By W. Gifford-Jones, M.D..
A reader from Winnipeg inquired, “What’s the best natural way to boost immunity against the swine flu virus (SFV)?”
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It’s a good question, as currently this virus is killing small numbers of people. But some researchers believe that H1N1 will return in a few weeks with a vengeance, killing thousands of North Americans.
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If this happens, can it be possible that a group of powerful medicinal mushrooms can decrease the risk of succumbing to this virus? But first, during an epidemic, never forget these basic precautions. Bow like the Japanese rather than shaking hands.
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Handshaking has always been an unhealthy habit, a prime way to spread infection whether or not there’s an epidemic of SFV. Get further protection by washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Keep your distance from those who are coughing or sneezing, particularly when they don’t cover their mouths.
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One single sneeze fires out 40,000 infectious droplets at the speed of 100 miles an hour! Minimize stress as it increases cortisol and the adrenal hormones, which decrease resistance to infection. Be sure to get adequate sleep, as those who are tired are more susceptible to infection. Stop smoking. There’s overwhelming evidence that smokers are less resistant to viral and other infections. Eat smart.
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This means a well-balanced diet including colorful fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, apples, berries, cherries, and plums. These are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protective phytonutrients that bolster the body’s defenses against disease. And add protein from wholesome fish, meat, and poultry. But can powerful medicinal mushrooms increase immunity?
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Specific mushrooms have been used in the Orient for hundreds of years to support the immune system as an aid in fighting infection. Researchers have discovered that some of these mushrooms are better than others in building up immunity. But let the buyer beware, as you have to be careful about the type of mushrooms you purchase.
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Investigation shows that some imported mushroom preparations from China contain only rice flour and nutmeg. Others produced in the United States were found to have few of the active ingredients required to increase immunity. What these preparations should have contained was a mushroom called Cordyceps sinensis.
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A natural mushroom product called ImmuneAssist 24/7 has been developed by a U.S. Nutraceutical company. ImmuneAssist 24/7 is prepared by a method called “hybridization” and contains Cordyceps sinensis plus five other super mushrooms.
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Hybridization isn’t the same as genetic modifications, such as cloning. Rather, it’s a traditional method of crossbreeding mushrooms to enhance their natural immune-stimulating powers. Research shows that the Full Spectrum Cordyceps sinensis hybrid has five times the potency of wild harvested Cordyceps sinensis.
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The other five mushrooms are also highly purified, making them rich with 200 immune enhancing polysaccharides, which stimulate the human immune response. This combination of powerful ingredients in ImmuneAssist 24/7 increases the activity of natural killer cells. And this super mushroom product also contains EGCG, the polyphenol compound found in green tea, which helps to keep viral particles from being able to multiply within cells and is effective against the H1N1 virus.
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No one can predict what H1N1 will do in the coming weeks. Some researchers believe that the virus will become resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu. If that happens all the more reason to boost your own immunity as it may be your first and most reliable defense. ImmuneAssist 24/7 is only available in the United States. It can be obtained by calling the toll-free number 800-877-2447.
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Dr. Gifford-Jones is a medical journalist with a private medical practice in Toronto. His Web site is Mydoctor.ca/gifford-jones
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Editor’s note: Another yeast-based immune system enhancer is EpiCor, which was presented in “How to Improve Your Immunity,” en.epochtimes.com/news/7-11-18/62089.html
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