Cat - Cow Stretch Curing Back Pain The Natural Way

On an inhale:
1. Curl the toes under.

2. Drop the belly.

3. Take the gaze up toward the ceiling.

4. Let the movement in the spine start from the tailbone, so that that neck is the last part to move.
On the next exhale:
1. Release the tops of the feet to the floor.

2. Round the spine.

3. Drop the head.

4. Take the gaze to the navel.


5. Repeat the Cat - Cow Stretch on each inhale and exhale, matching the movement to your own breath.

6. Continue for 5-10 breaths, moving the whole spine. After your final exhale, come back to a neutral spine

BACK PAIN TREATMENTS NECK PAIN CURES PINCHED NERVE FACTS

Alternative Medicine: The National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine (NCCAM) cites back pain as the No. 1 reason why people seek alternative medicine care. Neck pain is No. 3, still a major reason. Reasons for trying CAM include:
it may work well in conjunction with more traditional type treatment
other traditional treatments have been tried, with unsatisfactory results
CAM is less expensive than traditional treatment conventional medical professionals suggest it.

CAM treatments include acupuncture, massage, chiropractic and osteopathy. Yoga and Pilates are physical movement systems also associated with CAM.
Conservative Treatment: Treatment for back and neck pain generally starts with a conservative approach. Conservative treatments include:

reduced activity
analgesics
Physical Therapy
Exercise
muscle relaxers
ice
heat
massage therapy
chiropractic
acupuncture
injections Exercise: Consumer Reports Medical Guide rates exercise as the best of all the options for treatment of long-term back pain. Often your doctor or physical therapist will prescribe a set of exercises for your back or neck condition. There are several very popular forms of exercise that appear to help control back pain, among them yoga, Pilates, and the Egoscue Method. Ergonomic experts suggest taking frequent work mini-breaks to do back exercises, as well.

Back surgery: Back surgery is usually tried after conservative treatment methods such as physical therapy, home exercise programs, injections, and other methods have failed after six months or longer of use. While most people don't need back surgery, the number of surgeries is on the rise. Not all back surgeries are successful. A back surgery that fails to remove the pain, or causes pain or problems not present prior to surgery is a condition known as failed back surgery syndrome.
Implanted Neurostimulation : Implanted neurostimulation, also known as spinal cord stimulation, helps to modulate chronic back pain. This treatment is not for everyone. For one thing, surgery is required to put the device in, take it out, and sometimes to maintain it. It can be inconvenient, as well. If you are considering implanted neurostimulation as a treatment option, below are FAQs.

Injections: Injections are an invasive technique that can diagnose the cause of pain, and can treat the pain itself. The great thing about injections for back pain is that they deliver medicine directly to the site of the pain. There are several types of injections. Recent advances in medicine have introduced two new types of injections:Botox injections for chronic neck and back pain Prolotherapy.

Medication: According to the American Chronic Pain Association, analgesics and other medications are the most common chronic pain treatment. While short-term use of drugs from chronic back or neck pain probably won’t get you into trouble, prolonged use may increase the risk for serious side effects. For example, in 2004, Vioxx, a COX-2 inhibitor, was removed from the market after it became evident that prolonged use of these drugs could result in fatal heart problems.

Medications get the best results when used in conjunction with other treatments such as physical therapy, behavioral therapy and more.

Pain Management: The branch of medicine that helps patients manage their pain is called pain medicine or pain management. Pain medicine is a multi-disciplinary approach to managing the presence of pain in your life. Pain management treatment considers physical, social, and psycological lifestyle factors.

Types of Doctors for Back and Neck Pain: Many doctors specialize in one or two areas. Sometimes doctors' specialty areas overlap with one another. The most important thing to remember when choosing a doctor who specializes is to find one with excellent skills in diagnosing and treating your condition

PINCHED NERVE TREATMENTS WHAT WORKS BEST

Treatment
The most frequently recommended treatment for pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression.

Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint or brace to immobilize the area. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may recommend wearing a splint at night as well as during the day because wrists flex and extend frequently during sleep.

Physical therapy
A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles in the affected area in order to relieve pressure on the nerve. He or she may also recommend modifications to activities that aggravate the nerve.

Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) can help relieve pain and alleviate inflammation around the nerve. Your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength NSAID if your pain is severe.

Corticosteroid injections into the affected area can help minimize pain and inflammation.

Surgery
If the pinched nerve doesn't improve after several weeks to a few months with conservative treatments, surgery to take pressure off the nerve may be necessary. The type of surgery varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. Surgery may entail removing bone spurs or a herniated disk in the spine, for example, or severing the carpal ligament to allow more room for the nerve to pass through the wrist.

Cures For Back Pains Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

The spine can join the knees as an example of the limits of evolution. We just were not meant to stand upright for more than 50 years. Still, most of us now do, and we pay with progressive degeneration of these vital support structures.



Arthritis - the wear-and-tear kind - is by far the most common cause of a potentially debilitating disorder called spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the passageways for spinal nerves. The problem is most common in people over 50, though the young are sometimes affected through injury or a birth defect.

Not everyone with spinal stenosis has symptoms, but 250,000 to 500,000 Americans do, and with age as the leading risk factor, the number afflicted is expected to grow significantly as the population ages.

The Spinal Anatomy

The spine is an incredibly complex structure of bone and cartilage that must provide both stability for an upright posture and flexibility to allow bending in four directions. The spine also houses all the nerves that enable the brain to tell the rest of the body what to do.

The spine is a column of 26 bones, 24 of them vertebrae - 7 in the neck (cervical), 12 in the upper back (thoracic) and 5 in the lower back (lumbar). The other two are the fused vertebrae that form the sacrum in the hip region and the coccyx at the base of the spine.

Vertebrae are linked by facet joints that stabilize the spine and, at the same time, allow it to bend. Ligaments keep the vertebrae in place during movement, and fibrous disks with jellylike centers provide cushioning between them.

Now for the crux of the problem: The spinal cord, a long bundle of nerves from the base of the brain to the second lumbar vertebra, passes through a bony channel called the spinal canal.

On its way, two spinal nerves - one to the left side of the body and the other to the right - emerge between the vertebrae, and another bundle of nerves, the cauda equina, extends from the end of the spinal cord.

If the channel for the spinal cord and its many extensions becomes narrowed, pressure on the nerves can cause pain, cramping, tingling or numbness in the area served by the nerve.

When arthritis wears out the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, the body may produce bone spurs in an effort to repair the damage. If these spurs form on the facet joints, they reduce the spaces through which the spinal cord travels and the nerves exit.

Arthritis is also associated with deterioration of the spinal disks, which flatten, become brittle and may develop tiny rips that allow the jellylike substance to leak and press on the nerves. The ligaments, too, degenerate with age, becoming stiff and thick, shortening the spine, narrowing the canal and sometimes compressing nerves.

Other causes of spinal stenosis are tumors, trauma, Paget's disease of the bone, and a genetic disorder called achondroplasia.


Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include pain or cramping in the legs, especially when standing for long periods or when walking; radiating pain in the back and hip (sciatica) that typically starts in the buttocks and gets worse when sitting; shoulder and neck pain, headaches or loss of balance resulting in frequent falls or clumsiness when the cervical nerves are affected; and loss of bowel or bladder control when the cauda equina is involved.

Spinal stenosis is a progressive disorder, so you can assume it will gradually worsen. But even as it progresses, symptoms may come and go. Most people with symptoms do not seek medical treatment, attributing their discomfort to the inevitable consequences of age.

But experts say that any pain or stiffness that limits mobility (and is not a result of overexertion or unusual exercise) is not normal and should be medically evaluated.

Certain symptoms, like sudden difficulty controlling bowels or bladder, warrant immediate attention. Likewise, if numbness develops in an extremity, it the is at greater risk of injury, muscle atrophy and permanent loss of sensation.

Various diagnostic tests are used to check for spinal stenosis or other problems that cause similar symptoms. Among them are spinal X-rays, CT scans, a CT myelogram, a bone scan and, best of all, an M.R.I. The M.R.I., which usually requires precertification from your medical insurer, produces cross-sectional images that can reveal disk and ligament damage, tumors, bone spurs, fractures and spinal stenosis.

A variety of treatments are available, but doctors usually suggest nonsurgical remedies, which do not correct problems but can relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of recurrence.

Drug remedies include over-the-counter or prescription painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol and the like) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) like aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex or Mobic. If symptoms are severe enough to warrant it, the doctor may inject a corticosteroid into the spinal fluid to suppress inflammation and relieve sciatic pain.


For the very elderly or those with exceptionally weak abdominal muscles or stenosis in more than one part of the spine, the doctor may recommend a back brace or corset.

Physical therapy can help relieve symptoms and reduce recurrences. The therapist can help patients increase strength, endurance and flexibility (regular, proper stretching is a critical component of pain relief), teach you how to relieve symptoms when they occur and improve the stability of your spine.

Because nerve compression causes symptoms, learning how to open the spinal spaces often brings temporary relief.

Increase flexion of your spine by bending forward a little when walking or by lying on your back or side with your knees raised. Moderate, regular exercise is also helpful, especially riding a bicycle with your back slightly flexed.

Sometimes surgery is needed to decompress pinched nerves, although this too is no guarantee of complete or permanent relief.

Surgery can only correct existing problems, not prevent new ones. Various operations are used, including laminectomy, to remove the back part of the bone over the spinal canal and vertebral fusion.

Prevention Strategies

Although no one can prevent age-related changes indefinitely, delaying them is possible. One method is regular exercise, combining activities that promote endurance, strength and flexibility. Strength training to increase the muscle power of your arms, legs and abdomen can take stress off your back.

Regular stretching (after muscles have warmed up a bit) helps to reduce stiffness and wear-and-tear injuries.

Also helpful is to maintain a normal body weight since being overweight, especially in the abdomen, places added stress on the back.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic advise using good body mechanics. Choose seats that support your lower back or place something in its small area to maintain its normal curve; keep knees level with hips when driving; push rather than pull heavy objects; avoid lifting overhead; and lift by bending the knees; and sleep on a firm mattress with a pillow that keeps your neck at a normal angle.

Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints, so it’s no surprise that treatments for it have multiplied over the years. That ought to be good news; instead, many patients find that sudden back pain opens the door to a world of medical controversy. Virtually every pharmaceutical or surgical remedy has been challenged in recent years, and for all the money sufferers spend on doctor visits, hospital stays, procedures and drugs, studies clearly show that most people with back pain heal the old-fashioned way: on their own, slowly, without significant intervention.


In Brief
Back pain is one of the most widespread medical complaints, but a specific cause is rarely identified.Concerns about substance abuse and side effects limit the usefulness of many painkillers.Antidepressants, anticonvulsants and other drugs are increasingly prescribed to ease patients' back pain.Despite the popularity of spinal injections, there is no strong evidence that they provide benefit beyond short-term relief of back pain.Surgery for back pain has met with mixed results. Many experts now favor more conservative treatments like exercise and physical therapy.


“Low back pain represents so many different diseases that there really hasn’t been a breakthrough treatment,” said Dr. Russell K. Portenoy, chairman of the department of pain medicine and palliative care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. “It’s good for the public to know how little we know.”

The mystery begins with the first visit to a doctor’s office. The exact cause of back pain is never found in 85 percent of patients, according to Dr. Dennis C. Turk, professor of anesthesiology and pain research at the University of Washington and a past president of the American Pain Society. Even sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging seldom sheds light -- indeed, in many studies the scans have picked up spinal abnormalities in many people who have never reported back pain.

Regardless of cause, an ailing back hurts. So what’s a sufferer to do? Pop a pill? Submit to the scalpel? Wait and see?

These days, most heavy-duty pain relievers come with a hefty set of warnings. Narcotics like OxyContin, used regularly by more than eight million Americans, can work wonders, but doctors remain deeply divided over when to prescribe them. On the one hand, these painkillers can be highly addictive; on the other, serious pain is too often untreated in this society, with its Puritan roots, and many patients with back problems suffer for weeks.

Alternatives to the narcotics have proved problematic, too. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra), both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, were pulled off the market after it was discovered they raised the risk of heart attacks. Even over-the-counter mainstays like ibuprofen and aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding or organ damage at high doses.

Spinal injections of steroids and anesthetics increased by nearly a third during the 1990s, but several scientific reviews found scant evidence that any provided more than short-term relief. With options diminishing, many physicians have begun prescribing off-label painkillers such as pregabalin (Lyrica) and antidepressants like duloxetine (Cymbalta) to their patients with chronic back pain.

While the quest for a safe and effective pain pill continues, Americans undergo more than 300,000 spinal fusion surgeries a year, at an average cost of $59,000 each, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Almost as many undergo laminectomies or diskectomies, aimed at removing damaged vertebrae and disks. Back surgery can be life-altering, eliminating pain and disability. It can also have serious consequences.

One study found that 11.6 percent of patients in the 78 spinal surgeries developed infections and other serious complications. Perhaps more disturbing, more than half of those surgeries were performed to correct complications from a previous surgery.

Newer surgical procedures have met with mixed results. Implants of medication pumps and stimulators into the spine, for example — a promising area of growing research — have been greeted as godsends by some patients. For others, the devices have led only to infections and bleeding, or have required repair. The jury is also still out on kyphoplasty, a newer outpatient procedure for patients whose vertebrae fracture because of osteoporosis. The doctor inserts a needle into the spine and inflates a balloon, then injects a cement literally gluing the bones together. The procedure works only for a subset of patients.

With all the uncertainties surrounding medications and surgery, it’s little wonder that many physicians have fallen back on noninvasive, traditional approaches to easing the pain, like exercise or counseling. This year the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, which oversees doctors’ training programs, began requiring that residents who want to become pain specialists study not only anesthesiology but also psychology, neurology and rehabilitative medicine.

Indeed, many back pain specialists are now evaluating their patients daily exercise habits and emotional stresses. The new standards are a small step, but one reflective of the growing realization that pain, in all its forms, must be approached more holistically. But realization now dawning on physicians has not yet been felt by insurers. Health plans pay for surgery, drugs and spinal injections, but rarely for long-term physical therapy, psychotherapy -- or joining a gym.

Noted Dr. Portenoy, “Training people to do the right thing doesn’t necessarily work in the real world if you’re only reimbursed for interventions.”

What Is Good Brain Food? Get The Facts

Diet tips for staying in top mental health. We know that the foods we eat affect the body. But they may have even more of an influence on how the brain works.


We know that the foods we eat affect the body. But they may have even more of an influence on how the brain works—it's general tone and level of energy and how it handles its tasks. Mood, motivation and mental performance are powerfully influenced by diet.

The brain is an extremely metabolically active organ, making it a very hungry one, and a picky eater at that. It's becoming pretty clear in research labs around the country that the right food, or the natural neurochemicals that they contain, can enhance mental capabilities—help you concentrate, tune sensorimotor skills, keep you motivated, magnify memory, speed reaction times, defuse stress, perhaps even prevent brain aging.



The Right Fats
Evidence is accumulating that a diet that draws heavily on fatty food and only lightly on fruits and vegetables isn't just bad for your heart and linked to certain cancers. It may also be a major cause of depression and aggression. Such a diet is particularly common among men.

The health of your brain depends not only on how much (or little) fat you eat but on what kind it is. Intellectual performance requires the specific type of fat found most commonly in fish, known as omega-3 fatty acids. Even diets that adhere to commonly recommended levels of fats, but the wrong kind, can undermine intelligence. What makes this finding awkward is that certain oils widely touted as healthy for the heart are especially troublesome for the mind.

Omega-3s are known to be particularly crucial constituents of the outer membrane of brain cells. It is through the fat-rich cell membrane that all nerve signals must pass. In addition, as learning and memory forge new connections between nerve cells, new membranes must be formed to sheathe them. All brain cell membranes continuously need to refresh themselves with a new supply of fatty acids. A growing amount of research suggests that the omega-3s are best suited for optimal brain function.

While consuming too much fat overall and too much saturated fat, many North Americans fail to consume enough omega-3s. And the polyunsaturated oils widely recommended as healthful for the heart and widely used in cooking, frying and prepared food—corn, safflower and sunflower oils—have almost no omega-3s. Instead they are loaded with omega-6s. You need a proper balance of omega-6s and omega-3s. Canola oil and walnut oil are highly recommended.

It's possible to boost alertness, memory and stress resistance by supplying food components that are precursors of important brain neurotransmitters. One of them is choline, the fat-like B vitamin found in eggs. Studies show that choline supplementation enhances memory and reaction time in animals, especially aging animals. It also enhances memory in people. Choline supplementation also minimizes fatigue. In one study, choline given during a 20-mile run improved running time by a significant amount...

Mood and mental performance are powerfully influenced by the B vitamins. Unfortunately, marginal deficiency in many B vitamins is widespread in North America.

Research has identified some other ways to influence mental performance:

Sugar can make you sharp—although no one can figure out what is the right dose at the right time.

Carbohydrates—especially when eaten with no protein or fat—may indeed be mentally soothing. Muzak for the mind. There are times when we all need some of that.

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Health alert issued for stolen ground beef important websites to read

USDA
A sample label of one of the recalled products Also Online

Public Health Alert
• from FSIS

American Fresh Foods
• official site

Recalls.gov
• official site
The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert after a trailer carrying nearly 15,000 pounds of ground beef was stolen.

The trailer belongs to Fort Worth-based Texas American Food Services Corporation. Officials are worried the beef may be contaminated with E. coli, a potentially dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning, bloody diarrhea and dehydration.

No illnesses have been reported.

The packaged beef, sold under the brand name American Fresh Foods, has the following establishment number inside the USDA mark of inspection: EST. 13116. The products were produced on Dec. 19.

Call the company's hotline at 800-724-1136 if you have any questions about the recall.

Natural Cures Supplements And Ways To Ease Gulf War Syndrome

Air travel, excessive exercise, and a lack of sleep worsen symptoms of GWS. Flying lowers oxygen tension and can stimulate borderline anaerobes. Exercise, though essential in moderation, should not be aggressive, for a relapse due to overexertion can occur.

Dry saunas help rid the system of chemicals. Saunas may be considered 3 times a week, followed by 15-20 minutes of dry sauna and a tepid shower. Repeat saunas no more than 2 times a day. Work up a sweat, eliminating chemicals, without goading the body into stressful activity. Always replace body fluids during and after each session.

Should individuals choose to incorporate walking into their rehabilitation program, select the exercise arena carefully. Roadside exercise, because of contaminants, negates the value of the activity. Become good environmental stewards, screening the entry of pollutants and allergens into an already challenged biochemistry. For recovery, after light exercise and to decrease muscle soreness, use a Jacuzzi or hot tub, adding 2 cups of Epsom salt, after a sufficient cool down period. The final caution in regard to exercise is to keep it simple, without taxing or exhausting the system.



Implementation of detoxification techniques to stimulate extraction of noxious materials from the system is highly recommended. Fasting, if employed as a detox mechanism, should be performed under the supervision of a qualified professional, who will fully structure the fast and assist in ridding poisons from the system.
Herbs that are often complexed to assist in blood purification and detoxification include dandelion root, yellow dock root, sarsaparilla root, echinacea, licorice root, stillingia root, burdock root, buckthorn, barberry, Cascara Sagrada bark, prickly ash bark, Pau D'Arco, red clover, kelp, Oregon grape, and cayenne.

The following dosages represent general guidelines only for individual herbs. Drug interactions and contraindications regarding long-term use and specific medical conditions must first be evaluated. An herbal detoxification program should be considered only under the supervision of an experienced healthcare provider.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale): A typical dosage of dandelion root is 2-8 grams 3 times daily of dried root; 250 mg 3-4 times daily of a 5:1 extract; or 5-10 mL 3 times daily of a 1:5 tincture in 45% alcohol. The leaves may be eaten in salad or cooked.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): For supportive treatment of ulcer pain along with conventional medical care, the standard dose of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is two to four 380-mg tablets of DGL taken before meals and at bedtime. A typical dose of whole licorice is 5-15 grams daily. However, doses this high are not recommended for longer than a few weeks. For long-term consumption, about 0.3 grams of licorice root daily can safely be taken by most adults.

Pau D'Arco or Lapacho (Tabebuia impestiginosa, T. avellanedae)(also known as Pau d'Arco and Taheebo): Pau D'arco contains many components that don't dissolve in water, so making an herbal tea is difficult. As a capsulized powdered bark, the typical dose is 300-500 mg 3 times daily. The inner bark of the lapacho tree is believed to be the most effective part of the plant.

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus): Typical doses of yellow dock root are 2-4 grams of the dried root, 2-4 mL of the liquid extract, or 1-2 mL of the tincture.
Sarsaparilla root (Sarsaparillae radix--sarsaparilla root derived from Smilax species): Dried root, 2-4 grams 2-3 times daily as a decoction; liquid extract (1:1, 50% ethanol), 2-4 mL 2-3 times daily.

Stillingia root (Stillingia sylvatica): Tincture (Fresh root, 1:2, Recent Dry root, 1:5, 50% alcohol) 10-30 drops, preferably in small frequent doses.
Burdock root (Arctium lappa): A typical dosage of burdock is 1-2 grams of powdered dry root 3 times a day.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris): Powdered bark, 1/4 tsp several times daily. Fluid extract (1:1, 1:5), 20-40 drops daily. Solid extract, 5-10 grains.
Oregon grape root (Mahonia aquifolium) (also known as Mountain grape): Available in homeopathic formulations.

Cascara Sagrada bark (Rhamnus purshiana): Cut bark, powder or dry extracts for teas, decoction, cold maceration, or elixir. One 450-mg capsule daily or 2 grams of finely cut drug strained in hot water as a tea.

Buckthorn bark (Rhamnus frangula): Cut bark, powder or dried extracts for teas, decoction, cold maceration, or elixir. The daily dosage is 2-5 grams corresponding to 20-30 mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives, calculated as glycofrangulin A. A tea may be made of 4 grams of cut drug strained in hot water.

Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia): The typical dosage of echinacea powdered extract is 300 mg 3 times a day. Alcohol tincture (1:5) is usually taken at a dosage of 3-4 mL 3 times daily, echinacea juice at a dosage of 2-3 mL 3 times daily, and whole dried root at 1-2 grams 3 times daily. Long-term use of echinacea is not recommended.

Kelp: There is no appropriate therapeutic dosage of kelp because it is not yet known whether kelp is truly therapeutic for any conditions. However, because of its high iodine content, it is important not to overdo your use of kelp. The iodine content in 17 different kelp supplements studied by one group of researchers varied from 45 to 57,000 mcg a tablet or capsule (Food Addit. Contam. 1988; 5: 103-109). The recommended daily intake for iodine is 150 mcg a day for people over the age 4, and taking a great deal more than this can cause thyroid problems.

Algin: Algin is any hydrophilic, colloidal substance found in or obtained from various kelps. Algin prevents living tissue from absorbing radioactive materials and encourages the action of dietary fiber, by supplying nutrients and normalizing bowel functions. Dosage not available.
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum): Two 500-mg capsules daily may be taken.

Silibinin, 500 mg along with 1800 mg of phosphatidylcholine is particularly valuable as a hepatoprotective.

It is extremely important to reinoculate the gut after antibiotic therapy. Select a probiotic touted to survive through antibiotic therapy and that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium breve. L. acidophilus has a wide variance of live-culture activity, ranging from 20 million/cap to 4 billion/cap to 10 billion/gram. During the course of antibiotic therapy, L. acidophilus should be taken about 2 hours after the medication. The antibiotic will destroy the beneficial cultures if taken together; only some of the activity will be obliterated if taken separately from the antibiotic. After the course of antibiotic therapy is completed, probiotic therapy should be doubled or tripled for 2 weeks, depending upon the quantity of the cultures present in the formulary.

Chelation therapy may be valuable to the Gulf War veteran. In chelation, heavy metals and contaminants are pulled from the system by intravenous administration of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). It is best administered by a physician following the Chelation Protocol, subscribed to by the American College of Advancement in Medicine.

Selecting foodstuffs with high fiber content and supplementing with additional fiber, such as psyllium, acacia, apple pectin, and oat and wheat bran, assist in ridding poisons from the body. Fiber complexes, containing a variety of soluble and insoluble materials, can be added (1 heaping tsp) to a full glass of liquid and used 1-3 times a day. The smaller dose should be used until the system adjusts to the fiber. Should gas or bloating occur, reduce the dose size until tolerance is achieved.

"If you cannot eat it, don't smell it." Chronic exposure to noxious materials may overwhelm the body's natural antioxidant system, and a generation of endogenous toxins may allow cellular damage to occur. For many individuals, the process of detoxification is maximally amplified just cleaning up from everyday pollutants. For the Gulf War veteran, whose detoxification mechanism has been inordinately stressed, it reflects good judgment to avoid exposure to pollutants and chemicals that further frazzle this essential process. Avoid yard and garden sprays, household cleansers, emissions from gas and diesel engines, industrial pollutants appearing in water and the atmosphere, freshly dry-cleaned garments (air before wearing), paint, varnishes, stains, creosote and wood emissions from a fireplace, dust, insulation, insecticides, and foods exposed to sprays of uncertain safety. The list is endless in our society; prudent persons work toward improving their health status by continuously monitoring their exposure to hazardous substances.
Antibiotic therapy has proven to be of advantage in reducing the population of mycoplasmas. Administering antibiotic therapy requires prescriptions and monitoring by a qualified medical professional. A regime representing natural medicine should also be administered. Consider vitamin C (5-15 grams daily, in divided doses), vitamin E (400-1000 IU daily), CoQ10 (100-300 mg daily), bioflavonoids (200 mg 3 times a day), choline (1000 mg daily, in divided doses), inositol (750 mg daily), vitamin B5 (500-1500 mg a day), PABA (500-1000 mg daily), vitamin B12 (a 1000 mcg sublingual daily dose), and fish oil (2-3 grams daily), along with minerals such as zinc (50 mg daily), calcium (1000 mg a day), and selenium (up to 300 mcg a day). Minerals should be taken apart from antibiotics because minerals can affect antibiotic absorption. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a potent detoxifier. Use 2 300-mg capsules 3 times a day with meals. Use L-cysteine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamine, and L-carnitine (500 mg each, daily) on an empty stomach.
Yellow sweet clover, Melilotus officinalis, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, diuretic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, myorelaxant, proteolytic, sedative, spasmolytic, and mycoplasmotic activity (see the section entitled A Single Herb that Appears Helpful in Gulf War Syndrome Complaints for the names of suppliers and dosing instructions).

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber kills both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria while improving immune function and displacing noxious gases. HBO is well seeded as a primary therapy in the treatment of medical disorders such as carbon monoxide poisoning and gas gangrene. HBO therapy is increasingly being used as an adjunctive process in the management of a variety of refractory disorders such as GWS.
Dioxychlor may assist in the control of sensitivities observed in GWS and also in the ridding of mycoplasmas. By increasing oxygenation, Dioxychlor may help preserve mitochondrial integrity. An oral dose of 5-20 drops dissolved in 2 oz of water, 1-3 times a day, may be appropriate. Should symptoms intensify, the dosage should be reduced until the body "catches up" with the die-off. Dioxychlor can be administered intravenously with the assistance of a qualified physician.
Administering an aggressive complex of antioxidants increases protection against oxidative stress. Consider a combination of traditional antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, selenium, garlic, glutathione, green tea, grape seed extract, zinc, N-acetyl-cysteine, and lipoic acid. An approximate dosage is 3 capsules daily, depending upon the strength of the antioxidants complexed.
Creatine may be of benefit if impaired ATP production is suspected. Use 5 grams of creatine, 4 times a day for 5 days. Thereafter, use 1 gram of creatine following exercise. Creatine, though regarded as exceptionally safe, may not be appropriate for individuals with kidney disease.

Working with a physician trained in autonomic balancing appears vital to full resolution of GWS.

Exercise should be approached cautiously, for activity will further encourage parasympathetic nervous system expression, which may already be abrasively dominant. Perspiration will, however, promote toxin excretion. A sauna may provide the better means of encouraging expulsion of contaminants through pores. Even in this environment, caution should be taken. Replace fluids, as internal stores are lost.
For more information

Call the VA Gulf War Veterans Information Helpline at (800) PGW-VETS. The Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses can be reached at (800)497-6261.

Product availability


HepatoPro (formerly GastroPro, containing phosphatidylcholine), silymarin, Silibinin Plus (silibinin is the most active extract of silymarin), echinacea, Life Flora (probiotic), Fiber Food, Pure Gar w/EDTA, green tea extract, grape-seed extract, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid, creatine, vitamin C, vitamin E, liquid emulsified vitamin A, vitamin B5, CoQ10, choline bitartrate powder, inositol, PABA, methylcobalamin, Super GLA/DHA, flaxseed oil, Udo's Choice Oil, calcium citrate, zinc, selenium, glutathione, L-cysteine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamine, and L-carnitine are available order online.

Hormone Loss And The Natural Cures To Ease Menopause

The Dangers of Hormone Loss
By the time a woman enters menopause, she may have already experienced two decades of hormonal imbalance and estrogen dominance. After menopause, when all hormone levels decrease significantly, aging women are at increased risk of major diseases, including the following:

Heart disease. Rates of heart disease in postmenopausal women gradually climb until they equal the rates typically seen among men. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading killer of American women (American Heart Association 2004). A number of negative changes in cardiovascular health are provoked by menopause, including elevations in blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. At the same time, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels drop significantly. Elevated levels of homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 (an inflammatory cytokine) are all associated with estrogen deficiency (Cushman 2003; Davison et al 2003; Dijsselbloem et al 2004)

Osteoporosis. Hormone deficiencies are clearly associated with bone loss and osteoporosis, beginning even in the third decade of life. By the time women reach 50, they are at significantly increased risk of an osteoporotic bone fracture. Estrogen deficiency results in increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which cause increased bone breakdown and inflammation (Lian et al l2001). Estrogen and androgen therapy increases bone mineral density (BMD), and estrogen/androgen replacement therapy has been shown to increase BMD more than estrogen therapy alone (Notelovitz 2002).

Alzheimer's and dementia. Loss of hormones is associated with neurodegeneration and increased risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (Danilovich et al 2004; O'Suilleabhain et al 2004). Deficiencies in pregnenolone and DHEA, which are both neuroprotective hormones, are also linked to reduced memory and brain cell death associated with Alzheimer's disease (Yao et al 2002). These two hormones play an important role in regulating neurotransmitter systems that are involved in learning, stress, depression, addiction, and many other vital functions (Maurice T et al 1999).

Some women may be able to support their body's natural production of estrogen and progesterone levels and relieve some symptoms of menopause by consuming Life Extension products that are specially designed to address these needs. These products include the following:

Natural Estrogen, a product containing


Genistein 25.81 mg


Daidzein 24.97 mg


Glycitein 4.69 mg


Black cohosh extract: 20 mg


Dong quai extract: 12.5 mg


Licorice extract: 12.5 mg


Vitex extract


Postmenopausal women can take it every day. Premenopausal women can take Natural Estrogen cyclically: three weeks on and one week off, beginning on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. Do not take Natural Estrogen if you are pregnant or lactating or have a history or high risk of estrogen-dependent tumors. Always consult a physician before embarking on any hormone restoration program.

Mega Soy Extract with genistein 51.6 mg, daidzein 50 mg, and glycitein 9.4 mg. One capsule twice daily can be taken with meals.

Pro-Fem Cream, a natural progesterone cream. Pro-Fem Cream can be massaged into soft tissue areas such as the breast, underarm, abdomen, buttocks, and inner thighs and applied to a different area every application to avoid saturating the skin or fat cells in a particular area of the body. Discuss proper cycling and dosage with your physician.

Supplementation with additional hormones, including pregnenolone, DHEA, and testosterone, should be based on the results of blood tests. Women seeking more information on blood tests or who wish to speak to a knowledgeable health advisor can call 1-800-544-4440, or go to a special web site at www.lef.org.

Natural Cures Supplements And facts To Help With Diabetes

Diabetes prevention or living with diabetes begins with exercise, weight loss if necessary, and dietary modifications. A high-fiber, plant-based diet has been shown to improve type 2 diabetes and to encourage weight loss.

Under no circumstances should people suddenly stop taking diabetic drugs, especially insulin. A type 1 diabetic will never be able to stop taking insulin. However, it is possible to improve glucose metabolism, control, and tolerance with the following supplements:

R-dihydro-lipoic acid—150 to 300 milligrams (mg) daily
L-carnitine—500 to 1000 mg twice daily
Carnosine—500 mg twice daily
Chromium (preferably polynicotinate)—500 to 1000 mcg daily
CoQ10—100 to 300 mg daily
DHEA—15 to 75 mg early in the day, followed by blood testing after three to six weeks to ensure optimal levels
EPA/DHA—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily
Fiber (guar, pectin, or oat bran)—20 to 30 grams (g) daily at least, up to 50 g daily
GLA—900 to 1800 mg daily
Quercetin—500 mg daily (water-soluble form)
Magnesium (preferably magnesium citrate)—160 mg up to three times daily
NAC—500 to 1000 mg daily
Silymarin—containing 900 mg Silybum marianum standardized to 80 percent Silymarin, 30 percent Silibinin, and 4.5 percent Isosilybin B
Vitamin C—at least 2000 mg daily
Vitamin E—400 international units (IU) daily (with 200 mg gamma tocopherol)
Garlic—1200 mg daily
Green tea extract: 725 mg green tea extract (minimum 93 percent polyphenols)
Ginkgo biloba—120 mg daily
Bilberry extract—100 mg daily
B complex—Containing the entire B family, including biotin and niacin
Cinnamon extract—125 mg (Cinnamomum cassia) standardized to 0.95 percent trimeric and tetrameric A-type polymers (1.2 mg) three times daily
Coffee berry extract—100 mg (Coffee arabica) extract (whole fruit) standardized to 50 percent total phenolic acids (50 mg) and 15,000 Micromoles per gram (µmole/g) ORAC- three times daily


Diabetes Safety Caveats
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Bilberry

Consult your doctor before taking Bilberry if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Bilberry has blood-thinning properties.
Bilberry can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Chromium

Consult your doctor before taking chromium if you have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes. See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take chromium and have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes.
Cinnulin

Cinnulin can lower plasma glucose levels.
Consult your doctor before taking cinnulin if you have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes. See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take cinnulin and have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes.
Coenzyme Q10

See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.
Coffee Berry

Coffee berry can lower plasma glucose levels.
Consult your doctor before taking coffee berry if you have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes. See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take coffee berry and have hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes.
DHEA

Do not take DHEA if you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or could have prostate, breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
DHEA can cause androgenic effects in woman such as acne, deepening of the voice, facial hair growth and hair loss.
EPA/DHA

Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
Fiber

Take fiber supplements with a full 8-ounce glass of water.
Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily while taking fiber.
Folic acid

Consult your doctor before taking folic acid if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Daily doses of more than 1 milligram of folic acid can precipitate or exacerbate the neurological damage caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
GLA

Consult your doctor before taking GLA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking GLA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using GLA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
GLA can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Garlic

Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo, watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.
Ginkgo Biloba

Individuals with a known risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage, systematic arterial hypertension, diabetes, or seizures should avoid ginkgo.
Do not use prior to or after surgery.
Avoid concomitant use of ginkgo with NSAIDS, blood thinners, diuretics, or SSRI’s.
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhea) may occur.
Allergic skin reactions may occur.
Elevations in blood pressure may occur.
Green Tea

Consult your doctor before taking green tea extract if you take aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking green tea extract and aspirin or warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.

Discontinue using green tea extract 2 weeks before any surgical procedure. Green tea extract may decrease platelet aggregation.
Green tea extract contains caffeine, which may produce a variety of symptoms including restlessness, nausea, headache, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and rapid heartbeat.
Lipoic Acid

Consult your doctor before taking lipoic acid if you have diabetes and glucose intolerance. Monitor your blood glucose level frequently. Lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels.
Magnesium

Do not take magnesium if you have kidney failure or myasthenia gravis.
NAC

NAC clearance is reduced in people who have chronic liver disease.
Do not take NAC if you have a history of kidney stones (particularly cystine stones).
NAC can produce a false-positive result in the nitroprusside test for ketone bodies used to detect diabetes.
Consult your doctor before taking NAC if you have a history of peptic ulcer disease. Mucolytic agents may disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier.
NAC can cause headache (especially when used along with nitrates) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Niacin (nicotinic acid)

Do not take high doses of nicotinic acid (1.5 to 5 grams daily or more) if you have liver dysfunction, an unexplained elevation in your serum aminotransferase (transaminase) level, active peptic ulcer disease, arterial bleeding, or if you consume large amounts of alcohol.

Consult your doctor before taking high doses of nicotinic acid if you have a history of jaundice, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, disease of the liver or bile ducts, gout, kidney dysfunction, or cardiovascular disease (especially acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina).

Consult your doctor before taking high doses of nicotinic acid if you have diabetes. High doses of nicotinic acid can negatively affect glucose tolerance. Monitor your serum glucose level frequently if you take nicotinic acid and have diabetes.
Have your doctor monitor your serum aminotransferase level if you take high-doses of nicotinic acid.

Nicotinic acid may cause flushing, principally of the face, neck, and chest. This flushing is thought to be prostaglandin-prostacyclin mediated. Histamine may also play a role in the flushing.
Nicotinic acid can cause dizziness, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, chills, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.

High doses of nicotinic acid can cause blurred vision, macular edema, toxic amblyopia, and cystic maculopathy.
Quercetin

Quercetin can cause headache, mild tingling of the extremities, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea.
Trimethylglycine (betaine)

Do not take trimethylglycine (betaine) if you have gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or peptic ulcer disease.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin B1 for a thiamin deficiency, lactic acidosis secondary to thiamin deficiency, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, Wernicke's encephalopathy, or Korsakoff's psychosis.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

High doses of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may interfere with the Abbott TDx drugs-of-abuse assay.
Riboflavin absorption is increased in hypothyroidism and decreased in hyperthyroidism.
If you are taking nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, even a mild riboflavin deficiency can increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
Vitamin B6

Do not take 5 milligrams or more of vitamin B6 daily if you are being treated with levodopa, unless you are taking carbidopa at the same time.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Do not take cyanocobalamin if you have Leber's optic atrophy.
Vitamin C

Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.
Vitamin E

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.

Natural Cures And Supplements To Cure The Worst Depresion

Treatment of depression often takes place on several fronts. Depressed patients may benefit from exercise and other strategies, such as acupuncture, yoga, or meditation. In addition, psychiatric counseling can help people deal with the feelings of sadness and hopelessness that accompany depression.

If there are any underlying conditions, these should also be treated. Heart and vascular disease are associated with depression, and hypothyroidism can also cause depression. For more ideas on how to treat these conditions, please see the chapters on thyroid disorders and heart disease.

The following dietary supplements have been shown to help restore neurotransmitter levels and alleviate depression:

B vitamins—A full complement of B vitamins (including at least 1000 micrograms (mcg) vitamin B12, 250 milligrams (mg) vitamin B6, and 800 mcg of folic acid daily
Zinc—15 to 30 mg daily
TMG—2 to 4 grams (g) daily
Cytidine diphosphate choline—250 to 500 mg daily (alternatively, 1 to 3 teaspoons liquid choline chloride mixed with 2 ounces juice daily, 1 tablespoon pure lecithin granules daily, or 250 mg glyceryl phosphoryl choline daily)
Micronized creatine—500 mg (in capsule form) four to eight times daily
N-acetylcysteine—600 mg (in capsule form) one to two times daily on an empty stomach
Vitamin C—1 to 3 g daily
Vitamin E—400 International Units (IU) daily, with 200 mg gamma tocopherol
EPA/DHA—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily
SAMe—400 to 1200 mg daily without food
St. John’s wort—300 to 900 mg daily
Ginkgo biloba—120 mg daily
L-phenylalanine—500 to 1000 mg early in the day
Tyrosine—500 to 1000 mg daily
Tryptophan—500 to 1000 mg once or twice daily on an empty stomach
DHEA—15 to 75 mg daily, followed by blood testing in three to six weeks to make sure optimal levels are maintained.

In addition, hormone therapy may be necessary to balance levels of important hormones, including pregnenolone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Hormone testing is recommended, followed by hormone supplements if necessary. Progesterone creams are available for application directly to the skin, while testosterone is available in a number of delivery systems. Special compounding pharmacies can help produce estrogen supplements that reflect the natural balance of estrogens rather than the strong animal estrogens used in conventional hormone replacement therapy.

The Vitamans Cures And Treatments To Vure The Common Cold

The following supplements, at the suggested dosages, represent a very aggressive approach to the common cold. Nevertheless, if taken at the first sign of symptoms, they may be able to ward off the viral infection and stop the cold before it can develop.

Cimetidine—800 mg/day
Pure Gar garlic—9000 mg once or twice a day (don't eat immediately after ingesting the garlic, and expect a strong sulfurous odor)
Kyolic aged garlic extract—3600 mg/day
DHEA—200 to 400 mg in the morning
Lactoferrin—1200 mg/day
Zinc—Two 24-mg lozenges every 2 hours (when awake) within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms (take only a few days to avoid toxic side effects)
Melatonin—10 to 50 mg at bedtime

Risks Facts Herbs And Supplements To Cure Constipation

Risk Factors for Constipation
Stool is formed in the colon, which is at the lower end of the gastrointestinal tract. By the time digested food reaches the colon, most of the nutrients have been absorbed. The colon’s primary job is to remove excess liquid from the intestinal contents. A large number of beneficial bacteria colonize the colon and help with digestion of any remaining nutrients. Muscular peristaltic waves propel the stool (while it is in the process of being formed) toward the rectum. The stool is aided in its passage through the colon by mucus, which provides lubrication.

Bulk-forming fiber and water are essential to the healthy formation of stool. Insoluble fiber provides bulk to the stool and retains enough water to keep the stool pliable (Hsieh C 2005). Likewise, adequate moisture is needed to keep the stool soft and prepare it for evacuation. There is, however, some disagreement among physicians about the role of fluid intake in constipation. Some studies have reported that liquid intake is not associated with constipation (Whitehead WE et al 1989).

For the most part, doctors usually consider the following to be the usual causes of constipation:

Lack of exercise. Constipation has been shown to be related to inactivity (Simren M 2002). Abdominal and intestinal muscles work together to move the bowels. Weak abdominal muscles can contribute to weak bowel movements.
Some medications. Some pain medications, especially narcotics, can cause constipation, as can some antidepressants, iron supplements, and calcium supplements (Muller-Lissner S 2002). Other medications that can cause constipation include calcium channel blockers, psychotropic drugs, and anticholinergics. Inadequate thyroid hormone supplementation is also thought to cause constipation.
Certain diseases. Tumors and some diseases may produce a rapid change in bowel movements, or even the cessation of all bowel movements.

Most cases of constipation are first treated by lifestyle changes and by increasing the intake of fiber and liquids. Chronic constipation caused by medications, however, may require long-term laxative therapy. In this case, patients may consider rotating their use of different kinds of laxatives (such as first using stimulatory laxatives, and then using osmotic laxatives) to maintain regular bowel movements and minimize the risk of laxative dependency. Many people use laxatives for long periods with few adverse effects.

To induce peristaltic action and relieve acute constipation within 45 to 60 minutes, try one of the following techniques:

Mix 4000 to 8000 mg of ascorbic acid powder with 1500 mg of magnesium oxide powder. Mix the preparation with the juice of a freshly squeezed grapefruit or orange. Drink. (Take on an empty stomach.)
Mix 1 to 6 teaspoons of a buffered vitamin C powder that contains magnesium and potassium salts along with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Mix the preparation with room-temperature water. Drink. (Take on an empty stomach.)
Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of Power Maker II Sugar-Free Powder in water or juice. Drink. (Take on an empty stomach.)
Take 2000 to 3000 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Keep in mind that pantothenic acid is unpalatable. (Take on an empty stomach.)
The following nutrients may also help relieve chronic constipation. When using fiber supplements, it is best to start with a lower dosage and slowly add additional fiber. Remember to also drink plenty of liquids.

Chitosan—One to three capsules with 8 ounces of water and 1000 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, three times a day, preferably with meals. Start with one capsule with each meal to allow the body to adjust to a higher level of fiber.
Soluble fiber—5 grams (g) once or more daily. Any side effects will gradually disappear as your body adjusts to the increased fiber intake.
Glucomann—1 to 2 g/day
Probiotics—At least 300 mg of a probiotic mix containing Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Digest RC—Two to three tablets with every fat- or protein-containing meal for 3 weeks. Dosage may be reduced after relief occurs.


Constipation Safety Caveats
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

Fiber

Take fiber supplements with a full 8-ounce glass of water.
Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily while taking fiber.
Magnesium

Do not take magnesium if you have kidney failure or myasthenia gravis.
Vitamin C

Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.

NATURAL APPROACHES TO ENHANCING CHEMOTHERAPY EFFICACY

MAKING CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY

The dose-delivery schedule of chemotherapy drugs can determinate their efficacy in killing cancer cells and the degree of toxicity to the patient. Conventional chemotherapy treatment often uses a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of chemotherapeutic drugs, typically administered on a schedule that varies from once a week to every 21 days, allowing a period of rest so that healthy tissue has a chance to recover. Unfortunately, while the MTD schedule is convenient for oncologists, allowing them to squeeze more patients each month into their chemotherapy unit, the rest period enables cancer cells to recover and develop survival mechanisms such as new blood vessel growth into the tumor. This means that when the next high dose of chemotherapy is given 7-21 days later, the cancer cells have become more resistant. The administration of the MTD also exposes healthy tissues to more damage.

Some studies indicate that a better approach would be to lower the dose of conventional cytotoxic agents, reschedule their application, and combine chemotherapy drugs with antiangiogenesis agents to effectively interfere with cancer's various growth pathways and inhibit the production of blood vessels (Holland et al. 2000) (http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/developments/anti-angio-table).

This lower-dose approach, known as metronomic dosing, uses a dosing schedule as often as every day or alternates different chemotherapy drugs every other day instead of administering them all together the same day. An amount as low as 25% of the MTD, sometimes given on alternative days in combination with various signal transduction pathway inhibitors, targets the endothelial cells making up the vessels and microvessels feeding the tumor. Tumor endothelial cells then die with much less chemotherapy than cancer cells and the side effects to healthy tissue and the patient in general are dramatically reduced (Hanahan et al. 2000).

During standard chemotherapy, the typical 21-day rest period is enough to allow the tumor endothelial cells a chance to recover. However, with tighter chemotherapy dose scheduling, the slowly proliferating endothelial cells are unable to recover. In one study, mice were given the chemotherapeutic drug vinblastine at doses far below the MTD. This dose had little effect on tumor growth in the mice. A second group of mice was given the drug DC101 that inhibits the formation of new blood vessels into tumors (by blocking the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor). In the DC101 group of mice, tumor growth was slowed, as it was with the vinblastine, but then tumor growth resumed. However, in a third group of mice, a combination of the two drugs, at the low dose, resulted in full regression of the tumors with no recurrence for 6 months (Klement et al. 2000).

The administration of low doses of conventional chemotherapy drugs on a frequent basis with no breaks enables these drugs to invoke an antiangiogenesis effect, particularly when combined with a tumor endothelial cell-specific antiangiogenic drug (Gately et al. 2001; Man et al. 2002). There are clinical studies using antiangiogenic drugs (http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/developments/anti-angio-table). As will be described later in this protocol, certain dietary supplements have also been shown to interfere with angiogenesis.

At the time of this writing, a number of animal studies suggested that chemotherapy drugs could work better if the dosing schedule were changed. Human studies are ongoing, meaning it will be difficult to convince an oncologist to incorporate metronomic dosing instead of the standard MTD. While we cannot definitively recommend metronomic (lower dose/more frequent administration) chemotherapy at this time, the results of new human studies on this subject will be posted at www.lefcancer.org.

NATURAL APPROACHES TO ENHANCING CHEMOTHERAPY EFFICACY

Fish Oil
Caffeine
Theanine

Fish Oil and Chemotherapy
Fish oil may enhance the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapy drugs. A study compared different fatty acids on colon cancer cells to see if they could enhance Mitomycin C, a chemotherapy drug efficacy. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrated from fish oil was shown to sensitize colon cancer cells to Mitomycin C (Tsai et al. 1997). It should be noted that fish oil also suppresses the formation of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory hormone-like substance involved in cancer cell propagation.

In another study, a group of dogs with lymphoma were randomized to receive either a diet supplemented with arginine and fish oil or just soybean oil. Dogs on the fish oil and arginine diet had a significantly longer disease-free survival time than dogs on the soybean oil (Ogilvie et al. 2000).


Caffeine and Chemotherapy
The use of caffeine in combination with chemotherapy has been shown to enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Caffeine occurs naturally in green tea and has been shown to potentiate the anticancer effects of tea polyphenols. In SKH-1 mice at high risk of developing malignant and nonmalignant tumors, oral administration of caffeine (as sole source of drinking fluid for 18-23 weeks) inhibited the formation and decreased the size of both nonmalignant tumors and malignant tumors (Lou et al. 1999).

In cancer, p53 gene mutations are the most common genetic alterations observed, occurring in 50-60% of patients, including those with carcinomas and sarcomas. Caffeine has been shown to potentiate the destruction of p53 defective cells by inhibiting growth in the G2 phase. This ability of caffeine is important because the basis of many anticancer therapies is to damage tumor DNA and destroy the replicating cancer cells. Caffeine uncouples tumor cell-cycle progression by interfering with the replication and repair of DNA (Blasina et al. 1999; Ribeiro et al. 1999; Jiang et al. 2000; Valenzuela et al. 2000).


Theanine and Chemotherapy

Theanine Makes Chemotherapy Work
L-theanine is a unique amino acid, naturally occurring in green tea, shown in one study to enhance Adriamycin concentration in tumors 2.7-fold and reduce tumor weight 62% over controls, whereas Adriamycin by itself did not reduce tumor weight (Sugiyama et al. 1998). Adriamycin is an anthracycline antibiotic having a wide spectrum of antitumor activity. Additionally, L-theanine was shown to reverse tumor resistance to certain chemotherapeutic drugs by forcing more of the drug to stay inside the tumor. It does not, however, increase the amount of drug in normal tissue, which sets it apart from other drugs designed to overcome multidrug resistance (Sadzuka et al. 2000a).


Theanine Makes Chemotherapy Work
In 1999 researchers performed a study testing the use of theanine in conjunction with a drug similar to doxorubicin known as idarubicin. The use of idarubicin has been tried in drug-resistant leukemia cells, but it caused toxic bone marrow suppression.

Researchers wanted to see if theanine would cause the drug idarubicin to work. In the first experiment, about one-fourth of the standard dose of idarubicin was used. At this dose, the drug usually does not work, and it also does not cause toxicity. When combined with theanine, however, idarubicin worked but still without toxicity. Tumor weight was reduced 49%, and the amount of drug in the tumors doubled. In the next experiment, theanine was added to the usual therapeutic dose of idarubicin. Theanine increased the effectiveness of idarubicin and significantly lessened usual bone marrow suppression. Leukocyte loss was reduced from 57% to 37% (Sadzuka et al. 2000c).

Part of theanine's activity can be attributed to its mimicking of glutamate, an amino acid that potentiates glutathione. Theanine crowds out glutamate transport into tumor cells. Cancer cells (in confusion) erringly take in theanine, and theanine-created glutathione results. Glutathione (created by theanine) does not detoxify like natural glutathione, and instead blocks the ability of cancer cells to neutralize cancer-killing agents. Deprived of glutathione, cancer cells cannot remove chemotherapeutic agents, and the cell dies as a result of chemical poisoning (Sadzuka et al. 2001b).

Natural Herbs And Vitamins To Cure Cataracts

Cataract formation is connected to the aging process, associated with increased oxidative stress, and a consequence of free radical attacks, and reduced efficiency of metabolic processes. The lens provides an environment where these processes proliferate at a rate faster than that in other parts of the body. The lens consists of multiple layers of cells without the usual cellular organelles for energy production and other regenerative mechanisms for cellular biostability.40 Lens fiber cells dependent upon a small number of lens surface cells and surrounding cells for support. Over time these support mechanisms require increased nourishment and more antioxidants.50

Decrease efficiency in these supportive mechanisms is inevitable in aging, but it is possible to counteract these age-related processes by maintaining a healthy ocular environment with optimally maintained levels of antioxidant and cellular metabolism to ensure optimal lens function.64 Aging and oxidative stress, in particular, affects the entire body. Free radical proliferation can be minimized in the eye through proper diet and lifestyle, positively affecting overall health.

Maintaining a healthy ocular environment begins by avoiding common lifestyle and environmental risks that promote eye disease, cataract development in particular, and by following dietary and nutritional recommendations that support overall eye health.

Supplement Recommendations
Glutathione: 500 mg daily
Vitamin C: 500 mg daily
Vitamin B2: 50–150 mg daily
Selenium: 200–400 mcg daily
Vitamin E: 400 IU daily
Gamma E Tocopherol w/Sesame Lignans: 1 softgel daily
R-dihydro-lipoic acid: 150–300 mg daily
N-acetyl-cysteine: 600 mg daily
Melatonin: 300 mcg–3 mg at bedtime
Vitamin B6: 50-250 mg daily
Acetyl-L-carnitine arginate: three-four capsules daily
Aminoguanidine: 150–300 mg daily
Carnosine: 500–1000 mg daily
Life Extension Mix: 3 tablets, 3 times daily, provide N-acetyl-cysteine, selenium, inositol, vitamins B2, B6, C, and E, bioflavonoids, and many other antioxidants and anti-glycating nutrients.
Brite Eyes II: One-two drops in each eye daily
Lutein Plus: One tablespoon daily taken with a fatty meal.
Super Zeaxanthin with Lutein: One-two capsules daily.
Coenzyme Q10: 100–200 mg daily
Potassium: 400 mg daily, but consult your physician
Magnesium: 800 mg daily
Gingko biloba: 120 mg daily
Bilberry: 100 mg daily
Kyolic Reserve Garlic: One-three capsules daily

Nutritional Supplements With Immune-Boosting Cancer Therapies

Patients should ask their physicians for assistance in obtaining information on ongoing cancer vaccine and other immunotherapy clinical studies, and the criteria for subject enrollment and participation. Immunotherapy patients should consult their physicians before starting to use any nutritional supplements while receiving treatment. In addition, if using nutritional supplements, they should ask their physicians for assistance in ensuring the implementation of blood tests and diagnostic procedures that are essential in monitoring the effectiveness of any adjuvant therapy for cancer.

Some guidelines for using nutritional supplements with immune-boosting cancer therapies include:

Zinc—20 to 50 milligrams (mg) daily (Hercberg S et al 1998; Kohn S et al 2000)
Vitamin C—120 mg daily (Hercberg S et al 1998)
Vitamin E—800 international units (IU) of d-alpha tocopheryl succinate daily for two weeks (Malmberg KJ et al 2002); 400 IU daily for long-term use (Calder PC et al 2002b; Pallast EG et al 1999)
Folic acid—800 micrograms (mcg) daily (Fenech M 2001)
Vitamin B12—7 mcg daily (Fenech M 2001)
Vitamin B6—2.1 to 2.7 mg (one B-complex capsule) daily (Kwak HK et al 2002)
Selenium—100 mcg daily (Broome CS et al 2004)
Glutamine—30 grams (g) daily (Yoshida S et al 1998)
Ginseng, panax—100 mg daily (Anderson GD et al 2003)
Melatonin—20 mg daily, at bedtime (Lissoni P et al 2000)
Garlic—250 mg daily (Dhawan V et al 2004)
Mushroom extract—active hexose correlated compound: 3 g daily (Matsui Y et al 2002)
Fish oil—containing EPA: 4.7 g daily (Kew S et al 2004).
Note that most cancer patients take higher doses of vitamin C (2000 to 20,000 mg/day), selenium (200 to 400 mcg/day), vitamin B6 (100 to 750 mg/day), and vitamin B12 (100 to 300 mcg/day). These doses are considerably higher than the doses used in the studies cited above.


Blood Test Availability
Tests for PSA, CEA, selenium, vitamin B12, and folate serum levels are available via Life Extension/National Diagnostics, Inc., and may be ordered by calling 1-800-544-4440 or by ordering online at http://www.lef.org/bloodtest/.

Tumor antigen profile can be determined via Genzyme Genetics (http://www.genzymegenetics.com) and may be ordered by a physician by calling 1-800-966-4440.

Tests for immune cell function, serum growth factor levels, and immunosuppressive agents (IL-10) are available at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (http://www.cancer.mednet.ucla.edu/).

X-rays, scans, and physical examinations can be arranged through your physician.

Cancer Vaccines and Immunotherapies Safety Caveats
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

EPA/DHA

Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
Folic acid

Consult your doctor before taking folic acid if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Daily doses of more than 1 milligram of folic acid can precipitate or exacerbate the neurological damage caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Garlic

Garlic has blood-thinning, anticlotting properties.
Discontinue using garlic before any surgical procedure.
Garlic can cause headache, muscle pain, fatigue, vertigo, watery eyes, asthma, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Ingesting large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath and body odor.
Ginseng

Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Overuse of ginseng can increase blood pressure.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking NSAIDs or warfarin with ginseng can increase the risk of bleeding.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have diabetes. Taking ginseng can cause an extreme drop in your blood glucose level. Ginseng can cause breast pain, vaginal bleeding after menopause, insomnia, headaches, and nosebleeds.
L-Glutamine

Consult your doctor before taking L-glutamine if you have kidney failure or liver failure.
L-glutamine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Melatonin

Do not take melatonin if you are depressed.
Do not take high doses of melatonin if you are trying to conceive. High doses of melatonin have been shown to inhibit ovulation.
Melatonin can cause morning grogginess, a feeling of having a hangover or a “heavy head,” or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Selenium

High doses of selenium (1000 micrograms or more daily) for prolonged periods may cause adverse reactions.
High doses of selenium taken for prolonged periods may cause chronic selenium poisoning. Symptoms include loss of hair and nails or brittle hair and nails.
Selenium can cause rash, breath that smells like garlic, fatigue, irritability, and nausea and vomiting.
Vitamin B6

Do not take vitamin B6 if you are being treated with levodopa, unless you are taking carbidopa at the same time.
Do not take high doses of vitamin B6 (5 milligrams or more daily).
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Do not take cyanocobalamin if you have Leber's optic atrophy.
Vitamin C

Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.
Vitamin E

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure.
Zinc

High doses of zinc (above 30 milligrams daily) can cause adverse reactions.
Zinc can cause a metallic taste, headache, drowsiness, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
High doses of zinc can lead to copper deficiency and hypochromic microcytic anemia secondary to zinc-induced copper deficiency.
High doses of zinc may suppress the immune system.

How to Enter Clinical Trials For Cancer Treatments

How to Enter Clinical Trials

Endostatin was the first endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor to enter into clinical trials. Endostatin given to 21 advanced solid tumor patients daily as a 1-hour intravenous infusion (for 28 days) was well - tolerated (Thomas et al 2003).

The safety and efficacy of recombinant human Angiostatin protein administered in combination with chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) to patients with non-small-cell lung cancer is currently being investigated in a clinical trial: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search?term=angiostatin

For more information about cancer clinical trials call the Cancer Information Service, (800) 4-CANCER.

Physicians may request information about trials from the PDQ Search Service by calling (800) 345-3300, faxing (800) 380-1575, or e-mailing pdqsearch@icicc.nci.nih.gov.

There are many anti - angiogenesis drugs in clinical studies. In some cases, the FDA may allow an unapproved drug to be released before it is officially approved. Here are some of the anti - angiogenesis drugs being tested and the sponsoring companies:

Vitamins And Supplements To Ease The Pain Of Cancer Radiation

supplements or dietary changes should be introduced before starting radiation treatment.

R-lipoic acid—300 milligrams (mg) daily
Beta-carotene—25,000 international units (IU) or 75 mg daily
Coenzyme Q10—100 to 400 mg daily
Curcumin—up to 3.2 grams daily
Panax ginseng (Siberian)—200 to 1000 mg daily
Green tea extract—725 mg three times daily
Hydrolytic enzymes— papain (100 mg), trypsin (40 mg), and chymotrypsin (40 mg): three days before radiation therapy and continuing until five days after completion of treatment
Kamillosan—10 drops in 1 ounce of water, three times daily (http://www.smallflower.com/).
L-arginine—900 mg daily
L-glutamine—20 to 40 grams administered before starting radiation therapy
Melatonin—up to 20 mg daily
Multivitamin/multimineral supplement (without copper)
N-acetylcysteine—200 to 600 mg daily
Omega-3 fatty acids—1 to 2 grams (g) daily
Probiotics—2x109 Lactobacillus acidophilus daily
Pure honey—20 milliliters (ml), 15 minutes before, 15 minutes after, and 6 hours after radiotherapy
Selenium—200 to 1000 micrograms (mcg) daily
Silymarin—150 to 600 mg daily
Soy extract containing 50 mg of isoflavones—twice daily
Taurine—1000 mg daily
Vitamin A— 8000 to 30,000 IU daily
Vitamin C— 500 mg three times daily
Vitamin E—400 to 1200 IU daily
Whey protein isolate—20 grams daily.


Cancer Radiation Therapy Safety Caveats
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been shown to exacerbate radiation nephropathy.
Beta-Carotene

Do not take beta-carotene if you smoke. Daily intake of 20 milligrams or more has been associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer in smokers.
Taking 30 milligrams or more daily for prolonged periods can cause carotenoderma, a yellowish skin discoloration (carotenoderma can be distinguished from jaundice because the whites of the eyes are not discolored in carotenoderma).
Coenzyme Q10

See your doctor and monitor your blood glucose level frequently if you take CoQ10 and have diabetes. Several clinical reports suggest that taking CoQ10 may improve glycemic control and the function of beta cells in people who have type 2 diabetes.
Statin drugs (such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin) are known to decrease CoQ10 levels.
Curcumin

Do not take curcumin if you have a bile duct obstruction or a history of gallstones. Taking curcumin can stimulate bile production.
Consult your doctor before taking curcumin if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a history of peptic ulcer disease.
Consult your doctor before taking curcumin if you take warfarin or antiplatelet drugs. Curcumin can have antithrombotic activity.
Always take curcumin with food. Curcumin may cause gastric irritation, ulceration, gastritis, and peptic ulcer disease if taken on an empty stomach.
Curcumin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
EPA/DHA

Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
Ginseng

Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Overuse of ginseng can increase blood pressure.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking NSAIDs or warfarin with ginseng can increase the risk of bleeding.
Consult your doctor before taking ginseng if you have diabetes. Taking ginseng can cause an extreme drop in your blood glucose level.
Ginseng can cause breast pain, vaginal bleeding after menopause, insomnia, headaches, and nosebleeds.
Green Tea

Consult your doctor before taking green tea extract if you take aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Taking green tea extract and aspirin or warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using green tea extract 2 weeks before any surgical procedure. Green tea extract may decrease platelet aggregation.
Green tea extract contains caffeine, which may produce a variety of symptoms including restlessness, nausea, headache, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and rapid heartbeat.
L-Arginine

Do not take L-arginine if you have the rare genetic disorder argininemia.
Consult your doctor before taking L-arginine if you have cancer. L-arginine can stimulate growth hormone.
Consult your doctor before taking L-arginine if you have kidney failure or liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking L-arginine if you have herpes simplex. L-arginine may increase the possibility of recurrence.
L-Glutamine

Consult your doctor before taking L-glutamine if you have kidney failure or liver failure.
L-glutamine can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
NOTE: Glutamine and Arginine

Many clinical trials utilizing glutamine and arginine resulted in beneficial outcomes for cancer patients, and four clinical trials are ongoing. However, some doctors are concerned that supplemental arginine and glutamine may promote tumor cell proliferation in patients, though this has not been clinically observed and is based solely on laboratory studies.

Lipoic Acid

Consult your doctor before taking lipoic acid if you have diabetes and glucose intolerance. Monitor your blood glucose level frequently. Lipoic acid may lower blood glucose levels.
Melatonin

Do not take melatonin if you are depressed.
Do not take high doses of melatonin if you are trying to conceive. High doses of melatonin have been shown to inhibit ovulation.
Melatonin can cause morning grogginess, a feeling of having a hangover or a “heavy head,” or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Milk Thistle

Consult your doctor before taking milk thistle with tranquilizers such as Haldol, Serentil, Stelazine, and Thorazine. Milk thistle combats the effect of tranquilizers.
Do not combine milk thistle with the blood pressure medication Regitine. Milk thistle combats the effect of Regitine.
NAC

NAC clearance is reduced in people who have chronic liver disease.
Do not take NAC if you have a history of kidney stones (particularly cystine stones).
NAC can produce a false-positive result in the nitroprusside test for ketone bodies used to detect diabetes.
Consult your doctor before taking NAC if you have a history of peptic ulcer disease. Mucolytic agents may disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier.
NAC can cause headache (especially when used along with nitrates) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea.
Selenium

High doses of selenium (1000 micrograms or more daily) for prolonged periods may cause adverse reactions.
High doses of selenium taken for prolonged periods may cause chronic selenium poisoning. Symptoms include loss of hair and nails or brittle hair and nails.
Selenium can cause rash, breath that smells like garlic, fatigue, irritability, and nausea and vomiting.
Soy

Do not take soy if you have an estrogen receptor-positive tumor.
Soy has been associated with hypothyroidism.
Vitamin A

Do not take vitamin A if you have hypervitaminosis A.
Do not take vitamin A if you take retinoids or retinoid analogues (such as acitretin, all-trans-retinoic acid, bexarotene, etretinate, and isotretinoin). Vitamin A can add to the toxicity of these drugs.
Do not take large amounts of vitamin A. Taking large amounts of vitamin A may cause acute or chronic toxicity. Early signs and symptoms of chronic toxicity include dry, rough skin; cracked lips; sparse, coarse hair; and loss of hair from the eyebrows. Later signs and symptoms of toxicity include irritability, headache, pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension), elevated serum liver enzymes, reversible noncirrhotic portal high blood pressure, fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver, and death from liver failure.
Vitamin C

Do not take vitamin C if you have a history of kidney stones or of kidney insufficiency (defined as having a serum creatine level greater than 2 milligrams per deciliter and/or a creatinine clearance less than 30 milliliters per minute.
Consult your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin C if you have hemochromatosis, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, or erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can experience iron overload if you have one of these conditions and use large amounts of vitamin C.
Vitamin E

Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you take warfarin (Coumadin).
Consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E if you have a vitamin K deficiency or a history of liver failure.
Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you have a history of any bleeding disorder such as peptic ulcers, hemorrhagic stroke, or hemophilia.
Discontinue using vitamin E 1 month before any surgical procedure

Natural Cures And Treatments For Bell's Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a mysterious condition in which one half of the face abruptly becomes paralyzed. This sudden paralysis may be preceded by pain behind one ear for a day or two, but it usually occurs quickly.

People with Bell’s palsy might experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including total paralysis or pronounced weakness on one side of the face. The weak side typically becomes flat and expressionless, and affected people might feel a heaviness or numbness in their faces, even though normal sensation remains. Other symptoms include a drooping appearance on the affected side of the face and impairment of tear and saliva functions.

If the upper part of the face is involved, affected people may have problems with their eyes. Because they are unable to close their eyes, dryness is a problem. In extreme cases this dryness can result in eye damage or even blindness. To help avoid these problems, some physicians recommend the use of paper tape at night to keep the affected eye closed and lubricated. In addition, people with Bell’s palsy may experience loss of taste or abnormally enhanced hearing because the muscle that stretches the eardrum is paralyzed.

Most people with Bell’s palsy (about 80 percent) recover within a few weeks or months. Among those who don’t recover fully, the face may continue to be weak on the affected side and droop. About one person in 60 will experience Bell’s palsy at some point in their lifetimes. It can occur at all ages but is most common between the ages of 15 and 60 (Rowland S 2002).

The cause of Bell’s palsy is somewhat controversial. The condition is associated with presence of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), which suggests that reactivation of this virus in the facial nerve might be responsible for the condition. Varicella herpes zoster has also been implicated. Other infectious diseases that may be associated with Bell’s palsy include Lyme disease, the common cold, hepatitis C, influenza, HIV, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis.

According to the herpes theory, about 80 percent of Bell’s palsy cases are caused by reactivation of HSV1 or varicella zoster (a member of the herpes family). HSV1 is most commonly associated with oral lesions, as opposed to HSV2, which is most commonly associated with genital lesions. Varicella zoster is responsible for chicken pox in children and shingles in adults. The herpes virus can be transported to the facial nerve, where it may remain dormant until it activates and causes Bell’s palsy (Lambert T 2004). Although this theory has yet to be proven absolutely, supporting evidence is strong enough that Bell’s palsy is often treated with antiviral drugs (acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir) used to kill the herpes virus. To date, although viral DNA has been found in the facial nerves of patients with Bell’s palsy, no studies have actually found actively replicating herpes viruses (Linder T et al 2005).

No single test can diagnose Bell’s palsy. Instead, physicians diagnose the condition by first excluding other possible causes of facial paralysis, including cancer, leukemia, bacterial infections such as meningitis, stroke, multiple sclerosis, head trauma, and other disorders. There are two classic characteristics of Bell’s palsy that help guide diagnosis (Ferri FF 2004; Smith JF 2004):

The symptoms of Bell’s palsy have a quick onset.
They affect the entire half of the face, while stroke or cerebral tumor usually causes paralysis below the eye.
During the diagnosis, a few tests might be ordered to help exclude other conditions, including blood tests to check for diabetes, HIV, bacterial infection, and Lyme disease. In some cases, an x-ray might be ordered to check for a tumor in the head.

The standard therapy for Bell’s palsy is antiviral drugs combined with corticosteroids. This treatment may be enhanced by taking the following supplements:

Methylcobalamin—500 micrograms (mcg) three times weekly by intramuscular injection or 5 milligrams (mg) sublingual lozenges. A suggested dose is 40 to 80 mg daily until symptoms subside.
Omega-3 fish oil—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA


Bell’s Palsy Safety Caveats
An aggressive program of dietary supplementation should not be launched without the supervision of a qualified physician. Several of the nutrients suggested in this protocol may have adverse effects. These include:

EPA/DHA

Consult your doctor before taking EPA/DHA if you take warfarin (Coumadin). Taking EPA/DHA with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding.
Discontinue using EPA/DHA 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.
Vitamin B12

Do not take vitamin B12 if you have Leber's optic atrophy.