Shingles is also known as herpes zoster and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus; it is the same virus as chickenpox. Shingles may be caused by inoculations or previous exposure to chicken pox, whether you actually experienced chicken pox or not…no one yet knows why Shingles occurs. What is known is that the virus can remain in the body for years until it expresses itself in the way of Shingles, primarily when the host's immune system is compromised in some way, either through illness, stress or other exposure. An attack can be increased by cancer, anticancer drugs, spinal cord injuries, HIV, use of steroids and cyclosporine. At that point, the varicella-zoster virus spreads to nerve endings, thereby causing pain, itching or burning and making the skin ultra-sensitive. An estimated 90% of people who have had chickenpox will contract Shingles later in life. Those who never had chickenpox are at significantly lower risk.

Shingles is often preceded by a few days of chills, fever and achiness, much like the beginnings of the flu. There may also be some pain in the affected area, followed by tiny fluid-filled blisters surrounded by redness. The area becomes excruciatingly painful and sensitive to touch. Other symptoms can include numbness, fatigue, depression, tingling, shooting pains, swollen and painful lymph nodes, fever and headache. This usually last 1 – 2 weeks. The blisters scab over and some scarring can occur.

Medical doctors prescribe anti-biotics and pain killers for Shingles. Whether you use antibiotics or not, it is important to take high doses of probiotics (a minimum of 200 billion flora per day). When taking probiotics while also taking antibiotics, be sure to wait 2 hours after each antibiotic dose before taking 50 billion flora and make sure you take probiotics at bedtime too, to help prevent yeast/fungal overgrowth.

An alternative to pain killers is proteolytic systemic oral enzymes. Also ease the other symptoms of Shingles by enhancing the immune system and using specific herbs for this virus.

SHINGLES RECOMMENDATIONS:

IntestiNew Powder– 1 scoop first thing in the morning and 1 scoop at bedtime mixed in water.

NSC100 or Vital ImmuSol beta glucan – Take 1 capsule first thing in the morning (empty stomach) and 2 capsules at bedtime (empty stomach). May be taken with IntestiNew.

VitaGanza Beta Carotene / 25,000IU- Take 100,000 IU each morning with food (this provides protection while in the sun).

Source Naturals Methylcobalamin 5mg (5000mcg)/B12 – 1 lozenge twice per day sublingually (let dissolve under tongue).

Vital Nutrients Vital Flora, FloraMax50 or Ultimate FloraCritical Care PROBIOTICS (each capsule in each of these products equals 50 billion flora in just ONE capsule!) – 2 capsules upon rising and 2 at bedtime. May be taken with IntestiNew and beta glucan. PLEASE NOTE: if antibiotics are being taken, align dosage for each so that the antibiotic is being taken at least 2 hours before the probiotic; make sure 2 probiotics are taken at bedtime to provide protection all night while sleeping.

Sit in the sun 15-20 minutes per day (sunlight is essential for proper Vitamin D processing); if you tend to burn, either wear a hat and long sleeves or do this in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead. Stay away from sugar and refined foods, as these types of foods feed Shingles and other viruses!