Depression Damages the Immune System and Energizes Viruses; CBCD Reviews the Scientific Literature

The immune system can be damaged by strong, negative emotions like depression. Dr. Marano wrote in Psychology Today that “there’s accumulating evidence that the illness (depression) has deleterious (damaging) effects on the heart, the brain, the bones and metabolism. Now comes proof that it undermines the immune system as people age.” (1) Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, Ph.D said that “The body responds differently – even to everyday challenges – depending on whether a person is depressed or not…there are long-term changes taking place in your immune system.” (2) WebMD also notes that “Depression doesn’t just cause physical symptoms; it can also increase your risk for – or may worsen – certain physical illnesses or conditions. In turn, certain illnesses can also trigger depression.” (3) “Depression can affect the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infection. Vaccinations are even less effective in people with depression.” (3) When the immune system is damaged, it creates the right environment for a latent virus to multiply, leading to a variety of symptoms and diseases.

How does one recognize depression in himself or others?

There is a big difference between having a bad day and being depressed. According to the CDC, to be regarded as depressed, “depression is more than a ‘bad day’; diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association dictate that (standard symptoms such as a bad mood, weight loss or gain, and fatigue) must be present for a continuous period of at least two weeks.”

The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease therefore recommends that depressed people take Gene-Eden-VIR or Novirin against latent viruses. The formula of these natural antiviral products was tested by Hanan Polansky and Edan Itzkovitz from the CBCD in two clinical studies that followed FDA guidelines. The studies showed that the Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin formula is effective against EBV and other viruses. The clinical studies were published in the peer reviewed, medical journal Pharmacology & Pharmacy, the first, in a special edition on Advances in Antiviral Drugs. Study authors wrote that, “individuals infected with the (EBV and other viruses)…reported a safe decrease in their symptoms following treatment with Gene-Eden-VIR.” (4) The study authors also wrote that, “We observed a statistically significant decrease in the severity, duration, and frequency of symptoms.” (4) In addition, this natural antiviral was recently proven to reduce mental and physical fatigue in a post-marketing clinical study that followed FDA guidelines.

Both products can be ordered online on the Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin websites.

Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are natural antiviral dietary supplements. Their formula contains five natural ingredients: Selenium, Camellia Sinesis Extract, Quercetin, Cinnamomum Extract, and Licorice Extract. The first ingredient is a trace element, and the other four are plant extracts. Each ingredient and its dose was chosen through a scientific approach. Scientists at polyDNA, the company that invented and patented the formula, scanned thousands of scientific and medical papers published in various medical and scientific journals, and identified the safest and most effective natural ingredients against latent viruses. To date, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are the only natural antiviral products on the market with published clinical studies that support their claims.

“Depression affects much more than moods. These are a few of the most common physical symptoms of depression: increased aches and pains, which occur in about two out of three people with depression, chronic fatigue, decreased interest in sex, decreased appetite, insomnia, lack of deep sleep, or oversleeping.” (3) “Many of the physical changes caused by depression, such as insomnia or a lack of deep sleep are thought to weaken your immune system. This can make existing illnesses worse. In turn, physical changes caused either by depression or chronic disease can trigger or worsen depression. All these changes can lead to a vicious cycle that’s tough to break without treatment.” (3)

The Epstein Barr Virus is one latent virus that could reactivate when depression damages the immune system. As Dr. Richard Hunt notes, “Although normally suppressed, the virus may later reactivate, particularly in cases of immunosuppression.” (5) Dr. Hunt is with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

“EBV is found all over the world. Most people get infected with EBV at some point in their lives. EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, primarily saliva.” (See the CDC, last updated on January 6, 2014) (6) EBV is linked to various cancers and other major diseases.

The CBCD suggests that in light of the evidence presented above, depressed individuals may wish to consider a natural remedy to help their immune system target latent viruses.

References:

(1) Marano, H. Depression Hurts the Immune System published on November 01, 2003

(2) WebMD – How Depression Affects Your Body. Last reviewed on May 23, 2014.
https://www.webmd.com/depression/how-depression-affects-your-body?page=2

(3) CDC – Depression. Last updated October 4, 2013.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics/mental-illness/depression.htm

(4) Polansky H, Itzkovitz E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 2013, 4, 1-8 https://dx.doi.org/10.4236/pp.2013.46A001

(5) Hunt, R. Microbiology and Immunology On-Line – University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Virology – Chapter Eleven – Herpes Viruses. Last updated May 24, 2011.

(6) CDC – About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Last updated January 6, 2014.
https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-ebv.html

About CBCD

About CBCD

The Center for the Biology of Chronic Disease (https://www.cbcd.net) is a not-for-profit tax-exempt organization under section 501(c) 3 of the IRS tax code. The center’s mission is to advance the research on the biology of chronic disease and to accelerate the discovery of a cure for these diseases. The CBCD first published Dr. Hanan Polansky’s highly acclaimed “Purple” book, entitled “Microcompetition with Foreign DNA and the Origin of Chronic Disease” in 2003. In this book, he explains how foreign DNA fragments can cause many major diseases. The book has been read by more than 5,000 scientists around the world, and has been reviewed in more than 20 leading scientific journals. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.