Looking at carrots to boost immunity
Looking at carrots to boost immunity
By Jeremy Hunt
North-west correspondent
CARROTS, kelp and even colostrum could be used as an extra barrier against the foot-and-mouth virus, says Margaret Frances whose parents used to farm in Lancs.
Mrs Frances has made a personal study of virology, maintaining an active interest in viral research under way in America based on finding new treatments for cancers which occur in a viral form.
In relation to the foot-and-mouth crisis, she believes there is a fundamental lack of understanding in the UK about how a virus can be controlled.
"A virus that causes an infection is smaller than a bacteria and can pass through the smallest cellular filters of the body.
"When a virus enters the body it lives on the bodys cell enzymes. Drugs only relieve the symptoms and do not kill the virus, and disinfectant is equally ineffective in its control."
Mrs Frances of Ribchester, Preston, says the importance of the bodys immune system cannot be over emphasised. There are a number of substances including vitamins, minerals and enzymes which are essential to enable the immune system to function properly, she adds.
She says vitamin A is the anti-infection vitamin and if used properly is rarely toxic.
"Hans Neiper, the renowned European cancer specialist, recommends using high doses of beta-carotene via carrot juice. Feeding plenty of carrots to stock would impart beta-carotene as the active ingredient of vitamin A to boost the immune system against viral infection."
Mrs Frances says vitamin C may be the most important vitamin of all and contains bio-flavenoids. "These are essential for the formation of the adrenal hormones and in the production of lymphocytes which have a direct effect on bacteria and viruses."
Her research has also indicated that vitamin E interacts with vitamins A and C and selenium and acts as a primary antioxidant and scavenger.
"Vitamin E is an essential part of the bodys defence system. Kelp, either giant red kelp or brown kelp, also contains specific substances which are necessary for the immune system to function effectively."
Mrs Frances believes that there may be some value in feeding colostrum to stock of all ages to boost immunity to viral infection. She also stresses the need to supply ample quantities of fresh water, particularly to sheep.
"My research has shown that viruses can exist for very long periods. There are reports of active viral infections being identified in the soot of chimneys that have not been swept for hundreds of years.
"In areas that were badly affected with foot-and-mouth in 1967 a level of infection may have remained there for 30 years, over which time stock have built up an immunity. It is only a theory, but the current crisis proves how little we really know about viral infections and how to effectively control them." *
VIROLOGY
• Viruses have long life.
• Vitamins help immunity.
• Little really known.