Information and facts on Shingles - Herpes zoster

Home Page Information Centre Health Centre Vegetarian Recipes External Links

 

Previous Next

Shingles causes include: stress, cancer, using anticancer drugs, and immune system deficiency. Physical or emotional stress can also be a consideration. Even a minor injury or cold may cause an attack. Shingles affects over 875,000 Americans every  year. It may affect persons of any age, but is more common in people over 50  years old. Since this is when the body's immune function naturally starts to decline. Shingles  normally lasts only a few weeks, however, severe cases may last longer and require special treatment.  There are some cases, where the pain lasts for months and even years. This type syndrome is known as postherpetic neuralgia. If shingles develop near the eyes, the cornea may be affected and blindness may result. Around 20% of people who get shingles suffer repeats of the disease. For people who have immune system deficiencies, shingles can be very damaging. It is capable of affecting  the internal organs, and causing damage to both kidneys and lungs. Shingles can also cause permanent  injuries including: blindness, deafness, and paralysis. If shingles goes untreated, death may occur.

Shingles is a type of infection caused by the virus called "varicella zoster". The virus is a member of the herpes family and chickenpox is also caused by this very same virus. Shingles affects the nerve endings in the skin. Commonly, the skin of the abdomen under the ribs, leading toward the navel, are most affected, but shingles may occur anywhere on the body. Many adults have already contracted chickenpox. This childhood disease causes a fever and a rash that itches really bad, but rarely does any permanent damage. However, once the varicella zoster virus enters the body and has caused chickenpox, it doesn't just go away. It may lie dormant in the spinal cord and nerve ganglia for years until activated, usually by a weakening of the person's 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 processed as severe pain, itching, or burning, and rendering the overlying skin much more sensitive than usual. An attack of shingles is often preceded by 3 - 4 days of chills, fever, and achiness. There also may be pain in the affected area. Then groups of tiny blisters will appear. The affected area becomes very painful and sensitive to touch. The other symptoms may include: numbness, depression, tingling, shooting pains, fever, and headache. This phase of shingles lasts 7 to 14 days. The blisters normally form crusty scabs and drop off. The chances of a shingles attack can be increased by several factors, including stress, anxiety, cancer, the use of anticancer drugs, and immune system deficiency. However, serious illness is not required to activate the virus. Any type of physical or emotional stress can make one susceptible. Often, something as innocuous as a minor injury or a mild cold can lead to an attack in an otherwise , healthy person. In most cases, it is never determined just what the trigger is. Shingles can appear at any age, but is most common in people over 50 years old, when immune function naturally begins to decline as a result of aging. Most cases of shingles run their course in a few weeks. More severe cases may last longer and require special treatment. In some cases, the pain continues for months, even years, after the blisters have gone. This syndrome, called postherpetic neuralgia, is more likely to occur in older people. If shingles develop near the eyes, the cornea may be affected and blindness can occur. About 20% of people who get  shingles will suffer a recurrence of the disease. For people with immune deficiencies, shingles and its aftermath can be devastating. The disease is capable of affecting the internal organs, attacking even the lungs and kidneys. Disseminated shingles can cause permanent injury including blindness, deafness, or paralysis, depending upon the area of the body that is served by the infected nerves if it goes unchecked. Death can occur as the result of a secondary bacterial infection or viral pneumonia brought on by shingles. Nutritional supplementation, dietary changes, and other lifestyle changes listed on this webpage can help shingles as well as good general health.

 

Nutrient / Supplement Importance
( 1 - 10 )
Helpful notes
Calcium 10 mineral that helps nerve function, healing, and also help combat stress
Magnesium 9 mineral that works with calcium
Essential omega acids
10 promotes healing of both nerve and skin tissue. They are found in fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil
Multi-vitamin and Mineral supplement 10 contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, calcium, magnesium, selenium,  and zinc which all are helpful in both the treatment and prevention of shingles (herpes zoster). The nutrients in a daily supplement are required for general good health and well being.
Selenium 9 this mineral is an important antioxidant
Bioflavonoids 9 bioflavonoids are natural antioxidant and free radical destroyer. They also boost the body's immune system to help it fight the shingles herpes virus
vitamin A 9 important in helping the immune system and thus protection from infection. It is good for eye function and health. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant to promote healing.
Echinacea 8 herb that helps the immune system and it works well with reishi mushroom in an herbal blend
vitamin C 9 works with bioflavonoids to promote healing in the body
vitamin E 9 helps body healing process and it also serves as a powerful antioxidant to help prevent formation of scar tissue
vitamin B12 9 good for nerve health and stress
Pantothenic acid 9 vitamin B5 helps in forming antibodies
Pyridoxine 9 vitamin B6 helps immune function
vitamin D 9 aids in tissue healing and required for calcium absorption
Grape seed extract 8 strong anti oxidant that protects skins cells and helps prevent blisters as well as provide general healing.
Garlic 8 herb good for healing and immune system
vitamin B complex 8 is needed both for nerve health and eye cell metabolism
Zinc 9 strengthens the body's immune system to protect against infection.  It has been shown that a zinc deficiency is linked to many various eye disorders

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

 

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

I accept payment through PayPal!, the #1 online payment service!

 

........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.