What is shingles

This condition is caused by the varicella-zoster virus or VZV. The word "varicella" is derived from "variola," the Latin word for smallpox, another infectious disease that can resemble chickenpox. (Smallpox is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that has disfigured or killed millions of people, especially during the Middle Ages).

"Zoster" is the Greek word for girdle; shingles often produces a girdle or belt of blisters or lesions around one side of the waist. This striking pattern also underlies the condition´s common name: shingles comes from “cingulum,” the Latin word for belt or girdle.

VZV belongs to a group of viruses called herpes viruses. This group includes the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, fever blisters, mononucleosis, genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease), and Epstein-Barr virus involved in infectious mononucleosis.

Like VZV, other herpes viruses can hide in the nervous system after an initial infection and then travel down nerve cell fibers to cause a renewed infection. Repeated episodes of cold sores on the lips are the most common example.

As early as 1909, scientists suspected that the viruses causing chickenpox and shingles were one and the same. In the 1920s and 1930s, the case was strengthened by an experiment in which children were inoculated with fluid from shingles blisters. Within 2 weeks, about half of the children developed chickenpox. Finally, in 1958, detailed analyses of the viruses taken from patients with either chickenpox or shingles confirmed that the viruses were identical.

Virtually all adults in the United States have had chickenpox, even if it was so mild as to pass unnoticed, and thus may develop this condition later in life. In the original exposure to VZV (chickenpox), some of the virus particles leave the blood and settle into clusters of nerve cells (neurons) called sensory ganglia, where they remain for many years in an inactive (latent) form.

The sensory ganglia, which are adjacent to the spinal cord and brain, relay information to the brain about what the body is sensing - heat, cold, touch, pain.

When the VZV reactivates, it spreads down the long nerve fibers (axons) that extend from the sensory cell bodies to the skin. The viruses multiply, the telltale rash erupts, and the person now has herpes-zoster, or shingles. With shingles, the nervous system is more deeply involved than it was during the bout with chickenpox, and the symptoms are often more complex and severe.

Nutrients for Immune System Health

Step 1. Establish a Nutritional Foundation:

VIBE® - 1-2 ounces daily - split between AM/PM
Liquid multi-nutrient delivery technology that provides critical essential nutrients and cofactors needed for the body to thrive. VIBE provides outstanding daily nutritional support and contains specialized nutrients to manage the aging process.*

Step 2. Focus on Immune System Health Goals:

EFACOR™ - (Omega-3s) - 2-4 softgels daily - 10 min. before a meal
Concentrated, pharmaceutical grade, natural Omega-3 dietary supplement providing high dose EPA and DHA. EFACOR is guaranteed ultra-pure, free of environmental contaminants and to have exceptional taste.*

Probiotic+™ - 2 caps daily - 10 min. before breakfast
Helpful bacteria promote balanced digestive and intestinal environments for proper nutrient absorption. Supports cholesterol health, the immune system and healthy aging. Assists health during GI distress. Helps replenish beneficial bacteria reduced from antibiotic use.*

Zinc - 2 tsp daily - take with food
Minerals For Life® is a dietary supplement of the Cell-Ready® mineral Zinc in a proprietary nutrient delivery system. With more that 300 enzymes needed to carry out proper body function, Zinc is key in healthy skin and connective tissue vision and reproduction. As well, zinc has been recognized in research to help promote a healthy and normal immune system.*

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please, consult your health care provider before taking over the counter or prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or following any health treatment or regimen. The above product(s) is not a substiture for a well balanced diet.

* This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

			topic: Shingles