SHINGLES RECOMMENDATIONS & SUGGESTIONS

If you’ve ever experienced shingles, or witnessed someone close to you experience it, then you probably know it’s a condition to avoid if at all possible. I experienced it, as have several persons I know.

Essentially, shingles is a commonly occurring viral condition caused by a reactivation of varicella zoster virus (Chickenpox). It is characterized by the development of a rash usually either on the right or left side of the body, and sometimes the face. In severe cases, vision loss may occur. One person I know lost hearing in one ear.

The rash is typically accompanied by varying levels of nerve pain and tingling sensations. The rash may disappear within one month. Yet, in some cases there may be ongoing nerve pain that can last for months or years. Shingles may reoccur. I know of several persons who have had it more than once. Others say they can feel it ‘coming on’ and take immediate steps to stop a recurrence.

I experienced what might be considered a ‘mild’ case of shingles. Still, it was probably three weeks before my symptoms mostly abated, and four or five weeks before I was felt completely normal.

First, there was a week of increased sensitivity of my skin to touch in around the affected areas, as well as tingling sensations, and pain radiating from my lower back down the back and inside of my left leg. I also experienced mild fever, malaise, and low energy. All this before any rash appeared and prior to my awareness that my symptoms were caused by shingles.

Then the rash started at my sacrum and ran in patches down the inside of my left leg to my ankle. The nerve pain made it increasingly difficult to walk comfortably, and I experienced major fatigue. I continued to feel intense tingling, shooting nerve pain, and sensitive skin for several weeks.

When I say I had a relatively mild case of shingles, I don’t mean to diminish my experience of pain or fatigue. But I know other people whose pain definitively was greater than mine, and whose symptoms lasted longer. In some cases, they didn’t know what condition they were dealing with for days or weeks.

Fortunately, I acted immediately after I knew I had shingles. In dealing with shingles it is important that the individual rest and take measures to strengthen and support the immune system.

I would say that the most important actions I took were to boost nutrient intake (including higher intake of vitamin C), and take the amino acid l-lysine, olive leaf extract, Immune-Assist™ mushroom extract, and Prescript-Assist probiotic & prebiotic formula (soil-based organisms).

Please refer to the recommendations in the table (below), which was developed by my father, Hank Liers, PhD, several years ago. He refines the recommedations on an ongoing basis. Indeed, he was instrumental in supporting my recovery during the time I had shingles.

Also helpful were essential oils (lavender, lemon balm, helichrysum) rubbed directly onto the rash 2–3 times daily, as well as baths using magnesium chloride (oil or flakes). I also sprayed Polyvalent Silver, Warrior Mist, and Warrior Sleep on the rash.

Warrior Mist is formulated to stop pain. Warrior Sleep contains lavender. I often applied the Warrior Sleep at night. When I applied it during the day it did not overly relax me probably because I only applied small amounts to my leg. When seeking to induce sleep or relaxation, I usually apply larger amounts of it to my neck and face.

Regarding essential oils, be sure to follow the recommendations on the bottle. If necessary, you can dilute oils using a carrier oil (like almond or coconut oil) if your skin is particularly sensitive.

I rested a few more hours daily for a couple weeks, and longer during peak periods of fatigue. However, I took short walks or engaged in gentle exercise whenever possible. I exposed the rash to sunshine for 10–15 minutes every day.

I had two acupuncture treatments, which significantly reduced pain. After each treatment, I noticed it was easier to walk normally. During the first treatment I felt shooting, needle-like sensations run the length of my left leg. These sensations were more intense in the areas most greatly affected. Thereafter pain and tingling was less noticeable. This reduction hastened my return to normal activity.

Several weeks after onset of the rash, I performed a juice cleanse (liver flush), which lasted nine days. I felt noticeably greater energy during and after the cleanse. I believe it powerfully supported my body’s healing process.

During the time on my juice flush, I consumed only fresh vegetable juices, and herbal teas and tinctures. The fresh, organic juice rejuvenated me, and it gave my body a break from having to digest solid food. Thus, I gained significant nutritional benefits while simultaneously cleansing and conserving energy normally required for digestion and related metabolic processes.

FOUNDATIONAL NUTRITION

It probably helped I was already eating a healthy diet and that I routinely take all the foundational supplements (multivitamins, essential fats, vitamin C, Rejuvenate! superfoods) listed in the table below.

I feel that Rejuvenate! superfoods were particularly instrumental in my recovery. Whereas I regularly take 1–4 scoops of Rejuvenate! superfoods daily, I increased my dose closer to 5–8 scoops daily. I emphasized Rejuvenate! Original, yet also took higher amounts of Rejuvenate! PLUS and Rejuvenate! Berries & Herbs.

I consume a healthy diet that is mostly organic, relatively high in greens and vegetables, and low in simple carbohydrates. I eat lean proteins (fish like wild-caught salmon), complex carbohydrates (like broccoli), and a few whole grains (organic brown rice).

Notably during my time with shingles, I reduced my intake of foods high in arginine. I also increased my intake of foods high in lysine. A balance of  these two amino acids in favor of lysine is known to lessen the activity of the virus.

It may be that my case of shingles was relatively less severe due to the fact that my nutrition is fairly solid. For had my nutritional status and/or my immune system been compromised, I believe my ability to fight the virus would have been correspondingly lessened.

What follows below is the Table (1.0) and additional information comprising the shingles recommendations, as developed by Hank Liers, PhD.

SHINGLES RECOMMENDATIONS

TABLE 1.0

Additional nutrients that may be helpful include Echinacea (as drops or capsules), N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) 500 mg (100 caps) NAC (2 gms per day), and Immune-Assist™ (2 capsules 3 times per day).

Rub essential oils such as helichrysum, lemon balm, frankincense, and lavender and/or spray Silver Biotics Polyvalent Silver (16 oz) solution several times daily on the affected areas.

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR SHINGLES

Consume a diet relativley high in lysine and relatively low in arginine.

Consume high fiber foods such as organic vegetables (including 16 oz per day of fresh juices from carrot, celery, beets, cabbage, etc.), organic fruits, whole grains (e.g., brown rice, millet, and quinoa), beans, nuts and seeds (sunflower, chia, flax, pumpkin, almond, walnut and sesame in small amounts are good).

If you consume animal products, eat only organic lean meats, organic poultry and fish, including salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and bluefish (all of which are high in omega-3s).

Try eating Hank’s Vegetable Soup several times a week. Avoid sweets (sugar), processed/refined food (white bread and pasta), preservatives, and artificial flavors and colors.

If you have a Rife machine available, then use the shingles and antiviral codes on a daily basis.

Take baths with Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil/Flakes/Gel (1 cup) and baking soda (1 cup).

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