SWINE FLU AND VIRUSES IN GENERAL; THE BARE FACTS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE
                      TO TRULY PROTECT OURSELVES

"SATIN RIDES AGAIN"
 
Although the Swine Flu has been marketed as the most recent enemy that
threatens our health and safety, it is certainly not the first of this
"perceived" magnitude and will not be the last. The newest evil presents
itself in the form of a virus; specified as "Influenza A virus subtype
H1N1". The name implies something scary, and should; reporters and
marketing experts love innuendos. The real truth is that a virus should
never be underestimated in any case. Depending on its specific
infectivity, pathogenesis, lethality, and transmission ability, its
morbidity and mortality potential can make it one of the most lethal
adversaries in the world.  Now, whether the Swine Flu will be referred to
as an epidemic or a pandemic, these "labels" are simply semantics, and
news reporters around the globe are finally able to justify their "true
callings". Sensationalism and "scare tactics" seem to have replaced honest
journalism as well as accurate and truthful medical/scientific reporting.
The reality is that most reporters would not know a virus from a
Volkswagen, except that they both have the ability to travel very fast.

WHAT IS A VIRUS?

A virus is a sub-microscopic, infectious agent that requires a "host cell"
in order for it to survive, grow, and reproduce. It is actually an
opportunistic, biological parasite that uses our cells to complete its
"life cycle". Many viruses can be up to one hundred times smaller than the
smallest bacterium. Thus, a virus has the capability to enter cells very
quickly and effectively, with very little, (if any), impedance, due to its
size. Viruses are composed of strands of nucleic acid, (i.e., either DNA
or RNA, denoted as the "genes"), a protective protein "coat", (called a
capsid), and many have an "envelope" of surrounding fat. A "whole" viral
particle is referred to as a virion. The virion will enter a cell in the
body and take over the cell's "command post", thus directing cellular
activity to insure its own survival. Because the cells that have been
commandeered by the virus no longer function the way they are supposed to,
normal metabolism, protein synthesis, and properly directed energy
production, (ATP), no longer takes place in the infected cells. This is
the reason why we feel so ill when a virus has invaded enough of our
cells, either in a specific region or organ, (i.e., a stomach or
intestinal virus), or has taken over multiple regions or organs. Viruses
do not grow or multiply by cellular division, (mitosis), as normal cells
do. Instead, after breaking through the cell membrane, they replicate by
producing multiple copies of themselves inside the host cell. Picture an
assembly line producing identical copies of the same genetic "strand" over
and over again; this is how a virus replicates itself. Organisms which
carry or transmit viruses are referred to as "vectors". A vector can be
any one of thousands of organisms, (i.e., mosquito, cat,  pig, human,
etc.). Defending ourselves against the invasion of these virulent entities
which are carried/transmitted by these vectors is vital if we plan to
survive over the long term. It is how we defend ourselves which determines
how successful we will be.
EXAMPLES OF "WELL-ESTABLISHED" VIRUSES

During the 1800's, the Smallpox virus, a true "pandemic", was responsible
for an estimated 300-500 million deaths. The Polio virus was one of the
most feared illnesses of the 1900's as it killed or crippled vast numbers
of adults as well as children. Today, we have to contend with the
Hepatitis viruses, (A,B,C,D,E), and the Human Papillomaviruses, (HPV's);
these are true and dangerous enemies that are responsible for pandemic
numbers of direct, as well as, associated deaths. For example, the
Hepatitis B virus can lead to liver cancer (Koike, K., (2007), J.
Gastroenterol. Hepatol., 22 Suppl. 1, S108-111), while the Human
Papillomavirus is an established cause of cervical cancer (Schiffman, M.,
et. al., (2007), Lancet, 370 (9590), 890-907). The question is, how does
the Swine Flu compare, (in magnitude), now, and how will it compare to the
"true" pandemic viruses when it has finally run its course?

BE PROACTIVE-IT’S THE BEST PROTECTION

Being proactive in all areas of health is imperative. By reducing our
susceptibility to the damage that viruses are capable of inducing on/in
our bodies is the key to optimal health and protection. If we simply wait
until a virus attacks us and become reliant on medications that may or may
not  combat this virus, will lead to nothing but a futile uphill struggle
at best. This type of passive behavior towards entities of this harmful
and aggressive nature will be the ultimate downfall of the organism
involved. Thus, building up and maintaining a strong immune system is no
longer a luxury, but to insure our survival, it is now a necessity. It is
important to be cognizant of the fact that about 70% of our working immune
system resides in the gut. The gut is actually a barrier that
incorporates, retains, and destroys numerous pathogens and potentially
harmful, and many times lethal, food-borne, ingested "poisons".  One of
the greatest protective characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract is
the low pH, (pH between 1.0 and 2.0), of the stomach. This highly acidic
environment neutralizes, deactivates, and kills nearly 100% of these
ingested "enemies" before they ever reach the small intestine. In
addition, without this acidic environment, important digestive enzymes
would not be activated, digestion and nutrient absorption would be
significantly compromised, and the energy required to run our bodies
properly, (i.e., homeostasis), would not be available. One of these
important enzymes, required for protein digestion, absorption, and
utilization, is pepsin. Pepsin would not be activated from its inactive
precursor, pepsinogen, if the pH of the stomach was above 3.0. Above this
pH, ingested proteins would not be broken down so as to allow the required
essential amino acids to be available to build up our bodies and
synthesize antibodies and immunological bio-particles. Without this
acidic environment, the "intrinsic factor" would not be produced nor
available, which is needed for the absorption of Vitamin B12, required to
allow red blood cells to mature and thrive.

BUILDING UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM NATURALLY

           1. Find alternatives for the relief of acid reflux, heartburn
and ulcers. Chronic use of common prescribed medications, such as PPI's,
Histamine-2 receptor antagonists, and antacids, all lower the amount of
protective acid available and raise the pH of the stomach. This causes the
loss of the required protection against pathogens, negatively affects
proper digestion of food, nutrient absorption, and metabolism, and
destroys the immune system over time.

           2. Keep physically active through some kind of exercise.  This
will not only reduce stress, (which weakens the immune system), but will
also strengthen muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, which in turn,
will increase overall health and the ability the ward-off these viruses.

           3. Eat a "balanced" diet and use supplements which focus on
strengthening your weakest health areas. For example; if you have
osteoporosis, begin to use supplements which will improve bone
density,(i.e., calcium, Vitamin D, etc.). If you need to, employ a
qualified nutritionist.

           4. Try to limit your exposure to people or places where you
know that a possible health risk already exists, (i.e., avoid travel if
there is an epidemic or pandemic, stay away from people who have
communicable diseases when you are not at your best, use discretion when
choosing sexual partners, etc.).

           5. Try not to smoke (if possible), avoid overindulgence with
alcohol, try to limit the use of prescription drugs, (if possible, speak
to your doctor), and do not partake in the use of illegal
drugs/substances. Besides the general adverse effects of contraband drugs
on the body, many of these illicit substances, such as cocaine and
heroine, are contaminated due to improper handling and "stepping on" or
diluting with substances such as mannitol, which themselves are most
probably contaminated. The illegal or misuse of "legal" prescription drugs
is also a major health issue as of recent times. Many people rationalize
and attempt to convince not only family members and friends, but also
themselves, that because a drug, (i.e., an opioid narcotic), is a
prescription medication, it is acceptable to "self-medicate".  Not only is
this illegal, but because many abusers of these drugs think that if an MD
prescribes it, it must be safe. In actuality, these drugs are more
dangerous than the true contraband substances, and those who illicitly
misuse these "legal" medications, will undoubtedly have extremely
compromised immune systems.

           6. Think positive and, (if possible), eliminate negative and
mean-spirited people from your life. Just like any poison or toxin, being
constantly exposed to these types of people will negatively affect your
physical health, which will ultimately compromise your immune system.

                           CONCLUSION

Like many epidemics and/or pandemics, the Swine Flu virus is simply
another one of many which affects those who are most susceptible and
unprotected.
Although the general basis of immunology begins with genetics, alterations
through lifestyle changes, proper food and nutrient intake, medications,
supplementation, chronic/pre-existing diseases, etc., are all important
variables that can change the future prognosis of one's overall health. It
is our educated decisions, and how we act them out which will determine
our future health.

                                 Fin

        The next information installment will cover how some of
        the most frequently prescribed anti-viral medications
        actually work, as well as how the nutraceuticals that are
        showing the most promise as protectors of our immune
        system and the natural anti-virals also work.

Dr.Robert Berger, MS, MVSc, PhD.
Senior Scientist
Nature Best Products, LLC