PRESS RELEASE

School Closures due to Influenza: Nutrition to fight H1N1

by Roberta Gonzales

October 28, 2009

As the rise of influenza continues into November 2009, according to the Centers of Disease Control, many U.S. schools are reporting an increase in closures to manage the spread of disease. Compared to seasons before there is a definite increase in sick people, children in particular. Parents are on high alert and forty-six states reported influenza activity so far. In the heat of the problem parents are searching for ways to prevent the disease from touching home. So far, antiviral medications seem to offer one solution. What other options do we have to protect our loved ones during this growing crisis. Nutrition based research have found astounding correlations of enhancing the immune system attributed to antimicrobial and anticancer properties in certain foods. Although, some of these findings are awaiting clinical trials, the information is still valuable considering the limited options we have to keep our children and us healthy.

The best ammunition for your immune system comes from a diet rich in nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals which have been shown to have protective biological and antioxidant properties.

The healthy notion of just eating your spinach has expanded to the likes of vegetables, spices, fruits and nuts. Mineral loaded roots such as garlic and ginger add a touch of flavor as well. Exotic spices like cardamon, cloves and cinnamon have been found to be rich in antioxidants according to the USDA antioxidant database. Kids have fun sprinkling a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg onto their favorite foods such as berries and pancakes. Most love pie and the classic pumpkin or apple pie can be immune busting, rich in vitamin A, C, D and E, loaded with immune boosting spices. Past studies indicated that sugar contributed to suppressing the immune system. So, consume in moderation if not sugar-free or low-sugar.

Polyunsaturated oils, otherwise known as PUFAs, are found in a variety of nuts for example , have gained warrant amongst researchers in their role to increase disease resistance. Chop or grind some up for kid’s sundaes and pad thai noodles. Add some nuts into trail mix or just eat them plain. Pistachio nuts are always fun to eat at our house—the shells are great for art and fine motor skills.

Protein plays a major role in strengthening your immune system. A 2008 study revealed higher death rates in mice that were protein deficient. Add some shredded chicken or ground turkey into your soups, stews and chilis.

The cacao bean, chocolate, has one of the highest values of antioxidant units, even higher than goji berry and acai berry, the new super foods out in the market today. Beware of processed antioxidant lacking dark chocolates. It’s best to use real raw cacao for superior chocolate desserts and hot chocolate drinks. Clinical trials have proven that antioxidants can significantly improve certain immune responses.

A recent finding published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found a compound in the family of Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cabbage known as DIM (3,3'-diindolylmethane) which has been found to be antiviral, immune system enhancing as well as cancer cell fighting in mice and cell cultures. Co-author to the study, Dr. Firestone says, "There are virtually no other agents known that can both directly shut down the growth of cancer cells and enhance the function of the immune system at the same time." This chemical actually enhances the body’s fighting ability to disengage virus attack – amazing.

Next time you hit the supermarket, get your kids to add these nutrient rich foods into your cart. Involving your young ones during washing and preparation gives kids a sense of pride that would hopefully lead them to eating healthy. Although certain nutrient supplementations are available in the market today, the Brassica study showed that chewing and eating the vegetables were much more effective in maximizing it’s potential germ fighting capabilities, but if supplementation is your thing, by all means take advantage of such a resource, at best under the supervision of a health professional.

The Food Drug Administration has information on daily allowance recommendations for your young ones so you won’t miss a beat with their nutritional needs. A variety of immune boosting foods, chock full of fruits, vegetables and nuts should help to give your children the upper hand to fight this season’s war on influenza.

Certain conditions seem to promote harsher symptoms like obesity, lung disease, pregnancy, hypertension and diabetes. The elderly and young ones below the age of two have been found to have a higher risk for viral attack. Seek out professionals to help you meet goals in health and wellness.

Nutrition plays a major role and a well-rounded immune boosting regimen that includes eliminating sugar, getting lots of sunshine, exercise in play, and plenty of rest will provide ammunition against germs. The season of joy should be one truly when you and your family play and work together to keep each other happy and healthy.

For more information on the latest research on food nutrition log onto www.foodinformantonline.com

RESOURCES:

Ling Xue, James J. Pestka, Maoxiang Li, Gary L. Firestone, Leonard F. Bjeldanes:

3,3′-Diindolylmethane stimulates murine immune function in vitro and in vivo , 20 August 2007; The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry;May 2008 (Vol. 19, Issue 5, Pages 336-344).

Christine Cole Johnson, Dennis R. Ownby, Edward M. Zoratti, Sharon Hensley Alford, L. Keoki Williams and Christine L. M. Joseph; Environmental Epidemiology of Pediatric Asthma and Allergy; Epidemiologic Reviews 24:154-175 (2002); © 2002 by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health .

Ashwell M. Concepts of Functional Foods (ILSI Europe Concise Monograph Series Ed Walker, R) 2002. Available at: http://www.ilsina.org/file/ILSIFuncFoods.pdf.

Alexia G. Smith, Patricia A. Sheridan, Joyce B. Harp and Melinda A. Beck; Nutritional Immunology-Diet-Induced Obese Mice Have Increased Mortality and Altered Immune Responses When Infected with Influenza Virus;© 2007 American Society for Nutrition J. Nutr. 137:1236-1243, May 2007 OBESITY

Michele Anderson and Kevin L. Fritsche; Critical Review-(n-3) Fatty Acids and Infectious Disease Resistance; 2002 The American Society for Nutritional Sciences J. Nutr. 132:3566-3576, December 2002 PUFAS

Janel Hart Chatraw, E. John Wherry, Rafi Ahmed and Zoher F. Kapasi ; Nutritional Immunology-Diminished Primary CD8 T Cell Response to Viral Infection during Protein Energy Malnutrition in Mice Is Due to Changes in Microenvironment and Low Numbers of Viral-Specific CD8 T Cell Precursors;© 2008 American Society for Nutrition J. Nutr. 138:806-812, April 2008 PROTEIN

Disclaimer

FoodInformantOnline.com provides information from current research noted in medical journals in respect to nutrition and health for the general public. The information is made available with the understanding that the author and publisher are not providing medical, nutritional psychological services on this particular site. The information should not be used in place of a professional consultation with a competent health care, diet or nutrition professional.

The information on nutrition and health contained on this Web site does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects, and interactions. This Web site is not intended as medical advice. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed.