Taking antiviral nutrients such as bee propolis, elderberry extract and olive leaf extract may help support your immune system in fighting molluscs outbreaks.
What are Molluscs?
Molluscs or molluscum contagiosum are small, waxy white or pink bumps that appear on the skin. They tend to gather in clusters and are typically not itchy or painful. These wart-like lumps are caused by a common virus that primarily affects children between the ages of 1 – 4 years and adults with compromised immune systems.
Molluscum contagiosum are spread through skin-to-skin contact. They are also transmitted by sharing of towels or children’s soft toys that have been used by someone infected with the virus. Molluscs are easily spread on the body through scratching. Spreading of the bumps can be reduced by covering the affected parts of the body and by disinfecting toys and common areas in the home.
Medical Treatment of Molluscs
Medical treatment options for molluscum contagiosum are limited. A dermatologist may remove the bumps or treat them with chemicals; both procedures may be painful and leave scarring. Often times, doctors recommend letting the virus run its course. It may take up to 12 – 18 months before the immune system is able to eradicate the molluscum contagiosum virus.
Natural Remedies for Molluscs
There are natural remedies that seem to be effective in building the body’s defenses to reduce the spread and appearance of molluscs. Bee propolis, elderberry and olive leaf extracts all have proven anti-viral actions in the body. Taking these ingredients in combination, as found in BEE Prepared Immune Support capsules, may aid immune function and reduce and eliminate the appearance of molluscs. Zinc is an important nutrient in supporting the immune system. Zinc is best taken as a citrate or picolinate form for absorption.
For external therapies, taking a bath with the addition of anti-viral essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and melissa (lemon balm) may also help to reduce the molluscs and reduce the spread of the viral infection.
Eating anti-viral and immune supporting foods can also support your natural defences. Foods to include are garlic, ginger, onion, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, kale, and dandelion greens.
BEE Prepared for skin infections and viral breakouts.
If you want to ask Erin or one of the Unbeelievable Health team a nutritional health question or would like to request press samples please email Rebecca Goodyear PR – hi@rebeccagoodyear.com or call 020 3651 7360.
The transition of seasons as we head into autumn and winter is a time when your body is particularly vulnerable to colds, coughs and flu. More time spent indoors as the nights draw in results in increased exposure to germs and less sunlight, which is needed for Vitamin D production. At the same time your body’s natural defences are lowered as a result of the cold and a more sedentary lifestyle; with this combination perhaps it’s no surprise that colds are far more likely. Therefore it’s important to support immune function all year round to prevent illness in winter/this season.
There are a number of reasons why you may have low immunity. Stress levels, diet and lifestyle habits all affect immune health, although nutrient deficiency is the most frequent cause.
Lifestyle factors play a major role in your immune status. Lack of exercise weakens your immune system, which is partially why we are more susceptible to colds after going into ‘hibernation’ curled up on the sofa during winter! Meanwhile, sleep deprivation can greatly lower immune function and puts your body into a stress state.
Diet also plays a huge part. Low levels of antioxidants and immune supporting nutrients, such as Vitamin C, D, Selenium, and Zinc compromise your immune system. An insufficient intake of quality protein can, in turn, reduce the production of immune cells.
You may also want to stop yourself reaching for that extra coffee to help you feel more awake on dark mornings. Caffeine consumption blocks absorption of nutrients important for immunity, and moreover can also trigger the release of cortisol, which reduces immune function. High stress levels also elevate cortisol, so remember to try and stay relaxed.
Whilst antioxidants, immune-friendly nutrients and adequate protein form the foundation of an immunity-strengthening diet, eating more naturally can also help your body’s natural defences. Refined foods and sugars create an acidic environment that is conducive to bacterial growth, so including plenty of fresh produce in your diet will always give your immune system a boost.
Taking a supplement of antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients throughout the year is another way to ensure your immune system is strengthened for winter. Bee propolis, elderberry and olive leaf extracts, beta glucans and reishi mushroom are not found in a normal diet but have proven antibacterial and antiviral properties. BEE Prepared Immune Support contains a potent combination of all of these nutrients, helping to keep your antioxidant levels topped up all year round.
Rebecca Writes for BodyFit – Stay On Top Form – Get to grips with immunity and find out how best to ward off the winter sniffles to stay on track with your fitness.
Read on to find out why we’re more susceptible to illness, minerals we need to stay well, 7 Super Immunity Supporters, and the best immune-boosting foods to incorporate into your diet.
