In the…

• 1990's, we had the Bird flu (H5N1) virus.
• 2003, we had the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
• 2009, came the influenza A (H1N1pdm09) virus pandemic.
• Now in 2020, we have the novel coronavirus (COVID-19 or 2019-nCoV).

Viruses have the ability to mutate and evolve like all living things. That is why last year's flu vaccine is not good this year. Bacteria also evolve, which is why we see antibiotic-resistance strains. Some of our personal holistic immune choices are the following:

Vitamin D— our osteopathic physician recommended 5,000 IU of Vitamin D daily for good immune system function because we live at high altitude (Denver) and do not get outside much in the wintertime.

Elderberry syrup— from the ancient Egyptians, to European folk medicine and Native American culture, black elderberries have long been used to treat infections and support good immune function.

Gan Mao Ling (Chinese patent herbs)— can be used proactively or at first onset of cold or flu symptoms. There are more Chinese patent formulas for specific flu symptoms (such as throat or stomach symptoms).

Oscillococcinum (from BOIRON)— we take this at the first sign of the flu. As a homeopathic remedy, it contains no strong active ingredients, is non-drowsy and has no known interactions with drugs or supplements. It also will not mask symptoms that may develop from a more serious condition. Safe for everyone ages 2 and up.

Kick-Ass Immune ACTIVATOR (from WishGarden Herbs)— Margaret's doctor recommended this collection of immune-boosting herbs for the body's immune, respiratory, and lymphatic systems to support the body's natural resistance.

Essential oils— essential oils from plants are too complex for viruses and bacteria to adapt to. There are many, many essential oil blends for specific types of flu and infections.

While we understand the need to supplement the symptoms for an acute viral infection, we also advocate nutritionally supporting the body's own natural ability to heal BEFORE symptoms show up or blow up (viral outbreak). As an analogy, while installing new granite counter tops in the kitchen and rug in the living room may make the house look better, a better investment would be first fixing the leaking pipe in the kitchen or crack in the basement foundation that lets water in every time it rains. Whole food nutrition, rather than the above isolated supplements, is the foundation of good "wholistic" health. In addition to the above suggestions, we holistically recommend the following for a good immune system foundation:

1. Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods with white flour, white sugar, soy and GMO ingredients that can deplete the nutrition needed for a healthy immune system.
2. Avoid any soda pop (regular or diet). Too much sugar and phosphoric acid imbalances the body's pH making it too acidic, another immune compromising action.
3. Buy organically grown foods. Factory-farmed foods from a mass market grocery store are generally nutrient deficient. Margaret did a research study comparing the mineral content of foods today to 70 years ago. The depletion ranged from 10-76%. You can read the full results at: "Lack of minerals leads to lack of health."

So where can one get the immune supporting nutrients missing in our modern diet? Nature's own superfood, algae. Here is an impressive short list of nutrients in our bio-algae concentrate products (BioSuperfood for people and BioPreparation for pets) that research shows may help support the body's response to any viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection:

Chlorophyll's energy to purify, renew and anti-inflammatory properties may support immune-enhancing and antiviral qualities.

1. Nucleic acids, found in RNA and DNA, is responsible for directing cellular renewal, growth, and repair. This may strengthen immunity by improving the activity of T- and B-cells, which defend against viruses and other invading microorganisms, and macrophages, which destroy cancer and cellular debris in general.
2. Phycocyanin (protein pigment in blue-green algae) may inhibit virus replication and intensify the cellular and hormonal mechanism of the immune system, reducing the presence of viral diseases. Chinese scientists documented that phycocyanin stimulates hematopoesis (creation of blood), emulating the hormone erythropoetin (EPO). EPO is produced by healthy kidneys and regulates bone marrow stem cell production of red blood cells. They claim phycocyanin regulated white blood cell production, even when bone marrow stem cells are damaged by toxic chemicals or radiation.
3. Abundant antioxidants, such as astaxanthin, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, lycopene, xeaxanthin, quercitin, b-cryptoxanthin and many other pigments that offer powerful immunity and toxin shield against continuous pollution, toxins and stress.
4. Hoemattoccocus is the highest source on earth of astaxanthin, a red pigment which is clinically proven to have hundreds of times more antioxidant power than vitamin E and vitamin C, and dozen of times more than that of beta carotene as found in carrots.
5. Astaxanthin is 40 times more effective as an antioxidant than beta-carotene, 500 to 1000 times more effective in inhibiting lipid peroxidation as an antioxidant than Vitamin E, has greater anti-inflammatory capability than Vitamin E.
6. GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), also found in early mother's milk, is used as brain-building fats and to stimulate an infant's own natural immune system.

For more nutritional details and successful testimonials, go to our Health Conditions webpage, Viral, Bacterial, Fungal and Infections or ask us for our bio-algae concentrates (BAC) holistic research paper, Viruses, Bacteria, Fungus, Parasites and Candida. If you think our whole superfood products are not "strong" enough for today’s viral pandemic, check you our previous blog, October, 2014 Update: Ebola and HIV Update. It reveals a National Cancer Institute's study on how Anti-HIV Protein from Blue-Green Algae Also Inhibits Ebola Infection.

While not scientific proof, are you going to wait for conclusive scientific proof with FDA-approved double-blind placebo studies before you take holistic preventative action? The reason why this old knowledge (Anti-HIV study results published in 2003) is not more widespread is that pharmaceutical and supplement companies cannot patent the rights to using blue-green algae as a viral remedy without coming up with a proprietary method for extracting or concentrating the active ingredients and proving theirs is better than Nature using FDA-approved, double-blind placebo studies. If I can take or give our family a whole superfood product that does not have side effects, is produced under good quality controls and is relatively inexpensive when compared to drugs, I will take these holistic measures for a super immune system.

Here is a how Dr. Roland Thomas' family benefited from taking holistic preventative action. Dr. Thomas' daughter was living in a college dormitory. Everyone on her floor got (or tested positive for) the H1N1 virus except her. Of course, his daughter had been taking the whole superfood product, BioSuperfood-f3, for many years already. Is this scientific proof of viral prevention? You be the judge as to what is good for balancing your body.

If you get at least one cold/flu each season, try something different to provide a healthier outcome. For true "wholistic" wellness, be holistically proactive (before symptoms show up or blow up), rather than medically reactive (to symptoms). Since you know your immune system gets depleted every winter, start in the fall by doing some of the proactive holistic measures above at a daily maintenance amount. At the first sign of a cold or flu symptoms, ramp up what you are doing to a therapeutic level, plus add several flu-targeted isolated supplements. Remember, throughout the entire flu season to drink plenty of fluids, get adequate rest, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and take BioSuperfood-f3 to give your body the fuel it needs for a super optimum immune system.