Featured Topic: Shingles (5 slides)
Shingles what is it? Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox This virus can hide in nerve cells for years after the initial chicken pox infection has passed If your immune system weakens the virus reactivates Red, painful rash and blisters that often occurs on the head and upper body
Is Your Immune System Exhausted? Shingles is more common with age people over 60 are 10 times more likely to experience an outbreak than young people 50% of Americans will have experienced a shingles outbreak by age 80 The most important reason for increased infections as we age is immune system exhaustion What exhausts your immune system? Free radicals, malnutrition, chronic stress, high levels of inflammation, and more
What about the shingles vaccine? New Study: Routine shingles vaccination for 50 years old with healthy immune systems not worth it People in their 50s not that likely to have a problem with shingles, and the effectiveness of the vaccine wears off Person vaccinated at age 50 will have zero vaccine efficacy at 60 The older we get, the less responsive our immune systems become to the shingles vaccine SO the older you get the less likely the vaccine will help
Elderberry is a natural antiviral drug Elderberry acts against viruses in two ways: PRIMARY: It neutralizes virus particles so that they cannot enter host cells SECONDARY: It causes the immune system to activate, which can help control the spread of a viral infection Elderberry has been found effective against the herpes type 1 virus like the shingles virus, the herpes virus stays dormant in nerve cells until a weak immune system allows it to reactivate (think cold sores and fever blisters) Combine 200 mg of freeze-dried Haschberg elderberry with vitamin A, C, D3, calcium, magnesium, zinc and bioflavonoids
More help after a shingles outbreak The nerve pain from a shingles outbreak can last for weeks after the rash has faded Pain Relief: Curcumin, boswellia, DLPA and nattokinase Topical pain relief: comfrey cream Nerve support: alpha lipoic acid, bioactive B vitamins, benfotiamine, chelated minerals, chromium Diet (visit TerryTalksNutrition.com/diet for details) Exercise, but not excessively One study found a 30% decrease in risk of infection after regular moderate exercise but up to a 500% increase in risk of infection after running an ultra marathon
Nutrient of the Day: Copper (3 slides)
New uses for an old metal An ancient metal is making a modern comeback 5000 years ago, copper was used to sterilize wounds and drinking water because of its antimicrobial properties Now, copper is becoming the metal of choice in public areas, especially hospitals, because it kills bacteria on contact Bacteria on stainless steel can survive for weeks, but 99.9% of bacteria on a copper surface will die within 2 hours One hospital found that putting copper on frequently touched surfaces (bed rails, call buttons, etc) reduced hospital-acquired infections by 58% How does it do it? Copper weakens the bacteria s cell membrane, which leads to destruction of its DNA The EPA has certified copper to kill six types of bacteria, including E. coli and MRSA Copper never loses its power as long as it is clean and free of waxes or coating, it will destroy bacteria
Copper is important on the inside of the body as well: Helps incorporate iron into red blood cells Co-factor for a very important antioxidant enzyme, super oxide dismutase Activates the enzyme required to make collagen and helps slow bone breakdown Important to the function of white blood cells, which protect the body against pathogenic bacteria and viruses
Getting enough dietary copper Foods: oysters and shellfish, organ meats (kidneys and liver), dark leafy greens and dried prunes About 30-40% of ingested copper is absorbed Chelating copper bound to an amino acid significantly increases absorption Look for copper bisglycinate chelate The RDA for copper is 2 mgs daily
Get a Kick from Caffeine (1 slide)
Caffeine: Legal Performance Enhancement The most widely consumed drug in the United States: caffeine Caffeine is legal for use in sporting events (since 2004) Athletes who use caffeine before competing jump higher and run faster than non-caffeinated athletes While the total performance improvement is 1-2%, this can be a big boost in elite level competitions where the winner and loser are separated by seconds, or fractions of a second Moderate intake of caffeine does not lead to dehydration and is generally as rehydrating as water Research finds that low doses are effective 3 mg per kg of body weight, the equivalent of a 190 lb man drinking a tall Starbucks medium roast coffee