What is it, and What
will I do?
Swine Flu is a
recent addition
to the influenza
A family. What
is all the fuss
about? With a
previously
unseen genetic
fingerprint,
current natural
immunity doesn't
exist.
We could go into
a long
discussion about
the science
behind it, or we
could just touch
on the basics,
then let you
know how I plan
on approaching
flu.
When
does flu become
deadly?
Any type of flu
becomes deadly
through a
hyperinflammatory
reaction
that is
instituted by
the immune
system. This
inflammation is
the result of a
inflammatory
"cytokine storm"
that causes
tissue integrity
to weaken which
leads to a
leakage of fluid
into vital
organs such as
the lungs.
Additionally,
once the immune
system has been
overwhelmed, the
bacteria that
live on and
around us become
opportunistic.
This means, when
the immune
system is fully
pressed by flu
virus
inflammatory
response, the
bacteria can
take hold and
create a
secondary
infection. This
can cause a
condition called
septicemia.
This most often
occurs when a
secondary
infection
settles in the
lungs as
pneumonia. Then
the bacteria
gains entrance
into the blood
stream thus
spreading to
other organs.
This condition
is most common
in the very old
and frail, and
in the young
with immature
immune systems.
What appears
different with
the swine flu
cases in Mexico,
is that it has
been reported to
have caused
deaths in the
middle age
population.
(please
remember, "it
has been
reported". The
credibility of
"being reported"
has taken a new
meaning in the
recent decade)
Take
home points:
So
what will I do?
Take
supplements to
support my
immune system
and decrease
inflammatory
pathways.
-Drinking
more milk
is not
the method
to
supplement
Vitamin D.
-Multivitamins
typically
have only
400 units of
Vitamin D2,
not D3.
-Using Cod
Liver Oil as
a Vitamin D
source can
expose you
to toxic
levels of
Vitamin
A. I
prefer pure
Omega 3 Fish
Oil, or
Krill Oil.
#1-Vitamin D3
5,000
units a day if
you are over 170
lbs,
4,000
units a day if
you are between
130lbs and
170lbs.
3,000
units a day for
those between 80
lbs and 130lbs.
The
above doses are
maintenance
doses.
a. Have
your 25-OH
Vitamin D level
checked 2-3
times a year.
b. Stop
your Vitamin D
if you are on a
sunny vacation
with mass daily
sun exposure
c. Don't
take calcium
supplements with
high doses of
Vitamin D.
One
600mg tablet of
calcium is o.k.,
but no more.
d. Don't
take high doses
of Vitamin D if
you suffer from
Parathyroid
problems,
Sarcoidosis, or
Lymphoma.
(Those
with regular
thyroid
conditions are
o.k. to take
high doses of
Vit. D)
e. If I
contracted the
flu, I would
then take
15,000 units of
Vitamin D3 for 3
days in
a row. If you
weigh less than
150 lbs, 10,000
units of Vitamin
D3 for 3 days in
a row.
f.
Children should
take lower
doses.
Children
under 2 years of
age should be on
1000 units a
day. If they
catch the flu
then 3,000 units
for 3 days in a
row
Children over 2
years of age
should be on
2,000 units a
day. If they
catch the flu
then I recommend
the same 3,000
units a day for
3 days in a row
*
For healthy
adults I prefer
the Vitamin D3
with K2. If you
are on blood
thinners though,
you need to
discuss this
with your
primary care
provider.
#2-Omega 3 Fish
Oil-
This aids in
blocking the
inflammatory
cascade.
Adults:
3,000-4,000mg a
day
Children:
1,000-2,000mg a
day
Infants
can take the
DHA version
of Nordic
Naturals
Jr.
#3-Vitamin C
Antioxidant
properties
Adults:
2,000mg three
times a day when
ill for 3-5 days
Children:
1,000mg three
times a day when
ill for 3-5 days
Toddlers:
500mg three
times a day when
ill for 3-5 days
Infants:
Discuss with
your
pediatrician
If you get
loose stools
from the
increase
Vitamin C
dose,
decrease by
half.
As always, if
you have any
medical
conditions, are
pregnancy, or
are on
medications,
check with your
primary care
provider before
embarking on the
recipes above.
#4-Elderberry
Extract-Sambucus
Nigra
Some
research has
shown
Elderberry
extract to
improve
recovery
from
influenza
infection.
The
product
called
Sambucol
is an
extract that
can be used
in adults
and
children.
.
.* These
statements
have not
been
evaluated by
the FDA.
These
products are
not intended
to diagnose,
treat, cure,
or prevent
any disease.
If you are
pregnant or
planning on
getting
pregnant in
the near
future
always
consult your
primary care
provider
before
starting any
new
supplements.
