Out of Control Herpes Treated With IV Vitamin C
There is hope for those with out of control herpes infections. There are several herpes viruses that can cause infections in humans. They all belong to the group Herpesviridae and the most well known viruses are herpes simplex type I and II as well as varicella zoster virus, which causes chicken pox and shingles. Vitamin C is well known to be a great anti-oxidant and immune booster vitamin. What is not so well known is that out of control herpes treated with IV vitamin C has been shown to be very effective.
Vitamin C deficiency: a risk factor for postherpetic neuralgia
A study published in the September 2011 issue of “The British Journal of Nutrition”, revealed that vitamin C deficiency is a risk factor for developing post herpetic neuralgia, which is the most common complication of herpes zoster infection. This was a cross-sectional study which involved 50 patients with post herpetic neuralgia and another 50 patients who served as a control group. Subjects diagnosed with post herpetic neuralgia were found to have significant vitamin C deficiency, as well as other nutrient deficiencies such as calcium and zinc.
Vitamin C has antiviral qualities
Based on the fact that vitamin C is a micronutrient that contributes to the health of our immune system and it is often depleted in viral infections such as herpes infections, researchers found that supplementation with intravenous vitamin C helped improveherpes zoster (shingles) associated pain, dermatologic findings (herpes blisters) and accompanying common complaints associated with this infection. This conclusion is based on data recorded by general practitioners who evaluated the benefits of using vitamin C intravenously (brand Pascorbin®) in addition to standard treatment for their patients diagnosed with shingles for two weeks. These results were featured in April 2012 in “Medical Science Monitor-International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research”.
For herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza virus type A and poliovirus type 1, a derivate from vitamin C called dehydroascorbic acid appears to be more effective than vitamin C in ascorbic acid form, according to another study published in October 2008 in “International Journal of Molecular Medicine”.
Why it works
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and immune booster nutrient, with anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. It stimulates the body’s own production of interferon, which is a natural compound with strong anti-viral properties. Vitamin C also reduces the inflammation associated with infections and enhances the immune system by improving the function of white blood cells and the production of antibodies that protect the body from viral infections.
Why IV vitamin C works better than oral form
IV vitamin C is given in therapeutic, pharmacological doses which are far better and more effective than the tablets which contain minimal requirements of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
The intravenous form of Vitamin C is preferred. Mostly because it is better absorbed by the body since is introduces directly into the blood vessels. IV Vitamin C therapy also does not cause diarrhea, where high doses of oral vitamin C, over 3500 mg daily, are sometimes associated with loose bowels. IV Vitamin C, when used therapeutically for herpes or other infections, can reach daily doses of up to 50,000 mg. It should be noted that the safety profile of vitamin C is excellent, and the overall treatment is effective, when recommended and administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
References:
http://www.francisholisticmedicalcenter.com/images/The_Uses_of_Intravenous_Vitamin_C.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21473799
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22460093
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18813862
