Bird flu, optimal immunity – DHEA, ginseng, green tea (EGCG)

New Avian Flu Stats You Can't Ignore

November 18 , 2005 - Although I just did a newsletter on the avian flu (also known as H5N1) about a month ago, this topic cannot be neglected. Earlier this week, Chinese officials confirmed several human cases of bird flu. Further, it is reported the bird flu is rapidly spreading through Europe. It is important to point out the current flu vaccine will not protect you from bird flu, and if bird flu has the impact that many experts are fearing, numbers as high as 1.5 billion deaths throughout the world have been estimated. I recently completed a 2nd review of the medical literature, and I found some amazing new studies that will benefit you and your family. Also, a recent study confirming major heart benefits of fish oil combined with statin cholesterol-lowering drugs is discussed. Learn more here >>>

Before going on to this week's newsletter topic, I wanted to alert all of our loyal readers to an amazing new study that was just presented at the American Heart Association annual scientific meeting in Dallas: 18,645 patients were studied long term to determine the effect of EPAs (fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids) taken in conjunction with statins, versus a group taking statin medications alone. It was reported that those patients in the combination EPA/statin group had a 19% reduction in a variety of adverse heart events, including sudden cardiac death, heart attacks, unstable angina or sustained chest pain compared to statin drugs alone. I felt this information was important enough to bring to everyone's attention in view of the fact that there are literally tens of millions of people in the United States taking statin drugs. The addition of EPA (1,800 mg a day used in this study) provided a safe and significant health benefit.

Now on to the topic at hand. For those of you paying attention, the bird flu is in the news every day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the world may be on the brink of another pandemic. They further indicate that all countries throughout the world will be affected, since there will be worldwide illnesses. They go on to predict that medical supplies will be inadequate-both from the standpoint of vaccines and anti-viral drugs-and that large numbers of deaths may occur. The economic impact would be devastating: Severe disruptions in food supplies, utilities, transportation and gasoline could occur.

Although this may sound like doom and gloom, it represents a potential reality. The WHO has a six-level grading system, with six labeled as a worldwide pandemic. We are now estimated it to be at level three, and could jump to level six, literally, in a matter of many weeks to months. I had previously described the effects of the 1918 pandemic flu known as the Spanish Flu. Seemingly starting as innocent as a common cold, this flu ended up being a deadly killer. It is estimated that 28% of all Americans were infected by the Spanish Flu. An estimated 675,000 Americans died of influenza during this pandemic-10 times as many as in World War I. According to a Stanford University education Web site, of the U.S. soldiers who died in Europe, half of them fell to the influenza virus and not to the enemy. (http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/uda/) It was said that the effect of the influenza epidemic of 1918 was so severe, it decreased average lifespan in the United States by 10 years. People who were infected with the illness literally died within hours to a couple of days. Remember, in 1918 the U.S. and world population were a tiny percent of what it is today!

I cannot imagine the impact that a bird flu pandemic would have on the United States now and in 2006. As it is during the typical flu season, emergency rooms can be totally overwhelmed by people coming in with muscle aches, cough and other viral symptoms. It is estimated that about 36,000 Americans die every from just the run-of-the-mill influenza. Should this pandemic hit and cause the devastation that so many are predicting, our health care system could collapse. Many doctors and nurses may fall ill or choose not to report to work. There may not be enough ventilators, beds, etc. Further, going to the hospital itself could present a host of issues, as it might be a breeding ground for the spread of infections. Unfortunately, you cannot count on local, state or federal governments to provide all the help in this matter. We saw, unfortunately, how unprepared our government can be when it comes to a natural disaster that was confined to a relatively small segment of the population.

So what can we do? I know the most important thing you can is to keep your immune system functioning at the most optimal level possible. DHEA and 7-KETO are two nutrients that deserve special recognition. As we age, our levels of DHEA plummet by 80%, and our immune system effectiveness also plummets as a result in decreased DHEA and increased cortisol (stress hormone) production. Also, our high stress and poor diets can impair immune function. There are many nutrients and healthy foods available to help boost immunity. Studies with DHEA are very promising: It appears as you age, it is detrimental to have an increased cortisol vs. DHEA ratio. In fact, a new form of DHEA called 7-KETO, appears to have special immune system and cortisol benefits as discussed in a recent prior newsletter by Dr. John Walker. Click Here to read the newsletter.

Other immune-boosting nutrients that deserve a shout-out include mushrooms. A particular component of mushroom extracts is a special polysaccharide called beta-glucans, which are particularly potent components of the mushroom extract. They may have anti-viral activity via stimulation of interferon production in the individual. I have discussed AHCC (a combination of several different mushroom extracts) in a previous newsletter, and its amazing effects on the immune system. AHCC helps increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity, and it supports healthier liver functions. In fact, a study published in the December 2003 journal Life Sciences showed that supplementation with AHCC could reduce oxidative stress to the liver and kidneys.

The amino acid L-carnitine has amazing benefits not only for the heart and brain, but also for immune function. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research (October 2004) published results from a study to determine the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on impaired macrophage function in rats. Fifty mg of L-carnitine was administered orally to young and aged rats for 30 days. Superoxide anion production in the aged rats was significantly reduced by the L-carnitine treatment. The theory is these results are based on the ability of L-carnitine to improve cellular energy at the mitochondrial level.

Certain herbs have incredible immune benefits. In a study published last month in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study regarding the use of North American ginseng. Three-hundred twenty-three individuals between the ages of 18 to 65 years old with a history of at least two colds in the previous year were recruited for this study. The participants were instructed to take two capsules a day of either North American ginseng extract or placebo for a total of four months. The mean number of colds per person was lower in the ginseng group compared to placebo. Likewise, the percentage of individuals with two or more verified colds during the four-month period was significantly lower in the ginseng group. The researchers concluded that North American ginseng taken in a moderate dose over four months could reduce both the incidence and severity of colds.

There was a fascinating study published in the journal Experimental Lung Research in June of this year. Mice were infected with influenza virus A. It was noted that following this, there was a significant decrease in natural antioxidants enzymes, including catalase, glutathione and supraoxide dismutase, along with a decrease in Vitamin E. This may be the reason the influenza is so toxic to the lungs-it induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine response from the body that depletes antioxidants. The good news is when the mice were given oral supplementation with a bioflavonoid called quercetin, there was a significant increase in the pulmonary concentrations of these critically-important natural antioxidant enzymes. It was speculated that quercetin may be useful as a nutrient in protecting lungs against the effects of oxygen-derived free radicals released during influenza virus infection. There are now so many studies on the benefits of quercetin for reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, etc., I recommend it to everyone.

There was just another study published this month in the journal Antiviral Research regarding the benefits of green tea/catechins on influenza virus. It was found that the component of catechins called EGCG were potent inhibitors of influenza virus replication in cell cultures. And, probiotics are another good source with immune-enhancing potential. A study was published in the International Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in July 2005 this year regarding a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 477 healthy men and women who had not been vaccinated against influenza. Half of the group was randomized to receive a probiotic multi-vitamin and mineral supplement or placebo daily for three months. The other group was randomized to receive a similar probiotic and mineral supplement or placebo for five-and-a-half months. Those treated with the probiotics had a decreased incidence of viral respiratory tract infections by 13.6%. In addition, all common colds and influenza-like symptoms recorded by the subjects during the infection were reduced in the treated group. There was likewise a 19% reduction in total symptoms score, 25% decrease in influenza symptoms and a reduction in the number of days with fever by 54%. It was found that certain helper lymphocytes were significantly increased in the treated group compared to placebo. The study suggested that dietary supplementation with probiotic bacteria and vitamins and minerals for at least three months during the winter/spring may reduce the incidence and severity of symptoms in common cold infections which may be due to stimulated cellular immunity.

When the first reports of the bird flu began to surface, the CEO of Vitacost felt it was important to provide our customers with an array of protective face masks. I thought the idea was overkill and somewhat ridiculous. However, there now appears to be a significant demand for these masks, both on the Vitacost site and elsewhere, with expectations of possible shortages domestically. The best mask available for the money is the 3M N100. It is lightweight and durable, and is said to filter out 99.7% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. The 3M N100 masks actually exceed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommended rating for infection control.

We at Vitacost have a tremendous amount of products available for immune enhancement. I strongly recommend that everyone be on a core multi-vitamin, such as NSI's Synergy multi-vitamins. They contain Vitamin C, quercetin, green tea (standardized for EGCG) probiotics and mushrooms/beta glucans, depending on the formula you choose. We also offer a large selection of various mushroom extracts, including combination products that are a tremendous value. The NSI MGC-5, MGC-6, MGC-7 and ImmunoLift are excellent additional products to add to your core multi. Try our NSI Ester-C with quercetin; it's our #1-selling Vitamin C product with good reason. NSI also has fiber products that contain not only fiber, but the aforementioned probiotics and FOS. These are known as symbiotic products-they are synergistic nutrients that support the survival and growth of the friendly bacteria that improve immunity to help ward off viruses and bacteria.

I can promise you this will not be the last newsletter I write about the bird flu. As it sweeps through Asia and Europe, it may be just a matter of time before it arrives uninvited to America. I promise to personally research and monitor the medical literature to share with you the life-saving information you need. Your best time to prepare is now, and Vitacost has bought millions of dollars in extra inventory to help ensure your protection. Because we care about you and your health... always.