There has been a disturbing rise in a condition that is fatal as much as 40 to 50 percent of the time.

It’s not something you just run out and “catch”—rather, it results from something you’ve already “caught” or developed previously.

There is no specific test for it.  Instead tests are run for other illnesses, and if you have caught an “associated” illness recently and have the right symptoms, that is how diagnosis is made.

I’m talking about sepsis.

Here is what you need to know about this often-deadly condition and how you can help prevent it.

So exactly what is sepsis?

Sepsis is commonly referred to as “blood poisoning” but that’s not entirely accurate.

Instead it’s a condition that’s characterized by an aggressive, out-of-control immune reaction to an infection in your bloodstream.

So in other words, there is no separate “sepsis infection” per se—instead sepsis is triggered by an infection you already have that makes your immune system go haywire and release harmful inflammatory chemicals.

Unless it is caught early and treated promptly, sepsis can progress to septic shock, resulting in very low blood pressure, weakening of your heart, multiple organ failure and ultimately death.

Sepsis is commonly associated with infections of the skin, gut, lungs (such as with pneumonia) and urinary tract (i.e.: a kidney infection or UTI).  It can also be the result of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) infection, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus (strep).

In addition, although it’s far more common to see sepsis on the heels of a bacterial infection, it has also recently been linked with viral infections such as influenza (flu). 

It’s not as uncommon as you think

Roughly 1 million people in the US get sepsis every year, and as many as half of them die!

It’s been in the news most recently because the “Chicago Fire” actress DuShon Monique Brown died from it in March of this year.

Although anyone can develop sepsis, the most vulnerable are people with weakened immune systems, people taking immunosuppressant drugs, very young children (under 2), the elderly, diabetics and people who have recently had surgery or have been hospitalized. 

Sepsis cases have been on the rise in recent years, largely due to our over-reliance on antibiotics and the resulting development of “Super Bugs”—antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

When your body is desperately fighting a stubborn bacterial infection, antibiotics aren’t touching it, and your poor immune system is waving the white flag of defeat, this allows the Super-bug to fester in your bloodstream longer and practically rolls out the red carpet for sepsis to come knocking.

Time is of the essence

With sepsis, time is of the essence, as it can progress very quickly and become deadly.

Here are the major symptoms to look out for:

• Fever
• Hypothermia (shivering)
• Heart rate over 90 beats per minute (tachycardia)
• Increased respiratory rate
• Pale, discolored skin
• Confusion
• Swelling (edema)
• Elevated blood glucose (non-diabetic)
• Sleepiness

In addition, once sepsis gets worse you may develop an elevated white blood cell count, elevated C-reactive protein in your blood, low urine output and very low blood pressure.

Sepsis is typically treated in a hospital with IV antibiotics.  Other measures such as IV fluids, medications and oxygen may be provided as needed, depending on if any organs are affected.

In addition, there is some very promising news using a more natural approach!

A study conducted by Dr. Paul Marik (a critical care doctor at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia), and published in the journal Chest, showed that giving sepsis patients IVs of vitamin C with hydrocortisone and thiamine (vitamin B1) for two days reduced mortality nearly five-fold, from 40 percent down to 8.5 percent!

Prevention is best!

As with all illnesses, prevention is best, and it’s clearly in your best interest to help reduce your risk of sepsis and its trigger infections!

Here are 5 smart strategies you can put into place to help keep sepsis (and infections in general) far away from you:

Wash, wash, wash

Wash your hands regularly, especially when you return home from public places, after spending time gardening or working out, and before you prepare food. 

Ordinary (mild) soap and water is all you need.  Stay away from antibacterial soaps as they only weaken your body’s resistance to bacteria in the long run.

Use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary

As I mentioned above, our overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise in sepsis, so use these medications only when necessary.

Many people automatically think, “I need an antibiotic!” when they have a cold, flu or other virus, but antibiotics are not appropriate for these conditions.  Instead rest, fluids and vitamin C will help get you on the road to recovery.

Supplement with a multi-strain probiotic formula

Probiotics help to support strong, sound immune function so your body can better fight off infections and viruses to begin with.

Plus studies are also showing that probiotics can even be helpful in treating sepsis!

And for a well-studied multi-strain probiotic formula that’s proven itself for over 9 years to be the cream of the crop, look no farther than our Super Shield.

Super Shield’s tried and true formula of 13 potent, quality strains of probiotic bacteria have been enhancing the health of our clients in so many ways for nearly a decade—including less gas and bloating, more regular bowel movements, IBS/IBD relief, lower cholesterol, weight loss…

And sharp immune function!

Clean wounds promptly

Be sure to wash cuts and scrapes with soap and water, then cover with a bandage.  Diabetics should be especially careful and get proper foot care to avoid dangerous foot infections. 

Be sure you have enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D also provides immune support—as a matter of fact, it has been shown in studies to be more effective than flu vaccines in preventing the flu!

In addition, people with healthy vitamin D levels report getting fewer colds and other respiratory infections.

Unfortunately, vitamin D is an extremely common deficiency, so to ensure you have immune supportive levels of this crucial nutrient, Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B is the way to go!

Optimum DK Formula provides a healthful 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3, which is the dosage recommended by many nutrition experts for sound immune (and cardiovascular) function.

Plus it also contains vitamins K1 and K2 and the mineral boron, which work with vitamin D3 in reducing inflammatory immune reactions.

Now you are armed with excellent strategies to help minimize your risk of infections and sepsis!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia