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H1N1 Immunity Can be Enhanced by Supplements of Zinc, Probiotics & Selenium
By admin | November 24, 2009
H1N1 flu is beginning to sweep the U.S. and other countries of the world. You can enhance immunity by what you take into your body. In a recent post, I demonstrated the powerful potency of adequate amounts of vitamin D. A more comprehensive report on vitamin D can be obtained at my heart disease site @ www.heart-disease-risk.com There are other immune enhancers that fight all infectious disease. They are zinc, selenium and probiotics.
Insufficient levels of zinc compromises your immune system. This is shown in a number of studies which show a co-relationship of increased infectious disease and low zinc levels. A study done in the Annual Review of Nutrition, published in 2004 found a 41% decrease of pneumonia with zinc supplementation.
Other studies have found that zinc enhanced immunity and decreased the incidence of tuberculosis, hepatitis C and even leprosy. People who use nasal sprays of zinc swear by its effectiveness in thwarting early stages of a cold. If my memory serves me correctly, one study showed a 40% decrease in the viral count with adequate amounts of topical zinc present in the respiratory track.
Probiotics, what are they? They are the good bacteria that are present in the intestines and important to digestion and the immune system. You may ask how can bacteria be good for the immune system? Certain bacteria are essential for digestion and breakdown of foods.
When these good bacteria are absent or deficient, proper breakdown of food stuffs is inadequate and leaky gut occurs. When this happens, large partially digested particles get into the blood supply and as antigens (foreign substances), they cause an allergic response. When the body is heavily taxed in dealing with these invaders, the immune system is overloaded. This means there is less resources in the immune system to deal with infections. Supplements of good bacteria… through unpasteurized yogurt, acidophiles milk, or enteric coated probiotic supplements are helpful in restoring the normal intestinal flora.
Two German studies validate the effectiveness of adequate levels of probiotics. In a placebo controlled study of 477 men and women, without the benefit of the flu vaccine, it was found that the group receiving a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement plus probiotics had a 25% reduced incidence of the flu over the control group.
Another German study was done on 479 individuals from age 18 to 67. It found the duration of the common cold was diminished when both vitamins/minerals and probiotics versus just the vitamins/minerals were given. The researchers concluded that colds were shortened by 2 days and the severity of the cold was also reduced.
Antioxidant vitamins A, E and especially vitamin C help extinguish inflammatory responses that are characteristic of all diseases. A study published in 2002 by Advances in Therapy reported significantly fewer colds and a shorter duration of those colds that did occur.
Selenium is a mineral that is essential to a master immune builder and antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione also needs organic sulfur. It is best obtained from the cruciform vegetables…broccoli, Brussels’s sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and Kale. Good levels of glutathione is well researched and its effectiveness in reducing most disease is well established. (even cancer)
Since H1N1 flu is now mutating into strains that are resistant to the H1N1 flu vaccine, it behooves us to keep our immune systems as strong as possible. A good diet that includes zinc, vitamin C, probiotics and selenium is an excellent way to enhance the immune system…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.
Topics: Alternative, Health, Heart Disease, alternative health | No Comments »