Shingles – Here Is the Best Way to Protect Yourself Against It

Have You Noticed that Shingles Is on the Rise? Here Is the Best Way to Protect Yourself Against It.

As a child, you probably had chickenpox—the itchy, red rash that spread all over your skin and likely forced you to stay home from school and other activities. Once the rash faded and you felt better, you probably thought you were done with the virus.

But that’s not the case. After the symptoms of chickenpox subside, the virus remains dormant in your nervous system. If it receives a signal to reactivate, you will get shingles, a painful blistering rash. One in five people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles. And if you’re over the age of 60, your chances of dealing with shingles rapidly increase thanks to decreasing immunity. In fact, one in three people 60 and older will get shingles. Here is how to protect yourself against shingles and what to do if you get sick.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles affects the nerve endings in the skin and can appear anywhere on the body, however, it is most commonly found on the skin around the ribs and torso. Once the varicella-zoster virus enters the body and has caused chickenpox (usually in childhood), it never goes away completely. It usually lies dormant in the spinal cord and nerve cells that lead from the spinal cord and brain. In approximately 1 out of 5 people who have been infected by chickenpox in the past, the shingles virus will be activated at some stage in their lives. [1]

Shingles is usually activated after a period of intense stress or trauma or when there has been a weakening of the immune system. Then, the varicella-zoster infection spreads to the very ends of the nerves, causing them to send impulses to the brain that are interpreted as severe pain, itching, or burning, rendering the skin much more sensitive than usual. This is accompanied by a rash or blisters on the skin. Other symptoms can include chills, fevers, achiness, and depression. Shingles usually last between three to five weeks. [2] The majority of people will only experience shingles one time, but it is possible to get shingles on multiple occasions. Have you experienced shingles once or on multiple occasions? CONTACT me right away to share your experience and to learn how it can be prevented from occurring again.

Who Is at Risk for Shingles?

Those who are most at risk for developing shingles include:

• Those with a weakened immune system (such as someone with cancer)
• Approximately 50% of all shingles cases occur in people who are 50 or older
• People who have been recently ill
• People under excessive stress
• People who have experienced major trauma. [3]

Foods & drinks to help with recovery from shingles include:

• Vitamin B rich foods – B vitamins help to support the body’s nervous system. And considering that the nervous system is under attack with shingles, it is important to eat foods that are high in B-vitamins. Foods to include are; brewer’s yeast, sweet potatoes, bananas, grass-fed beef, cultured dairy, eggs, organic chicken, whole grains, and vegetables.
• Water – Adequate hydration is vital to help to flush out the virus from your system. Try to drink 2 liters of purified water every day.
• Garlic and onions – Both raw garlic and onion contain allicin, which can help boost immune function.
• Vitamin C rich foods – Vitamin C helps to boost your immunity and also speeds up the skin’s healing. Incorporate a lot of oranges, lemons, tomatoes, capsicum, kiwifruit, and berries into your diet.
• Green leafy vegetables – These vegetables are high in antioxidants and magnesium, which can boost immune function and support the nervous system.
• Green tea – Green tea has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The polyphenols it contains have been found to help fight herpes viruses. [4]

Foods & drinks to avoid for faster healing include:

• Sugar – The consumption of sugar decreases white blood cells in the body. White blood cells are vital to helping fight off infection.
• Caffeine – Caffeine can be over-stimulating for the nervous system and can also be dehydrating, so it is best avoided in all its forms (i.e. coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks).
• Fried foods – Fried foods promote an acidic environment that is not conducive to healing, so best to avoid these foods during an attack of shingles.
• Alcohol – Alcohol should best be avoided during an attack on shingles as it puts stress on the liver and the body’s healing process on the whole. [5]

Supplements and herbs to consider include:

• Vitamin C – Helps with immune system function and boosts white blood cells.
• Echinacea – A herb known for helping the body fight off infections and viruses.
• Valerian root – Can help to calm the nervous system. It is particularly good to take at night to ensure a restful and healing sleep.
• Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 helps promote faster recovery and reduced pain.
• Zinc – Zinc supports immune function and has an antiviral effect. It also helps to protect the skin from infection.
• Cayenne (capsicum) – Cayenne contains a substance called capsaicin which can relieve pain and aid healing. It is available in capsule form.
• Vitamin E – Helps to prevent the formation of scar tissue.
• Probiotics – Provide beneficial bacteria to the intestines and help to boost immune function.
• Colloidal Silver – A natural antibiotic that has shown effectiveness in treating shingles. It can be taken internally or used topically.
• Essential fatty acids – Promotes healing of skin and nerve tissue. [6]

Summary

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. In fact, shingles occur in approximately 10 percent of people who previously had chickenpox. There is also an age factor with shingles risk. Unfortunately, the older you get the higher your risk of shingles. Roughly half of all shingle cases occur in people who are 50 or older. In the U.S. alone, one in three people is said to be affected by shingles at some point in their lifetime.  Shingles are known for causing nerve pain, itching, fever, and fluid-filled blisters. A weakened immune system can make shingles more likely to occur and can also make symptoms of shingles worse.

Thankfully, shingles can be managed naturally by consuming the right foods to help boost your immune system and learning which foods you should avoid. Plus, there are essential oils for shingles and a variety of options when it comes to natural supplements. Overall, anything you can do to boost your immune system can go a long way to both prevent and naturally treat an unpleasant case of shingles. If you or any of your loved ones are currently experiencing shingles, don’t hesitate to CONTACT me to schedule a FREE 20-minute phone consultation where we would discuss your unique needs.

Take The Next Step and Schedule Today

Are you tired of masking your symptoms with harsh medications and want to get to the root cause of shingles? You can take charge of your health today with a FREE 20-minute phone consultation. We will identify the key areas that need support and provide the necessary support to show what needs to be done uniquely for your case. Please CONTACT me to schedule a FREE 20-minute phone consultation if you or your loved ones are seeking relief from this virus.

Chen Ben Asher will give you her best care recommendations based on what’s happening inside your body on a cellular level, in a bid to achieve optimum results. Be rest assured that no stone will be left unturned as we look for the root cause!