Swine Flu - What you need to know!

Notice: The news and science information presented on this page is for educational purposes. No dietary supplement has been proven to treat or prevent any infection or disease, including the H1N1 Swine flu. If you are sick, consult your medical/health professional for appropriate care instructions and treatment. Nutrition supports the healthy function and structure of your immune system.

Swine Flu Articles by Health Expert Byron J. Richards!

Seasonal Flu Shot Increased Risk for Getting H1N1 Flu

Tuesday, April 06, 2010 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Canadian public health officials have dropped a bombshell on the vaccine bandwagon, publishing data that those in Canada who got the regular flu vaccine were 68% more likely to get the H1N1 swine flu. Their information has caused an uproar and massive confusion – while scientists have unproven theories and no clear-cut explanation.

Vitamin D Highly Effective at Reducing Flu in Children

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

A double blind, randomized, controlled study in children ages 6 – 15 has found that taking 1200 IU of vitamin D per day cut the risk of getting the flu by 50%. The study is published online in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Vitamin D is Needed to Fight and Prevent the Flu

Tuesday, March 09, 2010 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

This past year everyone saw with their own two eyes that our government’s public health officials had no problem using fear to influence Americans to be guinea pigs for an experimental H1N1 vaccine. It was equally obvious that the government cried wolf and has egg on its face, as their predicted pandemic never happened (and not because of an effective vaccine campaign) Where are they now when it becomes obvious that a lack of vitamin D drastically impairs the immune response to fight any flu – especially considering a majority of Americans are lacking in the nutrient? Where is their public health message that Americans need to be adequate in vitamin D so as to help reduce the chance of getting any flu in any flu season?

L-Theanine Offsets Age-Impaired Immunity and Boosts Flu Fighting Ability

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Older mice supplemented with L-theanine and L-cystine for 10 days and then exposed to flu had significantly lower lung flu infections than controls. The combination directly boosted the level of cellular glutathione (GSH) in immune cells, enabling them to function as if the animals were much younger.

Pomegranate Blocks Flu Replication

Thursday, January 07, 2010 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Add pomegranate to your list of immune boosting nutrients. Researchers have discovered that the polyphenol known as punicalagin is what gives pomegranate its excellent flu-fighting characteristics.

Top 10 Health Scandals of 2009

Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

2009 is another bumper crop year for health scandals, an unfortunate trend that shows no signs of improvement. To the contrary, consumers should do everything in their power to stay healthy as the Big Pharma-sponsored medical profession continues to induce millions of serious injuries and hundreds of thousands of deaths per year.

Top 10 Health Stories of 2009

Friday, December 25, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

2009 was a busy year as gene-related exploration tools opened up a treasure trove of new discoveries. We’ve learned why some of the obvious good health habits, like getting enough sleep and exercise are more important than ever, and we’ve learned new things about health that were barely imagined even a year ago. Many of the following stories are feature length articles that are sure to broaden your understanding of natural health and as well as illustrating the extreme importance of taking really good care of yourself.

Top 10 Nutrients of 2009

Monday, December 21, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

This year saw an exciting expansion of scientific knowledge in support of the field of nutrition and dietary supplements to benefit human health. The more scientists learn about genes the more they realize that it is nutrients that make all the difference in terms of being healthy. This should not come as a surprise to anyone, since our bodies evolved in the context of using nutrients to aid survival. In the following sections I rank the top 10 nutrients of the year (don’t leave home without them).

Do Yearly Flu Shots Increase Mortality Risk from Swine Flu?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

A rather startling article published in the prestigious Lancet calls into question the wisdom of a yearly flu vaccine and points out that it could very easily cause more severe H1N1 swine flu. It is one thing when the critics of Western medicine point out all the flaws in vaccine theory. It is another matter entirely when the Lancet does so.

Scientists Recommend Antioxidants to Protect Lungs From the Flu

Tuesday, November 03, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

A new study explains how antioxidants can protect your lungs from flu-related damage. “The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza and the rapid spread of this strain across the world highlights the need to better understand how this virus damages the lungs and to find new treatments,” said Sadis Matalon, co-author of the study. “Additionally, our research shows that antioxidants may prove beneficial in the treatment of flu.”

Adiponectin Stops Sepsis – Relevance to H1N1 Swine Flu

Monday, November 02, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

A new animal study shows that low levels of adiponectin are associated with higher toxicity of sepsis whereas adequate adiponectin prevents sepsis. Adiponectin levels are low in overweight people and being overweight is a risk factor for getting severe H1N1 swine flu. Those with severe H1N1 swine flu have sepsis-like symptoms due to the toxicity and low oxygen condition produced by the infection.

The FDA’s Peramivir H1N1 Swine Flu Experiment

Monday, October 26, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The FDA has now opened the door for widespread human experimentation during this year’s flu season, allowing an antiviral drug called Peramivir to be used even though it has not passed traditional standards of safety testing. Ever since the FDA crafted its Critical Path agenda it has been looking for excuses to expose vulnerable Americans to toxic drugs under the false pretense of the greater good for all. The H1N1 Swine Flu fear-mongering is providing the cover that the FDA needs to unleash an experiment. The new Obama FDA administration has accepted the baton pass from the recently departed Bush FDA management team (von Eschenbach, et al.).

More Doctors Take Vitamins than Get a Flu Vaccine

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

72% of physicians and 89% of nurses take vitamins each year. 51% of physicians and 59% of nurses classify themselves as regular consumers of dietary supplements. In comparison, only 42% of health professionals get a seasonal flu vaccine – a number that is inching up this year due to extreme pressure.

Young People at Risk for Severe H1N1 Swine Flu

Sunday, October 18, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Health officials sounded alarm bells over the weekend as it has become clear that the H1N1 swine flu can attack the lower lungs causing viral pneumonia. Deterioration can be unusually rapid, starting at only 3-5 days into the illness and progressing to life-threatening within 24 hours. The virus can trigger clots in the lungs, meaning that standard ventilator care for pneumonia may not work.

Can Vitamin D Help Prevent H1N1 Swine Flu from Spreading?

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

It seems simple enough to understand. A well person contracts swine flu from a sick person, who, once sick, passes it along to another. In the case of H1N1 swine flu, most of the population is not familiar with the virus, thus it has the potential to readily spread from sick to well. Sick people are supposed to quarantine themselves to prevent transmission. Everyone else is supposed to get a vaccine. One small problem – what if the sick people aren’t really the ones spreading the infection? At first glance that sounds preposterous. A second look may cause you to pause and ponder.

A Healthy Lymph System is Vital for Flu Fighting Immunity

Monday, October 05, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The healthy function of your lymphatic system is required for an optimal immune response. Millions of Americans struggle with a sluggish and stagnant lymph system, a clear immune system disadvantage. This is because your lymph system, in addition to its immune-related chores, is also in the trash removal business and the absorption and transport of fat business. The speed with which you mount an immune response can be drastically impaired by poor lymph function. It is worthwhile to understand how well your own lymph system is working.

Exercise Tips for Fighting the Swine Flu

Sunday, October 04, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Exercise is vital to conditioning your body to have an efficient immune response. Hundreds of studies on exercise and immunity have been conducted. In general, the more fit you are the better your immune system works. At the same time, higher amounts of exercise place increased demands on your immune system. Working out or performing significant exercise at the same time your body is trying to fight off the flu could make you more susceptible to getting sick. Thus, it is a good idea to understand exercise in the context of your immune system.

Fatal Cases of Swine Flu

Sunday, September 20, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The emerging picture of the new swine flu is one that is quite capable of infecting any person of any age, and may be especially problematic for pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, and overweight people. This data comes from the first collection of epidemiological data regarding who has died from severe H1N1 swine flu.

Elderly Muscle Rejuvenation is Possible, Likely to Help Flu Immunity

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

New research shows that elderly strength training at the rate of 20 minutes, three times per week can go along way to prevent muscle breakdown and restore circulation to muscles. This is especially important in the current flu season, as muscles are your primary reserves of protein that your immune system needs to build antibodies if you have to fight an infection.

Swine Flu Could Cause More Serious Lung Infections

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

New research demonstrates that the swine flu (H1N1) has the ability to bind deeper into the lungs than regular seasonal flu, identifying a keep mechanism that may make this flu a significant problem for many people.

The New Flu Vaccine Hype is Over-Rated

Monday, September 14, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The news media and our federal government are trumpeting the early release of data from H1N1 swine flu vaccine trials. The headlines would have you believe that the new vaccine is a major success. In some ways it is and in other ways it isn’t.

Using Nutrition to Help Perceive and Combat Swine Flu

Sunday, September 13, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

There is valid concern that the H1N1 swine flu will readily infect Americans this flu season, resulting in high numbers of swine flu cases around the country. Already the CDC is reporting significant swine flu symptoms and swine flu cases in all states. This is because this new version of the flu hasn’t been around any time recently, meaning that our immune systems don’t have a memory of it and prior training in dealing with it. This does not automatically mean this is a major problem. Your immune system is perfectly capable of mounting a highly effective response against any never-before-seen virus. This article explains how your immune system does this, what nutrients can help, what forms of stress handicap this functionality, and how to help prevent the cytokine storm that would be associated with a severe swine flu episode.

The Narrow Scope of Flu Vaccine Usefulness

Tuesday, September 08, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Let’s assume for the moment that a textbook H1N1 swine flu vaccine is actually produced. Let’s put aside our concerns about its potential toxicity, adverse side effects, or the difficulty in getting a vaccine that actually looks like the current flu problem. And let’s focus on a more fundamental question: Would such a vaccine work for you?

Brave Oxford Researchers Say Tamiflu is Not for Kids

Saturday, August 15, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Governments in the United States and Great Britain plan to use antiviral drugs as a first line of defense against the Swine Flu (along with experimental vaccines as they become available), especially in at risk groups such as young children. A new study by Oxford researchers published in the British Medical Journal questions the wisdom of this advice and points out that the risks are likely to outweigh the very slight benefits. (See full study and related commentary). It is worth noting that this is a conflict between government unelected bureaucrats in charge of “herd control” and doctors trying to evaluate the best interests of patients. Unfortunately, public health is never in the best interest of any one patient, and expects collateral damage. And what if that collateral damage is your child?

Don’t Forget Vitamin C for Swine Flu Prevention

Thursday, August 13, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

German researchers have now demonstrated that a baseline amount of beta-interferon must be active in order for competent immune recognition and response to any viral invader, which of course includes the swine flu (H1N1). One of the many immune roles of vitamin C is to enhance the production of beta-interferon.

Ensure Adequate Zinc for Flu-Fighting Immunity

Saturday, August 01, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Scientists at the University of Florida have shown that zinc not only supports healthy immune function, but increases activation of the T cells responsible for destroying viruses and bacteria. Healthy humans taking 15 mg of zinc per day had significantly improved T cell function, meaning they had a higher ability to ward off infections they could have been exposed to. This is an important point to keep in mind, especially with an unpredictable flu season ahead.

Pregnant Women at Higher Risk for Severe Swine Flu

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning that pregnant women are at higher risk for life-threatening complications from the Swine Flu. Six of thirty-four U.S. pregnant women with confirmed swine flu contracted pneumonia and died. These women were healthy before contracting the flu. Compared to the general population pregnant women have a four fold risk for getting the flu.

Obesity is a Risk Factor for Swine Flu

Friday, July 17, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The Center for Disease Control is alarmed that obesity may make it much more difficult to fight off the swine flu. Of ten severely ill swine flu patients at a Michigan Hospital, nine of them were obese. None of these patients have fully recovered. “What this suggests is that there can be severe complications associated with this virus infection, especially in severely obese patients,” said CDC virus expert Dr. Tim Uyeki. “And five of these patients had ... evidence of blood clots in the lungs. This has not been previously known to occur in patients with severe influenza virus infections,” Uyeki said in a telephone interview.

Bovine Colostrum and the Flu

Thursday, July 02, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Natural protection against bacterial and viral infection is required for the survival of humans. The undisputed powerhouse in this category is first milk colostrum, a mother’s gift of protection to the newborn child. It is clearly associated with fewer digestive and respiratory infections.

How Flu Can Disable Your Anti-Bacterial Defense System

Thursday, May 07, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Interesting new research shows that a more severe viral flu paralyzes your front line immune troops so that they do see other problems. This can lead to a severe bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, which can be just as problematic as the flu itself. In fact many patients who die after getting a bad flu are actually killed by a secondary bacterial infection.

Thyroid, Adrenals, & Immunity – A Clear Path to Surviving Swine Flu

Sunday, May 03, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

The myopic public health machine is clinging to their anti-viral drugs and future experimental vaccines as their great hope for minimizing a potential Swine flu pandemic. It is a paradigm of assistance that woefully falls short. What the public really needs is credible immune system information that not only helps overcome the fear of this flu, but also provides tangible steps to take in addition to hand washing, hygiene, and reducing potential exposure. In the case of a pandemic, everyone will be exposed. The million dollar question is: What determines immune system fitness?

Tamiflu Causes Delirium and Suicide in Children

Thursday, April 30, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Our government is trumpeting how on the ball it is to get its strategic stockpile of Tamiflu out to the public. What they aren’t boasting about is that their supply is about ready to expire. The other thing they aren’t explaining to the public is the risk of delirium and suicide for children taking Tamiflu.

Swine Flu Tip – Don’t Be Your Own Petri Dish

Thursday, April 30, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of getting the flu. At the top of this list is maintaining a healthy digestive tract. While the flu is a respiratory infection, it always incubates in your digestive tract before moving to your lungs. A healthy GI tract can reduce the likelihood of viral replication as well as getting your immune system into gear to deal with the problem.

The New Swine Flu – Why Are Younger Adults Dying?

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Up to this point most deaths from the new swine flu have occurred in Mexico, striking indiscriminately at young and old. What alarms health officials is the ability of this flu to kill seemingly healthy young adults, which is a prerequisite for a pandemic. I have also received a number of questions from concerned individuals wondering if boosting their immune system would make them more susceptible to a problem, a question I will cover in detail.

The Gullible Jennifer Garner Flu Shot Campaign

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - (Byron J. Richards, CCN)

Flu shots remain a subject of intense controversy. Vaccinations of all types remain the centerpiece of the public health herd-mentality paradigm. Just wait until the Avian flu comes, then you will see public health at its finest. Yes, there will be police-state forced vaccinations with experimental vaccines and no right of recourse if you are injured. Thanks to our generally brain-dead Congress the laws are already on the books.