Turns out that flavonoids are able to fight the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), as well as reduce growths of abnormal cells in the cervix caused by the virus [2-3]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

But before we answer that question, what is actually green tea?
Green tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis, and may be consumed as a beverage, or as an extract to serve as medicine.

Even back then, chinese people identified it’s health benefits. Turns out that tea leaves contain two unique active compounds named methylxanthines and flavonoids.

Methylxanthines include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which are a group of substances that are present in small quantities. The caffeine affects thinking and alertness, and is thought to stimulate the nervous system, heart and muscles by increasing the release of chemicals in the brain.

Flavonoids are responsible for most of its beneficial effects such as assisting in prevention of inflammation and cancer, lessen joint degeneration and help prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Even more strikingly, turns out that flavonoids are able to fight the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), as well as reduce growths of abnormal cells in the cervix caused by the virus [2-3].

And it doesn’t end there. Green tea extract is the first botanical agent approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use and is indicated as a treatment for external genital and perianal warts [3].

There are other natural antiviral remedies that contain Camellia Sinesis Extract (green tea extract), such as Novirin, a natural antiviral dietary supplement.

In a matter of fact, there are other natural antiviral remedies that contain Camellia Sinesis Extract (green tea extract), such as Novirin, a natural antiviral dietary supplement. Its formula contains five natural ingredients: Selenium, Camellia Sinesis Extract, Quercetin, Cinnamomum Extract, and Licorice Extract. The first ingredient is a trace element, and the other four are plant extracts. Each ingredient and its dose were chosen through a scientific approach.

Additionally, this formula was found to reduce HPV symptoms in two separate post-marketing clinical studies that followed FDA guidelines [4]. So it really works. And apparently it is effective against other viruses as well such as herpes virus, shingles virus, Cytomegallovirus and more.

Well, I myself love my cup of coffee every morning, but I sure am going to try having a cup of green tea instead every second day.

References:
1. Dattner, Christine; Boussabba, Sophie (2003), Emmanuelle Javelle, ed., The Book of Green Tea, Universe Books, p. 13,
2. Doan HQ1, Nguyen HP, Rady P, Tyring SK. “Expression Patterns of Immune-Associated Genes in External Genital and Perianal Warts Treated with Sinecatechins.” Viral Immunol. 2015 Mar 16.
3. Tyring SK “Effect of Sinecatechins on HPV-Activated Cell Growth and Induction of Apoptosis.” J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Feb;5(2):34-41.
4. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Turns out that many of the tested tablets contained potential allergens that weren’t listed in the ingredients, while others didn’t contain the supposed active ingredient at all. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Most people think that herbal supplements are always safe to use. They’re natural, so how harmful can they be? That’s usually true, if you know what you’re taking. But what if someone tried to sell you pure gold, while it is actually gold painted bricks?

The New York State attorney general’s office claimed to have tested store-brand supplements from Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, and GNC. Turns out that many of the tested tablets contained potential allergens that weren’t listed in the ingredients, while others didn’t contain the supposed active ingredient at all [1].

So in actual fact, people with allergies to those hidden ingredients are at risk. As a result, the retailers were accused for selling potentially dangerous herbal supplements, and were demanded to remove the tested products from their shelves.

Such a case is not pleasant, although somewhat expected, since supplements aren’t minded as drugs, and therefore aren’t put through the same FDA strict requirements that drugs are.

So the main question is, how can we make sure that the natural remedies we purchase really contain what it says on the bottle?
Well, there are several ways. First, various companies and scientists conduct clinical studies on natural remedies. For instance, a study showed that yerba maté (a plant originally from the subtropical region of South America) beverages and supplements may be helpful in fighting obesity [2]. A different study examined how an antiviral natural remedy decreased viral symptoms in individuals infected with the Human Papilomavirus, Herpes, Epstein Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Hepatitis C virus [3].
Secondly, there are few non profit groups, such as NSF and USP that certify various supplements in terms of their ingredients, methods of manufacture, etc. The companies whose supplements meet the group’s standards are allowed to carry the official group’s seal on their labels. Therefore searching for those labels is a fairly good indication for the supplements quality. However, note that one cannot count solely on third party supplement certification, since there are other factors that should be taken into consideration. For instance, this certification procedure is very expensive, therefore new companies, with excellent efficient supplements, and low budget, can’t yet afford such a procedure.

Even though supplements are OTC (over the counter), they can negatively interact with other medication you are taking. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

And lastly, you must always consult your physician before administering a natural supplement. Even though supplements are OTC (over the counter), they can negatively interact with other medication you are taking. In addition, physicians are usually familiar with different brands in terms of efficiency and safety.

This recent event which occurred isn’t very encouraging, however, just because it occurred, doesn’t mean supplements are bad for you. Basically, it means you must be extra careful while purchasing supplements. Saying that, it is important you follow the three methods outlined above in order to ensure the quality of your supplements, and your health.
References:

1. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/03/new-york-attorney-general-targets-supplements-at-major-retailers/
2. Gambero, Alessandra, and Marcelo L. Ribeiro. “The Positive Effects of Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) in Obesity.” Nutrients 7.2 (2015): 730-750.
3. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

An infection with VZV during the first 28 weeks of the pregnancy increases the risk of damage to the eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or bowel in 1%-2% of the babies [1]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

While some viruses won’t cause any harm to a child or adult, others may cause severe health and developmental problems in a fetus or newborn baby with a compromised immune system.

I’d like to focus on the Varicella zoster virus (VZV). Wait, perhaps you’re more familiar with the chickenpox virus? Well, in actual fact, it is exactly the same virus. This virus causes both shingles and chickenpox. This first phase of this virus is chickenpox, whereas the second phase is always shingles. In between the two phases the virus establishes a lifelong latent infection.

So in a matter of fact, when the immune system is weakened, for instance in case of chemotherapy, AIDS, in neonates or during a post transplant treatment, the VZV virus can reactivate and awaken from a latent state, causing the disease known as shingles as well as other, serious complications [3].

An infection with VZV during the first 28 weeks of the pregnancy increases the risk of damage to the eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or bowel in 1%-2% of the babies [1].

Therefore, it is very important that women who aren’t sure that they have had chickenpox must avoid anyone with the infection. It is important to note that pregnant women who have already had chickenpox do not need to avoid contact, because they have already been immunized against the virus [2].

I bet your next question might be, can I catch shingles or chickenpox from a person who has shingles? Well, you can catch chickenpox from being exposed to a person with shingles if you have not had chickenpox yourself. However, you cannot catch shingles from a person with chickenpox, or catch shingles from a person with shingles. As I noted above, Shingles is a later phase of the chickenpox.

Adults and teenagers over the age of 14 are more likely than children to have complications resulting from chickenpox, therefore, they should take the medication. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

In some cases, women may be unsure whether they have been infected with the virus in the past or not. So then, how should they know whether to be careful or not? Well, they can ask their GP for a blood test that check immunity to the virus.

But hold on, what about treatment for chickenpox?

Turns out there is an effective vaccine that is administered during childhood in certain countries such as USA, Canada and Australia [3].

In addition to the vaccine there are antiviral pills such as aciclovir that can reduce the severity of chickenpox, However, theses pills don’t eliminate the virus from the body but stop the virus from replicating.

Adults and teenagers over the age of 14 are more likely than children to have complications resulting from chickenpox, therefore, they should take the medication. However, they should take it only if they start within 24 hours of the rash first developing. If medication is first administered after this time it is not likely to have much of an effect [3]. Additionally, there is natural treatment. The oral antiviral product Novirin has a formula that was shown to be effective in reducing viral symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies that followed FDA guidelines [4].

So, if you’re pregnant, or planning, you must show responsibility by being aware of the various viral infections that can harm you and your baby.

References:
1. Russell, R. “New guidelines on chickenpox and pregnancy” – WebMD.com. Published January 21, 2015.
2. The Herald – “CHICKENPOX ALERT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN.” – Published January 21, 2015
3. Patient.co.uk – “Chickenpox in Adults and Teenagers.” Last Checked August 21, 2014.
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.

Shingles Virus May Cause Deafness. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Did you know??? According to the CDC, “almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, in their lifetime. There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in this country”[1].

But what is shingles you’re now asking??? Good question!!

The varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a herpes virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

The varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a herpes virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the body. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles [1]. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of shingles increases as you get older [1].

A worrying fact regrading shingles is that Infected individuals may infect others without knowing it.

And it doesn’t end there, the virus may reactivate in the throat [3], potentially causing serious conditions in addition to the painful symptoms of shingles, such as facial paralysis.

Moreover, studies show that VZV infections affecting the facial nerve near one of the ears can lead to deafness. The latter is also known as Herpes Zoster Otica, and it may eventually cause hearing loss [4].

Moreover, studies show that VZV infections affecting the facial nerve near one of the ears can lead to deafness. The latter is also known as Herpes Zoster Otica, and it may eventually cause hearing loss [4].

While shingles isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be very painful. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles outbreak, while early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications.
There are various treatments currently on the market. For instance, Zostavax is a vaccine that may reduce the risk of developing a shingles outbreak, and decrease the long-term pain due to damage in the nerve caused by the virus. Yet, in adults vaccinated at age 60 years or older, protection from the vaccine decreases within the first 5 years after vaccination [1].

Latent viruses aren’t easy to investigate, however, it is very much important to recognize them as a main research goal. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

There are also antiviral drugs, such as Zovirax or Valtrex. However, these medications, when effective, only shorten the time of the shingles outbreak. They are ineffective against the latent VZV virus [1]. In terms of natural treatment, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are designed to help the immune system target latent herpes viruses, including the VZV, and they have been clinically proven to be very much effective [2].

Medical research contains various challenges that scientists deal with on an everyday basis. Latent viruses aren’t easy to investigate, however, it is very much important to recognize them as a main research goal in order to prevent suffering from further patients.

References:
1. CDC.gov – “Shingles (Herpes Zoster)” – Prevention & Treatment. Last Reviewed on May 1, 2014.
2. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.
3. Myron J. Levin “Varicella-zoster virus and virus DNA in the blood and oropharynx of people with latent or active varicella-zoster virus infections.” Journal of Clinical Virology. Published December 2014.
4. The Merck Manual “Herpes Zoster Oticus.” Last reviewed in October 2012. Merckmanuals.com

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Familiar with those mornings when you feel blue or sad? It is a part of life, and is very common.

The good thing is that those feelings usually pass within a couple of days, only to help us appreciate our joyful periods in our life. However, when you experiences depression, it interferes with your daily life and causes you pain as well as for those who care about you. Depression is a common and serious illness [1].

Depression has a major effect on the body’s health, and even more important, many studies have shown that depression damages the immune system which eventually may cause the body to be more susceptible to latent infections [2-3].

Depression has a major effect on the body’s health, and even more important, many studies have shown that depression damages the immune system which eventually may cause the body to be more susceptible to latent infections [2-3].

But before we begin, let me quickly remind you the meaning of a “latent infection”. A latent infection is caused by viruses found in the human body in a latent state. These viruses can remain dormant and hidden from the immune system for years, only to erupt later without warning [4].

So in a matter of fact, any weakening of the immune system only serves to increase viral symptoms, which, in turn, increases depression [5].

There are various viruses which cause latent infections, while the “famous” ones being herpes, and HPV, which also cause Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s).

But wait, It doesn’t end there, what if I told you that latent infections may also cause depression? Sound crazy, but according to various studies, it is true [3].

Herpes virus it mostly infects a type of cell called an epithelial cell.

For example, our skin is an epithelial cell. Once a person is infected the virus copies itself, and uses nerves to travel to the brain [7]. Once in the brain, the virus establishes a latent infection, kinda like “falling asleep” in your brain [4].

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression.

As the number of latent herpes viruses increase in the brain, they affect the function of brain cells, by for example causing hormonal imbalances that in turn leads to depression.

All these changes can introduce a vicious cycle that’s tough to break without treatment for both depression and any other diseases.
It is similar to entering a feed forward situation where any weakening of the immune system only serves to increase the viral damages, and therefore, increases depression [3].
The good news is that depression treatment is often a “two-for-one”, by treating the depression, you can also improve your overall health. If you or someone close to you are experiencing depression, talk with your doctor about treatment.

In addition to antidepressants and talk therapy, exercise may help.
The two-for-one treatment may work the other way round too- treating latent infections may help treating depression.

There are various treatments for latent infections, depending on type of virus you are infected with. However, if someone is infected by several viruses, it is quite a bummer taking several medications, each one for a different condition.
But wait, it turns out that there is a single treatment for all types of viruses- Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin which are natural antiviral dietary supplements.

Their formula contains five natural ingredients: Selenium, Camellia Sinesis Extract, Quercetin, Cinnamomum Extract, and Licorice Extract.

They activate the imune system and helps it target latent viruses more efficiently therefore, targeting all latent viruses occupied in the body.

To date, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are the only natural antiviral products on the market with published clinical studies that support their claims, making them safe to use! [6]
It is known that happiness is the best treatment for any condition. William James once said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind” [8]. At the end of the day, our health and well being is only up to us, and under our own responsibility. A mans merit is measured by his ability to get out of difficult and tough situations in life, and deal with them.

References:
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association. 2013.
2. Chen MH1, Wei HT, Su TP, Li CT, Lin WC, Chang WH, Chen TJ, Bai YM. Risk of depressive disorder among patients with herpes zoster: a nationwide population-based prospective study. Psychosom Med. 2014 May;76(4):285-91.
3.Wang X1, Zhang L2, Lei Y2, Liu X2, Zhou X3, Liu Y3, Wang M3, Yang L4, Zhang L4, Fan S3, Xie P3. Meta-analysis of infectious agents and depression. Sci Rep. 2014 Mar 31;4:4530.

4.Villarreal, Luis P. (2005). Viruses and the evolution of life. Washington, ASm Press.

5. WebMD.com – Depression Health Center – How Depression Affects Your Body. Last updated on May 31, 2014.

6. Polansky, H., Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published on August 12, 2013. cbcd.net/Gene-Eden-VIR-Clinical-Study.php

7.James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005) Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 2-3.
8. William James, US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 – 1910)

Cheaper and faster test for diagnosing herpes

Have you ever gone to the doctor following cold sores in your mouth, and waited over a week for the results??? The fact is, you are probably infected with the herpes virus. And the longer you wait for a diagnosis, the less likely antiviral therapy will lead to a positive outcome.

But, not to worry!! Apparently, there is a new test that has been developed to identify herpes in the blood [1].

Now, let’s begin by asking ourselves, what is herpes? The answer is that herpes is a virus. Did you know it’s estimated that between 60–95% of adults worldwide are infected with the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) [2]??

There is treatment for herpes: For more information see
http://www.novirin.com/

Well, it turns out that the symptoms of this strain of the herpes virus are usually limited to sores or blisters. It doesn’t end there, however; the virus stays in your body in a latent state, which is basically similar to falling asleep. In this state, amazingly, it has the ability to hide from your immune system!

In some cases such as stress or strong sunlight, the virus will travel back to your skin and cause an eruption of cold sores [3, 4].

At present, diagnosing HSV-1 may take up to a week to complete, and although alternative tests have been offered, they are still time-consuming and present more complications, which in some cases require a specialist [1].

According to a study, this new test does not require an immune response to the herpes virus and is extremely sensitive and faster than previous tests used to detect HSV. Additionally, because the test reduces the cost of a diagnosis, it can more effectively be used in hospitals or doctors’ offices [1].

To sum up, the faster Herpes is diagnosed and treated the better, which is exactly what this new test should allow doctors to do. Additionally, its advantages are a huge hope for wider applications, such as diagnosing HIV faster and more accurately.

All in all, the new herpes test is promising, and it will be interesting to see how the market accepts it once introduced.

References

1. Muzard, Julien, et al. “Rapid, Highly Sensitive Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 using Multiple Antigenic Peptide-Coated Superparamagnetic Beads.”Analyst (2014).
2. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.” Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.
3. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏
4. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.

Alzheimer’s is linked to the herpes virus. Learn more about herpes symptoms. Click the photo.

Herpes and Alzheimer’s disease are very common, Did you know that about 50-80% of the population in Europe has herpes [1]? And, that 10% of the population over the age of 65, and 50% of the population over the age of 85, have Alzheimer’s disease [3]? That’s pretty crazy, huh?

And what if I told you that there is a connection between the two? This is even more absurd!

But, before I start telling you stories and tales (which are totally true) – we must wonder, what is herpes all about?
Herpes virus 1 and 2, are viruses that infect humans [2]. Herpes-1 is the virus which causes those annoying cold sores and watery blisters on the skin, mainly near the mouth, whereas herpes-2 is the virus which causes genital sores and blisters- both of which can be a total bummer [2,3].

Let me tell you something about herpes: it is one heck of a contagious virus! You wouldn’t want to kiss your girlfriend on the mouth if she has a cold sore. You wouldn’t want to drink from her glass either. And, if that is not enough for you, if a pregnant woman has genital herpes during delivery, her newborn baby may get the disease due to exposure to blisters in the birth canal. And, last but not least, one can catch genital herpes through sexual intercourse [2,3].

First thing’s first- lets say you caught herpes: what’s next? Besides the initial symptoms, the virus knows how to travel to your nerve cells. Once there, it goes into a latent state, which is basically similar to falling asleep. In this state, amazingly, it has the ability to hide from your immune system! How crazy is that? And finally, beware- if you are stressed prior to an exam, or you’ve decided to go sunbathing or tanning at the beach, you may wake that viral demon up, and as a result it will travel back to your skin. This causes an eruption of cold sores on your mouth, or blisters on your genitals, depending on which type of virus you have, and where the virus entered your body [2].

Ok, so now you’re probably asking yourselves – What is Alzheimer’s disease and how is the herpes virus linked to it?

Let’s begin by talking about what Alzheimer’s disease actually is. Are you familiar with how some elderly people become confused and aggressive, have mood swings, forget recent events, and have impaired long term memory? These are all symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to these symptoms, slowly and gradually, bodily functions are lost, eventually leading to death [4].

Your next question might be: “At what age does Alzheimer’s disease appear?”

Good question! Most often, Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in people who are over 65 years [5], while much younger adults may be diagnosed as well [6]. Another interesting fact: some people may live up to 7 years after diagnosis, while others may live for more than 14 years [7].

How is the herpes virus involved?

Over the past 30 years, many devoted scientists explored this subject [8-11,13], and they actually discovered that if you have herpes-1, you have a greater chance developing Alzheimer’s disease. I’d like to say that that’s frustrating, but actually it’s a pretty cool discovery- mainly because it helps us understand a new way to try and cure herpes-1 and Alzheimer’s disease! Two birds in one! It means that we can try to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s disease with antiviral agents, or in other words- let’s destroy herpes- kick him out of his new home he created in our brains.

In terms of treatments against herpes-1, there are conventional medications you may administer orally, as well as medications you may apply on infected body surfaces. However, they aren’t considered very effective according to clinical research [12]. In addition, these medications treat the cold sores and blisters, that is, the symptoms- and not the “sleepy virus” in the brain.

The fact is, these medications don’t do anything to prevent the virus from reactivating and waking up again.

But then, if conventional medications aren’t effective, which antiviral drugs should we use in order to cure herpes? Here’s a thought- how about non conventional medicines-remedies, which are based on natural ingredients?

Apparently they have been clinically proven effective, mainly because they target the virus in its “sleepy” state in the brain and therefore reduce the symptoms as well.

The herpes virus may be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Click the photo to learn more about herpes symptoms.

It turns out that there are only two natural antiviral products which have been clinically proven effective: Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR [12]. The formula of these natural antiviral products was designed to help the immune system target the “sleepy” herpes.

To conclude, many people have herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) or Alzheimer’s disease , and that fact, causes low quality of life and high (drug) treatment costs. In addition, there are no treatments which stop or reverse Alzheimer’s Disease progression, although some may temporarily reduce symptoms. Therefore, the fact that there are natural remedies that can reduce herpes symptoms, may be a breakthrough in preventing or delaying the onset of AD symptoms. If proven, this would would be a very siginficant and important discovery.

References:

1. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.” Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.

2. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏

3. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.
‏
4. Piacentini, Roberto, et al. “HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease: more than a hypothesis.” Frontiers in pharmacology 5 (2014).‏

5. Brookmeyer, Ron, Sarah Gray, and Claudia Kawas. “Projections of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States and the public health impact of delaying disease onset.” American journal of public health 88.9 (1998): 1337-1342.‏

6. Campion, Dominique, et al. “Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease: prevalence, genetic heterogeneity, and mutation spectrum.” The American Journal of Human Genetics 65.3 (1999): 664-670.‏

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