An Immune System Food
Filed under: An Immune System Food. Propolis., Uncategorized
An Immune System Food
In the latter part of the 20th century, bee product remedies used as immune system foods were mainly discarded in the West in favor of chemical medicines, but, their uses are now in the forefront of popularity, as modern antibiotics in particular are proving increasingly ineffective against mutating strains of bacteria and viruses.
Just like many people, I was tired of spending year after year on the miserable merry-go round of seasonal contagious illness battling against coughs , nasal congestion, sore throats, sinus infections, body aches and fatigue of colds and flu.
I tried vitamin C, garlic. Echinacea and other herbs as daily tonics which seemed to ease the symptoms but did nothing to strengthen my immune system.
Maybe nature did have the answer after all. Surely there was natural tonic, or food, a magic bullet that would prevent me from contracting these illnesses and fortify my immune system and natural defences?
During my researches I did find my solution, a story which began my discovery. This was an amazing true event which happened thirty three years ago. Let me now tell you the *true* story,
In May 1976 a particular virulent FLU EPIDEMIC swept through the Town of Sarajevo. Professor Izet Osmanagic a local resident conducted a trial and chose a control group who were in particular danger of becoming exposed to this particular epidemic, namely, student nurses and teachers. Each was instructed to take the natural product Propolis (made by the bees to ensure that the hive remained sterile) along with honey every day for a certain period.
Sixty five Nurses and Teachers in the control group who were without symptoms took the product, and one hundred and fifty seven people shall we say, less fortunate people were not offered it.
The results were amazing……..Six of the nurses out of 65 became infected but only mildly, and of the 157, one in four contracted the epidemic. The teachers faired even better as only one in twenty five had a mild attack.
Although I have researched AND use propolis extensively now, during my research I have come across a wide range of benefits attributed to this amazing natural product, ranging from Acne to Ulcers!
In fact Dr. Remy Chauvin of Paris, who conducts his research at the Sorbonne, is considered the worlds foremost authority on propolis concurs. “Propolis works by raising the body’s natural resistance to infection as an immune system food.”
We all know that colds and flu are viral infections and that as a rule antibiotics are not medically prescribed, as they are of little value except in cases of severe respiratory infections. I have found, and other propolis users have also confirmed that one is less likely to catch seasonal flu and swine flu in particular, but if you do suffer it is not as severe.
It is important to note that propolis may cause an allergic reaction in some people (one in two thousand). You are more likely to be allergic if you have a reaction to bee pollen, honey and or bee stings.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should check with their physician before taking propolis.
Immune System Strengthened Naturally
Filed under: Immune System Strengthened Naturally, Uncategorized
Immune System Strengthened Naturally
Scientists have come to the conclusion that nature has a cure for every disease; it’s just a matter of finding it. Also remember that keeping the body free from diseases through natural healing can actually slow down the aging process and add years to the lifespan.
Dr. Remy Chauvin who conducts his research at the Sorbonne in Paris, and is considered the world authority of the natural product from the bees namely PROPOLIS actually states” The antibacterial, and antiviral propolis work to raise the body’s natural resistance to disease by internally stimulating one’s own immune system”.
Since Chauvin began to spread the word about PROPOLIS the immune system strengthener, scientific studies on the bee substance have risen dramatically, with over 350 studies between 1980m and 2006.
Continuing studies from reliable scientific sources verify what the ancients learned centuries ago: PROPOLIS is truly a miracle healer, found capable of eradicating both viruses and bacterial infections, something that no other natural substance is known to accomplish.
So what is this miracle of propolis and what is its value to the bees? The bees collect this substance much in the way they collect pollen and nectar to bring back to the hive for food, so they collect plant resins to make propolis to make the hives a sterile environment. In Northern regions, the resins are collected primarily from poplar, pine and balsam trees. In Southern climes, the bees gather resins from certain flowers as well as trees. After mixing it with a combination of saliva and beeswax they stash the mixture in their storage sacks for the journey back to the hive.
The philosopher and scholar Aristotle (around 350 BC) was the first to undertake detailed research into the antiseptic and healing properties of PROPOLIS. He built a glass hive to better observe the workings of the honeybee, but the bees, preferring to conduct their business in darkness, promptly coated the glass in propolis. Despite the bees desire to live in obscurity, Aristotle gleaned significant insight into their realm and made noteworthy advances in the knowledge of their industry. He chronicled the antiseptic and antiviral and immune system strengthener of propolis and recommended its use for a variety of ailments, including wound healing, bruises and sprains.
Hippocrates, holder of the illustrious title of, “father of modern medicine”, also prescribed propolis for wounds, sores and ulcers. References found in the Koran to the medicinal properties of honey and PROPOLIS,confirming that the ancient Arabic world was also in tune with apiarian remedies.
PROPOLIS contains essential minerals and trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, cobalt silica and zinc. Perhaps most importantly it can be taken regularly as a preventative, health boosting measure, ensuring good health and vitality and keeping illnesses at bay, by strengthening the immune system, no matter what the circumstance.
A piece of propolis slowly dissolved in the mouth is an age old sore throat remedy recommended by beekeepers. Propolis lozenges are sold worldwide to heal and soothe a sore throat. A tincture is regularly used by dentists to heal mouth ulcers and cure gum diseases.
Propolis may cause an allergic reaction, so experiment with small amounts before daily use. You may have an allergic reaction if you have a severe allergy to honey and or bee stings.
You should avoid using PROPOLIS if you are pregnant or nursing, just as you would take precaution when using any form of medication
Swine Flu-Has it Started to Mutate?
Swine Flu- “Has it Started to Mutate”?
Swine Flu is spreading so fast that the World Health Organisation (WHO) stopped tracking world cases the 6th July 2009. The very latest recorded reported case count of the 10 worst affected Countries by the WHO and ECDC.
- United States (USA) 40,620 (US Government estimates 1 million cases)
- Mexico 12,521
- Australia 12,048
- Chile 10,926
- Britain 10,649 (UK Government estimates 55,000 million cases)
- Canada 10,000
- Japan 4,027
- Thailand 4,000
- Argentina 3,056 (Argentine Government 100,000 cases)
- Philippines 2,668
The WHO has confirmed that the H1N1 virus is spreading at unprecedented speed as modern travel spreads the virus at alarming rates and that it could turn deadly at any time, particularly as it reaches its second stage of infection in the cold weather as in the 1918-1919 pandemic when up to 50 million died.
Dr.Anne Schuchat director for the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that “Complacency is a major concern. This virus is a new one, and on top of that, we really still do not know how it is going to behave, there are special efforts that have been carried out by the various health agencies, but individuals also need to be prepared and have steps in place should a family member get sick or a workplace close down or a situation arise that requires working from home.”
Dr.Schuchat continued, “This year we are seeing the H1N1 virus circulating through summer camps and military units, so I’m expecting we may see an increase in cases once schools starts, but we don’t definitely know that for sure.”
In view of the above it has been suggested that schools should not be opened after the summer break until Tamiflu vaccines are available, as the infection seems to be more severe in young people and less severe in the elderly.
Sir Liam Donaldson the UK’s chief medical officer and an expert on pandemics as projected that swine flu infections will ultimately reach 50% with a mortality rate of 0.4%, which will be problematical as most of the spread will occur before the a vaccine is available.
The WHO has recorded that swine flu has behaved differently to seasonal flu because it has spread in quickly in summer temperatures and high humidity which has not been the case with the normal seasonal flu virus. They are now concerned that it could more deadly at any time, especially if it mutates and combines with H5N1 bird flu in the Asian areas.
Argentina is a case in point as the virus appears to have mutated back to its source from humans to pigs. But looking on the optimistic side, some experts believe that countries now taking the brunt of the flu infection Mexico, U.S. and Britain amongst others may prove fortunate since they will enjoy some immunity during the second phase, when it is expected to be more virulent as witnessed in the pandemic of 1918-1919.
Vitamin C Colds
VITAMIN C COLDS
The evidence that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) can cure the common cold is not conclusive despite conflicting medical evidence. This water soluble nutrient is not stored in the body so we need a constant daily supply. Low levels of this vitamin can lead to internal bruising, bleeding gums and poor wound healing or even scurvy if it is totally lacking in the diet.
Large doses of vitamin C for colds may help reduce the duration of colds if you are at low level intake to begin with, but by eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and a balanced diet would be infinitely more beneficial than taking a vitamin capsule.
Vitamin C is a very important antioxidant which controls the formation of free radicals, which are the particles which that damage our cells and leads to disease, but a cold which is a viral illness increases your need for Vitamin C to maximise immunity, and studies have shown that those who eat large amounts of fruit and fresh vegetables may be better protected against colds, cancer and heart disease.
Foods that contain Vitamin C are Blackcurrants, Blackberries, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots, Cabbage, Oranges, Lemons, and limes, Kiwi fruit, Guava, Tomatoes, Strawberries, and Papaya. This is not an exhaustive list but the latest so called super fruit is the GoJi Berry. Pronounced “go-gee”, now titled the ‘Fruit Viagra’, it is reputed to contain weight for weight more than the following nutrients:
- More Vitamin C than one orange
- More iron than in steak
- More beta-carotene than carrots, and tomatoes
The recommended daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin C is 60 mg equivalent to an orange per day, and this is the dietary intake of a nutrient considered to meet the requirements of nearly all individuals. Smokers are recommended to add the minimum of 85mg to these figures and should increase their fresh fruit and vegetables. Medical advice should be sought when taking Vitamin C supplements if you suffer from a kidney disease.
Significantly, the protective role of Vitamin C against the common cold is more apparent when the supplemental intake is more than 500-1,000 mg per day according to Dr.Paul Enstrom and Dr. Linus Pauling. Significant reductions in the overall mortality from cancer and cardiovascular disease were reported in those who took Vitamin C and E supplements; 1,000 mg per day is the equivalent to consuming about twenty-two oranges!
HISTORICAL DISCOVERY FACTS OF VITAMIN C
Captain James Cook (1728-1779) has been hailed as the conqueror of the greatest plague of the seas – Scurvy, which is caused by the lack of Vitamin C which leads to the formation of red spots on the skin particularly on the legs, spongy gums and bleeding from the nose and under the skin.
Cook was a practical British seaman who understood the importance of Vitamin C to maintain the health of his crew. Very few of his crew died of scurvy whilst under his command.
Based on studies by Dr James Lind in 1747, Cook promoted the practice of eating sauerkraut and lime juice to fight scurvy. Initially, sauerkraut was not popular with his crew and many refused to eat it until Cook by setting an example had it served regularly at the Captains table.
Although Cook died in 1779, it was not until 1795 that lime juice rations were provided for all sailors in the Royal Navy, hence the origin of the nickname “Limeys” for all British sailors.
Amazingly, it was not until 1932 when Waugh and King of the University of Pittsburgh and Gyorgyi a Hungarian scientist finally identified this important Vitamin C as a vital part of the human diet.
(This content is for information purposes only and should not be a substitute for a consultation with your qualified medical practitioner.)
Chest Infection Antibiotics
CHEST INFECTION ANTIBIOTICS
The public are now generally aware that antibiotics will only help with bacterial infections. Most chest infections of the upper respiratory system are caused by a virus of which there are over 150 strains.
Although antibiotics were used extensively in the past for a chest infection, they are not normally recommended as they can do more harm than good, as there is now increasing concerns with the side effects of chemical medicine. Studies have shown that antibiotics will not increase the recovery time of an illness in fact, it is known that they can have a detrimental effect on other medication which might have been prescribed, such as Warfarin the blood thinning drug or the contraceptive pill which can make the pill ineffective. Antibiotics are known to disturb the gut flora which affects the healthy populations of bacteria in the body.
The other reason that antibiotics are not now preferred is the knowledge that bacteria have the remarkable ability to mutate becoming resistant to other stronger and ever more sophisticated drugs developed to combat them.
The immune deficiency effect is the concern of modern medicine throughout the world. George Jacoby of the Harvard Medical School, quoted in Laurie Garret’s book, ‘The Coming Plague- Newly Emerging Diseases of the World out of Balance’, Penguin Books-“Bugs are always figuring ways to get around the antibiotics we throw at them, they adapt and come roaring back again”, no wonder, bacteria were around long before man inherited the earth and will always find around the antibiotic effect, and chest infections antibiotics in particular.
Chest infection antibiotics will normally only be considered if you are aged and have a temperature over 38 (100F), or any other condition such as Asthma or a long term condition of the lungs, you are a smoker with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and if your immune system is compromised as a result of Cancer treatment chemotherapy, or you have diabetes or pleurisy which is the inflammation of the lining of the lungs.
PNEUMONIA
The greatest benefit of antibiotics seemed to be for reducing the risk of pneumonia after a chest infection, particularly in the elderly. This conclusion was as a result of research by I. Peterson and colleagues of The Centre for Infectious Disease and Epidemiology, Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, University College, London. They found that the greatest benefit of administering antibiotics for pneumonia reduced the risk after a chest infection. The size of this risk increased with the age of the patients. In the over 65 groups, 403 patients per 1000 were at risk of pneumonia, if a chest infection was untreated .This was reduced to 146 per 1000 if treated with antibiotics. Just 39 patients over 65 years would need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent one case of pneumonia compared to 119 patients between the ages of 1 and 64 year.
Their studies taken from records between 1991 1nd 2001 concluded that antibiotics should only be prescribed in more serious cases of chest infections.
PREVENTION
Your immune system will be stronger and you will be better able to prevent viral and bacterial infections if you lead a healthier lifestyle.
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