In an age of viral pandemics, wisdom and understanding are our best allies in keeping a level head in the face of widespread hysteria.

“How is it we have so much information, but know so little?” Noam Chomsky

We constantly seek out the oracle that is Google for her insight, hoping to allay our fears about current events, our health, and all of our “should I…” and “how to…” questions. 

It’s hard to discern what to believe and what to dismiss, all the while, attempting to filter out our emotions and stiff-arming irrationality.

Pandemics are not a light matter.  When we rest in truth and stay mindful of the actual risks, it will ensure maximum safety and optimum public health.

It is imperative to focus on two distinct goals that will aid in a better understanding of how to navigate the modern morass of misinformation and myths concerning viruses.

Goal One: Reorient ourselves with the nature and purpose of our relationship with viruses.

Goal Two: Glean a better comprehension of viral infection components.  By knowing how viruses operate, we can know how to best intervene.

Virome and Microbiome

Many of you have likely heard of the microbiome.  This is the body of bacterial colonies that outnumber our human cells by 10 to 1.  The microbiome coordinates with our immune system, helps with digestion and nutrient absorption, supports brain function, and even helps us age better.

While there has been much discussion on the integral bacteria inhabiting our bodies, we’ve merely scratched the surface of understanding this bacterial/body relationship.  Even less understood, and seldomly discussed, is the ever-important virome. 

The virome is the population of viruses we each harbor. In a healthy body, the virome supports our systems in very profound ways.  It is a relationship that cannot be reduced to a predator-victim dynamic where we are merely weak, defenseless, shuddering-in-fear creatures that have no other option other than to succumb to their infection.

Research still has a significant amount of ground to cover on the topic, but the following actions of the virome prove the benefit of sharing space with viruses:

• Attack bacteria for us via viruses called bacteriophages¹
• Improve expression and adaptability of our genome to our environment²
• Fight cancer cells³
• Defend against future infections⁴

Virome Support Strategy

When we come in contact with viruses from outside our body, they will follow the same general steps, leading to infection:

1. Acquisition – The virus gains access to our cells via respiratory, gastrointestinal, or mucosal transmission.
2. Replication – Viruses “hijack” our DNA in order to produce more viruses.
3. Immunity – A counterattack is mounted against the virus in an effort to neutralize it.
4. Systemic – Due to our connectedness, multiple systems are involved with restoring health back to each tissue and every cell.

Knowing is only half the battle.  Wisdom is the application of knowledge.

Knowing how viruses operate, we can use targeted nutrients to support our bodies through each of their mechanisms:

1. Barrier Defense – As the old farmer saying goes, “Better fences make better neighbors.”  Viruses can be neutralized and blocked from contacting our cells.
2. Identity Theft Protection – Viruses can be shut out from stealing our DNA and replicating themselves.
3. Immune Support – Our immune system needs appropriate resources, nutrients, and energy to give a balanced response to the infection.
4. Terrain Restoration – Our biological terrain responds as an integrated unit to communicate and regulate the healing process.

Ancient wisdom and modern research can be used to help human existence avoid and reduce the suffering from viral infections.  Research has been able to confirm, and bring validity to, the health claims of these natural healing nutrients.

Top Nutrients to Support Viral Infections

Licorice – Typically known for adrenal health and gut support, licorice is one of the most potent, broad-spectrum antiviral herbs.  Research has shown that its active component, glycyrrhizic acid, inhibits virus growth and inactivates viral particles.⁵

Vitamin C – Since the 1970s, vitamin C has gained popularity and is a mainstay as the first line defense for colds and flus.  Ascorbic acid up-regulates natural killer cells (our immune system’s microbial mercenary), reduces the pain and inflammation of infection, and reduces the severity and duration of infection.  Most importantly, ascorbic acid has been shown effective against today’s global viral threats.⁶

Zinc – The ions of this mineral are directly antiviral.  This is especially potent with respiratory viral infections when used in a throat lozenge.⁷ The bulk of zinc’s immune support comes from proper maturation of the immune workhorses (T-helper cells), as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.⁸ 

Vitamin A – When our cellular reserves are flush with vitamin A, the defensive walls of our respiratory tract can sufficiently hold back viral infections.  But, if our supply of vitamin A is low, then acute supplementation is not quick enough to have an effect on reducing the severity of infection.  Instead, this nutrient is better taken in advance of the cold and flu season and maintained for its duration.⁹

Vitamin D – D3 is another powerful nutrient for preventing respiratory tract infections, including epidemic influenza.¹⁰ Much like vitamin A, having below optimal levels of vitamin D increases the risk of a range of acute respiratory infections.

Oregano – Traditionally, people have used this oil for respiratory infections.  It’s primary active components (thymol, carvacrol, terpinene) are strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.¹¹ Researchers also find it effective for reducing fevers, aches, and pains associated with viral infections.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) – The antiviral aspects of elderberry extract were first proven by an Israeli virologist.  Elderberry was found to neutralize the spikes that allow it to pierce our cells, thereby rendering it unable to replicate.  It can also shorten the duration of a viral infection when used in combination with vitamin C and zinc.¹² 

Echinacea – No other herb has as much historical use for immune support as echinacea.  Studies show that it is effective at mobilizing the immune system’s “wrecking crew” of natural killer cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and white blood cells.¹³ 

Olive Leaf – Studies show that olive leaf extract takes viruses head on and inhibits the viral particles that transport them.  It’s even effective against nastier viruses such as retroviruses and influenza.¹⁴

Astragalus – This herb has the ability to elicit one of the stronger responses from our immune system through both activating and proliferating immune cells. Astragalus has been shown to have more impact when used in combination with echinacea and licorice.¹⁵

Garlic – Allicin is the sulfur-containing compound of garlic that not only gives garlic its strong smell and flavor, but also its immune boosting punch.¹⁶ 

Basil – Known as the “queen of herbs,” holy basil extracts have a long track record for being antiviral.  Even better, the entire plant can be used as it is naturally high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc.

This list is not comprehensive, but represents highly effective, researched, and most tolerated nutrients.  Of course, the best practice is to work with a knowledgeable practitioner to address key systems that are creating imbalances in the relationship between you and your virome. 

However, the list includes nutrients that are readily available so that you, too, can begin supporting your own immunity.

Yes, you have the ability to do this!

You don’t have to wait on what Google, the government, or medical authorities tell you to do.  You can use proven, natural approaches that work with the knowledge of your body.

For your personalized approach towards a healthy virome, and how it connects to the systems of your body, contact the Institute for Restorative Health.

Reference:

1. Clokie, Martha R.j., et al. “Phages in Nature.” Bacteriophage, vol. 1, no. 1, 2011, pp. 31-45., doi:10.4161/bact.1.1.14942.
2. “Why Everything You Learned About Viruses Is WRONG.” GreenMedInfo, 3 July 2015, www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/why-only-thing-influenza-may-kill-germ-theory.
3. “Editorial Board.” Endocrinology, vol. 156, no.5,2015,doi:10.1210/endo.2015.156.issue5.edboard.
4. Barton, Erik S., et al. “Herpesvirus Latency Confers Symbiotic Protection from Bacterial Infection.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, www.nature.com/articles/nature05762?error=cookies_not_supported&code=2c099bc59d99-4526-af10-bd10baec2363.
5. Pompei, Raffaello, et al. “Glycyrrhizic Acid Inhibits Virus Growth and Inactivates Virus Particles.” Nature, vol. 281, no. 5733, 1979, pp. 689–690., doi:10.1038/281689a0.
6. “High Dose Vitamin C and Influenza: A Case Report.” ISOM, 14 Jan. 2019, isom.ca/article/high-dose-vitamin-c-influenza-case-report/.
7. “High Dose Vitamin C and Influenza: A Case Report.” ISOM, 14 Jan. 2019, isom.ca/article/high-dose-vitamin-c-influenza-case-report/.
8. Prasad, Ananda S. “Zinc: Mechanisms of Host Defense.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol.137, no. 5, 2007, pp. 1345–1349., doi:10.1093/jn/137.5.1345.
9. Ross, A. Catharine, and Charles B. Stephensen. “Vitamin A and Retinoids in Antiviral Responses.” The FASEB Journal, vol. 10, no. 9, 1996, pp. 979–985., doi:10.1096/fasebj.10.9.8801180.
10. Cannell, J. J., et al. “Epidemic Influenza and Vitamin D.” Epidemiology and Infection, vol. 134, no. 6, 2006, pp. 1129–1140., doi:10.1017/s0950268806007175.
11. Han, Fei, et al. “Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils from Different Parts of the Oregano.” Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE B, vol. 18, no. 1, 2017, pp. 79–84., doi:10.1631/jzus.b1600377.
12. http://archive.foundationalmedicinereview.com/publications/12/1/25.pdf
13. Goel, Vinti, et al. “A Proprietary Extract from the Echinacea Plant (Echinacea Purpurea) Enhances Systemic Immune Response during a Common Cold.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 19, no. 8, 2005, pp. 689–694., doi:10.1002/ptr.1733.
14. Heinze, J. E., et al. “Specificity of the Antiviral Agent Calcium Elenolate.” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, vol. 8, no. 4, 1975, pp. 421–425., doi:10.1128/aac.8.4.421.
15. Brush, Julie, et al. “The Effect OfEchinacea Purpurea,Astragalus Membranaceus AndGlycyrrhiza Glabra on CD69 Expression and Immune Cell Activation in Humans.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 687–695., doi:10.1002/ptr.1938.
16. Arreola, Rodrigo, et al. “Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds.” Journal of Immunology Research, vol. 2015, 2015, pp. 1–13., doi:10.1155/2015/401630.