H5N1 Update: CAUTION!
Some natural remedies may actually increase the effects of Avian Flu!
Many of the common viruses that affect us badly do so by lowering immunity thus allowing secondary infections (which are often bacterial) to become the more lethal influence during the infection. This is not however likely to be the case with H5N1!
A lot of the research on this virus is indicating that it has the effect of over stimulating immune and inflammatory responses in the human body. The body reacts to this by increasing more of an immune response to try and fight the virus, thus creating a cascade of ever worsening symptoms. In a sense the body ends up fighting itself. The scientific term for one of the main components of this response is known as a 'Cytokine storm' (or hypercytokinaemia).
This over-stimulated immune state means that some of the natural remedies that are found useful in the more common viral or other infections we experience may in fact contribute to a worsening condition with H5N1 – herbs like Echinacea and Sambucus (Elderberries). There are however some indications that other herbs may be beneficial as well as certain pharmaceutical drugs. The information about herbs is theoretical at this stage and should not be interpreted as sound knowledge until more is known!
The following is a short list of some of the natural remedies that may possibly be of benefit with H5N1 if it jumps to humans:
• Grape seed extract (Oligomeric Proanthocyanadins, or OPCs for short),
• Curcumin (the main active ingredient of the spice/herb Tumeric), and
• the calming herb Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).
N.B. Grape seed extract should be avoided by those taking anti-blood clotting drugs such as Warfarin, Heparin, Coumarin or Aspirin.
Avian Flu H5N1
The potential use of natural alternatives for prevention and treatment
Updated 10th April 2006
Andrew Johnson MBANT. MAMH. Rir. Nutritional Therapist & Master Herbalist
Disclaimer: Please note the following represents general information and should not be used as medical advice without first consulting a health care practitioner. The information included here is not intended to replace professional diagnosis and treatment. If in doubt about the nature or seriousness of symptoms always seek advice.
I have had a lot of further questions about the dangers of bird flu since sending out my last Newsletter (see the Winter Newsletter on www.integralhealing.info). There has also been further information available. This is an update based upon more recent publications from medical sources. They include information from Dr. Damian Downing (President of the British Society for Ecological Medicine, Medical Director of the Alliance for Natural Health, Editor of the Journal of Nutrition and Environmental Medicine), and Dr. Rima E. Laibow (Medical Director of Natural Solutions Foundation, USA), as well as from information published recently in The Lancet. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this information as no one can be absolutely sure of what will likely help the treatment or prevention of a mutated form of bird flu until it happens and until treatments have been tried and tested.
The following is an extract about the benefits of vitamin C and zinc in dealing with viral infection, from Dr. Downing in a recent email from the Alliance for Natural Health: "...there is an extensive literature on the essential nature of zinc and vitamin C when the body is dealing with infections. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey of 2002 showed that less than 10% of adults take enough zinc in their diets. There is also clear evidence that vitamin C is essential to the immune system and an intake well above those found in typical western diets. A review of 12 studies (by Hemila 2004), demonstrated that vitamin C supplements are capable of reducing the risk of developing pneumonia by a staggering 80 to 100%. Haemorrhage is a recognised symptom of scurvy, a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Supplementation with vitamin C at doses higher than can be achieved through diet alone, will be vital in protecting against the haemorrhage that is such an important and damaging component of human infections by the avian flu virus."
To read the full article by Dr. Downing visit the website www.alliance-natural-health.org. This website also has other interesting information on natural health from an organisation I highly recommend you support as they are the people doing some of the most effective work towards saving our freedom to use natural remedies.
The following is a summary of some of the most relevant parts of an email sent to me quoting Dr. Laibow, who highlights the importance of vitamin C and other antioxidants when treating viral infections: Avian flu does its damage to animals by rapidly depleting vitamin C stores in the body. Death is therefore caused by fulminate scurvy. The virus could continue to have this same effect when or if it mutates to a human strain. This particular type of virus uses up vitamin C so quickly the immune system is overwhelmed and blood vessels lose their structural integrity: they leak so badly that infected animals literally bleed to death. Prevention and treatment therefore should include the use of vitamin C supplementation in moderate to high dosages (up to bowel tolerance level), along with other antioxidants. The antioxidant trace element Selenium has been reported to block deadly mutations in the Avian Flu virus (J. American College of Nutrition 20: 384-88S, 2001).
Dr. Laibow is also highly critical of anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu as she was of the opinion that it produced drug resistant viruses in some children treated with it. Whereas viruses cannot become resistant to vitamin C! She is also critical of flu vaccines due to added ingredients that can cause health problems and the fact that current vaccines will not be effective against a new mutated human strain of Avian flu. For more information visit the website: www.HealthFreedomUSA.org.
The following is a summary of information from The Lancet as reported in WDDTY Vol. 16 No. 12, March 2006, (Lancet 2006; 367: 303-13). Researchers have found that the drugs in the front-line fight against Avian flu, should it ever pass across into humans, are ineffective against even the seasonal flu. The team reviewed 52 trials to evaluate the efficacy of anti-virals for influenza in healthy adults, but could find "no credible evidence" for the effects of Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) on avian influenza or pandemic influenza viruses.
Despite this researchers recommend that the drugs be used only in an avian flu emergency. The US and EU nations have recently pledged donations of US $1.9 billion to "prevent the development of human pandemic influenza". For more information go to the What Doctors Don't Tell You website. For those of you interested in health issues I would highly recommend you subscribe to this publication.
Chinese star anise (botanical name: Illicium verum): Some of you have also enquired about the use of this spice as a potential anti-viral treatment. This is based upon the fact that an important ingredient of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu is made from shikimic acid which is an extract of this spice. I am unsure at this stage if the spice itself is likely to help. Some sources have indicated that some viral strains have become resistant to Tamiflu so it might follow that this might also be the case for the spice itself. As the spice grows mainly in one particular area of China apparently supplies are now hard to find. I have heard that 90% of the harvest is already used by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche who make Tamiflu, but have also heard that there is still plenty available in parts of China? NB. Do not confuse Chinese Star Anise with Anise, or with the Japanese variety Illicium anisatum (which is highly toxic).
My conclusion: The evidence I have so far indicates that it would be wise to not rely solely upon anti-viral drugs and vaccines, but to also be cautious of claims for natural bird flu remedies until more is known. As some sources which seem very reliable indicate that some natural remedies are likely to help I would recommend you stock up with them – good quality vitamin C, and antioxidants that contain zinc and selenium.
I would particularly recommend Esterol-Ester C from Nutri-Link (UK tel: 08704 054002) as this also has high levels of other anti-oxidant flavenoids and proanthocyanidins, it is alkaline so is less likely to cause bowel disturbance in high dosages. The other vitamin C I recommend is Mixed Ascorbates powder from BioCare (UK tel: 0121 4333 727). This is the only form of vitamin C supplement that I know of that offers a similar ratio of C to bioflavenoids as often found in nature, it is also alkaline so is less likely to cause bowel disturbance in high dosages.
My favourite antioxidant is MicroCell NutriGuard Plus (BioCare) which is miscellised for much improved absorption and bio-availablity. It includes zinc and selenium along with other important antioxidants. It is also logical to do what you can to improve your health and immunity as much as you can in general.
Caution regarding vitamin C and other supplement use: high intakes of vitamin C can cause diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Avoid dosages over 1 gram a day if taking the contraceptive pill. The potassium in Mixed Ascorbates is contraindicated in kidney disease and hyperkalemia. Always seek professional advice about use of any supplements if taking prescription medicines or if pregnant, breast-feeding or if pregnancy is planned. Long term intake of supplements should be monitored!
Caution about using Echinacea: There are indications that this popular herb maybe contraindicated for the Avian flu virus, it may actually make things worse. Until more is known it would be wise to avoid using this herb if there is a pandemic.
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