Be Prepared For Bio-terrorism

Since the tragedy of September 11th, I have had numerous people ask me about natural means to prevent exposure to biological attacks by the terrorists. Therefore, I have done some research and have spoken with several Naturopathic Doctors. This article relates several methods that have been shown effective against such infections as anthrax.

But first, a disclaimer: Although I will discuss the possible role of natural products in optimizing our immune systems and their possible role as antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals, please note this statement: "No dietary supplement or other natural product has been approved for the treatment of Anthrax." The Dietary and Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 disallows claims to "prevent, treat, cure, or mitigate disease" on dietary health supplements. I recommend that any individual who thinks they may have been exposed to anthrax or any biological or chemical weapon to follow the CDC recommendations to put down the object and notify law enforcement officials and medical professionals immediately.

Anthrax is lethal due to the toxins it produces. The toxins destroy the white blood cells in the body that normally attacks foreign invaders and fight infection. Research shows that the toxin works by producing a burst of oxygen that causes cell destruction.

However, when antioxidants were introduced, the toxins did not destroy the cells. This infers that antioxidants build the immune system making a person less susceptible to the anthrax toxins and other exposures we might encounter. According to a six-year study at UC-Irvine on natural products and their effect on the immune system published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association, the top four products were glyconutrients, phytochemicals, garlic, and aloe. All of these are extremely high in antioxidants.

The problem with taking powerful antibiotics such as Cipro is that the side effects are bad, especially when taken for 2 months. Also, taking this powerful drug as a preventative measure is an invitation to develop a resistance to the drug.

Changing your diet can also be beneficial in preventing potential infection. Foods that will help boost your immune system include:

Asparagus: Contains Vitamin C, A, sulfur, and folic acid, and the diuretic asparagines. May help cleanse the arteries.

Beets: High in Vitamin A, iron, and Calcium, Iron, Potassium. May help strengthen the heart.

Broccoli: Cruciferous vegetable that is thought to have anticancer properties. Rich in Vitamin A, C, and folic acid. May help improve eyesight and skin.

Cabbage: Rich in chlorophyll, Vitamin C, and selenium, sulfur, and chlorine. May help improve digestion.

Carrots: 1 cup of carrots contains 20,000 IU's of vitamin A - helpful in supporting skin health and providing immune protection.

Garlic: "The King of Herbs" - Inhibits the common cold virus, eliminates toxins from the body.

Mustard Greens: Influences the lungs, reduces cold mucus associated with lung infections.

Shiitake Mushroom: Good source of geranium. Improves cellular oxygenation and enhances immunity.

Lemons: high Vitamin C and potassium. May be used as a strengthener, cleanser, or rejuvenator.

Oranges: One orange has 65 milligrams of Vitamin C. Oranges have more Vitamin A (beta carotene) than other citrus fruits, which may help fight infection.

Some traditional herbs which can support the immune system are thuja, garlic, echinacea, usnea, goldenseal, elderberry, sumac and grapeseed extracts. Colostrum from cow's milk provides helpful immunoglobulins. Other immune supporters are mushroom extracts, pycogenol, and CoQ10.

Colloidal Silver has no known side effects and supports the immune system. Unlike conventional antibiotics, germs do not develop resistance to the action of silver, because it is impossible for single-celled germs to mutate into silver-resistant forms. A properly prepared colloid of silver is very safe to use, without the many negative side effects of prescription antibiotics.

Colloidal silver can be taken indefinitely, because the body does not develop a tolerance to it. Unlike ordinary antibiotics, which kill only a few disease-causing organisms, colloidal silver is known to effectively kill more than 650 illness-causing microorganisms. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Silver has been used effectively for hundreds of years and was effective against the plague and other virulent pathogens.

You may research this in more detail on the Internet. There are thousands of articles on the positive nature of the alternative health regimen. For more conventional information, the CDC has a new and updated website on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness. The website address is: http://www.bt.cdc.gov

If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this column or to suggest ideas for a future article, you can contact me through my website.