Help Prevent Influenza – better known as "the flu" – is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It can occur in epidemic proportions during the winter.

The aching bones, bad coughs and colds sometimes cause one to be bedridden, but what are we doing in advance of having the flu? Far too many of us wait until we start to feel the symptoms and then we run for a "quick fix". When will we ever learn?

The flu is contagious and is spread by contact with an infected person. The flu can last a long time especially if the person's immune system is weak. So what do we do to help prepare our bodies for the fight?

A strong immune system, creates the kind of resistance that may not keep the flu away entirely, but it will not have the kind of devastating effect that it usually have in a body that has not been prepared properly for the uneventful.

Immunity features Goldenseal and Echinacea - herbs that have been recognized by doctors as having immune-strengthening properties

A synergistic blend of powerful immune-enhancing botanicals such as Reishi Mushroom and Astragalus work to support all systems of the body, all year round... Vitamins C are designed to help boost the immune system.

Echinacea

We owe Native Americans a debt of gratitude for introducing the rest of the world to the wonders of the purple cone-flower plant. Indians of the Great Plains first used this herb as a remedy for snakebites and other skin wounds. They also applied the root of this plant directly to the mouth for toothaches and sore throats. Word of Echinacea's healing properties traveled back to Europe, where it has become one of the most sought after herbs and one of the better researched.

There is renewed interest in Echinacea today in the United States because of this herb's demonstrated positive effect on the immune system. Many studies have shown that Echinacea inhibits the enzyme, which in turn helps maintain a natural barrier between healthy tissue and unwanted pathogenic organisms. Thus, echinacea helps the body maintain its line of defense against unwanted invaders, and acids in tissue regeneration.

Several European studies show that Echinacea appears to lessen the severity of colds and flu, and helps speed recovery. Echinacea has also been used successfully to control candida, an annoying and persistent fungal infection. In fact, patients who used an antifungal cream and Echinacea extract were less likely to suffer a recurrence than those treated solely with the antifungal cream. Other studies show that topical Echinacea has been used successfully to control psoriasis and eczema.

Many of the active compounds in Echinacea can be destroyed during processing. Freeze drying is the most effective way to preserve this herb's healing properties.

Echinacea has a number of constituents with immune supporting properties, and they appear to work synergistically together.

Zinc

Zinc has been called the "healing" mineral. It has been found that it supports the healing process. It is therefore recommended that the pre- and post-operative patient should insure an adequate intake of zinc. Zinc is helpful for the respiratory systems and stress in which the body must call on its healing capacity. Zinc has been a chief component of many topical preparations for burns, diaper rash, and other abrasive conditions. Zinc deficiency can be manifested as growth retardation and sexual underdevelopment. Biochemically, Zinc is involved in DNA biosynthesis and is thought to be the activator of collagen synthetase, an enzyme which is necessary for collagen biosynthesis and hence tissue repair.

Zinc is essential for many body processes including protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism. It has a role in the immune system function.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts immunity by increasing the production of B and T cells and other white blood cells, including those with a critical role in natural defenses. It also increases interferon levels and antibody responses and has antiviral and antibacterial effects. These immune stimulating effects lead to improved resistance against infections. Vitamin C may reduce the duration of colds and the severity of cold symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and sniffling by reducing blood levels of histamine which can trigger tissue inflammation and runny noses: though the research is contradictory and inconclusive. It may also protect the immune cells and surrounding tissue from oxidative reactions that occur when cells fight bacteria.

Posted: Monday December 15, 2003