Herbs and Supplements that protect you from flu and nasty viral infections!
Today's Substack is about important herbs and vitamins that can protect you against flu and viral infections which are landing people in hospitals right now!
There are thousands of cases of a nasty flu spreading in Colorado and nationwide! We have stayed well so far, but we take a regimen of herbs and vitamins that support and protect our immune system against all the sickness being spread everywhere it seems. Many in our small town and church have come down with this flu. Several ended up in the hospital as well.
What supplements we take to prevent flu and viruses, and why.
The first step is to give up the sugar, the junk food, the alcohol, and eat cleaner! Christmas is over, time to shut down the sugar intake!
Take Vitamin C
We take a minimum of 1000 mg a day normally, and if we have a lot of sick people around us, such as in church, we take 1000mg 2 to 3 times a day or until bowel tolerance. Bowel tolerance occurs when you have been taking high amounts of vitamin C and experience loose stools. You then back up your dose to 1000 mg less and see how that works. Your body will tell you when you have reached an effective dose, which varies for each individual, how sick you are, and if you smoke. If you are giving it to a child, get the kids’ version of Vitamin C in gummies. If you are sensitive to supplements, start with 500 mg and go up from there. It is very individual. You can use Alma berry powder as well…it is very high in Vitamin C!
How Vitamin D Helps Prevent Infections
Vitamin D helps your immune system function more effectively and reduces chronic inflammation. It helps regulate antimicrobial peptides, including cathelicidin. Cathelicidin, a peptide, is a natural antibiotic that works to defeat bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Vitamin D should be taken with K1 and K2 as well for the best absorption.
The role of Zinc in preventing infections.
Zinc is an antioxidant and is needed by your various immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages, that are part of your immune system army. Zinc is valuable in reducing chronic inflammation during sickness. Taking zinc can help prevent and reduce the time you are sick. Zinc helps protect your immune system and your skin.
You can buy immune booster formulas that contain all the above, plus herbs as well. There are kids’ versions of these immune boosters, too.
Olive leaf
Olive Leaf is my first herb choice to prevent and treat viral and bacterial infections! There is so much research on the value of taking Olive Leaf. It is an amazing natural medicine. I will only go into its value in treating colds, flu, and bacterial infections for this Substack!
Your doctor will tell you that there is nothing to treat viral infections, but he is ignorant. I have had doctors tell me that many times, despite verified research that certain herbs and supplements, such as Lysine, can and do treat viral infections with research to back this up.
This is why I include direct quotes from certain studies and reliable sites to back up my articles and statements. One of my main goals in my Substacks is to present information you may not know about and that is hard to find, considering the campaign to shut down knowledge about getting and staying well with natural and alternative treatments.
Infections Olive Leaf Treats
“Infection-fighting and immune-boosting properties:
OLEs have strong antiviral properties, making them effective against influenza viruses, herpes, rotavirus, and the family of respiratory syncytial viruses, which are commonly acquired by our children.
OLE has antibacterial properties against E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (which is the antibiotic-resistant form of pathogenic bacteria).”
The above is a direct quote from https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_olive_leaf_extract_good_for/article.htm
“The antioxidants in olive leaf extract are mainly polyphenols. Scientists believe these plant-based nutrients play a role in preventing conditions like cognitive decline, cancer, and osteoporosis.
Olive leaf also contains a uniquely powerful polyphenol called oleuropein. Studies show that, in addition to its antioxidant activity, oleuroes have been shown to treat infections caused by a large number of viruses, as well as bacteria, parasitic protozoans, and fungi.
A phytochemical in olive leaf, called oleuropein, can stop viruses in their tracks. Oleuropein neutralizes the enzymes that are important for the virus to replicate itself and spread. Oleuropein also has the ability to interfere with the critical amino acid production essential for viruses.” https://doctorsnutrition.com/the-natural-antiviral-effects-of-lysine-and-olive-leaf-extract/
Dosage: If you use capsules, you can take one capsule three times a day with a total daily intake of between 500 and 1,000 mg.
Cautions: Olive leaf can lower blood pressure and cause other interactions when taken with prescription medications. You need to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or on prescription medications before you take herbs or supplements!
Lysine
L-lysine kills viruses indirectly by preventing the pathogens’ ability to spread in the tissues!
Lysine is an important essential amino acid in our body. Research also shows its importance in boosting your immune response! Lysine combats viral infections by producing antibodies whose role is to identify and neutralize bad pathogens.
Lysine also enhances the role of macrophages and lymphocytes that help destroy the pathogens. Its role is also to modulate inflammation. Inflammation is needed for proper healing and to protect tissues from damage.
“It also appears to interfere with the viral life cycle at various stages. For instance, lysine may hinder the synthesis of viral proteins necessary for the assembly and maturation of viral particles. This interference can reduce the viral load and limit the spread of the virus within the host. Additionally, lysine’s role in enhancing immune cell function may indirectly support viral inhibition by bolstering the host’s natural defenses, thereby curbing viral replication.” https://biologyinsights.com/lysines-role-in-immunity-and-viral-defense-mechanisms/
Cautions: Olive leaf and or Lysine can lower blood pressure and cause other interactions when taken with prescription medications. You need to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or on prescription medications before you take herbs or supplements!
Other herbs that are effective against active flu, viruses, and infections include Oregano, Neem, Andrographis, Garlic, and Elderberry, covered in my articles below:
Cautions: Olive leaf can lower blood pressure and cause other interactions when taken with prescription medications. You need to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or on prescription medications before you take herbs or supplements!
Note: My articles are for information only. I am a researcher who presents information you may not be aware of but should consider in making your own healthcare decisions. It should not be considered medical advice. I always encourage you to consult your holistic doctor first before taking herbs and vitamins.