Immune system – healing

  • Alternative Medicine/ Cancer./ Health/ Immune system - healing/ Nutrition and Cancer

    The Truth About Cancer – Review 3 Treatments

    GcMAF

    The Truth About Cancer video series discussed many treatment options and I will attempt to review most of them and give links to where you can find more information than was possible here. If I have omitted any then please add details and links in the Comments section at the end so that we can make the information complete. My aim with these 3 reviews was to present as many facts as possible from the video series and present them in a shortened form as a guide or for anyone who missed it. Or visit thetruthaboutcancer.com  where you can buy the series.

    The series quoted that ” 86% of Oncologists say they would not give themselves, or their families the drugs that they use” and then discussed the many and varied approaches that are being used.

    “We need to know how to work outside the box, how to get strategically creative and pursue better results than traditional methods are offering…” Andrea Nakayama Functional Nutritionist.

    They showed 7 key principle areas for helping patients tackle their cancer. Many of these overlap in treatments

    1. Alternative Cancer therapies
    2. Stimulation of the immune system
    3. Detoxification
    4. Nutrition
    5. Anti-microbial therapy
    6. Emotional support
    7. Oxygenation

    Cancer starts in a toxic body with a stressed or suppressed immune system therefore it is important to optimise physiology and to support the body in healing itself. This is obviously the opposite to conventional therapy of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy that all inflict more damage and damage the immune system but some people feel the way forward for them is to integrate conventional and healing treatments to improve the outcome. For instance surgery followed by therapies other than conventional.

    Here are a list of treatments that are designed to support the body:

    • Hyperthermia – heat kills cancer cells so warming the body and sweating help with detoxing and killing cells. Infa-red Saunas were recommended.
    • Parasite cleanse – Parasites if present can weaken the immune system and deplete nutritional status so a cleanse using herbs and spices such as Artemesia, cinnamon, garlic, black Walnut etc. can help.
    • Bowel health – establishing plenty of good bacteria in the gut with sufficient fibre and probiotics will improve detoxification and the immune system health.
    • Liver Cleanse – to optimise liver function, Epson salts, olive oil and fruit juice cleanses can help. See Liver Cleanses
    • Coffee Enemas – came highly recommended but this does not just mean taking your morning coffee by a different route! For more information go to Mind Body Green or for a video on how to use one.
    • 100% Raw Diet – for 90 days (organic) plus supplements to aid detox such as Glutathione and NAC
    • Hippocrates  Soup – Recipe
    • Pancreatic Enzymes – for an in depth explanation go to Dr.Sircus 
    • Fulvic Acid and Minerals – go to Fulvic Acid for information from Dr. Daniel Nuzum
    • No Sugar Diet – which also includes low carbohydrates so as to keep the blood sugar low. Cancer thrives on sugar and an acidic environment.

    TREATMENT PROTOCOLS

    1. The Gerson Therapy – Coffee enemas, juicing, rest and organic meals using these FOODS
    2. The Budwig Diet – Flaxseed oil and cottage cheese diet
    3. The Forsythe Immune Protocol here
    4. Montgomery Cancer Center Alabama where they use advanced Carmichael Imaging to target treatment.
    5. Dendritic Cell Therapy see info and canceractive.com
    6. Intravenous Vitamin C Therapy – info and canceractive.com
    7. Intravenous Laetrile or eating apricot kernels info at cancertutor.com/laetrile/
    8. Insulin Potentiated Low Dose Chemotherapy ( IPTLD) A low dose of chemo (10%) plus insulin to lower the blood sugar.  More info.
    9. Photo-dynamic Therapy  – uses photo-sensitizing drugs  along with light to kill cancer cells.
    10. Iscador Therapy – is mistletoe extract that is injected under the skin more info.
    11. Anti-neoplastic Therapy – Burzynski Clinic uses epigenetics to enhance the immune system but he is unable to say any more due to legal restrictions.
    12. GcMaf – see my previous Post on GcMaf or  https://gcmaf.se and more info GcMaf (Globulin component Macrophage Activating Factor) Treatment involves GOleic supplement, 10,000iu D3 a day, a diet of white meat, fish and vegetables with no sugar or carbohydrates plus a probiotic yogurt called BravoProbiotic. on their website they list the 5 main causes of cancer: 1. Too much sugar 2. Lack of Vitamin D3 3. Poor nutrition lacking in amino acids and minerals 4.Lack of oxygen and exercise 5. Severe shock or stress. There have been many clinical trials and several are ongoing in various parts of the world see Japan and as far as I can tell this is the most promising discovery so far in that it works with nutrition and a substance that is naturally in the body to activate the body to recognise and kill the cancer cells. It also follows the same principles that are now being used to treat a multitude of chronic diseases and GcMaf has also been used to treat diseases as diverse as Autism and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

    Disclaimer. I personally am not recommending any or all of these treatments, I am only reviewing the information that I have seen. I do have personal experience of some of these treatments but have not included that information because every patient and every cancer is different and everyone has to make their own decisions about the treatment that feels right for them.

    Many of these treatments do not have published scientific studies but do have testimonials over many years . Others have Clinical research papers but it appears that the more successful the treatments, the more they generate adverse publicity and counter claims by many agencies. This makes it extremely difficult for the cancer patient to know what is best but as The Truth About Cancer states – follow the money trail. Big Pharma do not want anyone to succeed with alternative treatments that they cannot get patents for. Do your on-line research but don’t waste your time reading Government agency reports or general media coverage. Try to find the places where the therapies are being offered, to how many patients, for how long and the standard of medical care and expertise in those clinics. The other factors that can influence your decisions are location and cost. Many of these treatments may not be available in your country or even if they are the cost may be prohibitive but there is much information here that you can take action on yourself. Support is also growing massively with organisations like The Truth About Cancer bringing together Professionals to educate us so that we can make more informed decisions and find the right professionals to help. Thank you to them and I hope that through my website I am able to reach the people that may not have had the chance to watch the original series.

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  • Cancer./ Health/ Immune system - healing/ Inflammation/ Nutrition and Cancer/ Supplements

    The Truth About Cancer Review 2 – Supplements

    The Truth About Cancer

    In The Truth About Cancer many supplements were mentioned and it can be confusing without more information and so I will review them here and add sources of naturally occurring nutrients and appropriate dosage for supplements.

    VITAMINS

    Stress was placed on eating well to provide as many nutrients as possible but some vitamins may be needed in greater quantity than can be consume, especially if the appetite has been affected.

    The fat soluble vitamins A and D, E and K affect and regulate the immune system and may need to be supplemented. They can be stored in the body. They do not work in isolation and therefore require all fat soluble vitamins to be present.

    Vitamin A

    • Retinol and Beta-carotene are the naturally occurring forms of vitamin A.
    • It is essential for normal immune system function of  – Neutrophils, Macrophages and Natural Killer cells. It is also essential for T cells, cytokines and production of antibodies.
    • Necessary for healthy eyesight, mucous membranes as well as synthesis of protein and tissue development.
    • Good Natural sources are liver, fish-liver oils, cheese and butter for Retinol and for Beta-carotene – carrots, apricots, canteloupe melon, parsley, spinach, kale and sweet potato.
    • Supplement dosage for adults can be taken as fish-liver oil capsules or liquid and 10,000 iu is adequate with up to 25,000iu if recommended by nutritionist or Doctor. High dosage can cause headaches and nausea.

    Vitamin D  

    • Essential for correct immune system function.
    • It can be synthesised from cholesterol in response to sunlight on the skin.
    • it is a steroid hormone that effects the expression of more than 200 genes
    • it is essential for mineral metabolism
    • it regulates the absorption and transport of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus
    • it regulates serotonin for mental health and digestive function
    • it helps control cell growth
    • studies have shown it may prevent cancer and especially breast cancer
    • it regulates T and B cell function, macrophages and dendritic cells
    • it helps to assimilate vitamin A
    • good natural sources are oily fish and fish-liver oils, dairy products
    • Dosage for adult supplement varies between 1,000 iu and 10,000 iu  too much can cause nausea and vomiting, sore eyes, itchy skin, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and kidney damage.

    Vitamin E

    • an anti-oxidant vitamin
    • helps provide the cells with oxygen
    • aids the maturation of T cells in the Thymus Gland
    • anti-inflammatory
    • helps the skin heal and prevents scaring
    • good natural sources are wheat germ, soy-beans, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, eggs, oats, almonds, butter, sunflower oil and seeds
    • Dosage of Alpha Tocopherol can be safely taken 1,000 iu or on practitioners advice up to 2,000 iu

    Vitamin K

    • there are two types of Vitamin K. K1 (phyloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone)
    • important for tooth and bone health
    • anti-oxidant
    • boosts immune function
    • anti-inflammatory
    • essential for the formation of blood clotting factors
    • good natural sources pasture raised animal meat, fermented foods and can also be produced by the micro-flora in the gut when enough leafy green vegetables are eaten.
    • not as well stored as other fat soluble vitamins.
    • Dosage of synthetic Vitamin K is not recommended above 500 mcg but improving gut health and taking probiotics with the right nutrients in the diet should provide adequate unless there is chronic diarrhoea.

    Water Soluble Vitamins

     Vitamin C

    • Extremely important as an antioxidant and in controlling inflammation.
    • It is also necessary for the absorption of iron.
    • important for healing wounds and burns
    • supports immune system function and helping in preventing infections
    • it works best with bioflavinoids, calcium and magnesium
    • Sometimes given in large doses intra-venously as part of cancer treatment.
    • Good natural sources are fresh fruit and vegetables – citrus fruits, Kiwis, tomatoes, broccoli, leafy green veg and bell peppers
    • Not stored in the body in humans therefore daily intake important
    • Dosage from 1 -4 grams orally per day but the higher dose can cause diarrhoea. I/V dosage can go much higher without this side effect and not be toxic.

    Vitamin B

    • 8 numbered B vitamins all of which are important for cellular metabolism
    • for supporting detoxification through the methylation cycle
    • for the formation of red blood cells
    • the body doesn’t store the B Vitamins and they are depleted even faster when the body is under stress
    • Better to take as B-Complex as they work synergistically
    • sometimes Laetrile is called B17 although it is technically not a vitamin (see treatments in next post)
    • good natural sources are red meat, offal, beans, oatmeal, brown rice, leafy greens, fish, egg yolk, avocados, sunflower seeds, prunes, nuts, milk, yogurt and apricots.
    • Dosage as Vitamin B Complex is usually 50 mg to 100 mg (short term) at higher dosage there is a reported risk of peripheral nerve damage

    MINERALS

    The minerals mentioned frequently on The Truth About Cancer were

    • Chromium – important for blood-sugar control and fat metabolism. Found in Liver, wholegrains, cheese, molasses, mushrooms and egg yolk Dose 100-200 mcgs under normal conditions
    • Selenium – essential for the action of up to 30 enzymes that protect the body from oxidative damage and the repair of DNA. It is considered to protect against many cancers. Found in Wheat germ, tuna fish, onions, tomatoes and broccoli but many soils are deficient and therefore the plants grown are as well. Fresh Brazil nuts are usually a good source. Dose 400 to 1000 iu as L-selenomethionine and with Vitamin E for best effect
    • Potassium – necessary to transport carbon dioxide by red blood cells, for electrolyte balance, water balance, stabilises internal cell structure. Good sources are avocados, leafy green vegetables, bananas, dried fruits, juiced fruit and vegetables, nuts, potatoes and molasses. Not taken as a dietary supplement but may be prescribed with diuretics or those that are loosing a lot of body fluid for other medical reasons.
    • Iodine – helps prevent against the toxic affects of radiation, produces thyroid hormones, and is considered to be protective of tissues against cancer, especially breast tissue, thyroid tissue and brain tissue. Found in fish and seafood, seaweed, pineapple, raisins and dairy produce. It can be taken as Lugol’s iodine drops in water or painted in a patch on the skin where it will be absorbed.
    • Silica  – required for the formation of connective tissue, collagen and mucous membranes
    • Silver – acts to kill bacteria, viruses and some cancers. Can be taken by mouth or sprayed on the skin.
    • Sulphur – needed by many biochemical processes in the body. Necessary component of all proteins, many enzymes and antioxidant molecules. Critically important for the detoxification pathways. Found in all the onion and garlic family. Often taken as MSM.
    • Zinc – one of the most important trace elements in our body and often one of the first to be wiped out by cancer. Lack of smell or taste is a classic symptom of deficiency. It is necessary for fertility, hormones, immune system, growth, energy metabolism and red blood cells. It transports carbon dioxide and is necessary for vitamin A metabolism and transportation. Good sources are offal, meat, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, oysters, eggs, and wholegrain products. Supplementation should not exceed 30 mgs on its own as it can unset the balance of other minerals so would require increased copper, iron and selenium.
    • Iron – essential mineral for the transportation of oxygen around the body and the removal of carbon dioxide. Also forms part of many enzymes. Necessary for immune function, required by the liver and and protects against some free radicals. Found in Liver, kidneys, red meat, cocoa powder, beans, dark chocolate, shellfish, nuts, pulses, broccoli and egg yolks. Best taken as organic iron and with vitamin C.

    Other Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements  useful in Cancer treatment and prevention.

    • Resveratrol is helpful in modulating the immune system and a potent anti-inflammatory. It is a polyphenol found in red grapes, red wine, and berries. At low doses it can stimulate the immune system and it is also a phytoestrogen so it is best to only supplement with the help of a functional medicine practitioner.
    • Quercertin  a flavenoid and also a phytoestrogen  has anti-inflammatory properties but can also inhibit dendritic cells. Research shows only small amounts are needed by the body. It is contained in Apples, onions, tea, capers, red grapes, citrus fruits, raspberries, broccoli, tomatoes and cherries.
    • Astragalus a herb used for over two thousand years in Chinese medicine and used in some hospitals now to help promote recovery from the toxic effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. it boosts the immune system, treats burns and hepatitis. It has anti-cancer properties. One US study showed that it helps the body differentiate between healthy cells and cancer cells. Dosage is 2000 to 3000 mgs per day taken with meals.
    • Wormwood  Artemisia has strong anti-parasitical and anti-fungal effects and has an oxidative effect on cells so may help kill cancer cells. Also works as an anti-malarial.
    • Beta-glucans are sugars (polysaccharides) that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, rice, oats and barley. they are used in the treatment of cancer and many other diseases for their ability to boost the immune system. MGM-Biobran is a supplement made from rice bran. Mushroom extracts also contain Beta-glucans – see my post on The Magic of Mushrooms and mushroom extracts.
    • Proteolytic Enzymes were found to inhibit growth of certain cancer cells in 1900 and yet the research was not generally accepted until years later. These enzymes now form part of some cancer treatment regimes.
    • Fulvic Acid  talked about by Dr. Dan Nuzum  on The Truth About Cancer, often claimed to be the most powerful antioxidant to help the body  fight cancer. Fulvic acids come from humus or compost remains of vegetable matter. They can contain many minerals with high active carbon and high molecular oxygen in such small size as they can pass through cell membranes. It is thought that when added to chlorinated water they actually can change into some toxic, cancer causing agents. If taking as supplements then it is important to use filtered or Spring water.
    • Salvestrols are plant derived compounds called phytonutrients that when combined with enzymes convert into a form that is toxic to malfunctioning cells.
    • Medical marijuana in some form, is now available in many Countries because it has been shown to have pain relieving and anti-cancer properties. Most patients with cancer want to carry on as normal a life as possible and would not want to be ‘stoned’ all the time and unable to drive etc. therefore marijuana without the euphoric inducing effect could be more beneficial as a treatment.

    I hope that this information will help anyone suffering from cancer or wishing to take steps to prevent it. I would like to add that minerals are best taken as plant derived natural source that contains at least 60 minerals that work together to maintain a disease an ailment free body. I would personally recommend Sizzling Minerals and for more information on a video go to www.healthcoach2000.com

    Next Post will be about alternative cancer treatments – please sign up to follow on the Hello Bar at the top of the home page.

     

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  • Cancer./ Health/ Immune system - healing/ Inflammation/ Integrated Medicine/ Mineral Depletion/ Nutrition and Cancer/ Nutritional Medicine

    The Truth About Cancer – Review part 1

    Natural Cancer treatment

    The Truth About Cancer  a review of a series of 11 videos presented by Ty Bollinger. I have watched them and would like to review the information given over the next 4 Posts, not just as a Nutritionist but as someone who has been through a lot of the processes with my husband who had Sarcoma.

    If you missed all or some of them you have a few hours this weekend 11th/12th April to catch up by going to this link

    The Truth About Cancer

    The Purpose of these videos was to Educate, Expose and Eradicate and they have certainly served the purpose of educating and exposing to all who watched by providing an abundance of evidence based, less toxic treatments. Now we need to spread the word so that we can move towards eradicating cancer. Up until now anyone who chose not to go down the harsh route of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy could feel isolated and lacking in support, even by their own relatives. Hopefully this series has started a Worldwide movement to improve the availability of information, improve cancer outcomes with or without traditional treatment and education for everyone about prevention of cancer. As stated in the series this information is only to inform and should not replace the medical advice from a physician who knows you and your condition. Some of the treatment regimes mentioned are controversial and may need further investigating.

    The series of 11 videos covered a massive amount of information on

    1. Nutrition
    2. Supplements
    3. Natural treatments and protocols
    4. Alternative Medical approaches

    They also Exposed the bad medical and nutritional advice so often given to patients – probably the most common being that you need plenty of calories from Dairy, Carbohydrates and Sugar to counteract the weight loss associated with conventional treatment. Many people on the series talked about trusting your instincts, about what feels right for you and mental positivity.

    The Truth About Cancer has to be known. With more than 1:3 people having this disease in their lifetimes we are all affected and yet much of this information has been suppressed for years but The Truth About Cancer has made an impact. With the right knowledge we all should be to be free to choose.

    FOOD, NUTRITION AND DETOXIFICATION 

    First and foremost the main message was SUGAR feeds cancer and that also includes white, processed carbohydrates and alcohol. Keeping your blood sugar lower but level is key to fighting cancer.

    Getting as much nutrition into the body as possible. A nutritionally deficient body is a toxic sponge. Cancer is a disease of an already sick body whose detoxification pathways and immune system have been under pressure.

    Detoxification should target the following systems in this order

    1. Bowels
    2. Kidneys and urine
    3. Breath and skin
    4. Lymph movement
    5. Liver and blood

    1. Bowels – Raw vegetable and berry juicing with lots of fresh, organic vegetables and salads. Coconut. Probiotics. Coffee enemas.

    2. Kidney’s and urine – drink plenty of spring water and eat or juice watery fruits and vegetables like cucumber, melon, water melon, kiwi – including all the seeds. Coconut water.

    3. Breath and skin – helped by exercise, deep breathing, skin brushing, Saunas, steam rooms to detox through sweating.

    4. Lymph movement – rebounding one of the best ways, yoga inversions, massage. We have eight pints of blood that is pumped around the body but twelve pints of lymph that needs our help by movement.

    5. Liver and blood – Silymarin, Dandelion, wheat-grass. Coffee enemas to keep the liver working, especially when there is a heavy tumour load.

    Cancer fighting Foods for Optimal Nutrition

    • Berries – Vitamin C, Ellagic acid, Polyphenols are all good anti-cancer foods. Pomegranates, Raspberries, Strawberries (have special fibres that run from the outside seeds into the fruit and help bind to 90% of toxins making them easier to eliminate), blackberries, blueberries etc.
    • Fruit seeds – contain amygdalin that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Apples seeds have some but Apricot seeds or kernels have more. These substances have been used for many years as alternative cancer treatment  and are sometimes called B17 or Laetrile.
    • Iodine containing foods – fish and seafood, seaweeds, algae spirulina and chlorella (also contain Polysaccharides that help cellular communication and help identify rouge cells), raw garlic and pineapple. Low iodine is a cause of fibrocystic breast disease. Supplement with iodine if you are eating a large amount of raw cabbage, Brussel-sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower as these foods are antagonistic to iodine.
    • Mushrooms – many types of mushroom boost the immune system and are anti-cancer especially shittake
    • Beets and radishes – contain Anthrocyanins that can kill cancer cells. As do blackcurrants, elderberries, black olives, figs, red grapes, red plums, blueberries, red onions, red cabbage and Avocados.
    • Virgin Olive Oil contains polyphenols – anti-oxidants. as do Pecans and Walnuts.
    • Sulphur containing foods, onions, garlic, broccoli and sprouting seeds block cancer cell formation.
    • Turmeric and Green Tea contain polyphenols that are anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory.
    • Ginger, Black Pepper and Curcumin and Ayurvedic Formulas can improve synergy and healing.
    • Organic Vegetables – good source of minerals and so are alkalising – carrots, spinach, chard, kale, onions etc.
    • Zinc – one of the most important trace elements found in offal, meat, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, oysters, eggs.

    Next Post will be on Supplements for help with Cancer treatment and immune boosting.

    sign up on Hello Bar at top of page so that you don’t miss Part 2

     

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  • Exclusion diet/ Food intolerance/ Health/ Immune system - healing/ Inflammation/ Wheat and Dairy Intolerance

    Food Intolerance symptoms and tests.

    Food Intolerance Test

    There has been a lot of controversy over food intolerance over the last few years and the distinction between true food allergies and food intolerance is still a very blurred line for many.

    Food Intolerance symptoms can be bloating, tiredness, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, Eczema, arthritis, headaches and migraines, palpitations, mood swings and attention problems.

    On visiting your Doctor and saying that you think you may have a food intolerance he may tell you that the best way forward is to carry out a exclusion diet where if you leave out the offending foods and your symptoms go away then you have nailed it. If pressured the Doctor may send you for allergy testing. This is usually a history of your symptoms followed by a skin prick test for the substances  suspected as causing problems plus non food ones like grasses and pollens plus a control to show that you have a strong histamine response. This test is relying on a IgE immune response which would occur almost immediately with the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine and leucotrene and can result in raised blisters, itching and even breathing difficulties or collapse. This is an allergic reaction. Food allergies are a reaction to food proteins and can be described as IgE -mediated (immediate) and non-IgE-mediated (delayed reactions).

    Delayed immune reactions to food and antigens are mediated by IgG, IgA and IgM and can take several hours or days to produce a response in the body. Celiac Disease is a non-IgE related response. Other food intolerance tests like York Laboratories, IgG RAST /ELISA and Food Detective rely on IgG immunoglobulin and a blood sample is necessary. They do not cause a histamine reaction. Recent research from the National University Hospital in Singapore has shown that the IgG response may even be protective against the development of a more severe IgE food allergy. These tests have been ignored by mainstream doctors for many years but have proved increasingly popular by patients who don’t feel they are getting to the root of their health problems. It is true that they may not show up all your intolerances as the tests are based on raw foods but we have known for 30+ years that people can react much more to processed foods. Processing food by heating and oxidisation changes the protein. If a person is reacting to tomato ketchup he may not show an immune response to  tomato and therefore the patients problem would go undetected.

    An article from The National Centre for Biotechnology Information in 2009 concluded that the determination of food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity would be improved by testing IgE, IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies against both raw and processed food antigens. Antibodies from modified food may cause disruption in degenerative and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, joint inflammation, neuro-degeneration and neuro-autoimmunity.

    This is exactly what the Functional medicine community has been saying for a few years now – delayed Food sensitivity is associated with a multitude of chronic disorders, such as MS, Autism, RA, fibromyalgia, IBS, Crohn’s disease, Dementia and hundreds of other conditions that affect about 40% of the population.

    My son has an Autoimmune condition that affects his eyes, his digestive tract, his skin and his joints. He had eczema from about 11 years old but when he had severe gastroenteritis and couldn’t eat for 5 days his skin cleared up completely. On pointing this out to the Doctor we asked if we could have an allergy test done. While waiting for the appointment we tried an Elimination diet and filled in a detailed food diary. He definitely reacted to Dairy and soya and an improvement was seen but this is a difficult diet to do, especially when the reaction can come hours or days later. The offending proteins can also come in ways other than food, like in medicines (even the capsules that contain them), toiletries etc. When he had the skin prick IgE tests they came up negative and he also showed a very low histamine response so they said he was unlikely to be allergic to anything. We introduced more foods but remained off dairy but he was still getting quite severe inflammation. A year on we both tried the   Clean Gut Diet by Alejandro Junger, MD and started taking Probiotics and all symptoms went away within days. We also lost over 14lbs each without ever being hungry and we had much more energy. We realised that gluten was also a problem and eliminated that. We substituted Almond milk for cows milk we found great tasting bars that had only fruit and cashew nuts and we even added back in wine and gluten free beer and we still felt good and maintained our weight.

    Then gradually my son’s eczema started to come back and he had occasional flare ups of arthritis. Our only options seemed to be to go back onto the full Elimination diet or pay for a Food Intolerance test. We bought the Food Detective from bodykind and the results were very helpful and made sense. Luckily it didn’t throw up a whole new lot of foods to avoid but apart from Cow’s milk and gluten it showed a response to almonds and cashews. This is hardly surprising as these were foods that he had hardly ever consumed in the past but was now eating nearly every day. We have left them off and his inflammation is already reduced after just 3 days. We will leave them off for about 3 months and then eat them less frequently and see how he goes but the test was definitely the quickest way  and we saw results very quickly – evidence based medicine!

    I would recommend this Food Intolerance  test to anyone who thinks they can cope with collecting a small amount of blood from a finger prick and following the instructions to the letter. The test costs £65/$110/85 euros and takes about 40 mins to do with the results at the end of the test. It tests for the IgG reaction to 59 different foods and there is a video on the bodykind site that shows you exactly what to do. There is also a booklet that tells you how to interpret the results and how to proceed with dietary changes.

    Click here to visit bodykind


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  • Autoimmune diseases/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Immune system - healing/ ME/ Nutritional Medicine/ Supplements

    Next step – Clean Gut .

    Next step in Healing your Digestive Tract helps to clean the gut of any underlying infection or parasites – which are much more common than people think.

    Always start by following the “heal your gut” recommendations and the imbalance in the microbiome called Dysbiosis and/or SIBO in Healing your Digestive Tract and Leaky Gut –  to create a healing environment before going on to this next stage.

    So after 2 weeks on your ‘real food’ diet you should be feeling lighter and more energetic. If you have a problem with parasites you will already have weakened them because you have taken away their favourite foods – sugar and carbohydrates!

    At this stage it is important to pay attention to your digestion, bowel function and poo as this will indicate how things are working. Has it changed since starting the new regime?

    Hopefully, constipation shouldn’t be an issue with all the extra vegetables and magnesium but if it is

    1. add more fibre by grinding flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and sprinkling them over food or into smoothies.
    2. Take a spoonful of omega 3 oil or olive oil prior to a meal.
    3. Start the day with a mug of hot water with a slice of ginger and a slice of lemon in it.
    4. Try taking a digestive enzyme tablet with each meal.
    5. Add some fermented food like saurkraut,  kimchi or non-dairy kefir to your diet.
    6. Drink some coconut milk/water.
    7. increase the magnesium to 400mgs 3 times a day or take Milk of Magnesia.

    If your bowels were loose or erratic before, have they become normal and formed over the past couple of weeks?

    If they haven’t or you still have wind, bloating, pain and loose stools then there is a strong possibility that you have a residual infection or parasite problem. Other indications of this may be

    • sleep problems
    • changes to nails -splitting, vertically ridged, dry and weak.
    • tongue having a white or yellow coating first thing in the morning.
    • Fatigue
    • Mucous in the stool – this is produced by the bowel trying to protect the body from toxicity and as an inflammatory reaction therefore a strong sign that you need to clean up your gut more.

    If you can get a stool test done by your doctor then please do but if not here is a list of herbal supplements that are anti-microbial and/or anti-parasitic. Most of these should not be taken while pregnant so check with a pharmacist.

    • Sweet Wormwood (or Artemesia Annua)
    • Cloves
    • Garlic(preferably raw)
    • Oregano oil
    • Grapefruit seed oil
    • Black Walnut
    • Goldenseal

    Berberine (Barberry) is also a used as it has shown properties to get rid of many pathogens but also help heal the gut. I don’t think it is available to buy over the counter in Europe now but I ordered it over the internet as Phyto-Biotic Immune from Enzymatic but you might find other  sources.

    Some supplements contain other herbs and spices to help calm and heal the gut. I found a good one from Denmark called ‘dida‘  which is cinnamon based (a good anti-inflammatory) and worked well.

    Sometimes the supplements come as drops that you add to water, like Para-Cleanse from Harmonic Health in Kent, UK.

    Parasites have quite a long life-cycle and you don’t want to kill the parasites to find that fresh eggs hatch 2-3 weeks later and you are back with the same problem. Continue the treatment for a month and maybe then even do another couple of weeks with a different product or take some Aloe Vera juice before each meal to prevent a re-infection. Slippery Elm is another product that can help coat the gut lining and prevent re-infestation while healing.

    This subject sometimes really freaks people out but it is possible to have parasites and flukes and infection in your gut for years. If you have ever had a really bad “tummy bug” and taken a while to recover it is possible that the infection has remained and is what is causing you to be malnourished and inflamed now – so if in doubt – get them out!

    Click here to visit bodykind

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  • Autoimmune diseases/ Immune system - healing/ Integrated Medicine/ Nutritional Medicine/ Wheat and Dairy Intolerance

    Leaky Gut – Quiz and Video

    Or to use the Medical term “Intestinal permeability” is being researched all over the world. There is a Leaky Gut Quiz and Video link on this post to help understand the condition. Leaky Gut is a condition where some of the tight junctions in your intestines become faulty and foreign particles that should have been eliminated  leak through into your body and cause an immune response,  inflammation and trigger chronic disease. The symptoms can vary depending on where the particles end up and can affect your digestive system, your skin, your nervous system and your hormonal system, Thyroid and Adrenal Glands. Leaky gut can caused or be made worse by infections like Candida, Clostridium Difficile (C Diff ) or others, Parasites or antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAID’s, Alcohol and food intolerances.

    Hippocrates is quoted as saying “that all disease begins in the gut” so that is where we are going to start, even if you do not have much in the way of gut symptoms. 30% of people with Leaky Gut do not have gut symptoms.

    As a fast and interesting way to start I would like to suggest that you try this Quiz to how likely it is that you have a Leaky Gut.

    The next post will be about how to set about healing your gut by diet, supplements and lifestyle changes so if you want help in learning how to heal yourself then follow my blog and I will do my best to help you through it and to better health by using all the best resources available.

    If you would like a more in-depth description of Leaky Gut then please click to watch this 5 min You Tube video by Dr Hugh Wegworth

    Leaky Gut

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  • Adrenal Fatigue/ Cancer./ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Immune system - healing/ Integrated Medicine/ Supplements

    The Thymus gland and the Immune System

    The Thymus gland is situated under the breastbone at the top of the chest, just below the Thyroid Gland. It is the major gland of our immune system, responsible for many functions, including the production of T Lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell responsible for cell mediated immunity rather than antibody controlled immunity. Cell mediated immunity is extremely important in forming resistance to infection by mold-like bacteria, yeasts, fungi, parasites and viruses (including Epstein -Barr and Herpes Simplex). It is also critical in protecting us from the development of cancer and allergies.

    The Thymus gland also releases several hormones which regulate many immune functions and low levels of these are associated with depressed immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Thymic hormones are frequently very low in the elderly, AIDS patients and cancer patients ( especially those who have undergone Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy) and high stress levels deplete them more.

    There are three main areas where you can do things to improve your Thymus function and boost your immunity.

    1. Prevent  Thymus damage and involution (shrinkage). The Thymus is extremely susceptible to free radical and oxidative damage caused by radiation, infection, stress, exposure to high levels of pollution or chemotherapy drugs and chronic illness. Anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, glutathione, zinc and beta-carotene, anti-oxidant herbs like Astragalus and certain mushroom extracts can all help to prevent Thymus damage and enhance cell mediated immunity.
    2. There are many nutrients that are important in the production, secretion and function of thymic hormones. Deficiencies of any one of these nutrients can result in decreased thymic hormone function and impaired immune function. Zinc is particularly effective in restoring depressed immunity and low levels of zinc usually cause a lack of sense of smell and taste. Vitamin B6 and vitamin C are also critical nutrients and because they are water soluble and not stored in the body it is vital to maintain a sufficient daily intake.
    3. Stimulation of Thymus gland activity can be by high quality thymus extracts, either by capsule supplements or by a series of injections depending on condition of the immune system. I have seen someone who had a depressed white blood cell count of 2,500-3000 for 2 years following Radiotherapy and chemotherapy (the normal range is 4,000-10,000) rise to 5,300 after one course of Thymus injections and rising to 9,400 three months later. For more information click Thymus-Therapy The immune enhancing effects of thymus extract have been can be useful in treating the following conditions:
    • Lowered resistance or susceptiblity to infection.
    • Degenerative conditions of the spine and joints, including Rheumatoid arthritis.
    • Autoimmune diseases – RA, ulcerative colitis, Chrohn’s disease etc.
    • Metabolic disturbances such as Diabetes and gout.
    • Diseases of the heart and circulation.
    • Chronic inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, the liver, the gallbladder, the kidneys or the prostate gland.
    • Thymus peptides can also be used as a supplementary measure in the treatment of cancer (pre- and post- operative treatment and for reduction of side effects during and after Radiation and chemotherapy)
    • Also as a prophylatic measure against precancerous conditions in people who have a hereditary predispoition to cancer.

    Other herbs which positively effect the thymus gland include liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and European mistletoe (Viscum Album). The most well known, often taken to prevent colds, is Echinacea angustiflolia but this should be taken with care by people who have an autoimmune disease.

    If you wish to supplement with Thymus Enzyme Capsules (dirived from calf thymus) then a quality product is very important and there are many on the market. I have used products from a company called Enzymatic Therapy and they have 2 products – Thymulus and Thymuplex.

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  • Cancer./ Healthy Food/ Immune system - healing/ Nutrition and Cancer/ Nutritional Medicine

    The True Magic of Mushrooms

    Mushrooms

    For centuries we have known that certain mushrooms have a beneficial effect on health but only more recently have the active compounds contained within them been isolated and studied.

    Our immune systems are extremely complex and in order to protect us from bacteria and viruses and also genetic mistakes during cellular reproduction that result in cancer growth, these complex systems need to be in balance.

    Nature has provided us with many plants and herbs that enhance overall immunity. Immune -potentiating botanicals are also used to increase the effectiveness of drugs and reduce side effects. The Chinese call this Fu Zheng therapy, which means to support the body’s natural balance. Zheng (also called Zheng Qi) is translated as meaning life energy, activity and resistance and when it is deficient a favourable environment for cancer is created.In Western terms the immune systems surveillance function fails to discover and suppress the growth of cancerous or mutated cells. The flow of “Qi” (sometimes spelled Chi) may be disrupted by poor nutrition, lifestyle, overwork, stress repressed or excessive emotions and lack of exercise. This Zheng qi, or Qi, is also damaged by the core medical treatments for cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and in China and Japan Fu Zheng therapy has been used alongside these therapies with significantly improved outcomes.

    If you have an immune compromised condition (eg. cancer, AIDS, leukemia or chronic infections such as Epstein-barr virus) then learn how to boost your immune system using mushrooms, plants, acupuncture, Qi Gong and with a good diet, supplements and lifestyle.

    The technical advance is that we now know that many of the botanicals used in Fu Zheng therapy contain polysaccharides beta-1,6 glucan and beta-1,3 glucan. Beta-glucans are known as “biological response modifiers” and they specifically stimulate the innate branch of the immune system. Research has shown that beta-glucans stimulate macrophage, NK (Natural killer) cells, T cells and the production of immune system cytokines. They may also enhance Dendritic Cell function. Recent research has shown that frequently immune suppression means that these cells may be produced but may not mature and therefore not function as they should.

    Obviously not everyone has access to an Integrated Oncologist or a Chinese Medicine Practitioner but there are products on the market like ” Immiflex” and “Biobran” (made from rice) and there are mushroom extracts, Astragalus, and other botanicals that can be taken alongside conventional therapy to minimise the damage and the side effects. Some mushrooms have specific action against certain cancers or conditions – for instance Turkey tail and Agaricus have been shown to kill sarcoma in laboratory conditions when few chemotherapy drugs have any effect. For a chart detailing specific actions of each kind of mushroom please see the link to Paul Stamets website, below. Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi and Oyster mushrooms are some of the more well-known varieties with very well documented research.

    So, if you have a compromised immune system, try some Eastern therapies to improve your immune function, your Qi and your wellbeing and you will be amazed by how effective they can be.

    My favourite sites for information on Mushrooms and extracts are:

    www.healthy.net

    wikipedia on Medicinal mushrooms

    Paul Stamets Mushrooms

    See also  http://cancer2resolution.blogspot.com

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