CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
From Life Extension
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION: From Life Extension
Taking Anti-Inflammatory supplements, avoiding foods to which you are intolerant and eating anti-inflammatory foods is essential for avoiding – Stroke, heart attack, diabetes complications and cancer (see Suzanne Somers KNOCKOUT) –
Aging results in an increase of inflammatory cytokines (destructive cell-signaling chemicals) that contribute to the progression of many degenerative diseases (Van der Meide et al. 1996; Licinio et al. 1999). Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic autoimmune disorder in which excess levels of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin 1b [IL-1(b)], and/or interleukin-8 (IL-8) are known to cause or contribute to the inflammatory syndrome (Deon et al. 2001).
Chronic inflammation is also involved in diseases as diverse as atherosclerosis, cancer, heart valve dysfunction, obesity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, digestive system diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease (Brouqui et al. 1994; Devaux et al. 1997; De Keyser et al. 1998). In aged people with multiple degenerative diseases, the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, is often sharply elevated, indicating the presence of an underlying inflammatory disorder (Invitti 2002; Lee et al. 2002; Santoro et al. 2002; Sitzer et al. 2002). When a cytokine blood profile is conducted on people in a weakened condition, an excess level of one or more of the inflammatory cytokines, e.g., TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1(b), or IL-8, is usually found (Santoro et al. 2002).
For those who have multiple degenerative diseases, the cytokine profile blood test and the C-reactive protein blood test are highly recommended. This may be done through your own physician or the Life Extension Foundation.
The following nutrients are suggested:
The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fraction of fish oil may be the most effective nonprescription nutrients to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a precursor of PGE1, a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
DHEA is a hormone that decreases with age. DHEA has been shown to suppress IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine that often increases as people age. Typical doses of DHEA are 25-50 mg daily, although some people take 100 mg daily.
Nettle leaf has been shown to suppress the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-a. Take 1000 mg daily.
Vitamin E and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are protective antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E that contains gamma-tocopherol and tocotrienols provides the most broad-spectrum protection. NAC is an amino acid with antiviral and liver protectant properties. Six hundred milligrams daily is recommended.
Vitamin K helps reduce levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory messenger. Vitamin K also helps in the treatment of osteoporosis by regulating calcium and promoting bone calcification. If you are taking Coumadin or other anticoagulant medicine, consult your physician before taking vitamin K.
Consuming at least 1000 mg per day of Carnosine and/or 300 mg of the European drug Aminoguanidine can inhibit pathological glycation reactions in the body.
“Resveratrol has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effect in vitro and in animal models,” Husam Ghanim, PhD and colleagues write. “Resveratrol has also been shown to prolong life expectancy and to reduce the rate of aging in the yeast and lower animals like yeast, Caenorhabtidis elegans and Drosophila. Resveratrol actions are thought to be mediated by increased expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), a gene associated with longevity.”
SUPPORTING IMMUNE SYSTEM and AVOIDING ANTIBIOTICS:
This is a post from a friend who had a kidney transplant a few years ago. This is what she does to avoid infections and maintain her health –
To prevent infection when susceptible — I take a minced clove of raw garlic a.m. and p.m. I also take Echnicacea/Golden seal tincture, 28 drops 3times/day. Then, I add Grapefruit seed oil, 10 drops 3 times per day, and a capsule of oil of oregano, 3 times per day. you can only keep this schedule up for 10 days at a time. If I need to continue the routine longer, I continue the garlic, and look for some other stuff to rotate the natural remedies.
Homeopathically, ferr phos is my biochemic first aid for any sign of inflammation, fever, arthritic, whatever – it works like magic. I read on line that British medical doctors approve homeopathic cells salts for transplant patients, and they have no ill effects. How sad that I cannot tell my doctor that the reason I am doing SO WELL with my new organ is not sheer luck, I continually balance the minerals in my body with the homeopathic cell salts.
I use the liquid melatonin, not the valium, for insomnia and I started the raw thymus/raw adrenal therapy 3 days ago….more energy.
HYPERTHYROID CONDITION: This often occurs when we are under much stress and an inflammation occurs in the thyroid gland. In the past, doctors have prescribed horrible steroids that only made the patient worse. Now, many doctors are prescribing Ibuprofin, 200 mgs every 6 hours. This will cure the inflammation without any side effects. This is a common analgesic that can be purchased at any store – Wal-Mart selling it under its EQUATE Brand.
A side effect of hyperthyroidism is heart-racing and chest pains, similar to a heart attack.
KIDNEY STONES & PREVENTION: Many suggestions were given on Alternative_Medicine_Forum — Hydrangea Root, Chapparal pills, Chanca Piedra (twice daily) but Magnesium is a good supplement to use as well:
Getting your magnesium levels up will prevent over 90% of kidney stones the future — most kidney stones are caused by “unaborbed” calcium. When calcium is not absorbed, less then 1% of it is excreted in the urine —most of it is desposited into various organs where it calcifies — when it is disposited into the kidneys , it calcifies into kidney stones. In my perception this is however not as serious as if the calcium was desposited into the arteries causing hardening of the arteries or into the heart where it causes a few heart issues. In the joints and it will cause arthritis, etc. If it were me, I would stop taking any calcium supplements as well as stop having an dairy products or other foods high in calcium.
Magnesium and Calcification: A healthy cell has high magnesium and low calcium levels. Calcium can lodge anywhere in your body and cause serious harm if not balanced with magnesium, which regulates the action of calcium. For instance, excess calcium buildup around your bones and joints mimics arthritis. Too much calcium lodged in your heart imitates arterial lesions. Calcification or calcium poisoning can manifest as heart disease, cancer, wrinkled skin, kidney stones, osteoporosis, dental problems, bone spurs, cataracts and many other health problems. Along with hypomagnesemia, signs of severe magnesium deficiency included hypocalcemia, low serum potassium levels (hypokalemia), retention of sodium, low circulating levels of PTH, neurological and muscular symptoms (tremor, muscle spasms, tetany), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and personality changes. “increasing magnesium intake increases bones density7 [7] in the elderly and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
When you load up your system with excess calcium, you shut down magnesium’s ability to activate thyrocalcitonin, a hormone that under normal circumstances would send calcium to your bones.” Magnesium status is important for regulation of calcium balance through parathyroid hormone-mediated reactions. [12] [12] When it comes to magnesium and calcium neither can be divided from the other. One is not divisible from the other in terms of overall effect. They are paired minerals yet it is magnesium that holds the overall key for their paired function. 18 References.
http://magnesiumforlife.com/medical-application/magnesium-and-calcification/
Magnesium dissolves calcium – oral magnesium is not well absorbed at all and is almost impossible to get magnesium levels up using oral magnesium . Magnesium IVs and infections as well as transdermal magnesium chloride bypass the digestive system and are well absorbed. I used transdermal magnesium chloride to get my magnesium levels up and both stop seizures as well as cure osteoporosis.
As a general rule of thumb, an appropriate daily intake of magnesium should be approximately 3-4 mg per pound of bodyweight. For a 200lb male, this would equate to 600mg to 800mg per day. Chronic health complications, emotional and physical stress, physical injury, athletic exertion, and poor lifestyle/dietary choices, all increase your daily magnesium requirements. Women who are pregnant or lactating also have elevated magnesium requirements.
Why Magnesium Chloride
http://magnesiumforlife.com/product-information/why-magnesium-chloride/
Instructions
http://www.ancient-minerals.com/transdermal-magnesium-instructions.html
KIDNEY DISEASE: Doses of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can reverse early kidney disease in people
with type 2 diabetes, research shows. The team from Warwick University tested the effect of vitamin B1, which is
found in meat, yeast and grain, on 40 patients from Pakistan. The treatment stopped the loss of a key protein in the urine, the journal Diabetologia reports. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7796073.stm_
THIAMINE & KIDNEY DISEASE: I take 900 mg of Benfotiamine (a lipid soluble form of Thiamine) every day.. Diabetics do NOT get sufficient Thiamine from diet. The RDA is low, diabetics need far more than the RDA of Thiamine — diabetics eat a limited diet. Diabetics should not be eating a lot of grain.
KIDNEY STONE PREVENTION: Dr Oz said that drinking the juice from a fresh lemon each day will prevent kidney stones. Drinking a fresh squeezed lemon in warm water upon waking up in the morning will stimulate the liver.
COMMON DEFICIENCIES IN FIBROMYALGIA: Dr. Pellegrino
1. Serotonin Deficiency – Serotonin is an important hormone and neurotransmitter manufactured from the amino acid, tryptophan. Serotonin is important in our food behavior, sleep behavior, neuroendocrine function, mood, and energy. The clinical symptoms from low serotonin include: Depression, Fatigue, Increased pain, Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Nutritional supplements to treat low serotonin are:
•
5-HTP (5-hydroxy L-tryptophan). A modified amino acid that the body uses to manufacture serotonin. In addition to helping the body produce serotonin, 5-HTP can be an appetite suppressant and a sleep inducer. Typical dosing is 100-300 mg per day. Griffonia seed is a source of natural 5-HTP.
• St. John’s Wort. This herbal antidepressant seems to work by raising the serotonin level. Typical dosing is 300 mg up to twice a day. [Note recent research reports St. John’s Wort may reduce the analgesic effect of opioid medications.]
• SAM-e (pronounced “Sammy”). A natural medicine used in Europe for 25 years to treat mild to moderate depression. It stands for S-Adenosyl-L-methionine and it helps make the body’s mood enhancing chemicals. Usual dosing is 200-400 mg twice per day on an empty stomach. Side effects can include upset stomach and headaches.
2. Magnesium Deficiency — Magnesium is a common deficiency in the general population but even more so in patients with fibromyalgia. Intracellular magnesium is low, which interferes with the muscles’ ability to relax and make energy. Magnesium is needed to convert 5-HTP to serotonin.
• 27% of magnesium is stored in muscle tissue.
• Every energy-consuming reaction in life needs magnesium to proceed.
• Less than 1% of body magnesium is in the serum [blood].
• Low magnesium intake results in magnesium depletion from muscles and bones to maintain serum magnesium levels.
Symptoms of low magnesium in fibromyalgia include:
• Increased fatigue, • Increased spasms, • And increased pain.
Individuals with low magnesium are more prone to injuring their muscles when they exercise, so exercise intolerance or increased pain and spasms after activity is another symptom of low magnesium in fibromyalgia. Natural supplements to treat low magnesium include products containing magnesium.
▪ Magnesium glycinate is the preferred bioavailable form. A magnesium supplement works with the muscles to help them manufacture more energy (ATP molecules). When taken as a supplement, magnesium and its co-factor, malic acid, can enter the muscle cells and improve the muscle energy production.
Studies have shown that this combination reduces pain in fibromyalgia patients and headache patients.(1,2) I have found that 75% of people who use products… (containing magnesium, malic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese) will report improvement with either decreased pain, improved energy, a more stable baseline, or a combination of these.
Anywhere from 300 to 500 mg of extra magnesium supplement a day may be needed.
• Taking 5-HTP along with magnesium/malic acid will increase your odds of converting 5-HTP to serotonin.
3. Low Amine ATP (Low Energy Efficiency)
Biochemical studies show that fibromyalgia patients have low ATP or energy molecules in their muscles due to a deficiency of the compounds that make ATP such as oxygen and magnesium.(1)
Swedish investigators, Drs. Bengtsson and Henrikson,(3) have shown that a lower concentration of oxygen than expected is found in fibromyalgia muscles, which contributes to lower ATP levels. This lower concentration is most probably due to poor metabolism of nutrients and not from true hypoxia (lack of oxygen in body).
A lack of ATP contributes to: • Fatigue, • Increased pain, • And increased muscle spasms
Supplements to improve the ATP levels include:
• Magnesium, • And another product called Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is a vital enzyme in the energy producing pathway of the muscles’ energy centers, called the mitochondria. Typical CoQ10 dosing is 100-300 mg daily. Oxygen therapy is not beneficial and could damage the lungs.
4. Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
I have found many people with fibromyalgia have a relatively low B-12 level. Vitamin B-12 is important in manufacturing red blood cells (erythropoiesis), improving nerve pathways, improving DNA synthesis, and folate metabolism.
Symptoms of low B-12 include: • Increased fatigue, • Numbness and tingling, • And depressed immune system.
Nutritional supplements for B-12 include B-12 lozenges, sublingual B-12 [dissolved under the tongue], or B-12 injections. B-12 that is taken in a lozenge or sublingual form is absorbed directly into the blood vessels in the mouth. In many, B-12 is not absorbed well from the stomach. I frequently prescribe a B-12 injection protocol in which 1 milligram of B-12 is injected intramuscularly once a week for 6 weeks or more.
5. Low Growth Hormone Level
Dr. Robert Bennett found that people with fibromyalgia have decreased growth hormone levels as measured with IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor, a derivative of growth hormone).(4)
Symptoms of low growth hormone include:
• Fatigue, • Increased fibrofog, [see also Dr. Pellegrino’s article, “Managing Fibrofog – The Cognitive Dysfunction of Fibromyalgia.”] • Decreased metabolism, • And depressed immune system.
Supplements to increase growth hormone level include:
• Colostrum, which has growth hormone and immunoglobulins. Bovine (beef) colostrum is taken orally, and is essentially identical to human IGF-1. Bovine colostrum given orally has been found to raise the serum IGF-1 level in humans. I found that over 75% of my patients report improvement in their energy level and concentration abilities when taking colostrum.
• Daily growth hormone injections can increase the IGF-1 level and result in improvement. Growth hormone injections are expensive, averaging about $1,500/month, and they are not routinely covered by insurance, hence limiting the widespread application for fibromyalgia treatment. Growth hormone is available by sublingual form as well.
6. Adrenal Hormone Deficiency
The adrenal glands can become dysfunctional in fibromyalgia and cause problems with the immune system and ability to handle stress.
Supplements that boost the immune system can be considered. These include: • Colostrums, • Vitamin C, • Zinc,
• Echinacea, • Cinnamon, • Garlic, • Golden Seal.
Antioxidants are helpful in fighting free radicals, supporting the cellular function, and improving the immune system. Common antioxidants include: • Vitamins A and E, • Grapeseed extract, • And lipoic acid.
Licorice root and Eleuthero (previously known as Siberian ginseng) can help improve adrenal gland function and boost our stress and immune responses.
SUPPLEMENT STRATEGIES FOR TREATING SPECIFIC FM SYMPTOMS
1. Pain
• Magnesium and malic acid combination
• Natural anti-inflammatories such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and flaxseed oil
• Feverfew for headaches
• Guaifenesin is a [mucus-thinning] cough medicine that is reported to have some success in treating patients with fibromyalgia (Dr. R Paul St. Amand).
2. Fatigue
• Magnesium and malic acid combination
• Colostrum
• Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
• Vitamin B12
• Ginkgo biloba
• Vinpocetine
3. Poor Sleep
• 5-HTP
• Melatonin (lowest dosage in pill form)
• Valerian root
• Sleep formula (5-HTP, valerian root, lemon balm, passion flower)
4. Fibrofog
• Colostrum
• Ginkgo biloba
• Vinpocetine
• Acetyl-L-carnitine
• Phosphatidyl serine
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Fiber supplement
• Acidophilus
• Valerian root
• Peppermint oil (enteric coated)
• Olive leaf extract
6. Mild Depression
• 5-HTP
• St. John’s Wort
• SAME-e
• Flaxseed oil
EXERCISE: Tai Chi has been found to be extremely helpful to prevent Shingles, to improve symptoms in Asthma (along with Vitamin D) and Fibromyalgia!
HICCUP CURE: Briefly touch one end of a Q-tip to the small piece of flesh that dangles in the back of your throat (uvula).
Why it works: This triggers your gag reflex, which interrupts the spasms of your diaphragm. No hiccup cure works 100% of the time, but this one is more effective than many others.
ULCERATIVE COLITIS & CROHN’S DISEASE: The SCD diet protocol has a very good reputation for curing several digestive disorders.
Book – Breaking the Viscious Cycle by Dr Elaine Gottschall – The Specific Carbohydrate Diet™
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ has helped many thousands of people with various forms of bowel disease and other ailments vastly improve their quality of life. In many cases people consider themselves cured. It is a diet intended mainly for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, diverticulitis, cystic fibrosis and chronic diarrhea. However it is a very healthy, balanced and safe diet that has health benefits for everyone. The foods that are allowed on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ are based on the chemical structure of these foods. Carbohydrates are classified by their molecular structure.
The allowed carbohydrates are monosaccharides and have a single molecule structure that allow them to be easily absorbed by the intestine wall. Complex carbohydrates which are disaccharides (double molecules) and polysaccharides (chain molecules) are not allowed. Complex carbohydrates that are not easily digested feed harmful bacteria in our intestines causing them to overgrow producing by products and inflaming the intestine wall. The diet works by starving out these bacteria and restoring the balance of bacteria in our gut.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ is biologically correct because it is species appropriate. The allowed foods are mainly those that early man ate before agriculture began. The diet we evolved to eat over millions of years was predominantly one of meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, nuts, low-sugar fruits. Our modern diet including starches, grains, pasta, legumes, and breads has only been consumed for a mere 10,000 years. In the last hundred years the increase in complex sugars and chemical additives in the diet has led to a huge increase in health problems ranging from severe bowel disorders to obesity and brain function disorders. We have not adapted to eat this modern diet as there has not been enough time for natural selection to operate. It therefore makes sense to eat the diet we evolved with.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ was clinically tested for over 50 years by Dr Haas and biochemist Elaine Gottschall with convincing results. From feedback from the various lists and other information at least 75% of those who adhere rigidly to the diet gain significant improvement.
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/beginners_guide/beginners.htm
Breaking The Vicious Cycle Main Page
All the content you’ll find related to the diet here is 100% strictly SCD. “For those of you struggling with whether or not to make the commitment to the diet, I urge you to read my story because the diet worked for me and ultimately saved my life… but it only worked for me because I followed it strictly, and this is the only way it will work for you”. Sections – Introduction; Getting Started; FAQ’s; Associated Conditions; Links; My Story.
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/index.htm
Healing Crow SCD Protocol
Today, the SCD is being used successfully by many to treat the following: Autism, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Diarrhea, Candidiasis, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).“The medical literature is rich with reports relating the favorable effects of dietary changes on the course of intestinal disease.”
http://www.healingcrow.com/dietsmain/scd/scd.html
http://www.healingcrow.com/index.html
IBS & LEAKY GUT: This formula has been recommended by a local holistic doctor — http://www.rockwellnutrition.com:80/Intestinal-Repair-Complex-by-BioGenesis_p_706.html
HYDROCHLORIC ACID THERAPY: This is a cure for many ailments and this link gives the best article on this subject. Do print out all 48 pages of cures associated with HCL…
http://www.townsendletter.com/Dec2006/ThreeYearsofHClTherapy.pdf
HEART PALPATATIONS: First, this is one symptom that should be checked with a medical doctor. There were some good suggestions given on Alterntive_Medical_Forum:
• For me personally, this is often dehydration and an electrolyte issue – potassium depletion. TWIN LABS has an excellent liquid K (potassium) that works quickly. A doctor felt that Gator Aid works better than Pediolyte (potassium for children who become dehydrated after diarrhea)
• Magnesium: A great method would be transdermally (on the skin). Look into Magnesium oil. This mineral is nature’s answer for “calm.”
• Hawthorne berries: One reader stated that he used the whole berries and crushed them in a stone Mocajete. “I have used these as a tea or just swallowed the herb (crushed or ground seed and fruit) as a remedy for my own arrhythmias and palpitations for many years. I use Aspirin and Hawthorne, as well as B vitamins.”
Diet is also important – coffee and salty foods affect heart rhythm too. NOTE: Hawthorne also builds heart tissue so it is a good supplement in general.
• One woman commented that the Hawthorne berries helped with her menopausal issues and heart palpatations.
• Most important, this can be due to an adrenal/thyroid dysfunction. Consult a doctor for a Hormone Saliva Test and Blood test.
PROSTATE CANCER PROTECTION: An article published online on September 17, 2010 in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention reports a benefit between higher levels of the mineral selenium and a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The finding contradicts the conclusion of other research which failed to determine a protective benefit for selenium in the disease. NOTE: In Suzanne Somers, BREAKTHROUGH, Dr. Jonathan Wright wrote about the use of Hydrochloric Acid (I personally use a multi-digestive supplement from Solaray or Life Extension) to help the body absorb nutrients, a problem as we age. It is the body’s inability to absorb SELENIUM & ZINC that causes Macular Degeneration and the loss of eye sight.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS:
ARE YOU USING PROBIOTICS CORRECTLY?
Last week, as you may recall, I wrote about prebiotics, those behind-the-scenes digestive health assistants that serve to nurture probiotics, their more widely celebrated colleagues. Known to help increase bowel regularity while decreasing gas and bloating, probiotics are making their way onto more and more top-10 health lists so it’s not so surprising to find them tucked into all manner of foods and beverages, with labels slapped on touting their health benefits.
However, the formula for using probiotics to optimize your health is somewhat more nuanced than merely spooning up a daily serving of yogurt! That’s okay — giving you the “story behind the story” is exactly what Daily Health News is here to do. So read on to learn the real secret to putting probiotics to work for you.
PROBIOTICS GO MAINSTREAM
Probiotics are definitely getting more respect. A friend told me that her doctor gave her the name of a probiotic supplement when he handed her an antibiotic prescription, telling her to take them to replenish the valuable intestinal bacteria that the antibiotics would suppress. Probiotics have made their way into the hospital world, too — they’re given to patients to help prevent deadly intestinal diseases that have resulted from antibiotic-resistant superbugs… researchers are studying their use for premature babies… and a few doctors even are urging consideration of a new hand-hygiene protocol that involves dipping caregivers’ hands into probiotic solutions after scrubbing in order to recolonize the skin with good bacteria.
Maybe those doctors are also telling patients to buy probiotic-fortified foods at the supermarket — and there’s nothing wrong with doing so. But Leo Galland, MD, director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine in New York City, wants us to understand that we won’t achieve any meaningful benefits by relying on these probiotic-fortified food sources alone.
WHY WE NEED SUPPLEMENTS
Dr. Galland explained that acid naturally present in most probiotic-containing foods suppresses these helpful bacteria, at least partially — so it’s impossible to know how many cultures survive and are of benefit. He believes that supplements are a better route since they reliably deliver a beneficial number of probiotic organisms.
However, he pointed out that specific types of probiotics can be used to address specific health concerns. This is another argument for supplements instead of probiotic-fortified foods and another reason why it’s important to work with a doctor (a naturopathic physician or a gastroenterologist experienced in working with prebiotics and probiotics) who can ascertain what’s best for you, how much you should take and at what times of day.
Dr. Galland told me that he tends to prescribe specific types of probiotics in certain situations. For example…
• For people with no particular health concerns, Dr. Galland might suggest 20 billion Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of combined lactobacillus and bifidobacterium “as a good general preventative for intestinal and respiratory tract infections.”
• For people taking antibiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii, brand name Florastor) usually is the best choice (though actually this particular probiotic is not a bacteria but a yeast). It’s also helpful in boosting effectiveness of Flagyl (metronidazole) and is used to treat Clostridium difficile colitis and antibiotic-associated colitis, as well as other bacterial and nonbacterial intestinal infections. Note: Dr. Galland said that S. boulardii should be taken only for the duration of antibiotic or Flagyl treatment, after which he switches his patients to a bacteria-based probiotic.
• For patients having abdominal surgery, Dr. Galland prescribes Lactobacillus plantarum for a few weeks before and after surgery, since research shows that it helps reduce postoperative infections. Other studies demonstrate that lactobacillus probiotics can help to reduce frequency of diarrhea and abdominal pain in cancer patients as well.
• For gas and bloating, Dr. Galland said that certain soil-based organisms (called “SBOs” — for instance, one kind is Bacillus laterosporus) can be helpful. These probiotics aren’t normally found in the human digestive system and they won’t take up permanent residence, so patients who find them beneficial may want to continue taking them daily even after their symptoms have subsided, he added.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU?
As with prebiotics, Dr. Galland said that it may take some trial and error to identify which probiotics are helpful in achieving the desired results without upsetting your system. He has found Lactobacillus plantarum beneficial for many of his patients, but it isn’t always the right choice. Dr. Galland told me that experienced doctors often use sophisticated stool test results to identify the types of bacteria already in a patient’s system, since this information can help determine the best course of pre- and probiotic therapy, along with other natural supplements that will yield good results.
If you want to try adding probiotics to your personal health regimen, talk to a doctor with expertise in this area and expect to start slowly and watch closely to see what works best. (You’ll know it’s working if it helps diminish digestive difficulties, such as gas, indigestion and irregular bowel movements.) This may mean that you end up trying several different types of probiotics before you find what helps your system function best. Stick with it though, since these beneficial bacteria have the potential to transform your health for the better.
Source(s): Leo Galland, MD, founder and director, Foundation of Integrated Medicine, New York City. www.PillAdvised.com.
SCIATICA/BURSITIS: I sometimes get sciatica and/or bursitis from dietary oxalates. Taking long tub soaks in Epsom Salt water helps, applying trans-dermal Magnesium Chloride helps more but there is no cure unless there are dietary changes. Oxalates are only found in plant foods. If not tolerated, they can cause kidney stones. Chocolate, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Beets, Rhubarb and Almonds are very high. http://www.ohf.org/docs/Oxalate2008.pdf
Since many vegetables have oxalates, only avoid the High Oxalate foods. DO NOT EAT with Calcium (such as chocolate milk) since oxalates bind the calcium, rendering it unabsorbable and possibly leading to kidney stones.
CALCIOS: The Calcium Supplement recommended by Edge Cayce – Available from The Heritage Store in Virginia Beach, Virginia:
READING 1548-2
Then the activity of the calcium or lime in the Calcios, as we find, is almost free; while much of this may be taken from vegetables, these properties will be easily assimilated, and the activity of the calcium is to produce for the blood CELLULAR forces that which adds to the EFFECTIVENESS as it were of the color and the covering of the blood CELLS themselves!
These properties, then, become EFFECTIVE in any system where there are the infections, or re-infections – as of tubercular or cancerous natures. However, there are the needs for other lobules that are prepared for conditions where there is segregation. The opposite effect exists in a system, of course, with tuberculosis and cancer. For one is a separation, the other is a segregation.
DINESH: I have cured individuals with spinal TB using Calcios. I am not sure if Calcios worked for her but this lady had spinal tuberculosis and had taken drugs intermittently probably making the bacilli drug resistant. She did not have the resources to pursue a proper treatment which would again not be available locally in such cases. So from the readings I thought of making the lady resistant to the infection instead of killing the tubercle.
Denish prefers a more scientifically prepared stuff called MCHA: “Calcium Hydoxyapatite is the microcrystalline form of calcium and phosphorus in the exact ratio formed by the body. According to clinical trials, Hydoxyapatite Calcium is one of the most absorbable and effective forms of calcium for the prevention of bone loss. The surface of hydroxyapatite helps attract and hold in reserve the Potassium, Magnesium, Boron, Zinc, Silica, and Chromium that are also included in this powerful product. This calcium complex also contains proteoglycans, primarily chondroitin (chondroitin sulfate), gel-like substances that fill the bone matrix and transfer minerals in and out of bone tissue.
NOTE: As a protection against osteoporosis (a demineralization of bones), a dietary supplementation of one to six capsules per day of our Hydoxyapatite Calcium complex is recommended.”
BOSWELLIA: Ancient Herb Suppresses Inflammation: Boswellia Improves Symptoms of Arthritis, as well as Colitis:
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause disabling pain and immobility in aging adults. Boswellia may offer relief for arthritis suffers because of its well-known analgesic, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Osteoarthritis, the “wear and tear” arthritis, is caused by deterioration of the cartilage that cushions joints. Research suggests that boswellia helps prevent the deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue. Scientists now theorize that boswellia may work by inhibiting the breakdown of connective tissues that is caused by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a)-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes.
A pre-clinical animal study demonstrated boswellia’s benefits in managing osteoarthritis. Dogs suffering from osteoarthritis received boswellia extract once daily for six weeks. After only two weeks of therapy, 71% of the animals showed significant improvements in clinical symptoms of arthritis, including reduced pain, stiffness, and lameness.
In a human study, boswellia was similarly shown to be effective in adults with osteoarthritis. Thirty subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee took part in a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. All of those who took a boswellia supplement reported less pain and swelling, increased knee flexion, and the ability to walk a greater distance.
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disorder, in which the body attacks its own tissues as though they were foreign invaders. Boswellia may also offer relief of autoimmune-related rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia can help reduce immune cells that encourage inflammation while increasing the number of immune cells that inhibit inflammation.16 Studies indicate that boswellia’s ability to modulate the immune system and inhibit inflammatory activity may help improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
Critical Support Against Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are known as inflammatory bowel diseases. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon, while Crohn’s disease may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. These autoimmune conditions are marked by symptoms such as severe gastrointestinal pain and cramping, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Boswellia may offer much-needed support for people facing these challenging conditions.
A recent survey of German patients with inflammatory bowel disease showed that over one third used complementary and alternative medicines—such as herbal therapies, homeopathy, probiotics, or acupuncture—to help manage their condition. Those who used Boswellia extract, however, reported better results than those using other approaches.
Researchers recently tested Boswellia extract in animals with experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease. The animals demonstrated tissue injury and adherence of white blood cells to the gastrointestinal lining. When the animals received Boswellia extract, however, they exhibited less inflammation and destruction of gastrointestinal tissue. These benefits contributed to a reduction in the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Other researchers found that the Boswellia extract protected the colon by significantly reducing disease activity, as measured by decreased recruitment and adherence of white blood cells as well as platelets in the inflamed colon. They also discovered that Boswellia decreased the presence of a biochemical known as P-selectin that plays a role in active colitis.
Boswellia’s impressive protective effects were similar to those seen in patients receiving steroids to reduce their symptoms of colitis.
Boswellia shows important treatment activity against ulcerative colitis. In a clinical trial of 30 ulcerative colitis patients, 20 patients took a conventional Boswellia extract three times daily for six weeks, while 10 patients in the control group took sulfasalazine (a NSAID used to treat inflammatory bowel disease) three times daily for six weeks. A remarkable 90% of those treated with Boswellia showed improvement in one or more disease indicators, compared to only 60% in the sulfasalazine group who showed similar improvement. Even more impressive was that 70% of the Boswellia-treated patients went into disease remission, compared to 40% of those taking sulfasalazine