc with your immune system. White blood cells are very tough little guys, swimming through our veins, attacking infections and various other “bad germs” in our blood. But they are vulnerable to certain things. They can not do their job well when there is infection. They are killed off by chemotherapy, radiation, mold, chlorine and fluoride in our water supply and metal toxins such as mercury, iron or aluminum. What’s even more frightening is antibiotics, as well as, some pharmaceutical drugs that we are given to help combat disease and infection can sometimes destroy the white blood cells. Many times the very drugs and treatments that kill cancer end up killing the patient because their organs break down and fail to function. So there goes our immune system. In 2002 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I endured surgery and chemotherapy, which made me horribly sick and left me so weak I could barely walk across the room. When I told the oncologist I was sick and vomiting for several days after each chemo session, she told me it couldn’t be the chemo making me sick. It had to be something else making me vomit. Even after the chemo sessions were over, I was still too weak to do much of anything. I asked the oncologist if there were any herbs or certain kinds of foods I should eat. She said, “No, just eat what you normally eat.” She obviously had no knowledge of herbs or nutrition. So, it looks to me like, if you’re suffering from the effects of chemotherapy or radiation, you’re pretty much on your own. It’s very hard to cope with these vague feelings of tiredness, no energy, depression, irritability, loss of appetite, memory loss and concentration. Most doctors seem to feel these symptoms are unimportant and dismiss them without much thought. One thing we can do is take advantage of the many cancer fighting, immune enhancing herbs, some of which have been around for 1000s of years. Scientists around the world are concentrating on herbal medicines to boost the immune cells of the body in it’s fight against cancer. Find a good herbalist or Doctor of alternative medicine. He or she can put together an herbal formulation based on your body, it’s needs and your life style. Because there are many kinds of cancer and different herbs work in different ways, they are usually not given singly. They work much better in synergistic combinations. Some herbs fight disease by enhancing the immune system. Others work with the lymph system to neutralize toxins and encourage drainage of fluids which flush toxins out of the body. Water, although not an herb, does a very good job of flushing toxins from the body. Just make sure the toxic chemicals that are added to most water systems are filtered out before you drink it. According to the Department of Agriculture there are over 3000 herbs that contain anti-cancer properties. Following is a list of the more common herbs for treating this dreaded disease. Astragalus has been used for more than 5000 years in China. It enhances the immune cells and the natural killer cells that are known to destroy cancer cells. It has been shown in research to speed recovery from chemotherapy and radiation treatments and prolong life expectancy. Astragalus is rarely given alone. According to Chinese medicine it works best when given along with other immune enhancing herbs. Some studies do show that it is effective when used alone and it is certainly worth using. Flaxseed supplements help balance the hormonal system and enhances the immune system and is recommended as a preventative for women who are concerned about breast cancer. Doctors in Germany have been using yarrow along with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Garlic and onion has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer of the colon, esophagus and the stomach. Hippocrates was the first to recommend it’s use. Antioxidants are found in most fruits, vegetables and herbs and are known to fight cancer and other diseases. Pau D Arco has been known to shrink cancerous tumors. Burdock, Cat’s Claw, sweet potatoes and pineapple, all have cancer fighting qualities which can detoxify your body and boost the immune system. If you don’t have an herbalist or doctor who will prescribe a synergistic herbal combination to fight cancer for you try eating a wide variety of herbs known to fight cancer and rejuvenate the immune system. Find more information about combating disease with herbs at www.healthyherbalplants.com .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/healing-herbs-for-preventing-and-curing-cancer-482749.html

About the Author:

Dina Hunter is the author and owner of www.healthyherbalplants.com She is a firm believer in natural healing with fresh natural foods and herbs.She uses herbs for pain, stress and joint care As a cancer survivor she has done a lot of research on herbs to help This article discusses relevant herbs for preventing and curing cancer and helping the body cope with radiation and chemotherapy, recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/healing-herbs-for-preventing-and-curing-cancer-482749.html

Popularity: 10% [?]

Only about 9% of all adults regularly receive the recommended daily units of important nutrients:

Mar 09

(i.e. vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes). Their body urgently needs these valuable nutrients to maintain all vital functions and thus to protect their health… More info on http://www.zdravje-plus.com/

According to scientific studies, only about 9% of all adults regularly receive the recommended daily units (RDU’’s) of important nutrients (i.e. vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes). Their body urgently needs these valuable nutrients to maintain all vital functions and thus to protect their health.

About 50% of the population of the United States – 125 million people – now take vitamin and mineral supplements. That’s because they accept the view, long held by many experts on diet and health, that given the pollution and the stress of our modern world, supplements help to maintain a healthy body.

Research scientists prove that by supplementing the diet with vitamins and minerals, you can improve your health and perhaps head off possible health problems in the future. Even some of the most conservative health groups, including the American National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society and the Heart Association, acknowledge that there are many benefits associated with the intake of vitamins and minerals.

Experts presume that more than 50% of all illnesses can be traced at least partially to wrong and unbalanced nutrition, lacking essential nutrients. We live in lands of plenty and still do not receive all our bodies urgently need…. a padoxum not many are aware of!

Even if we follow the advice of nutrition experts and compose our diets accordingly, it’’s very likely that the food we eat does not contain the necessary content in vitamins and minerals. The content of these nutrients in foods has dropped significantly of the last 20 years. This is due to soils that have been used to overproduce and it is directly related to the modern processing methods and the extended distances over which food is transported. You know yourself how long it can take, until you receive foods. From the time of harvest to the moment the so important vegetables and fruits finally find their way on to your table, easily 10 or more days can pass …
Our daily lives are affected by hectic lifestyles and environmental influences. We can certainly use the additional nutritional support provided by high quality food supplements. As we age, we become less and less able to receive all of our nutritional requirements from food supplies that have been grown with conventional cultivation methods. Specialists in all fields, scientists, health organizations, doctors and various governmental agencies continually impress upon us the fact that we must pay more attention to a well-balanced diet.

The human body requires vitamins to ward off disease, boost immune system response, and even improve overall moods. When the skin gets a cut, the human body needs a good number of vitamins to clot. When one gets sick, the body requires a more than average amount of vitamins to help fight the virus. The results of countless research projects have proven that millions of people are failing to achieve an adequate daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals. It follows, that many people need food supplements just to ensure they obtain these essential nutrients. But supplements can only help ensure your well-being and body immune system if they are bioavailable. Life Plus products meet these demands.

It is important to provide your body with everything it needs every single day.
Cleanse it and to maintain cellular health by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Compensate for inadequacies with the help of quality food supplements.

It is absolutely vital that you have a good strong immune system. By having this, your body can fight off diseases, infections and all manner of ills. Protecting the immune system is a vital part of living longer, feeling younger and being healthy.

Here are some natural ways to boost your immune system:
* Walking and physical activity (dancing, gardening, cycling, swimming…). Simply walking is surprising almost as good in this respect as running and going to the gym. Regular exercise and physical activity (30-minute during the day) strengthens your immune system, cardiovascular system, heart, muscles and bones. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, improves mental functioning, concentration and cognitive performance, and lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, cortisol and other stress hormones. Disease often follows any blockage in the body’s intricate mechanism. Therefore another defense against disease is to keep your body and its mechanisms moving!

* High nutrient diet. Eat foods rich in antioxidants (like vitamins A, C, E and lycopene), omega-3 fatty acids, and folate. Antioxidants fight and neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that damage cells and cause heart disease, cancer and premature aging. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-enhancing and immune-regulating properties. It is helpful in preventing and controlling high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, depression, inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. Folate prevents age-related cognitive decline, damage to blood vessels and brain cells by lowering homocysteine levels. It also ensures DNA integrity (important as we age and when pregnant) and promotes healthy red blood cells. Excellent food sources for these nutrients are as follows. ? Antioxidants – pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, grapefruit (red and pink), blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, peppers (red and green), tomatoes, broccoli, sunflower seeds, almonds and olive oil. ? Omega-3 Fatty Acids – ground flax seeds, walnuts, soybeans and pumpkin seeds. ? Folate – dark green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, mustard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, collard greens, etc.), beans, legumes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, beets and okra. Give your body an herbal boost. Hundreds of herbal supplements and tinctures exist to give the immune system additional support during the winter.

* Special food. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The following foods can fuel your immune system, make you healthier and help your body fight infections. Certain food, including apples, raw garlic cloves, carrots, spirulina… may help your immune system defeat bacterial, viral and even fungal infections. Garlic contains allicin, ajoene and thiosulfinates – three powerful compounds that help the body prevent and fight infections. Carrots contain loads of beta carotene, which is a powerful phytonutrient that boosts the immune system’s production of infection-fighting natural killer cells and T cells. These cells are healthy and attack and kill off disease-ridden microbes. Spirulina, a microscopic aquatic green plant, Lactobacillus and Bifidus probiotics, the “good bacteria” and Organic Wheat Grass. While antibiotics kill germs after an infection has started, spirulina prevent it from occurring in the first place. Spirulina protecting the digestive tract and creating a higher level of activity within the cellular immune system, and also enable a damaged immune system to repair itself. Drink lemons. Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance, which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments. Stock up on raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes. The nutritional content that you receive from raw fruits and veggies is unparalleled. Many vitamins, including C, are antioxidants and will protect cells – including those of your immune system – from damage by toxins in the environment. Dark-coloured produce (berries, kale, broccoli) tends to be higher in flavonoids, polyphenols and other antioxidants.

* Full night’’s sleep. Getting enough sleep has a profound impact on your stress levels, immune function and disease resistance. Everybody’s different: your body may need anywhere from 6 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep has been linked to balanced hormone levels (including human growth hormone and the stress hormone, cortisol). Sleep time is when your body and immune system do most of its repairs and rejuvenation.
* Eat plenty of protein. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Diets low in protein tend to be high in carbs which convert readily to glucose, spiking blood sugar and stressing the immune system.

* Drink plenty of water.

* Stop drinking coffee. Caffeine robs your body of minerals and vitamins, and it dehydrates you. If you drink coffee, make sure you add an additional two glasses to your water intake per cup of coffee. A mineral supplement helps to offset caffeine’s damage, too.

* Stop eating refined sugar and avoid artificial sweeteners. If you do only one thing to boost your immune system – eliminating sugar you will see noticeable results in your energy levels, weight distribution, immunity and your ability to think clearly.

* Nurture yourself. Make sure you take time to yourself, spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a massage, a hot bath… Relaxing in a hot bath relieves sore muscles and joints, reduces stress and tension, and promotes a good night’s sleep. Our bodies respond to our emotions – if you’re feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold.

* Yoga and stretching. The slow movements and controlled postures of yoga improves muscle strength, flexibility, range of motion, balance, breathing, blood circulation and promotes mental focus, clarity and calmness. Stretching also reduces mental and physical stress, tension and anxiety, promotes good sleep, lowers blood pressure and slows down your heart rate.

* Hygiene. The most effective measure in preventing the spread of microorganisms that cause infections is good body hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water as soon as you come home, and always before you eat, greatly reduces your exposure to bacterial and viral infections.

* Laughter and humor. There is truth to the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughing reduces stress hormones like adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol. Laughter has long been held as the “best medicine” and, in fact, science has now found that every cell in the body has a receptor for the substances produced when we are happy. Every cell is therefore influenced by how we feel. Our first line of defense against any disease is therefore happiness.

* Music. Listening to your favorite music is a great method of reducing stress and relieving anxiety. Your individual preference in music determines which types of soothing sounds will best reduce your tension, blood pressure, and promote feelings of tranquility. Pay attention to how you feel when you hear a particular song or genre of music, and keep listening to the ones that produce a relaxing effect.

* Positive thinking. Optimism can counteract the negative impact stress, tension and anxiety has on your immune system and well-being. Often it is how you perceive things that determine if you get overwhelmed, both mentally and physically. Having a positive attitude, finding the good in what life throws your way and looking at the bright side of things enhances your ability to effectively manage stress.

* Tea. Regularly drinking tea throughout the day can help strengthen your immune system and your body’s ability to fight off germs and infections. Both green and black teas contain a beneficial amino acid called L-theanine, which can increase the infection fighting capacity of gamma delta T cells. L-theanine also promotes a sense of relaxation, calmness and well-being by influencing the release and concentration of neurotransmitters (like dopamine, serotonin and GABA) in the brain.

* Lifestyle changes. Boosting your immune system may mean making lifestyle changes. This means to stop smoking, cut down on alcohol intake, eat a healthy diet, and get more exercise… The same steps you need to take to live a healthy life, lose weight, and get fit, are also the same things that will boost your immune system.

Blaz Ferlinc, independent Life Plus distributor
http://www.zdravje-plus.com/

Popularity: 1% [?]

Your Immune System: How It Works

Mar 05

by Gabriel Adams

You often don’t think about your Immune System, however as soon as it fails you are quick to realize how vitally important the Immune System is for your overall health. The Immune System is responsible for preventing all bacteria, germs, viruses, and other microorganisms from entering the body and causing complete destruction.

You may not realize it, but the Immune System works 24 hours a day, every day of your life protecting you from all sorts of sickness, disease, and ultimately death. In fact, as soon as any living organism dies, the Immune System immediately stops functioning and the organism is subject to all manner of parasitic invasion. When you stop to think about it, it is truly amazing how the Immune System functions at not only keeping you alive, but also in perfect health.

The Immune System consists of a number of different organs and components. The main components of the Immune System are the Lymph System, The Thymus, Hormones, Bone Marrow, The Spleen, Leukocytes (White Blood Cells), Antibodies, Complement, Tonsils, and Adenoids. Together these components work together to ensure that the Immune System is working in proper order and defends the body against foreign invaders.

In addition to these components, there is another very important organ that is invaluable to ensuring that the Immune System is working and that is the Skin. Skin is often the body’s first line of defense against foreign invaders such as germs, viruses, and bacteria. Therefore, by keeping the skin clean, frequent hand washing, and treating cuts or wounds to prevent infection you can help the Immune System by preventing many invaders from entering the body.

It is a proven fact that stress negatively impacts the Immune System. Therefore, one of the best strategies that you can implement to ensure that your Immune System is operating in its best capacity is to reduce stress. You should also ensure that you receive plenty of sleep every night, and take a vitamin and mineral supplement. Also, there are many herbs that help strengthen the Immune System, adding these to your diet can have a powerful impact on the overall health of your Immune System.

Learn how glyconutritionals can boost immune system function.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Your-Immune-System–How-It-Works/173250

Popularity: 9% [?]

How To Beat Lack of Energy from Chemotherapy Treatment

Feb 02

Dr. Donna Schwontkowski

Chemotherapy takes a big toll on the body of a cancer patient. It’s common to have side effects such as lack of energy, nausea, lack of appetite, mouth sores and hair loss. Many people think that because these side effects are quite common, everyone on chemotherapy will have the same experience. The good news is that this is not true.

Lack of energy, nausea, lack of appetite, mouth sores, and hair loss can be prevented by using all natural herbs that are combined in specific dosages in an herbal formula. When an all natural formula is created properly, it is not uncommon to find many patients reporting the elimination of chemotherapy side effects after using it for only 7 days. Some patients may even report that they are able to get off bed rest and start working again while others notice that nausea and lack of energy has become a thing of the past.

Why Chemotherapy Patients have Lack of Energy

Chemotherapy drugs often cause low levels of white and red blood cells, which contributes to the feeling of lack of energy. By killing cancer cells with chemotherapy drugs, some healthy cells are also killed. It takes time for the body to recover and start the production of new cells again. In the meantime, the person feels tired and as if all their energy has been zapped out of them. Once in this weakened mental and physical state, it becomes easy to give up the will to live.

That’s where the all natural herbs come to the rescue. In many cultures, all natural herbs have been used to build the cell counts in the blood back up to normal levels. Other all natural herbs act on a part of the white blood cell line, for example, the natural killer cells which specifically kill cancer cells.

Natural Effects from Herbs Only Help the Body

The reason that all natural formulas work so well is that they combine herbs together. For example, the combination of 15 all natural different herbs with known anti-cancer effects, known action that supports the immune system, and known anti-oxidant properties can work wonders. Research on the actions of herbs is plentiful. For example, the all natural herbs Astragalus and Bai-zhu atractylodeshas activates white blood cells, both T and B cells, important in the battle against cancer. Reishi mushrooms have been heavily researched and promote the production of natural killer cells which kill cancer cells specifically.

The formula could also contain tangerine, dong quai, Chinese licorice, dendrobium, ligustrum lucidum, spatholobus, codonopsis, psoralea, polygonaturm, poria seed, lycium fruit, and rehmannia.

When all natural herbs are combined together, their effect on the body is often greater than the effect seen by each individual herb. Herbs augment each other, resulting in greater results for the person taking them. This is the case of some anti-chemotherapy side effects formulas which have been found to boost energy levels, thereby eliminating the chemotherapy fatigue and lack of energy, boost production of antibodies and interferon, and also boost the levels of the white and red blood cells.

These formulas can be taken before chemotherapy starts, during chemotherapy and even afterwards. They are considered by many to be a blessing to those taking it because the all natural herbs allow them to finish their course of chemotherapy with minimal side effects. They receive the best of both worlds – medical and the all natural herb world, two opposing viewpoints that are blended together to result in a better quality of life.

It’s Dr. Donna’s passion to bring herbal info to those who are suffering from side effects of chemotherapy when there is a solution. She is a master herbalist and holds other degrees (http://www.drdonna.info) For more info on herbs that help decrease chemotherapy side effects, see http://www.immuneenhance.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

 
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