Vitamins to help fight H1N1

Posted under Tip of the week by heike

 

The H1N1 flu has been very scary to most of us. We are questioning the flu vaccine and how safe is it? What can we do to stay healthy and hopefully prevent having the H1N1 virus.

There are a couple of articles about the use of Vitamin D that I came across and would like to share.

http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Non-food/Disease/swine_flu_deaths_what_you_need_to_know_111020090534.html

http://www.betterhealthresearch.com/news/new-evidence-links-vitamin-d-to-flu-prevention-19117950/

http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/Red-Wine-Chemical-Cuts-Flu-Risk_4333

 

I found another great article by mrasey.

Step 1



Take Vitamin D which improves immunity to H1N1 flu by increasing production of antimicrobial agents in the body. These antimicrobials can fight swine flu and other types of influenza. It’s no coincidence that flu season coincides with the lowest annual levels of Vitamin D. To ramp up your immune system, take 2000-5000 mg a day of Vitamin D. The best form of Vitamin D to use is D3.

1. Step 2

   

   Take Vitamin C as it not only boosts levels of infection fighting white blood cells, but it also increases the number of interferon antibodies which work to keep the swine flu from even entering cells. Aim for 200 mg ingested over the course of day either in food or supplements.

2. Step 3

   Take Vitamin E which fosters production of natural killer cells that seek out and destroy swine flu germs. It’s hard to eat enough food to reach therapeutic levels of Vitamin E, so consider a supplemental dose between 100-400 mg.

3. Step 4

   

   Eat foods rich in Vitamin A to boost immune response, however, because high levels can be toxic, avoid supplements and eat your carrots. Be especially careful of Vitamin A intake if you are pregnant as high levels can hurt a fetus.

4. Step 5

   

   Eat foods rich in bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids fill up cell receptor sites so H1N1 flu germs can’t get into your cells and cause infection. Bioflavonoids are found in white and green teas, wine, dark chocolate, peppers, garlic, blueberries, and citrus fruits. For best results, combine with foods rich in vitamin C and calcium.

5. Step 6

   Take a zinc supplement. Zinc doesn’t just increase immune response, it makes it fight the swine flu more aggressively. Supplement with 15 to 25 mg a day and don’t go over 75 mg as that can actually weaken your immune system.

 

My advise is to always eat healthy foods, get plenty of fresh air, air out the house, take your vitamins. If you up the vitamin dosage please always check with your doctor and some common sense.