Viruses like all living creatures, have as their top priority survival. One way they accomplish this is by adapting and developing resistance to any possible enemy. An example of a natural enemy of virus would be your body's own immune system. Your immune system uses nutrients from food to manufacture substances that attack and kill viruses. They do this by interfering with the viruses' ability to eat and breath. There are many types of viruses. Many people are in the habit of taking flu shots each winter as a preventative measure. However I have never seen any statistical proof that these are effective. Viruses however act as helpers to bacteria. They can help bacteria set up camp in your body and cause an infection. What actually happens when one gets a cold or flu is that a viruses has invaded the cells in an area and have begun to reproduce in high numbers. They are using the invaded area as their host moving in and becoming guests. As guests they are using the environment to house and feed themselves. The immune system was too weak at the time to refuse them entry or might have confused them with an organism that it thought was friendly.

After the viruses have been there for about 7 days, bacteria that had been in the surrounding are (usually staph or strep) begin to swarm into the cells damaged and invaded by the virus. As the virus begins to die having gone through its life cycle, the bacteria then start a secondary infection. When a cold or flu suffer goes to his M.D. and receives an antibiotic the doctor is prescribing it to kill the secondary bacterial infection. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.

Once the virus gets in and causes an infection it can be there for 10-14 days. If the immune system is very weak the infection could be there for months. I have seen cases were colds or flu's lasted for several months having both viral and bacterial activity. While the virus is present the discharge will usually be clearer and becomes more yellow or green when the bacteria takes over.

VIRAL FIGHTERS
While in the viral stage of the cold or flu Echinacea or Oregano Oil can help reduce the symptoms and greatly suppress the multiplication of the viruses. Large doses are necessary and it must be taken at the very onset of the virus. Most patients report 2-4 tsp 6 times a day to be helpful.

Zinc lozenges are also very useful as they can inhibit bacteria on contact thereby reducing the colonies growing in the throat. As many as 6 a day can be consumed.

Water-soluble vitamin A is the most important as it is a powerful antiviral for the mucus membranes were viruses and bacteria like to live. Very large amounts should be taken for a period of about 2 weeks. Many people can take 250,000 IU of water-soluble for several weeks without any ill effects. Do not attempt this if you have a thyroid deficiency.

Vitamin C is also a very powerful antiviral and immune booster. True results are only obtained when it is taken at regular time intervals of every 1-3 hours and at a dose slightly less then the dose necessary to produce a loose stool.

Vitamins Pantothenic acid and Niacin along with minerals such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus all have an additional antiviral effect.

Any nutrition, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic that enhances the spleen, lymph and adrenal glands would also help fight the viruses.

BACTERIA FIGHTERS
To fight the bacterial stage a completely different set of nutrients are required. Copper, vitamin D and calcium lactate all have a powerful antibiotic effect. B1, B6, B12 and vitamin E also have antibacterial effects but to a lesser degree.

Juniper berries, golden seal and Oregon grape are herbs, which have a synergistic antibacterial effect with these nutrients. Any nutrition or treatment that would enhance the effect of the lymph, liver and thymus would be of great help in reducing bacterial infections.

There is an interesting relationship between these nutrients and these glands and organs. All these nutrients stimulate and bring forth the immune properties of these glands and organs. It is these glands and organs that manufacture the direct substances to best fight the infections. This also works in the reverse. If someone had a virus and began taking large amounts of the nutrients that best fight the bacterial infection they would suppress and diminish those glands that fight the virus. The reverse is also true.

The doses required to get a fast result differ from person to person and cannot be given here. They would require a trained nutritionist who is familiar with this data. We have helped develop 2 formulas that are based on the above data . However even with that we find it necessary to give ad al amounts of some of the nutrients depending on the person. Multi-vitamins should be discontinued while on this program as they may contain conflicting nutrients.

FOODS THAT COUNT
It has been observed that protein has an antiviral effect largely due to its stimulating effect on the adrenal and thyroid. Eggs also have an antiviral effect due to the large quantities of lecithin, which has been shown to be antiviral. Fats and calcium have been shown by Dr. Watts of Trace Elements Inc to have a stimulating effect on viruses.

Soy products, avocado, liver and nuts have an antibacterial effect. The most effective food against all infections is garlic, which is a topic in its self. Sugar and refined sweets have been shown to cause a reduction in the total amount of white blood cells and their activity. It has long been observed by many practioniers that after Halloween there would be more colds,flu and general infections among children. To be really successful at conquering a viral/bacterial syndrome is to take very high doses of the nutrients mentioned here at the onset of the illness. Then one must switch to the other set when the feverish symptoms have passed and one is left with more of the congestion, coughing and running nose type of symptoms. Doing this can either stop the infection completely before it stops or greatly reduce its activity, which in turn will reduce its symptoms and the length of time one has the infection.

3 days is the average length of time that a relatively healthy patient will have a cold or flu if this method is applied. Those of you who particularly need this method are those of you who have a cold or flu lasting longer then 3 weeks. In such a case this method can help you tremendously.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.