The cocoa present in dark chocolate boosts the immune system!

There’s nothing like a nice big slab of chocolate! When you feel blue, before an exam, or even when you’re just craving for something sweet. However, chocolate is usually associated with unhealthy eating, which is mainly due to its high sugar and cream levels. But them, what is I told you, that chocolate is actually very very healthy?? Turns out that quality dark chocolate has remarkable health benefits [1]!

Dark chocolate is one of the most strongest antioxidants in the world. Cacao, from which chocolate is made, contains 15-20 times more antioxidants than blueberries and green tea! Pretty crazy huh?

And it doesn’t end there. It also contains stimulant substances such as caffeine and theobromine, which can improve brain function in the short term. Therefore it is recommended to eat three squares of chocolate before writing and exam- it will keep you concentrated for a least another hour and a half!

Other than being rich in fiber, Iron and Magnesium, it contains flavonols (plant compound) which improves blood flow to the brain thus improving cognitive function and memory.

Even more strikingly, according to a study, the cocoa present in dark chocolate boosts the immune system by influencing the body’s inflammatory response.

In addition to dark chocolate, you may also take Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR to boost your immune system. They are natural antiviral supplements, backed by clinical studies that showed their effectiveness against a broad range of latent viruses. For more information click www.Novirin.com

Many studies have demonstrated cocoa’s ability to reduce the concentration of molecules in the body that are involved in inflammatory response [2-3].

So in a matter of fact, by having 3 squares of dark chocolate a day, you may help your immune system to fight viruses, especially those latent viruses that manage to hide away from your immune system!

In addition to dark chocolate, you may also take Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR to boost your immune system. They are natural antiviral supplements, backed by clinical studies that showed their effectiveness against a broad range of latent viruses. Such viruses includes Herpes, HPV, Hepatitis, CMV (Cytomegallovirus) shingles virus and EBV (Epstein Barr virus) [4].

But wait, that fact that dark chocolate is so healthy doesn’t mean you should reach for the Reese’s and M&M. Milk chocolate contains high levels of sugar and cream, and low levels of cacao. So milk chocolate isn’t as healthy as dark chocolate. So remember, When buying dark chocolate, make sure the chocolate you buy is with at least 70% cocoa.

References
1. Forbes.com – Cohen, J. “12 Best Foods To Boost Brain Power.” Published February 5, 2015.
2. Francisco J. Pérez-Cano, Malen Massot-Cladera, Àngels Franch, Cristina Castellote, and Margarida Castell. “The effects of cocoa on the immune system.” Front Pharmacol. 2013; 4: 71.
3. Borreli, L. “Benefits of Chocolate: The Common Cold And 4 Illnesses That Can Be Treated By Chocolate Consumption.” Published August 8, 2013.
4. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Turns out that, Infectious Mononucleosis complications may result in liver problems such as hepatitis [7]! Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

IM Symptoms are quite a bummer- the symptoms include, extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, head and body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, swollen liver or spleen or both, rash [5-6]. And as someone who experienced IM let me tell you one thing, it really sucks!

The main purpose I told you all about IM is due to its possible complications.

Turns out that, Infectious Mononucleosis complications may result in liver problems such as hepatitis [7].

Turns out that, complications may result in liver problems such as hepatitis [7]. Yup! You heard well! Hepatitis is a medical condition and may be caused by other viruses than Hepatitis A B or C viruses. And it doesn’t end there, recently, EBV hepatitis has been described in patients without clinical features of IM [8-9].

According to a study, Hepatitis caused by EBV is common in IM, indicating that this virus is a relatively common cause of temporary hepatitis in children and youth [11]. And at the same time, EBV hepatitis can also affect an older age group of 60 year and more [10]. Therefore, diagnosing hepatitis should be done in all patients with unexplained hepatitis regardless of their age.

In terms of natural remedies, there is a natural antiviral treatment on the market called Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR. They were shown to reduce EBV symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies followed FDA guidelines [12]. For more information click Here

The current available antiviral drugs on the market include aciclovir, ganciclovir, penciclovir, and their respective prodrugs valaciclovir, valganciclovir and famciclovir. In addition, there is cidofovir, adefovir and foscarnet.

In terms of natural remedies, there is a natural antiviral treatment on the market called Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR. They were shown to reduce EBV symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies followed FDA guidelines [12].

In terms of natural remedies, there is a natural antiviral treatment on the market called Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR. They were shown to reduce EBV symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies followed FDA guidelines [12].

But then, you must be asking yourselves, what is the difference between the two products?? Well, Novirin shares the same formula as Gene-Eden-VIR, while Novirin has higher quality, more expensive ingredients. These natural remedies target latent viruses as well, making them highly recommended for preventing viral infections.

Most medical problems are beyond our power and control, in contrast to prevention of infection and disease. In order to prevent further liver damage we must be aware of EBV symptoms and possible complications.

References

1. Fry J. Infectious mononucleosis: Some new observations from a 15-year study. J Fam Pract.1980;10:1087–9.
2. Leach CT, Sumaya CV. Epstein-Barr virus. In: Cherry JD, Feign RD, editors. Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 5th edn. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 2004. pp. 1932–56.
3. Henle W, Henle G. Epidemiologic aspects of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated diseases.Ann NY Acad Sci. 1980;354:326–31.
4. Sumaya CV, Ench Y. Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis in children. I. Clinical and general laboratory findings. Pediatrics. 1985;75:1003–10.
5. Cohen JI. Epstein-Barr virus infection. N Engl J Med. 2000;343:481–92.
6. CDC.org – Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis – Fact Sheet. Page last updated: January 7, 2014
7. Weinstein M, O’Hare B. Hemoptysis and Epstein-Barr virus infection. Pediatr Infect Dis J.2000;8:760–1.
8. Canovic P, Gajović O, Todorović Z, Mijailović Z. Epstein–Barr virus hepatitis associated with icterus – a case report. Med Pregl 2006;4: 179–82.
9. Hinedi TB, Koff RS. Cholestatic hepatitis induced by Epstein–Barr virus infection in an adult. Dig Dis Sci 2003; 48: 539–41.
10. Vine LJ1, Shepherd K, Hunter JG, Madden R, Thornton C, Ellis V, Bendall RP, Dalton HR. “Characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis among patients with jaundice or acute hepatitis.” Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Jul;36(1):16-21.
11. John Odame,1 Joan Robinson, MD FRCPC,2 Nasser Khodai-Booran, PhD,1 Simon Yeung, BSc,1 Tony Mazzulli, MD FRCPC,3 Derek Stephens, MSc,4 and Upton D Allen, MBBS MSc FRCPC1,4 “Correlates of illness severity in infectious mononucleosis.” Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2014 Sep-Oct; 25(5): 277–280.
12. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Individuals who experience attachment anxiety disorder experience EBV reactivation. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Have you ever had a fear of abandonment? Always needed a reassurance from your partner, close friend or sibling? Well, news flash! If you ever experienced the following, and it has interfered with your daily function, then you might be experiencing attachment anxiety disorder [1].

It is not new that stress has a negative impact on our body, and in particular, on our immune system. In a matter of fact, stress weakens our immune system, which consequently causes latent viruses populated in our body to reactivate [1].
I bet your next question is, “latent viruses populated in my body??? But I’m totally healthy, and feel perfect!”.

Well, it turns out that various types of viruses have the ability to occur in your body in a latent state. Which is basically similar to “falling asleep”. It remains dormant in your cells, only to erupt later without warning.

There are various reasons for their eruption, the main ones being stress and anxiety [2]. Which is pretty logical considering the fact that they weaken the immune system as I noted.

Moreover, as a consequence of the damaged immune system, a right environment for reactivation of latent virus is created, leading to a variety of symptoms and diseases [2].
Therefore, it is not coincidence that when people are stressed or anxious, they experience cold sores outbreaks (caused due to Herpes virus) [2].

Attachment anxiety may cause chronic stress that compromises our immunity from infection and other physical conditions.

Attachment anxiety may cause chronic stress that compromises our immunity from infection and other physical conditions.

Another striking example is demonstrated in an interesting study. Individuals who experience attachment anxiety disorder experience EBV reactivation,which demonstrates the association of attachment anxiety disorder and poor immune system activity [3,4].

By burning the candle from both ends, we lose the real meaning of life, which to me is being healthy, happy, and surrounded by our loved ones. Image by: Freedigitalphoto.net

Living in modern times is an ongoing race.

We all wish we could add an extra hour to the day, so we would have time to do everything. But maybe life isn’t about getting everything done? But is only what society gets us to think? I believe that by burning the candle from both ends, we lose the real meaning of life, which to me is being healthy, happy, and surrounded by our loved ones. Just a little something to think about.

References:
1. Nauert, R. Attachment Anxiety Lowers Immunity – But Can Be Overcome. Published on February 12, 2013.
2. Microbiology and Immunology On-Line – University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Virology – Chapter Eleven – Herpes Viruses. Last updated May 24, 2011.
3. Fagundes CP1, Jaremka LM2, Glaser R2, Alfano CM3, Povoski SP4, Lipari AM5, Agnese DM4, Yee LD4, Carson WE 3rd6, Farrar WB4, Malarkey WB7, Chen M2, Kiecolt-Glaser JK8. Attachment anxiety is related to Epstein-Barr virus latency. Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Jun 16.
4. Davenport, L. EBV Infection Linked to Subclinical Psychosis Symptoms. Published June 16, 2011.

According to the study, anger, which depresses the immune system causes the body to be more exposed to viruses. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Sociologist Peggy Thoits, described emotions as “involving physiological components, cultural or emotional labels (e.g., anger, surprise etc.), expressive body actions, and the evaluation of situations and contexts” [1]. Emotions are often associated with ones mood, temperament, personality and motivation [2].

An interesting fact, which I’m sure most of you are aware of, is that emotions are also influenced by hormones and neurotransmitters, for instance, dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, oxytocin, cortisol etc. Therefore, non of us will be surprised of the alternative definition of emotion, “ a positive or negative experience that is associated with a particular pattern of physiological activity” [3].

So, I’m sure it’s a bummer being sad or angry.

And other than the lousy felling we have while experiencing those kinds of emotions, they have a huge impact on our physiological status a health.

And let me tell you one thing, you can be sure it is not a positive impact.

Anger causes many physiological problems, such as increasing blood pressure, threat of a stroke, heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, and, in general, depresses the immune system.

And it doesn’t end there, in order to find relief, angry people use other health endangering habits such as smoking or drinking, or via compulsive behavior habits such as workaholism and perfectionism [6].

According to a recent study, anger, anxiety, happiness, and relaxation have either a positive or negative impact on a patient’s health depending on the type of emotion and its duration [4]. Moreover, an additional study showed that “anger is bad for your health” [5].

According to a recent study, anger, anxiety, happiness, and relaxation have either a positive or negative impact on a patient’s health depending on the type of emotion and its duration [4].

Moreover, an additional study showed that “anger is bad for your health” [5].

According to the study, anger, which depresses the immune system causes the body to be more exposed to viruses.

What was interesting to see in the study is how IgA decreased as a result of stress and anger, causing us to be more vulnerable to respiratory problem such as colds or flu, while on the other hand increased as a result to feelings such as care and compassion [7].

Lets use the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) as an example.

When a person is angry, he is creating a right environment for latent viruses due to suppressed immune system, which may cause EBV to reactivate [8], and when the virus is reactivated in replicates and can cause many different symptoms.

we need to focus on moderating these feelings, taking whatever caused them in perspective, in order to avoid unpleasant health problems in the future. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.com

As Alberts Schweitzer once said, “Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.”

Anger, sadness and stress are common feelings which we experience on an everyday basis.

They cannot be ignored, and are an important component of our lives. However, we need to focus on moderating these feelings, taking whatever caused them in perspective, in order to avoid unpleasant health problems in the future.

References:
1. Thoits, P. A. (1989). The sociology of emotions. Annual Review of Sociology, 15, 317-342.
2. “Theories of Emotion”. Psychology.about.com. 2013-09-13. Retrieved 2013-11-11.
3. Schacter, Daniel L. (2011).Psychology Second Edition. 41 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010: Worth Publishers. p. 310.
4. Brod S1, Rattazzi L, Piras G, D’Acquisto F. “As above, so below” Examining the interplay between emotion and the Immune System. Immunology. 2014 Jun 18.
5. Why anger is bad for you. Published on March 14, 2014.
theaustralian.com.au/news/world/why-anger-is-bad-for-you/story-fnb64oi6-1226854026035#
6. CompassionPower – Anger and Health.compassionpower.com/AngerandHealth.php
7. Anger suppresses your immune system. Published April 14, 2011. aetiology.co.nz/14/anger-suppresses-your-immune-system/
8. Microbiology and Immunology On-Line – University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Virology – Chapter Eleven – Herpes Viruses. Last updated May 24, 2011.