VITAMIN C VS. THE SWINE FLU

On Monday, a report by President Obama's scientific advisors laid out a not-so-encouraging scenario of the possibility that more than 100 million Americans could contract the swine flu (H1N1) virus, and that up to 90,000 could die from it this fall and winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally declared a pandemic in the growing outbreak of H1N1 influenza. This is the type widely known as "swine flu."

We all need to know how to fight the flu. Some very simple things that everyone of us can do include frequently washing one's hands, practice good hygiene in public and at home, and stay out of the hospital if possible, get enough rest and eat foods rich in antioxidants. "We can't stop the tide of flu any more than we can turn a hurricane in its course," said Dr. Jay C. Butler, director of the CDC's H1N1 vaccine task force, during a recent briefing on H1N1. "... But we can mitigate the effects and help prevent people from becoming severely ill."

It turns out that vitamin C may end up playing an important role in the battle against this global health threat. We have known for years that vitamin C is good for us. But this year we are learning just how vital it will be for us.

The Linus Pauling Institute reports that “Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. In addition, vitamin C is required for the synthesis of carnitine, a small molecule that is essential for the transport of fat to cellular organelles called mitochondria, for conversion to energy (1). Recent research also suggests that vitamin C is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol to bile acids, which may have implications for blood cholesterol levels and the incidence of gallstones (2).:”

They also says that “Vitamin C is also a highly effective antioxidant. Even in small amounts vitamin C can protect indispensable molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can be generated during normal metabolism as well as through exposure to toxins and pollutants (e.g. smoking). Vitamin C may also be able to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E (1)”

Traditional natural sources of vitamin C have included oranges and ascorbic acid tablets. Now there is a new and stronger source of natural vitamin C: Camu Camu. Camu Camu contains a full spectrum vitamin C that is more readily absorbed by the body and provides 30 times more vitamin C per gram than oranges. It comes from the Amazon where it has been used for centuries. Just recently has it become more readily available through Dr. Tim’s Juices a company making high quality exotic super fruit juices. Their juices can be found online at www.brazilbotanicals.com.

Pandemic Fears Fanned With Spread of Swine Flu

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St. George, Utah A virulent new viral strain combining elements of swine flu, human flu and avian flu has leapfrogged past containment measures and is now circulating "in the wild" in Mexico, California, Kansas, Texas and now probably New York. NBC news reports suspected cases have also popped up in Massachusetts and Minnesota. Up to 68 deaths have already occurred from the new viral strain called H1N1. Over 1,000 people may have been infected. The CDC does not really know how many are infected, as it's still very early in the spread of the viral strain and reliable data isn't yet available.

"We have determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human," says the CDC on their web site (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/invest...). But they don't know exactly how contagious the disease really is, or what the fatality rate might be. U.S. residents who were infected have recovered, while many infected people in Mexico have died. It is not yet clear why there is a difference in the survival rate across these two countries.

For the moment the new virus seems to be sensitive to Tamiflu and Relenza. Washing your hands and avoiding contact with individuals exhibiting the flu-like symptoms can be your best frontline defense strategy. Additionally boosting ones immune system with foods and juices high in antioxidants are believed to be very effective in combating these viruses.