So, what is a virus anyway? We all know what they do to us. But what are they? According to Wikipedia, “A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea.” They may lay on a table, float in the air, or ride on your vehicle, but they can’t replicate until they have an organic “host”.
Further research on the internet led me to an article that stated that there are already over 50 pharmaceuticals which have been shown in clinical trials to kill viruses. So why are they still an issue? Mutation. Just like bacteria they are clever little critters.
If the neighborhood bully catches up with you every day and takes your lunch money, you start looking for ways to avoid him. Take a different path to school, get a big buddy to walk with you. Carry a big stick. Take a self-defense class. And so on!
Well viruses do that too. If they are constantly wiped out by one drug, they develop an “immunity” to that one and we have to find another one. So, what can we do? Play on its weaknesses. Remember, it needs a host to survive!
- Find a new drug – we’re hard at that all the time. But it takes time!
- Know it’s coming and prepare for the season – You can do this by working on strengthening your immune system. There are at least two other blogs here that address ways to do this.
- Take a two-pronged approach. Look for supplements that set up an environment in your body where viruses cannot thrive, AND look for supplements known to kill viruses in general. I wrote about several of these in our March blog about viruses and bacteria.
In addition to the herbs I mentioned in the March blog, I’ve spoken with a couple of doctors and searched the internet for some other vitamin and mineral supplements that help prepare you to fight viruses in general. And I’m notating the daily dosages recommended by the medical sources that I have found and reported to me by my customers from their doctors. They won’t apply to everyone, so check with your health care provider about your specific needs.
- Vitamin C – 1,300-3,000mg per day. Most references seemed to think this worked best if the supplement also contained some citrus bioflavonoids.
- Vitamin D3 – up to about 5,000IU per day.
- Vitamin E – around 15IU per day. This is a major fat-soluble antioxidant that plays numerous roles in modulating the strength and breadth of your immune system.
- Zinc – an interesting aside is that my shelf stock the first of this year was 2 bottles because it was normally only taken supplemental to a multivitamin/mineral by a few men. Men generally/normally need about 15mg per day. Now my shelf stock is up to 50 times that amount as customers come in saying their medical doctors are suggesting 50mg per day. We carry several brands and several strengths up to 50mg.
Refer back to the March blog on our website www.thehealthpatch.com under the “resources” tab for the list of some helpful herbal supplements to help manage viruses.
Use sensible precaution. Remember viruses need a host to replicate. Don’t be the host!!! Sanitizers, masks, and managed contact with carriers are all necessary. And a strong immune system is your best defense. Stay healthy.
- Randy Lee, ND, Owner, The Health Patch – Alternative Health Clinic and Market, 1024 S. Douglas Blvd, Midwest City, 736-1030, e-mail: pawpaw@thehealthpatch.com or visit thehealthpatch.com.
