Common Cold / Flu Support for Individuals with a compromised Immune System
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[Also applicable for Pandemic Flu such as H1N1 (Swine Flu), or H5N1 (Avian / Bird Flu)].
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Those with a weak or inefficient immune system frequently do not tolerate certain antiviral remedies that seem
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to work well for people whose immune system functions properly, with Echinacea being one example. However,
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while herbs such as Echinacea may be helpful for the Common Flu when used by healthy individuals, they tend
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to overstimulate the immune system even in healthy individuals as a result of cytokines - regulatory cell proteins
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such as lymphokines and interleukins - being ineffective against a Pandemic Virus. This is one reason why many
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younger, and seemingly healthy individuals die during a Pandemic Flu.
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Many compounds (e.g. Elderberry) also increase the production of immature White Blood Cells in individuals
whose numbers are already on the high side, and thus worsen some forms of Leukemia. Various foods, spices,
and beverages affect the immune system in a similar fashion, and should be increased or avoided accordingly.
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 RecommendedCautionNot Recommended
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[for all individuals][with weak immune system] [with weak immune system, for Pandemic Flu]
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Vitamin AVitamin A (when pregnant)Dairy products - all (butter is ok)
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Vitamin DVitamin B1, B5, B15Sugar (white, brown)
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Vitamin C + BioflavonoidsLecithin, Choline, InositolFructose
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CarotenoidsCopperHoney
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Garlic (fresh)Iron Molasses
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Ginseng (Siberian)SeleniumCorn syrup
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GingerTinMaple syrup
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CranberryZincCandy, cookies, sweetened cereal...
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Green TeaNACSweet Fruit juices, jams, marmalade,
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Milk ThistleSteviaSweet Fruit (including bananas, figs,
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Vitamin B12Melatonindates, raisins, pears, sweet melons...)
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ResveratrolAstragalusChocolate / Cocoa products
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Skullcap (adults only)Omega oils (higher intake)Skullcap (when pregnant)
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TurmericBromelainLicorice
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Bee pollenGlutamic acidCloves
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Coconut oilAcidophilus / ProbioticsWhite Willow bark
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Thymus gland extractPancreatic enzymesEchinacea
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Cat's clawCat's claw (in children)Cat's claw (when pregnant)
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Calcium **Royal jellyKelp, Chlorella, Spirolina
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Chromium **CoQ10Soy products
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Magnesium **ColostrumPuncture vine
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Eucalyptus oilOil of OreganoOregano
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Kwan Loong oil (topical)Pepper (black, cayenne)Elderberry *
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Moderate exerciseWheatAlcohol
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Deep sleep (stage 4-5)Vitamin E (ok when supplemented with large amounts of Vitamin C)
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* While research studies are divided on the use of Elderberry for a Pandemic Flu, it is contraindicated for a weak immune system.
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** Ca, Cr, and Mg have anti-inflammatory properties. Adequate intake is important when fighting a viral or bacterial infection.
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Items listed in the "Caution" column generally pose no problems for individuals with a healthy immune system,
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or some may actually enhance their immune response. However depending on the amounts consumed, they are
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likely to cause a mucus-forming, or inflammatory response in individuals with a malfunctioning immune system.
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For instance, probiotics help maintain a healthy gut, but they are detrimental to a compromised immune system.
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In addition to the above, the list of natural remedies said to have antiviral properties include Aloe vera, Boneset,
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Buchu, Chamomile, Dragon's blood, Forsythia, Goldenrod, Goldenseal, Honeysuckle, Juniper, Lysine, Lemon balm,
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Lomatium, Lonicera, Myrrh gum, Peppermint, Reishi, Schizandra, Shiitake, St. John's Wort, Thuja, Wild Indigo.
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However the problem with many of these antiviral remedies is the fact that their efficacy largely depends on an
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individual's immune response to a particular virus and the particular remedy. As mentioned above, for patients
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with an excessive number of immature White Blood Cells, many of these antiviral remedies actually worsen and
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prolong a bout with a common or pandemic flu virus by overstimulating their immune system even more, instead
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of helping the body to produce healthy White Blood Cells and thereby lowering their numbers. Or, a (pandemic)
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virus is immune to cytokines such as TNF-a or IL-6, causing a cytokine storm as a result of the body trying to
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cope with its inability to fight the virus, which affects healthy individuals to their detriment as well. Remedies
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in the "Recommended" column are chosen to help reduce those problems and can be used by all individuals.
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The immune system's recovery time from an intake of Simple Sugars listed in the "Not Recommended" column
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may take up to several hours for individuals with a normally-functioning immune system, but it may take several
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days or longer for someone with a weak or inefficient immune system. This applies to "Simple Carbohydrates"
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only, but not to the intake of "Refined Carbohydrates" or "Complex Carbohydrates." Click here for details.
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Download printable version: Flu-Remedies.rtf
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