Antivirals and Supreme Nutrition
Viruses - they’re not just dangerous malware for your computer! Just like a virus takes over your smartphone or laptop and renders it useless, a virus has the potential to do the same thing to you. Health viruses are in the news everyday - from COVID-19 to the new flu strains of the year. The most important thing to keep in mind when looking at viruses is prevention, taking care of your immune system, and having a wellness plan. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that you must take responsibility for your own health and prevention. Gone are the days that you can rely solely on your doctors or hospitals to keep you healthy. You have to take responsibility and accountability for your own immune health.
Nature has provided us with many plants and herbs to help combat viruses and viral infections. Supreme Nutrition was founded on the need to find natural solutions for complex infections.
Before we jump into Supreme Nutrition’s popular antiviral formulas, I wanted to include some brief facts, definitions, and need-to-know information.
Antiviral History
The first recorded use of antiviral medications was in 1972 with the use of acyclovir. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that slows the spread of the herpes virus. It was invented in the mid-1970’s. Today, there are numerous other antiviral drugs. Some common examples for flu prevention/treatment are Xofluza, Tamiflu, and Relenza. There are also many others for Hepatitis and Herpes-related viruses.
Terms to Know
Antiviral: An antiviral helps your body fight off viruses that can cause various diseases. These types of drugs also prevent you from transmitting the disease to someone else. The antiviral blocks receptors so that the virus can’t attach, multiply, and expand. Also, antivirals can boost your immune system so that it fights back harder if threatened by a virus like the flu.
Virus: A virus is an infectious agent that grows and multiplies inside healthy body cells. Once a virus has identified and attached itself to a healthy cell, it can multiply and expand its influence to your entire body.
Antibiotics: While antivirals help your body respond to viruses, antibiotics help your body respond to bacterial infections. Bacteria reproduce outside of cells. This makes the bacterial infection easier to treat. While an antiviral is specific to a certain virus, an antibiotic has the potential to treat multiple bacterial infections.
Antivirals and COVID-19
COVID-19 is everywhere - literally. I know we are all sick of it, but I wanted to provide a small connection before we move on to Supreme’s antiviral product offerings. While there isn’t a magical pill to cure COVID, there is an antiviral option for those who are suffering from COVID. Remdesivir, which was approved by the FDA, is an option for hospitalized adults. This antiviral drug was authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization, so I foresee some coming studies and academic work regarding antivirals and COVID.
Supreme Nutrition's Antiviral Formulas
Reishi Supreme
Purpose: Reishi’s primary usage is for liver support, kidney support, immune support, fatigue reduction, and antiviral support. In 2014, there was a study done with the use of the mushroom that makes up Reishi Supreme, Ganoderma lucidum. It was tested alongside Ribavirin, a common antiviral medication, to prevent Enterovirus 71. Enterovirus 71 causes hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. The results showed that the varieties of Ganoderma lucidum prevented the infection by Enterovirus 71. This showed that the mushroom has potential to prevent and cure Enterovirus 71.
History and Usage: Reishi was first used in the Far East about 4,000 years ago. It was used in the past as a longevity herb. In China it is called the mushroom of immortality (Ling Zhi). The mushroom itself, Ganoderma lucidum, has been used in studies to determine its antiviral properties. It has been shown to have antiviral properties against HIV. Reishi Supreme contains 360mg of Ganoderma lucidum without any fillers or binders. Reishi does have the ability to thin your blood so be aware if you are taking blood thinners. The inhibition of platelet aggregation is affected, meaning that you may not have to take as much blood thinning medication.
Carly's recommendations: use Reishi Supreme for viral symptoms or as a prevention when exposed to viral infections.
Mindy T. says, “I can definitely tell a difference in my brain when I take this product. I just feel more alert. It just functions better.”
Olive Leaf Supreme
Purpose: Olive Leaf Supreme’s primary focus is as an antiviral and as an antioxidant. Olive trees have been used in traditional Mediterranean cooking and medicine for eons of time. It is mainly known for stimulating immune cells. Studies show that it also is antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparastical. Olive leaf has been shown to stimulate phagocytosis and prevent viruses from replicating. That means taking olive leaf supplements at the beginning of a viral infection may help reduce symptoms and the length of illness.
Besides helping your immune system deal with infections, Olive Leaf can help with blood pressure and blood sugar and triglycerides. It is also a strong antioxidant with an ORAC value of 7608 which means it is better than green tea, blueberries, and garlic.
History and Usage: Olive leaf has been used therapeutically for thousands of years. It did not become popular in modern culture until fairly recently, however. It has the ability to prevent viral replication and stimulate phagocytosis (the ingestion of the substance).
Carly’s recommendation: Because it is such a strong antioxidant and anti-viral I recommend taking this as a prevention during cold and flu season. I recommend it as a year round immune support for those with Syndrome X, Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, or obesity. I recommend starting with 1 capsule at 3 times per day and increasing to 2 capsules at 3 times per day if you are exposed to an infection.
Leroy R. says, “Have been using olive leaf as an immune aid. Seems to have protected me so far, from colds, etc. Will continue to use it.”
Woad Supreme
Purpose: Woad Supreme is the powdered root form of the herb, Isatis tinctoria. It has been used as an antimicrobial (kills microbes) as well as an antiviral (kills viruses). In studies it has been able to kill the flu virus and leptospirosis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and acute hepatitis. In China it is usually made into a tea and used topically for skin conditions such as rosacea, herpes, shingles, and impetigo.
Woad is also anti-inflammatory. It stops inflammation by binding Cox-2 and 5-Lox enzymes. It also stops the production of TH2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 which are responsible for breathing issues in allergies and asthma.
History: Isatis tinctoria was used in Ancient China for over 2,000 years. It is a flowering plant that is native to Central Asia. Originally used for indigo dye, Hippocrates (460 B.C.) was the first to use it for wounds, ulcers, and hemorrhoids.
Carly's recommendations: Use woad as an antiviral if you also have seasonal allergies or asthma. During flu season, I recommend 2 pills at 3 times per day as a prevention.
Lucy L. says, “We love all of the Supreme Nutrition products. We take Woad Supreme when faced with a virus.”
Japanese Knotweed Supreme
Purpose: Japanese Knotweed Supreme has been hailed as a resveratrol-rich supplement, capable of delivering an anti-inflammatory response. Resveratrol is a strong antioxidant that is most known for being in wine grapes and wine. But red wine and grapes are not the best source of resveratrol. Japanese Knotweed contains a superior form of resveratrol called trans-resveratrol. It is more easily absorbed and used by your body.
Japanese Knotweed components have been shown to work against Influenza A virus, including H1N1. Specifically, a component called Emodin in Japanese Knotweed, has been shown to inhibit Epstein Barr Virus. It has also been tested against drug-resistant bacteria and stops the growth of streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus. It is a very popular and well-known herb used for those with Lyme disease or post-Lyme syndrome.
History: Native to eastern Asia, Japanese Knotweed is full of trans-resveratrol. Primarily used in Chinese and Japanese medicines, many disorders are treated through the use of the resveratrol.
Carly’s recommendation: I recommend Japanese Knotweed to clients who have multiple viruses or on-going infections such EBV (Ebstein Barr Virus) or Lyme disease. I recommend 2 capsules at 3 times per day during flu season or when you are exposed to an illness.
Lana S. says, “good for virus alzheimer's, macular degeneration. dental ,liver and many other wonderful things.”
Gregory C. says, “Good stuff. Removed the pain in my left foot from Lyme disease.”
Stephen W. says, “Since taking this product my father no longer has to take half his heart medication..it fixed his digestive problems..which can lead to heart and blood pressure problems..very happy with this product”
Concluding Thoughts
From the yearly flu shot to the COVID-19 pandemic, viruses are all around us. It can seem like a daunting task, but proper care and due diligence in preparing your body to properly fight off a virus is key. Think of it like you would with your laptop. You buy virus protection from malware and other intrusive viruses. Why not do the same thing with your body? Traditional herbs like those discussed above are an important part of your healthy home pharmacy. They are best used in combination with a low carbohydrate diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Are you interested in finding a regime of antivirals? Schedule a consult with me, Carly Neubert BA, NC.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S166557961500037X
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21531-antivirals
https://supremenutritionproducts.com/ReishiSupreme/index.html
https://supremenutritionproducts.com/OliveLeafSupreme/index.html
https://supremenutritionproducts.com/JapaneseKnotweedSupreme/index.html
https://supremenutritionproducts.com/WoadSupreme/index.html
Sources from Supreme Nutrition research
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Lin, Chao-jen, et al. "Polygonum cuspidatum and its active components inhibit replication of the influenza virus through toll-like receptor 9-induced interferon beta expression." PloS one 10.2 (2015): e0117602.
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