Super Mushrooms Fight Swine Flu Virus

“What’s the best natural way to boost immunity against the swine flu virus (SFV)?” a reader from Winnipeg inquires. It’s a good question, as currently this virus is killing small numbers of people. But some researchers believe that H1N1 will return in a few weeks with a vengeance, killing thousands of North Americans. If this happens, can it be possible that a group of powerful medicinal mushrooms can decrease the risk of succumbing to this virus?

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But first, during an epidemic, never forget these basic precautions. Bow like the Japanese rather than shaking hands. Handshaking has always been an unhealthy habit, a prime way to spread infection whether or not there’s an epidemic of SFV. Get further protection by washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Keep your distance from those who are coughing or sneezing, particularly when they don’t cover their mouths. One single sneeze fires out 40,000 infectious droplets at the speed of 100 miles an hour! Minimize stress as it increases cortisol and the adrenal hormones which decrease resistance to infection. Be sure to get adequate sleep, as those who are tired are more susceptible to infection. Stop smoking. There’s overwhelming evidence that smokers are less resistant to viral and other infections. And keep vaccinations up-to-date. Other infections will still be around long after the swine flu virus is history. Eat smart. This means a well-balanced diet of whole grains and colourful fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrots, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, apples, berries, cherries and plums. These are loaded with vitamins, minerals and protective phytonutrients that bolster the body’s defenses against disease. And add protein from wholesome fish, meat and poultry. But can powerful medicinal mushrooms increase immunity? Specific mushrooms have been used in the Orient for hundreds of years to support the immune system as an aid in fighting infection. Researchers have discovered that some of these mushrooms are better than others in building up immunity. But let the buyer beware, as you have to be careful about the type of mushrooms you purchase. Investigation shows that some imported mushroom preparations from China contain only rice flour and nutmeg. Others produced in the U.S. were found to have few of the active ingredients required to increase immunity. What these preparations should have contained was a mushroom called, Cordyceps sinensis, one of a group of powerful fungi. A natural mushroom product called ImmuneAssist 24/7 has been developed by a U.S. Nutraceutical company. ImmuneAssist 24/7 is prepared by a method called “hybridization” and contains Cordyceps sinensis, plus five other super mushrooms. Hybridization isn’t the same as genetic modifications, such as cloning. Rather, it’s a traditional method of cross breeding mushrooms to enhance their natural immune-stimulating powers. Hybridization is not a new process having been used for many years. For instance, before this method was applied to potatoes, they were the size of your little finger! Research shows that the Full Spectrum Cordyceps sinensis hybrid has 5X the potency of wild harvested Cordyceps sinensis. The other five mushrooms are also highly purified, making them rich with 200 immune enhancing polysaccharides, which stimulate the human immune response. This provides a much broader immune response particularly when it’s not known what type of virus will be present. It’s like providing the doctor with a combination of 200 different antibiotics. There’s a good chance that you would be getting the right one to fight the H1N1 virus. This combination of powerful ingredients in ImmuneAssist 24/7 increases the activity of natural killer cells. And this super mushroom product also contains EGCG, the polyphenol compound found in green tea which helps to keep viral particles from being able to multiply within cells, and is effective against the H1N1 virus. No one can predict what H1N1 will do in the coming weeks. Some researchers believe that the virus will become resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu. If that happens all the more reason to boost your own immunity as it may be your first and most reliable defense. Unfortunately at the moment ImmuneAssist 24/7 is only available in the U.S. It can be obtained by calling the toll-free number 1-800-877-2447