Can antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables eliminate or reduce the symptoms of the flu virus? That’s a question researchers sought to answer, and the exciting news is they did find evidence that antioxidants can counter the destructive havoc which the flu virus wreaks on lining cells of the respiratory tract.
Most people are unaware that most of the symptoms of the flu are the result of the body’s war against the flu, and not the flu itself. The cells of our respiratory system are like civilians and civilian property that wind up in the midst of a battlefield. They are not the primary targets of the battle; however, when they get in the line of fire they will suffer damage. The same type of damage occurs when the flu virus attacks our body. The body responds with an arsenal of immune cells and chemicals , and unfortunately this response and these chemicals make us feel miserable. In the process, the same oxidant chemicals created by the body to attack the flu chew up the cells in the respiratory tract.
What antioxidants do is to counter this self destructive effect. Scientists have been working on ways to accomplish this for a long time, and in 2009 researchers in Alabama found evidence that natural antioxidants successfully it. In their study, they injected antioxidant chemicals into cells that were infected with a protein derived from the viral M protein. Normally, the viral M protein causes destruction to cells of the respiratory tract. However, when the scientists added anti-oxidants to the cells, they were not damaged by the M protein particle. This finding suggests that anti-oxidants might be effective in preventing the damage to the respiratory tract caused by the flu in humans.
After the study the scientists concluded that while they still support the flu shot as primary flu defense, taking anti-oxidants might be a wise secondary strategy to guard against harmful effects of the flu. What this means is that people who are exposed to the flu can immediately begin to take antioxidants supplements, to lessen the potential symptoms of the viral infection.
There are many sources of antioxidants on the market, including fresh vegetables and fruits. However, when a person has been exposed to the flu virus, it might be wise to take large doses. To assist the public, a number of health marketing companies are producing natural antioxidant supplements. An example of a natural antioxidant supplement is BioOpc+ by eHelps. BioOpc+ is a natural antioxidant formula containing extracts from 14 of nature’s strongest antioxidants.
People who want that extra protection against the flu should purchase antioxidant supplements now and have them handy. As soon as the flu comes to their area, they should start taking the supplements. If they are exposed, they should increase the supplements to the maximum recommended level, until the flu has left the area.
Reference:
www.wishtv.com/…/Antioxidant s_offered_as_flu_fighter_2009. ..