Re: building immunity for swine flu protection

[Guest guest]

Well, kimchi saved birds from avian flu, it's a kind of fermented sauerkraut

that has garlic, onions, hot peppers, ginger, etc. added in. It's wonderful to

eat! I've been reading on the 4 theive's and it looks like a lot of

ingredients in common.

>

> we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I can

do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a young

child--thanks folks.

>

[Guest guest]

I've always thought kimchi was great to eat to prevent and help the flu too...

so we stocked up the other day. But this article (near the bottom) says to

avoid kimchi. Now I don't know.

Judy

PRWEB) May 10, 2006 -- A Biology teacher from Australia, named

, has done extensive research into the H5N1 virus and compiled a

list of natural foods that are effective against it and listed others

that are detrimental.

The list may come as a surprise to many people since foods such as

spirulina and echinacea are listed as detrimental. This strange

occurrence is largely due to the fact that the virus is immune to 2

cytokines that the body produces (TNF-a and IL-6). Cytokines are

compounds produced by the body's immune system that attack and

remove foreign bodies. The problem is that when a foreign body is immune

to certain cytokines, the body sees that its immune response is not

working and tries even harder, which can lead to what is called a

cytokine storm, where the body becomes flooded with these compounds and

they eventually destroy the body itself. Foods such as Echinacea

actually stimulate the production of these specific cytokines; hence

consuming it is not a good idea if one suspects they may have the virus.

During the 1918 Spanish Flu many healthy young people died from cytokine

storms due to their immune systems overreacting. Consuming foods which

suppress the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 and enhance the

production of the ones that actually are effective against the virus

will aid the patient greatly.

Other foods that create mucous in the respiratory tract, such as

bananas, are also listed as detrimental due to the fact that the

predominant breeding ground of the virus is the respiratory tract and

another way in which a patient may suffer is due to the body's over

production of mucous in this area.

Folk Medicines and Herbs to use and avoid with Bird Flu

Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are

natural antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and

IL-6.

Alternative medications that are most likely to help us during a severe

pandemic:

Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and

crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially

2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No

toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657)

Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the

enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are

anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children

½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the

production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved

giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3

times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%.

(Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)

Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective

antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins)

TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal

to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)

St s Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the

production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St

's Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in

commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513,

11518071, 11362353, 7857513, 11518071)

Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the

cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved

using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the

elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.

Apple Juice - Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin

has greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More

research is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID

32832, 12452634)

Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase,

Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses.

This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts,

mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red

grapes. Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more

stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the

mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)

Scuttellaria (Skullcap) - Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no

side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests

neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to

reproduce, may be inhibited.

Cranberry Juice - Early research shows that it may be an antiviral,

making viruses less able to invade or multiply. Effectiveness on H5N1 is

unknown. (Pubmed PMID15781126)

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the

cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood

cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was

noted. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...arch & DB=pubmed) Active

constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water

extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has

a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells.

(cancers, foetuses, growing children)

Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine

TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows

that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this

is not proven. Must be taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may

occur. Pregnant women and feeding mothers should avoid this. The

medicinal properties of curcurnin cannot be utilised when used alone due

to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. When combined with

Piperine found in black pepper the absorption is increased with no

adverse effects. Obtainable from health stores in tablets, liquid,

capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg to 4000mg

daily.

Astragalus root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed

PMID15588652)

Tea tree Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of

tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and

inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection.

Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)

The following substances may be best to avoid during a H5N1 pandemic

Elderberry juice (Sambucal) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines

TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu

but may not be desirable for the H5N1 virus. Increases in these

cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002

Nov;4:944-6)

Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - AVOID - Increases production of

cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 11731916)

Honey - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

(Pubmed PMID12824009)

Chocolate - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

(Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)

Echinacea - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may

increase the chance of cytokine storms for H5N1. (Pubmed PMID 15556647,

9568541)

Kimchi - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

(Pubmed PMID15630182)

Dairy products & Bananas - AVOID - These foods increase mucous

production.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ (search using Pubmed ID number

listed after each food)

> >

> > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I can

do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a young

child--thanks folks.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

AZ now has swine flu - first case is a friend of mine's son (who was over it

before the test results came back). I was exposed to when he would have

been contagious. Neither I or Sam have caught it - but it looks like I

brought it home to DH who is mildly sick.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about anything extra if your diet is already

good. It is just a flu.

-Lana

" There is nothing more useful than sun and salt. " - Latin proverb

On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 8:44 AM, malennon781 <lennonnewell@...>wrote:

> we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I

> can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

> hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a

> young child--thanks folks.

[Guest guest]

I've heard that also.  that the cases in the us are quite mild and nothing to

worry about.  that the virus is attenuating to a milder form.

 

btw, how did your friend's son contact the swine flu?  Was he in Mexico?

 

Also, does anyone know how long the incubation period is?

 

jafa

From: Lana Gibbons <lana.m.gibbons@...>

Subject: Re: building immunity for swine flu protection

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009, 9:12 AM

AZ now has swine flu - first case is a friend of mine's son (who was over it

before the test results came back). I was exposed to when he would have

been contagious. Neither I or Sam have caught it - but it looks like I

brought it home to DH who is mildly sick.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about anything extra if your diet is already

good. It is just a flu.

-Lana

" There is nothing more useful than sun and salt. " - Latin proverb

On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 8:44 AM, malennon781 <lennonnewell@ comcast.net>wrote:

> we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I

> can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

> hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions. ..I have lyme and we have a

> young child--thanks folks.

[Guest guest]

I'm not commenting on the article that you sent, but the reason that kimchi, and

kombucha, kvass, kefir, and yogurt are " great to eat and prevent and help the

flu " are because they support a healthy gut flora. 80% of the immune system is

in the gut, so keeping your gut healthy is the first line of defense. Of the

five foods I listed, three are listed as not to be eaten in the article, kimchi,

kefir, and yogurt.

Another thing to remember is that if you are eating grain and nut products,

sprout them first so that they don't destroy your healthy gut flora.

Kathy

---- laughingpeace <laughingpeace@...> wrote:

=============

I've always thought kimchi was great to eat to prevent and help the flu too...

so we stocked up the other day. But this article (near the bottom) says to

avoid kimchi. Now I don't know.

Judy

PRWEB) May 10, 2006 -- A Biology teacher from Australia, named

, has done extensive research into the H5N1 virus and compiled a

list of natural foods that are effective against it and listed others

that are detrimental.

The list may come as a surprise to many people since foods such as

spirulina and echinacea are listed as detrimental. This strange

occurrence is largely due to the fact that the virus is immune to 2

cytokines that the body produces (TNF-a and IL-6). Cytokines are

compounds produced by the body's immune system that attack and

remove foreign bodies. The problem is that when a foreign body is immune

to certain cytokines, the body sees that its immune response is not

working and tries even harder, which can lead to what is called a

cytokine storm, where the body becomes flooded with these compounds and

they eventually destroy the body itself. Foods such as Echinacea

actually stimulate the production of these specific cytokines; hence

consuming it is not a good idea if one suspects they may have the virus.

During the 1918 Spanish Flu many healthy young people died from cytokine

storms due to their immune systems overreacting. Consuming foods which

suppress the production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 and enhance the

production of the ones that actually are effective against the virus

will aid the patient greatly.

Other foods that create mucous in the respiratory tract, such as

bananas, are also listed as detrimental due to the fact that the

predominant breeding ground of the virus is the respiratory tract and

another way in which a patient may suffer is due to the body's over

production of mucous in this area.

Folk Medicines and Herbs to use and avoid with Bird Flu

Below is a list of foods that are said to contain substances that are

natural antivirals, immune boosters or they decrease cytokines TNF-a and

IL-6.

Alternative medications that are most likely to help us during a severe

pandemic:

Garlic (allicin) - Very effective antiviral. Best if fresh (raw) and

crushed. Must be consumed within 1 hour of crushing. Dosage is initially

2 to 3 cloves per day but later reduce until no body odour occurs. No

toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 9049657)

Vitamin C - Boosts the immune system and is an antiviral by blocking the

enzyme neuraminadase. Viruses need neuraminadase to reproduce. There are

anecdotal stories of people taking large amounts of Vitamin C (children

½) surviving the Spanish Flu. Research shows that it may reduce the

production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6. A study on 470 people involved

giving the test group 1000 mg hourly for 6 hours and then 1000 mg 3

times daily after reporting flu symptoms. Symptoms decreased by 85%.

(Pubmed PMID 10543583, 634178, 16169205, 12876306)

Green Tea (possible Tamiflu/Relenza alternative)- Very effective

antiviral. Also decreases the production of the cytokine (catechins)

TNF-a. Inhibits neuraminidase. May have antiviral activity that is equal

to other antivirals such as Tamiflu. (Pubmed PMID 16137775)

St s Wort (Hypericum) - Very effective antiviral. Also decreases the

production of the cytokine IL-6. Hypericum is an extract from St

's Wort. There have been some very successful field trials in

commercial flocks infected with H5N1 in Vietnam. (Pubmed PMID 7857513,

11518071, 11362353, 7857513, 11518071)

Vitamin E - Immune booster. Also decreases the production of the

cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 155882360, 10929076) Experiments involved

using mice. Very suitable for immune compromised people, especially the

elderly. Effects enhanced when taken with Vitamin C.

Apple Juice - Antiviral. Fresh apple juice including the pulp and skin

has greater antiviral activity than heated commercial apple juice. More

research is needed. Effectiveness on H5N1 is unknown. (Pubmed PMID

32832, 12452634)

Resveratrol - Antiviral. In addition to inhibiting neuraminidase,

Resveratrol also sends a message to cells to stop manufacturing viruses.

This is a proven antiviral found naturally in red wine, peanuts,

mulberries, Japanese Knotwood root (richest source), raisins and red

grapes. Resveratrol supplements are relatively inexpensive, are more

stable than wine and is available in liquid form for absorption in the

mouth. No toxic effects noted. (Pubmed PMID 1583880, 12817628, 15985724)

Scuttellaria (Skullcap) - Antiviral. A herb used as a tea. It has no

side effects and is also a mild tranquilliser. Research suggests

neuraminidase, which is a substance needed by the H5N1 virus to

reproduce, may be inhibited.

Cranberry Juice - Early research shows that it may be an antiviral,

making viruses less able to invade or multiply. Effectiveness on H5N1 is

unknown. (Pubmed PMID15781126)

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Decreases the production of the

cytokine TNF-a. Also boosts immune system. The number of white blood

cells was significantly increased during treatment. No toxicity was

noted. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...arch & DB=pubmed) Active

constituents can be found in the leaves, bark, vine, and roots. Water

extraction from bark used. Children and pregnant women are to avoid. Has

a potentially damaging effect on the DNA of proliferating cells.

(cancers, foetuses, growing children)

Curcumin (Tumeric Spice) - Decreases the production of the cytokine

TNF-a. This is the yellow compound in turmeric spice. Research shows

that this may be very good for preventing a cytokine storm although this

is not proven. Must be taken with food or gastritis or peptic ulcers may

occur. Pregnant women and feeding mothers should avoid this. The

medicinal properties of curcurnin cannot be utilised when used alone due

to rapid metabolism in the liver and intestinal wall. When combined with

Piperine found in black pepper the absorption is increased with no

adverse effects. Obtainable from health stores in tablets, liquid,

capsules already combined with piperine. Dosage is 500mg to 4000mg

daily.

Astragalus root (Astragali Radix) - Boosts immune system. (Pubmed

PMID15588652)

Tea tree Steam Inhalation - Reduces the cytokine TNF-a. Add 2 drops of

tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head with a towel and

inhale for 5 to 10 minutes. Relieves congestion and fights infection.

Its effectiveness is unknown. (Pubmed PMID 11131302)

The following substances may be best to avoid during a H5N1 pandemic

Elderberry juice (Sambucal) - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines

TNF-a and IL-6. This substance is very effective against the common flu

but may not be desirable for the H5N1 virus. Increases in these

cytokines may trigger a lethal cytokine storm. (Isr Med Journal2002

Nov;4:944-6)

Micro Algae (Chlorella and Spirulina) - AVOID - Increases production of

cytokine TNF-a. (Pubmed PMID 11731916)

Honey - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

(Pubmed PMID12824009)

Chocolate - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

(Pubmed PMID 12885154, PMID 10917928)

Echinacea - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

Although it is often used for normal flu, research shows that it may

increase the chance of cytokine storms for H5N1. (Pubmed PMID 15556647,

9568541)

Kimchi - AVOID - Increases production of cytokines TNF-a and IL-6.

(Pubmed PMID15630182)

Dairy products & Bananas - AVOID - These foods increase mucous

production.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/ (search using Pubmed ID number

listed after each food)

> >

> > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I can

do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a young

child--thanks folks.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Wow that's very interesting! I'm going to forward to my friend who has lupus!

> >

> > Well, kimchi saved birds from avian flu, it's a kind of fermented sauerkraut

that has garlic, onions, hot peppers, ginger, etc. added in. It's wonderful to

eat! I've been reading on the 4 theive's and it looks like a lot of

ingredients in common.

> >

> > --- In , " malennon781 " <lennonnewell@>

wrote:

> > >

> > > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I

can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a young

child--thanks folks.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Also, the article is about avian flu not swine flu, so we don't know if swine

flu is immune to the same cytokines, do we? Or am I missing something here?

> >

> > Well, kimchi saved birds from avian flu, it's a kind of fermented sauerkraut

that has garlic, onions, hot peppers, ginger, etc. added in. It's wonderful to

eat! I've been reading on the 4 theive's and it looks like a lot of

ingredients in common.

> >

> > --- In , " malennon781 " <lennonnewell@>

wrote:

> > >

> > > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I

can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a young

child--thanks folks.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah... I don't know. The cytokines are a mystery to me, I just thought since

they were both a big scary flu it might be the same.

Judy

> > >

> > > Well, kimchi saved birds from avian flu, it's a kind of fermented

sauerkraut that has garlic, onions, hot peppers, ginger, etc. added in. It's

wonderful to eat! I've been reading on the 4 theive's and it looks like a

lot of ingredients in common.

> > >

> > > --- In , " malennon781 " <lennonnewell@>

wrote:

> > > >

> > > > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering what else I

can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo, xfactor, well

hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I have lyme and we have a young

child--thanks folks.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

What would cytokines help with? What are some sources of cytokines?

Only two sources I can think of are green coconut water and cytolog

from www.lifestar.com

Yours Truly,

Dan Holt

On Apr 30, 2009, at 1:32 PM, " laughingpeace " <laughingpeace@...>

wrote:

>

>

> Yeah... I don't know. The cytokines are a mystery to me, I just

> thought since they were both a big scary flu it might be the same.

>

> Judy

>

> > > > >

> > > > > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering

> what else I can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo,

> xfactor, well hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I

> have lyme and we have a young child--thanks folks.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

>

> Messages in this topic (10) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic

> Messages | Database | Polls |

[Guest guest]

cytokine is a general term for a bunch of different chemicals, hormones, etc.

that the immune system uses to remove toxins and infectious materials ie

bacteria and viruses. They are stimulated by the T-cells, and the body makes

chemicals that keep the T-cells going (instead of dying) so they keep on

producing cytokines if the body detects that infection is still occurring.

Usually they are helpful. Things like echinacea, elderberry, etc. stimulate the

immune system, which generally makes it more likely to fight off infections, but

when there is a possibility of the infection being immune to the cytokines, I

guess that is what makes the cytokines become dangerous. I've read they are

implicated in autoimmune problems - that is, things like vaccines cause them to

be created and circulating but in the absence of infections to fight they

sometimes turn on the body's own tissues - so what type of tissue they attack

determines the nature of the autoimmune problem - if they attack hair follicles

you get alopecia, if they attack joints you get rheumatiod arthritis, etc.

At least that's what I got out of what I've been reading.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > we are planning to travel to spain next week...and wondering

> > what else I can do now to build immunity...yogurt, probiotics, clo,

> > xfactor, well hydrated..please weigh in with any suggestions...I

> > have lyme and we have a young child--thanks folks.

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> > Messages in this topic (10) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic

> > Messages | Database | Polls |

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I read that, and then I read (in another article) that kimchi is what

saved people (or was it chickens?) from avian flu. I've also read that

elderberry juice is good, and then I read somewhere else that it is bad. Lots

of conflicting advice out there.

-PattyT

--- In , " laughingpeace " <laughingpeace@...>

wrote:

>

> I've always thought kimchi was great to eat to prevent and help the flu too...

so we stocked up the other day. But this article (near the bottom) says to

avoid kimchi. Now I don't know.

>