• Anaemia/ Autoimmune diseases/ Blood sugar management/ Cancer Prevention/ Energy/ Immune System/ Stress Reduction/ Supplements

    B Vitamins and Autoimmune Disease

    B Vitamins

    There are eight numbered B Vitamins that are all important for cellular metabolism but with more recent findings we know the importance of some B Vitamins and Autoimmune Disease.

    People who suffer from Autoimmune Diseases and/or have genetic mutations that affect the way Vitamin B is used in the body may benefit from supplementing the natural forms of B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (Folate) and B12 (Cobalamin). These three vitamins are critical for for supporting the methyl cycle and DNA and RNA synthesis. B Vitamins are all water soluble and easily lost or destroyed by water, heat processing, roasting and canning. Elevated homocysteine is a proven factor for cardio vascular disease and taking B6, B9 and B12 can lower Homocysteine levels.

    Vitamin B6 as the co-enzyme form Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, P5’P  is used in the metabolism of proteins and fats and is necessary for creating glucose from these foods and is also essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and red blood cells. It is necessary for the production of Hydrochloric acid and the absorption of Magnesium and B12. Helps the body metabolise and transport selenium and zinc, is a natural diuretic and alleviates nausea. It is involved in converting 5-HTP into Serotonin and also the calming neurotransmitter GABA.

    Signs of Deficiency are

    • Anaemia not corrected by iron
    • poor sleep
    • kidney stones
    • morning sickness
    • PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome
    • Skin rashes and dry skin
    • Anxiety and nervousness
    • Insulin Resistance
    • muscle spasms and cramps
    • Carpal Tunnel syndrome
    •  Asperger’s and Autism
    • Heart Disease

    Causes of deficiency are Read More

  • Food intolerance/ Health/ Mineral Depletion/ Nutritional Medicine/ Sizzling Minerals/ Supplements/ Toxin free products

    Dietary Supplements – Effective?

    Effective Dietary Supplements

    Can Dietary Supplements be effective? Are they even necessary?

    Over the years I have must have spent thousands on Dietary Supplements in a quest to ‘feel better’; ‘have more energy’; ‘prevent disease’ or sometimes just to try out before recommending to my clients because whenever you read what certain nutrients can do for you it appears that you really need it – and of course, you do! BUT and it really is a big but, do you need a pill or supplement or might you already be getting enough in your food? My qualification is in Nutritional Medicine – using food and supplements to improve medical conditions. I read research papers all the time and follow developments in the field of nutrition, the microbiome and epigenetics ( the way food influences our genes) and it appears that even with a healthy, varied diet we are highly unlikely to achieve optimum nutrition. The World Health Organisation, UNICEF, The Soil Association and Government Research constantly confirms this. Most of us are not in a position to grow all our own organic fruit and vegetables and buy only organic meat, fish and eggs and with mineral depleted soil and increasing amounts of processed food in our diets we fall far short of what our bodies require to cope with our children’s healthy development or our modern lifestyles. Even if we can buy a huge variety of fruits and vegetables from around the World most will have been picked before they are ripe, sprayed, irradiated or travelled for weeks before getting to us – loosing their nutrients along the way. Read More

  • Big Green Smile.com/ Health/ Nutritional Medicine/ Supplements/ Toxin free products

    10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR LIVER

    10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR LIVER

    1. EAT PLENTY OF COLOURFUL VEGETABLES – especially lots green vegetables; broccoli; cauliflower; cabbage; spinach; kale; bok choy and fresh herbs. Beetroot; baby beet leaves; carrots; bell peppers; & chard. All help detoxify and provide antioxidants and minerals.
    2. ENJOY GOOD, UNPROCESSED FATS and OILS – Avocados; eggs; Olive oil; Coconut oil & grass fed butter/ghee. These are clean fats not changed by chemical processing or from over heating.
    3. ENOUGH GOOD SOLUBLE FIBRE – vegetables and fruits; seeds like sunflower, chia & flax; oats and beans.
    4. HAVE HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN – in moderate amounts, fish; seafood and meat.
    5. SPICE UP YOUR FOOD – Turmeric/Curcumin can be added to foods, soups and smoothies as it is anti-inflammatory and helps the bile flow.
    6. DRINK PLENTY OF SPRING OR FILTERED WATER – especially after alcohol and if you drink alcohol stick within safe limits and have with or after food. Start the day with warm water with a slice of lemon or lime.
    7. DON’T EAT TOO LATE as the liver needs to regenerate and detox for about 10-12 hours.
    8. HELP YOUR BODY DETOX in other ways, to take the strain off the Liver. Saunas, Steam rooms, lymphatic massage, exercise and rebounding.
    9. REDUCE TOXINS entering your body. Try to buy Organic wherever possible, avoid plastic food and drink storage, use safe cleaning products and safe air-fresheners, use toxic free skin creams, shampoo, conditioner.
    10. SUPPLEMENT with good Vitamin B complex, Selenium, Vitamin C and E. If you have chronic health problems you might also need L-Glutathione, N Acetyl Cysteine and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Silymarin (Milk Thistle) helps to detoxify and heal the Liver.



  • 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.

     

  • Health/ Nutritional Medicine/ Supplements

    How can you avoid infections?

    Bacteria and viruses

    Winter in the Northern Hemisphere always seems to bring with it some nasty bugs and this year has seem some especially nasty viruses, like EV-D68, that have had a big impact on children and those with lower immunity. These Enteroviruses are often found in the respiratory secretions and stools of a person. Colds and Flu, stomach upsets and coughs that upset your sleep can all be quite debilitating.  Arm yourself with a strong immune system and take sensible precautions to remain healthy or to bounce back quicker if you do catch something.

    The normal precautions to avoid infections and stop spreading viruses and bacteria apply

    • avoid contact with sick people
    • wash your hands frequently with cleanser and running water
    • cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or you sleeve, if you use your hands then wash them immediately.
    • clean and disinfect surfaces like toilet seats, handles, taps, toys, keyboards and TV remotes with toxin free anti-bacterial wipes or sprays like Faith in Nature from Big Green Smile.



     

    • use a hand sanitiser in between hand washing (but not one with Triclosan as it is a hormone disrupter and can react with chlorine to produce Dioxin)
    • get plenty of sleep
    • stay hydrated
    • get fresh air

    In addition you can put a small amount of Tea Tree cream up your nose, spray your throat with Silver Spray or gargle with Apple Cider vinegar or diluted grapefruit seed extract – these are also great precautions to take when flying. Apple Cider vinegar and honey in a little warm water also good for a sore throat and you can swallow after gargling.

    Foods, Herbs and Spices that can really help your immune system

    Zinc – get plenty in your diet by eating red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

    Vitamin D  – eat plenty of oily fish like sardines, eggs, & fortified milks.

    Vitamin C – in nearly all fresh fruit and vegetables but especially kiwis, tomatoes, mango, lemons and limes, broccoli, cabbage and peppers.

    Immune boosting mushrooms – all mushrooms but especially ones like Shittake and added to Tom Yum soup with the added benefit of good chicken stock, garlic, lime juice and fresh coriander.

    Rosemary -anti-viral, aids sweating and detoxification

    Ginger – soothes aching muscles and reduces fever, detoxifies by stimulating the liver and kidneys.

    Green Tea – immune boosting, reduces inflammation aids a healthier respiratory system

    Curcumin, liquorice root and Omega 3 fish oils – are all anti-inflammatory and liquorice especially good for your lungs.

    Garlic – rich in organic compounds that detoxify the body, stimulate the circulation and helps cleanse the lymphatic system.

    Honey – soothing with anti-inflammatory effect but not to be given to babies under one year due to a small risk of Botulism.

    Supplements for immune system

    • Most important Probiotics. Even babies and children can take special probiotics like Optibacs for babies and children and ProVen Probiotics and Multivitamin for toddlers (12mths -4 yrs.)
    • Vitamin D3 can be taken as capsules for adults and drops for children such as Quest Brightstart Vitamin D3 plus DHA
    • Vitamin C best taken as a high dose fizzy drink (1G per drink) or as a liquid like Sambucol (Black elderberry) for children 1-12 yrs.
    • Zinc – available as pills or as drops (like BioCare zinc plus Vitamin C) for babies from 3 -12 months old.
    • Spirulina- a super-food with Vitamin B12, essential proteins, beta carotene, trace minerals and the essential fatty acid GLA.
    • Astragalus Root is an immune system tonic and can raise white blood cells
    • Echinacea is an immune stimulant, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. both of these herbs should only be taken for short periods (up to 3 weeks) and not by anyone with known Autoimmune disease.

    All these supplements can be purchased from bodykind (USA, Europe and UK) who specialise is quality supplements.

    Click here to visit bodykind

     

    If you buy through these links I receive an affiliate commission but please be assured that I only ever recommend products and services that I personally find to be great.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Nutritional Medicine/ Supplements

    Nutritional Supplements

    Nutritional Supplements

    Nutritional Supplements can be confusing and can be a waste of money. A friend asked me to check out the vitamin pills that she was taking. The first bottle had a label saying Vitamin B Complex and instructions saying to take 1-2 three times a day but with no ingredients list or amounts specified which I thought was odd. On closer inspection there was another label underneath with the missing information. On peeling off the top label the one underneath was damaged but the list started with Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 1.2 mgs. which is about enough for a Budgerigar! You would need to take 10 -50 tablets a day to get a therapeutic dose. The most important things to look for in a supplement are the dose, whether they are in a bio-available form that makes them easily absorbed and the lack of additional “fillers” such as Magnesium stearate which can decrease the absorption of nutrients by about 65%. Here are some of my favourite and most beneficial nutritional supplements.

    • CHLORELLA is a unique, single celled, fresh water algae that has a nucleus. It is often called a wholefood or pure food because it contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and polysaccharides. Chlorella contains ten times the beta-carotene of carrots. If taken with a good broad spectrum probiotic they work synergistically to provide even more vitamins in the body especially the B vitamins. It does not provide much Folic Acid but is particularly high in B-12 which is good for vegetarians.
    • Xtend-life Total balance represent the highest level of micro-nutrients and quality that I have ever seen on the market. Total Balance is a multiple dietary supplement containing the most comprehensive formula of Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, herbal extracts and other special nutrients targeted for men or women. It includes over 40 proven anti-cancer nutrients and special neuro-nutrients for the brain. The tablets are enteric coated so that they get broken down in the small intestines where absorption takes place. The company also produce the most information about their products that I have ever seen and they will answer any questions you have on-line or by e-mail. http://www.extend-life.com They deliver Worldwide and offer a money back guarantee.
    • Seventh Wave Supplements are pure and  natural. They offer some good balanced products with a good range of co-factors to make them more effective in the body. They have a selection of herbs, spices, Propolis, Zell Oxygen and Zeolite mineral and Celtic salt. http://www.seventhwavesupplements.com
    • MGN-3 or BIOBRAN is a powerful Immune stimulant and is often recommended to keep the white cell levels up when chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are damaging the bone marrow. There have been studies on the effect that it has on T and B Lymphocytes and on NK Cell activity in cancer patients showing effect in all patients. For more information please look at the Cancer Active Website. linked here.
    • Bodykind sell a large range of quality supplements from different companies and you can often get most of the supplements you want from the one place with free delivery. They have sites for UK, USA and Europe. Click here

    Click here to visit bodykind
    A small comment on cost. It can be costly to take good nutritional supplements but if they make you feel and function better then it must be worth it. Compared to the amount people spend on alcohol and smoking – they are not expensive.