Potent Anti-Influenza Effects: Vitamin D proves Multi-Beneficial Once Again

As a common infection, influenza may initially seem like a wieldy nuisance to one’s daily routine and enjoyment. However, some people are prone to develop severe health complications because of contracting influenza, especially the older ones.

As such, while getting bedridden seems to be the staple and generally worse effect of flu, there is a need to cease neglecting the condition’s possible severity and to actively participate in its prevention.

Vaccination is conventionally supported as the ultimate way for flu prevention. Yet recent scientific evidence possibly reveals otherwise. In a study led by Mitsuyoshi Urashima of Jikei University School of Medicine Minato-ku, findings showed that instead of flu vaccine, another remedy that starts with the same letter proves to be less vicious due to the absence of side effects, and more vivaciously effective: Vitamin D.

Study Shows: Vitamin D is more Potent than Vaccination

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a recent randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial in Tokyo yielded evidence that showed the effective benefits of vitamin D in combating influenza infections in children.

The study involved 334 children that were divided into two groups, where one cluster was given 1200 IUs of vitamin D3 on a daily basis, over a four-month span. Results showed that in the placebo group with 167 children, 31 of them contracted influenza virus. On the other hand, only 18 out of 168 vitamin D group members were affected. This shows the risk reduction capacities of vitamin D, which reached up to 8%.

Such figures are notable, especially when compared to the 1% risk reduction rate of flu vaccines in symptoms of the said disease — truly a far cry. As such, in terms of preventing influenza infections in children, Vitamin D leads with an astounding 800% due to its potent anti-influenza effects compared to flu vaccines.

Multi-benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a collective way of referring to several forms of the said vitamin, two of which are most notably essential to humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), as synthesized by plants; and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), as synthesized by humans.

This vitamin may be obtained by consuming fish, fortified milk, and cod liver oil, among other sources. Exposure to sunlight is a good and necessary source of vitamin D, wherein a mere 10-minute exposure can have long-term benefits through preventing deficiency.  The said vitamin’s key function lies in its healthy regulation of calcium and phosphorus blood levels, which enable its calcium-absorption role to significantly contribute in the formation of strong bones. Several effective benefits of vitamin D also extend to skin repair and maintenance.

Apart from its well-studied biological function and favourable contributions, and besides the evidence that showed how vitamin D is more potent than vaccination; there are several other health benefits strongly linked to vitamin D.

• Immune system enhancement

  A study in Denmark demonstrated why vitamin D should be consumed as often as possible. The researchers discovered that it aids in activating our immune system’s killer cells, which are more formally referred to as T cells.

  The name itself suggests either a vital or destructive role, and the study results support the positive implication. These killer cells kill, arrest, destroy impaired cells — an act that largely combats potentially detrimental factors.

  The best part is that immune system activation, in itself, is already a major protective factor in warding off a spectrum of ailments.

• Links between two D’s: Vitamin D and Depression

  Researchers from the US National Institute of Aging discovered that depression symptoms, particularly for elders aged 65 and above, occur due to insufficient amounts of vitamin D in their bodies. Given that direct sunlight exposure is a necessary move in order to prevent deficiencies, a link was established because seniors are more inclined to stay inside the house than engage in activities outside.

  Led by Luigi Ferrucci, the study involved utilizing a scale called CES-D, which is a tool for measuring depression symptoms. Findings showed that those participants with poor results in the CES-D test simultaneously had lower vitamin D amounts in their bloodstream. On the other hand, better scores were found in those who had higher levels of the said vitamin.

  Further research and evidence needs to be established, but the strong links have increasingly emerged.

• Diabetes

  Researchers from Loyola University Chicago published a review article, which claimed that diabetes can be prevented and delayed, and even those who are already clinically diagnosed may experience a reduction in diabetes-related complications due to ample consumption of Vitamin D.

  The vitamin is believed to have a significant role in managing glucose intolerance by aiding insulin secretion and sensitivity, which in turn contributes to the risk reduction and management of diabetes. This explains the strong link between vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes. As such, individuals who are at risk of developing the said chronic disease should be gauged in terms of whether they have ample or lacking levels of vitamin D.

Multi-ways of Naturally Preventing Influenza

Apart from vitamin D, other natural health remedies prove potentially more beneficial than vaccine in flu prevention and management. The following offers some natural tips:

• Avoid consuming substances that drain the immune system’s resources and energy. One key example is the regular intake of refined sugar, which triggers an autoimmune response — the immune system attacks the sugar, which it perceives as foreign and detrimental to the body. The point is that sugar stimulates an unnecessary protective action of the immune system. If it should encounter real harmful viruses, such as the influenza virus, the immune system will be less capable of defending the body due to depleted resources and lesser energy levels. An impaired immune functionality renders the individual prone to contracting flu, among other diseases.
  
  
• Avoid all tobacco forms, including first-hand and second-hand smoke. Chronic smokers are more severely struck by flu compared to non-smokers. It also causes a paralysis in the cilia, a key part of the nose that inhibits flu from gaining passage.
  
  
• Increase garlic intake through supplementation or as food source, because its anti-viral and antibacterial contents contributes to speedier healing once the individual acquires flu.
  
  
• Ensure sufficient levels and intakes of necessary vitamins that strengthen the immune system, which render it more capable of combating influenza virus. Vitamin C contains a concentration of immune boosters through its bioflavonoids. In relation to improved immune functionality, vitamin C largely contributes to a significant increase in the numbers of protective white blood cells. Vitamin A also serves as a potent immune system enhancer, anti-infection nutrient, and antioxidant.
  
  
• Consume healthy amounts of colloidal silver supplements. Colloidal silver is an immediately effective antibiotic and antiviral substance. Links between its benefits and role lie in decapitating and killing a particular enzyme — the enzyme necessary for viruses and bacteria to thrive.

Most importantly, people should strive to always go natural. Potential benefits abound, and these natural remedies do not merely target the risk reduction or prevention of a single health condition. Like vitamin D, natural treatment is multi-treatment, multi-beneficial, and multi-functional health-protective – all these, without the side effects.

Sources
NaturalNews.com
health.howstuffworks.com
fluhelp.org
medicalnewstoday.com
mayoclinic.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com
naturalhealthontheweb.com