HERPES
Herpes viruses cause a variety of infections in humans, including cold sores, sexually transmitted infections, and neurological diseases and they are implicated in certain forms of cancer and chronic disease states like chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome (CFIDS). What makes herpes viruses such a potential problem is that 96 percent of the world’s population harbors some form of herpes virus, and after initial exposure and primary infection, all of these viruses enter a dormant state within different tissues or cells, such as skin or cells of the nervous system. Infection is therefore permanent, and latency of the virus is lifelong.
Under most circumstances, the immune system is able to contain the virus or maintain it in a latent state. However, when the immune system is weakened, the virus may awaken and reactivate, causing disease. This characteristic makes the herpes viral family one of the most insidious of all the viruses, and is the reason some researchers think herpes viruses are responsible for many of the modern chronic ailments, such as CFIDS, multiple sclerosis, and even Alzheimer’s. If the concept that the stress of modern living and the exposure to environmental toxins contribute to immune deficiency is valid, then the potential for herpes viruses to remain intact in infected cells for years and even decades is cause for considerable concern for two reasons. First, because it is so common; and second, because of its effects, such as the central nervous system damage found in multiple sclerosis.
The virus can stay in a dormant state inside the nucleus of a cell without detection from the normal immune system, and because the viral genome is not being expressed the immune system is not even alerted to its presence. When the circumstances are ripe for reactivation – such as the use of immunosuppressive drugs, the development of AIDS or other infections, age-related immune decline, hormonal changes as accompany menstruation, or other causes – the viral genome begins to replicate.
The immune system reacts, but it may not be in time to control the infection caused by the reactivated virus, or it may not be sufficiently effective. Severe, debilitating disease and even death can result from herpes viruses. In addition, since the virus is within the cells that make up body tissue, the immune system can react against itself and inappropriately start attacking the body’s joints and muscles, causing a rheumatoid-like autoimmune inflammation.
There are eight known types of herpes virus that infect humans:
Herpes simplex type 1 (oral herpes)
Herpes simplex type 2 (genital herpes)
Varicella-zoster (chicken pox, shingles)
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Human herpesvirus (HHV-6)
Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)
Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (Kaposi’s sarcoma)
Nearly every adult is infected by one or more members of the herpes virus family. Usually acquired in childhood or infancy, herpes viruses are latent for life. Though they are common in humans and generally are considered to be more inconvenient than life threatening, in a world of increasing immune incompetence, herpes viruses can become lethal causing severe and debilitating symptoms. At least one member of this family, HHV-6, is linked to AIDS either as a cofactor or as the cause of death. HHV-6 is an extremely potent and dangerous virus, one that most people have been exposed to and now carry in their bodies.
EBV is one of the most insidious of all the herpes viruses and can cause or participate in a wide range of illnesses. Conventional medical doctors, who diagnose from symptoms and standard blood tests, will most likely miss a diagnosis of CEBV, CMV, or HHV-6. Specialized blood tests are required.
There is no one-shot drug for herpes viruses. Most viral diseases are ineffectively controlled by drugs and only herpes simplex type-1 responds fairly well to pharmaceutical antiviral drugs. A better approach is to prevent viral infection and to strengthen the immune system with natural therapies.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) conducted a study on humic acid and its antiviral effects. The conclusion was the humic acid exhibits effects, both as a preventative and curative, for a broad range of viruses including all forms of herpes. Testing also indicated that humic acid taken before introduction of the virus exhibited a strong prophylactic effect.
In my practice I use a humic acid supplement called Humisol™ for all forms of herpes and other viruses. I have found that Humisol helps with problems that have not or cannot be addressed by other methods.
Dr. Howard Peiper, N.D., has written many books on nutrition and natural health. Dr.Peiper’s latest book is titled “Viral Immunity with Humic Acid”. I personally use and recommend HUMISOL
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