Viral Infections
What Is It?
A virus (from the Latin ‘Virus’ meaning toxin or poison is a microorganism that cannot reproduce without a host cell). Once established within the host cell it takes over and continues to reproduce itself to the detriment of the host (the human body).
Viral infections can be of many different forms, including the common cold, HIV virus, chickenpox, measles, Ebola and influenza. It also includes the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body, for example, in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat, which can lead to cervical cancer and more common problems such as warts and verrucas. www.medicalnewstoday.com
Some viruses can be immunised against but others are constantly mutating (changing and morphing) into slightly different forms which makes it hard to immunise against (this is why there is a different ‘flu’ vaccination every winter).
Cause and Effect
Normally a viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics.
The body’s immune system responds as soon as it detects a viral infection by producing antibodies capable of making the virus non-infectious, it will also send out T cells to destroy them. However, there are some like HIV which are more difficult, as the HIV virus is capable of avoiding the body’s natural response. So, the only way to help a person suffering from a viral infection is to support the body generally and help to boost the immune system.
Viruses are contagious and can be spread in many ways such as simple contact, coughing, sneezing, kissing; some require sexual contact or contamination via food, while others need a host to carry the virus from person to person.
Juice Pharmacy Recommendation:
What to Avoid
Smoking, alcohol, processed foods, refined white sugars, dairy products, red meats and sugary carbonated drinks.
What to Include
Rest is vital as a viral illness is usually associated with fatigue and feeling generally unwell, which is your body’s way of telling you to get rest. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated during a viral illness is equally important. Supplements such as zinc, vitamin C and echinacea have also been found to be beneficial.
Freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juices will ensure maximum nourishment of the body and easily digested first class nutrition, at the same time as giving the digestive system a rest and allowing the body to concentrate the available energy on healing and recovery. Helpful ingredients include grapefruit, lemon, lime, oranges, liquorice and garlic. The addition of the Juice Master’s Superfood Boost or the Ultimate Juice Boost will also help to strengthen the body’s defences.
Grapes - An important piece of research entitled ‘Virus inactivation by grapes and wines’ was published by Canadian microbiologists in 1976, showing that the high concentrations of tannins in grapes were potent killers of the disease-causing viruses in test tubes. Grape juice, or blended whole grapes (both are equally effective and there is no difference between red or white grapes for efficacy), is especially effective against poliovirus and herpes simplex virus.
Immune system boosters - Fruits which give the immune system a kick are beneficial for fighting viruses and these include banana, strawberry, mango and blackcurrant.
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Ginger Shot - taken from Jason Vale's Super Juice Me! 28-Day Juice Plan
3cm Ginger
1 Small or ½ Large Apple
Simply juice the ingredients and knock back!
Juice: J'M Sip - taken from The Funky Fresh Juice Book
1 Golden Delicious Apple
3cm Chunk of Fresh Ginger Root
½ Lemon (unwaxed)
1 Heaped tsp Manuka Honey
½ Cup of Hot Water
Juice the apple, ginger and lemon (leave the peel on). Pour the juice into your favourite mug. Make sure you only half fill the mug and then top up with hot (not boiling) water from the kettle. Add the Manuka honey, stir well and sip your way back to health.
Blend: Vitamin C Smoothie - taken from The Funky Fresh Juice Book
2 Oranges (peeled)
1 Kiwi (peeled)
¼ Red Bell Pepper
1 Grapefruit (peeled)
1 Handful of Kale
1 Handful of Strawberries
Juice the orange, kiwi, pepper, grapefruit and kale. Pour the fresh juice into a blender, add the strawberries and ice, and blend until smooth.
Disclaimer
Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, or a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.