Glutathione on Flus & Viruses & Weak Immune system
In 2007, it was estimated that between 40 and 90 million American would come down with the flu between the months of November and March. Most of those people suffer with the aches and pains for a few days and then recover, but an average of 114,000 people are hospitalized for flurelated complications and 36,000 Americans die each year from complications of flu. (Source: CDC)
Influenza, commonly called “the flu”, is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Every year an estimated 25 to 50 million Americans contract the flu. The flu can be life-threatening for infants, young children, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses or those whose immune system is compromised, such as people with AIDS, people undergoing cancer treatment, people with lupus, and other immune deficiencies. About 20,000 die from influenza complications each year with bacterial pneumonia being the most common serious complication.
As the global panic and tension stemming from the outbreak of Swine Flu rises, the World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alter to level four on a six-level scale, which means they’ve determined that the virus is capable of human-to-human transmission. (Mercola.com) Travel bans, schools closings, plans for quarantine, and mass vaccinations have been instituted. What do I do to protect myself and my family? If you have knowledge and understanding of appropriate protective measures, then you need not be afraid.
As of May 14th, the worldwide total number of confirmed cases of Swine flu topped 6,600, according to World Health Organization (WHO), and 40 cases in the U.S. confirmed by the CDC. This does not constitute a reason for panic, but it is prudent for all people to think about their lifestyles, mental state, and diet to prepare for anything that may happen.
There are volumes of clinical studies showing that a healthy immune system is pivotal in the prevention and therapy for viral diseases. Studies also show that antioxidants, especially glutathione, are key in maintaining a healthy and strong immune system. The more deficient we are in antioxidants and glutathione, the more susceptible we are to immune breakdowns.
Glutathione blocks replications of HIV, HSV-1, and influenza virus. (
www.PubMed.org) Glutathione is required for efficient production of infections picornavirus virions, (Smith AD, Dawson H.). Glutathione plays an important role in regulating viral replication and infectivity. In the Journal of Virol, a study found that glutathione protects against production of active virus particles, Multiplying of infection, and inhibiting viral activation. (Inhibition of influenza infection by glutathione, Cai J, Chen Y. Seth S. Furukawa S. Companas RW, Jones DP J Virol, 2002 Oct: 76(20):10417- 26.)
The antioxidant glutathione in the mouth and nose linings was found to be effective in preventing the flu. Dr. Jones’ research at Emery University used glutathione with concentrations of a virus similar to the amount present during a normal human flu infection. The cells were completely protected against infection with the presence of glutathione. “Dr. Jones then infected two groups of mice with a mouse-adapted strain of a human influenza virus. The mice that had been given drinking water containing glutathione had significant decrease in viral production compared to animals whose water did not contain glutathione.”(Emory University Health Sciences Center, 16-Apr-2000.) The protection from the virus was most effective when the glutathione touched the receptors sites in the mouth. To accomplish this, take the glutathione out of the capsule and swallow in organic juice or water.
When exposed to a virus, oxidative response that inactivate natural protease inhibitors result, thus promoting the viral activation. This activation of a virus can be controlled with the use of glutathione which reduces oxidation reactions. (Dr. Dean P. Jones, Ph. D., Professor of Biochemistry in Emory University School of Medicine
http://www.emory.edu/WHSC/HSNEWS/release/apr00/jones_glutathione.htm.)
Dr. Dean Jones, Professor of Biochemistry at Emory University, exposed human respiratory tract cells in culture with the influenza virus. Glutathione was added to these cells and another group of controlled cells received none. “The investigators found that the human respiratory cells treated with glutathione antioxidants were completely protected against infection by the influenza virus.” Dr. Dean P. Jones, Ph. D., Professor of Biochemistry in Emory University School of Medicine.
http://www.emory.edu/WHSC/HSNEWS/releases/apr00/jones_glutathione.htm
Research shows that antioxidants, which glutathione is the most powerful, help prevent the flu. The Jean Mayer Nutrition and Aging Group at Tufts University document that age associated deregulation of immune responses contribute to development of infectious diseases in the aged.
The production of pro-inflammatory compounds, such as free radicals and cytokines, is due to oxidative stress. Administration of antioxidants, like glutathione, ameliorated viral infection in the aged animals. This prestigious group reports similar observations in humans.(
http://www.thione.com/summaries/vi03.html,Glutathione Antioxidants and the Flu)
Glutathione boosts the immune systems availability of the “fighter” cells, the B and T cells, to attack the “foreign” cells. If there is enough glutathione in the body, the B and T cells can continue to be replenished and effectively attack the invaders. Sufficient amounts of glutathione in the body allow for the increase and activity of the “fighter” cells.
Flu tends to bring inflammation of the nasal passages, lungs, throat, and sinus. Glutathione is the most powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, bringing great assistance for the immune system to fight off infections and flues.
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