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.

Swine Flu just getting started.

Image via Wikipedia

The swine flu continues to spread demonstrating an erratic pattern of breakout. The numbers of infected continue to climb in New York and the 5th death from the H1N1 influenza has been reported in Texas. MSNBC reports that “officials don't know why the virus is spreading more rapidly than traditional influenza.”

The CDC has said repeatedly that there would be more deaths and new cases, and that the strain was still on the upswing in the U.S. Texas on Friday reported the nation's fifth swine flu death. The H1N1 virus has been confirmed in more than 4,700 people in United States and nearly 8,000 worldwide.

It is very important to continue practicing safeguards such as hand washing, covering ones mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoiding contact with those who may be ill. Dr. Isaac Weisfuse, a deputy commissioner of the health department, said investigators are trying to learn more about why the disease has spread erratically.