• 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.

  • 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

  • Blood sugar management/ Cancer./ Energy/ Mineral Depletion/ Nutrition and Cancer/ Nutritional Medicine/ Sizzling Minerals

    Magnesium – an essential mineral.

    Magnesium

    One of the reasons we sometimes crave Chocolate is possibly that we have a Magnesium deficiency! Dark 80% + Cocoa solids would have the highest magnesium content.

    On a more serious note, you may have no idea that you are deficient in Magnesium. 65% of patients admitted to Intensive Care Units have a magnesium deficiency and up to 40% of the general population have also been found to be deficient in this very important mineral.

    Magnesium is mentioned rarely (certainly not as much as calcium) and yet it is vital to so many functions in the body. Stress depletes the body of magnesium as well as the B vitamins that work with magnesium and therefore if you have been under a lot of stress it will be beneficial to supplement with both of these nutrients for a while. In this stressful era we need more magnesium, it is the mineral of relaxation, but we tend to get  less because of our heavier reliance on fast foods and alcohol.

    Magnesium – what does it do?

    • it aids detoxification
    • relaxes the system to diminish – irritability, anxiety, unstable emotions, muscle spasms, insomnia, low back pain, constipation.
    • it raises HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol
    • it lowers blood pressure – if given I/V as soon as possible after a heart attack it improves survival.
    • it is a useful treatment in Angina
    • helps lower eye pressure in Glaucoma
    • improves Insulin production and utilization in Type II diabetes
    • lessens headaches and migraines and is useful to aid coffee withdrawal.
    • works with calcium to maintain healthy bones
    • regulates the absorption of other nutrients and the action of enzymes in our bodies
    • is essential in the Krebs cycle (energy)
    • helps to regulate body temperature
    • it is essential for nerve and muscle function

    Here are some of the symptoms that magnesium deficiency can cause:-

    • muscle weakness
    • abnormal heart rhythms or palpitations
    • tiredness
    • loss of appetite
    • cramps
    • fits
    • high blood pressure ( magnesium is the natural Calcium channel Blocker)
    • insomnia
    • sensitivity to loud noises
    • anxiety
    • difficulty swallowing

    Anyone who has any of these symptoms or who suffers from Fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heart disease, Kidney Stones or Attention Deficit Disorder could benefit from taking 400 – 1000mgs magnesium supplement but anyone with heart disease or kidney disease should discuss this with their doctor first. The most absorbable forms are citrate, glycinate or aspartate so avoid the cheaper forms that are not well absorbed. If you take too much magnesium it will cause diarrhoea. I always advocate taking a complete plant-derived mineral supplement because minerals work synergistically and your body needs the full complement of minerals to ensure health.
    Low magnesium and high sodium – a recipe for cancer.

    Magnesium is essential in moderating the levels of potassium (high) and sodium (low) in all our cells. If you are low on magnesium and eat lots of salty foods then the cells can become poisoned, low on oxygen, low on potassium and produce less energy. The acidity within the cells then goes up which impairs the chemical reactions and reduces the oxygen even further. Cells reproducing in this toxic state are more likely to mutate.

    The best sources of magnesium are:-

    • cocoa powder and dark chocolate 70% cocoa solids or more
    • seaweeds like Kelp, Nori, Dulse, Kombu etc.
    • Nuts – Brazil nuts, Pine nuts, Cashew nuts, Hazelnuts, Walnuts and Almonds
    • Seeds – sunflower seeds, sesame seeds.
    • Soya – mince and beans
    • Liquorice
    • Wheat germ and wheat bran
    • Millet
    • Rye
    • Brown rice
    • Dark green leafy vegetables
    • Figs and dates
    • Beans
    • Garlic

    For a quick fix prior to going to bed try soaking in a hot bath with 2 Tablespoons of Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate)added to the water and a few drops of a relaxing essential oil such as Lavender or Chamomile, the magnesium will be absorbed through the skin and you should sleep like a baby!

  • Cancer./ Integrated Medicine

    Education v Medication

    P1000204Research has shown that cancer, heart disease and many other diseases are often caused by bad diet. If you really want to be healthy and stay healthy

    Here are some quick health hints

    You know it makes sense …just do it!

    • Eat some saturated fat – meat, dairy products but no trans-fats or hydrogenated fats (read the labels)
    • Eat more unsaturated fats – essential to the functioning of every cell in our bodies. Olive oil, nuts, avocado, eggs, fish (especially oily fish -like sardines)
    • Eat minimal sugar – it feeds cancer cells and has no food value to normal cells
    • Don’t drink sodas or soft drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
    • Drink more water and herb teas
    • Limit yourself to 1 coffee and 2 units of red wine a day- max.
    • Eat more wholefoods and don’t get constipated.
    • Eat minimal white flour products, white pasta, white rice (except Basmati)
    • Snack on nuts -walnuts, pecans, almonds, brazils but not peanuts.
    • Have a little dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids or more) it is good for you.
    • Eat more than 5 fruits and vegetables a day.
    • Make your meals as colourful as possible
    • Get some exercise at whatever level you can cope with.
    • Get motivated by reading Health Blogs everyday!

    For a good food chart see links.