Would you be willing to snort frog mucus? Because that’s what your doctor might write you a prescription for in the future!
I read some interesting research today. It turns out that somewhere in southern India there are these magical frogs that secrete mucus that contains pathogen-fighting chemicals. Actually, all frogs have this – it’s why in ancient Russia, people threw brown frogs into their milk to preserve it (eww, right?).
But these particular Indian frogs secrete a chemical, urumin, that’s extremely effective against H1N1! Remember that scary swine flu virus? H1N1 killed almost 20,000 people in 2009 – glad they finally came up with a vaccine.
Well, these scientists tested urumin against many viruses and found that it only works against H1-type viruses, but not so great against other kinds of viruses. They’re actually extremely effective against the H1 type though! They ubiquitously work against H1-type flu viruses between 1931 to today! That’s pretty good.
When urumin and an H1-type virus meet up, urumin figuratively goes for its legs. It surgically strikes a specific protein on those types of viruses that then causes the virus to self-destruct. I guess it goes for the heart of the virus (not its legs, sorry).
Still a Long Road Ahead
I’m not into animal testing, but scientists say urumin is pretty non-toxic – so I give this kind of testing a shaky pass. They tested it on mice and found that it effectively fights off H1-type infections. They’re going to test it out on ferrets next. I guess it’s all gravy since they’re helping prevent these animals from getting infected (or maybe they’re infecting them with the H1-type virus first!).
Some Lobbyists Are Using These Findings Politically
As you might know, frogs are becoming more and more endangered around the world. Natural habitats, like Amazon rainforests, are being destroyed. Lobbyists are using these findings to urge industries to stop destroying these precious habitats because there may be other frogs with unique properties that can prove to be valuable cures for many currently incurable diseases.
I’m all for it, I guess. I mean, I hate that people destroy rainforests to build malls. I think there’s a lot of animals and plants out there with properties we haven’t discovered yet. If we wipe them out before science has advanced enough to study them, then we’re only screwing ourselves over in exchange for selfie sticks and cinnamon buns.
But then again, they say money talks and that corporations make the world turn. I don’t know too much about economics, but I guess they deserve credit too. Without these industries, who would fund scientific research, I guess?
Natural Supplements You Can Take to Prevent the Flu
Well, before your doctor is ready to prescribe you frog mucus, you can protect yourself from the flu by taking natural supplements. Research shows that vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D can lessen flu and cold symptoms, while also lessening the time you’re sick.
They also say that taking 600 IU of vitamin D everyday can help prevent colds and flus. But they’re not sure if taking vitamin C and zinc can help prevent getting the cold and flu. I found some studies that say zinc and vitamin C boosts your immunity and makes it harder for cold and flu viruses from attacking your respiratory cells. But since there’s mixed research – who knows what the truth is.
As a pro-holistic health person, I say you should take these three supplements anyway. They do no harm (unless you OD) and can only boost your health. They’ll probably give you some flu and cold protection – and they’re better than nothing.
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