FLP eBook 5 - Alternative Approaches to Curing Hepatitis C Plus Eight Steps to Preventing Strokes
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Listen to this THETA brainwave as you study the following lesson.
Many people believe a diagnosis of Hepatitis C is a death sentence and that the only treatment approach is interferon and ribivarin, with only 50% success rate and a year-long ordeal involving flu symptoms and depression…or expensive Pharma drugs.
Nothing could be further from the truth. There are several expensive Pharma drugs at $1,000 a pill available for a cure with various side effects, however, if your insurance won’t cover them…here are some natural approaches you may want to use.
Everyone with Hep C should take an active part in the maintenance of their health and treatment of their disease with the guidance of a qualified health care professional. Nutrition and supplements can play a major role in treatment of the disease, and in many studies have led to normal liver enzyme readings and even removing the virus entirely from the system. The more we learn about nutrition and how it may help improve our condition or assist in treating our disease, the better prepared we will be to take an active role in our treatment.
Leading experts in the field of natural medicine have based their natural healing therapies upon scientific investigation. In the past 20 years there have been tremendous advances in the understanding of how many natural therapies work to promote health or treat disease. This increased understanding is a result of more strict scientific investigation. In many cases, the scientific investigation has not only validated the natural approach but has also led to significant improvements.
Nutritional healing for Hepatitis C (and other liver diseases such as A & B) is focused on diet and nutritional supplements that can be categorized according to the beneficial role they play in supporting healthy liver function or enhancing the immune system:
Antioxidants
"Liver herbs" (including Chinese Traditional Medicine Treatments)
Immune Enhancers
"Liver vitamins"
"Liver amino acids"
"Liver minerals"
"Liver foods"
"Natural Interferon Boosters"
There are a variety of therapeutic effects of nutritional-based treatments of hepatitis. Some reports and studies show an effect by accelerated decreases of liver enzyme levels, dramatic drops in viral loads and even elimination of the virus.
However, it is important not to have "false hope", abandon medical supervision or conventional treatment options. The suggestions offered here are not intended to replace appropriate medical investigation.
THYMIC PROTEIN AND THYMUS EXTRACTS
The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine lists thymus extracts as a treatment for hepatitis C. It states that there is good clinical data to support the effectiveness of orally administered bovine thymus extracts in treating acute and chronic viral hepatitis. It reports, " The effectiveness of the thymus extract in treating viral hepatitis is reflective of broad-spectrum immune-system enhancement, presumably mediated by improved thymus gland activity."
Thymus protein A is a nutritional supplement designed to affect the same biological activity as the protein from the human thymus. One famous person who has used thymus products to address Hep C is Naomi Judd. It is made from cultured cells, not from actual thymus glands. The isolated and purified protein is derived from bovine thymus cells. The human thymus is part of the body's endocrine and lymphatic systems. It reaches its maximum size at puberty and then begins to gradually shrink as we age.
Some believe that age related decreased immunity is due to a lack of properly programmed T-cells and the shrinking of the thymus gland. It is said that by age 40, the thymus gland is drastically smaller and has very reduced function. The thymus gland plays a very important role in cell-mediated immunity. The thymus gland produces proteins which "program" T-cells. T-cells (T-lymphocytes) are made by the bone marrow and they are white blood cells. T-cells find and kill foreign invaders. Without the thymic proteins produced by the thymus, the T-cells are "naive", immature, and they will not function.
Insufficient production of thymic proteins to program the T-cells could allow chronic infections and degenerative diseases to develop. If a T-4 (helper) cell is programmed by the proper thymic protein it can identify any invader in the bloodstream, and secrete proteins called interleukins and interferons which tell the T-8 (killer) cells where to find the invader and how to destroy it.
A relatively new product (about 5 years old), clinical research does not appear to be published yet. Dr. Beardsley is quoted as saying that clinical research is "already underway". and that a study is underway on hepatitis C.
The following doctors use it regularly in their practices (or for themselves):
Drs. Robert Atkins, Abram Ber, Jonathan Wright, Lee Cowden and Serafina Corsello.
Lloyd Wright, the author of Triumph Over Hepatitis C, who has been "cured" and now tests negative for HCV, has tried it. However, he stresses that the "frozen thymus" is far superior in many ways and attributes most of his success getting rid of the virus to "live cell frozen thymus extract," which is available on his website, www.hepatitiscfree.com.
ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
Alpha lipoic acid is a vitamin-like substance that is used as an anti-oxidant. Many sources list it as the most powerful anti-oxidant ever discovered. When looking around at various protocols for hepatitis C, you will find that more likely than not alpha-lipoic acid is considered an important part of the health regimen for patients with HCV. It is considered an important and versatile anti-oxidant that enhances the functions of vitamins C and E and glutathione. For these reasons many people with liver conditions, especially HCV, take it as a staple part of their "treatment programs". Many doctors who treat patients with HCV prescribe this anti-oxidant, especially those in the natural healing community, although not limited to the natural healing community.
The functions of alpha lipoic acid is to neutralize free radicals in the body by enhancing the anti-oxidant functions of vitamins C and E and glutathione. According to Lloyd Wright (hepatitis C survivor, researcher and author), ALA is "used in Europe to restore liver health and confer protective benefits against oxidative processes involved in degenerative diseases." Another interesting piece of information about this substance is found in his book Triumph Over Hepatitis C. He states that it regenerates glutathione, giving cells a "double dose of anti-oxidant protection". Further he writes, " It is also easily absorbed when taken orally, and once inside cells is quickly converted to its most potent form, dihydrolipoic acid, an even more potent free-radical neutralizer than ALA. Because both alpha-lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic acid are antioxidants, their combined actions give them greater anti-oxidant potency than any other natural anti-oxidant now known."
Lloyd Wright, claims that he has rid his body of this virus through natural healing therapies and that there are no signs of the virus in his system after his recovery. Among other supplements, he took alpha lipoic acid everyday and suggests it was a "vital" in his fight against hepatitis C. Other points he made in its favor are: Ester Packer, professor of molecular biology at UC Berkley, says it is the most important anti-oxidant ever discovered; and that scientists have found that it can inhibit replication of HCV-1 and other viruses through its ability to bind directly to DNA.
A holistic physician, Jesse Stoff, M.D., director of IntegaMed in Tucson, AZ, says hepatitis C is a treatable and often reversible condition. He gives detailed description of a case in which it was cured with natural remedies and supplements which can be found on the alternativemedicine.com website. He lists alpha lipoic acid as one of the supplements that should be taken. He says, " it is always useful in treating chronic liver inflammation". According to Dr. Stoff ALA occurs naturally in potatoes, carrots, yams, sweet potatoes. He reinforces that when given as a supplement it can increase the body's production of glutatione, an enzyme that protects the cells from damage by harmful free-radicals. Overall it is considered to be a very important anti-oxidant and very important in treating chronic inflammation of the liver. The active component is "silymarin", a flavonoid with antioxidant ability. Probably the most widely used and popular "liver herb". It is a must have for anyone with any form of hepatitis or liver disease. Contains some of the most potent liver protecting substances known.
Uses: Prevents free-radical damage by acting as an anti-oxidant, protecting the liver, stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents formation of damaging leukotrienes. Good for weakened immune system, hepatitis, jaundice, all liver disorders.
Suggested dosage for hepatitis: 200-400 milligrams 3 times daily. Some people take up to 900 mgs a day. It Inhibits hepatic damage by increasing the intracellular levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, inhibiting the formation of leukotrienes, and stimulating hepatocyte regeneration. It is also a direct antioxidant and free radical scavenger. In a study done on chronic viral hepatitis, silymarin was shown to result in significant improvement. Used at a dose of 420 mg of silymarin per day, for periods of three to twelve months, silymarin resulted in a reversal of liver cell damage, an increase in protein level in the blood and lower enzyme levels.
According to many sources silymarin is a very safe substance with no toxicity, even being used by pregnant women. According to Michael Murray N.D. in "The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine", "Because of silymarin's lack of toxicity, long term use is feasible if necessary." Silymarin is also known to enhance detoxification processes in the liver. "One of the key ways in which silymarin enhances the detoxification reaction is by preventing the depletion of glutathione. The level of glutathione in the liver is critically linked to the liver's ability to detoxify. The higher the glutatione content, the greater the liver's capacity to detoxify. The reduction of glutathione makes the liver cell susceptible to damage. Silymarin not only depletes the prevention of glutathione induced by toxic chemicals, but has been shown to increase the level of glutathione of the liver by up to thirty-five percent."
Milk Thistle is also considered to be a "natural interferon booster".
Matthew Dolan describes the benefits of milk thistle, "It contains some of the most potent liver-protective substances known as well as exerting a powerful antioxidant effect... It is also thought to help prevent glutathione deficiency in liver cells. It is known to positively influence the course of chronic hepatitis, even where patients already have cirrhosis... It also reduces fat deposits in the liver" He continues by referencing The American Journal of Gastroenterology, as summarizing liver studies that have shown protection against genomic injury, increased protein synthesis, decrease of tumor promoters, stabilization of mast cells, and increased iron chelation.
I personally think milk thistle/silymarin is one of the very most important things to have in ones wellness program for anyone with HCV. It has been my experience that fairly large doses of it can reduce symptoms very quickly and give you a "lift". It is gentle, cleansing and tends to boost my energy level, probably a side-benefit to improving liver function! I have used several different brands. I first started with the dry herb in a capsule. But through trial and error I have found that the "Super Milk Thistle" formula by Enzymatic Therapy (which happens to have an excellent reputation for quality and credibility) works best for me. It is binded with phosphatidlycholine (see choline) and uses the patented "phytosome" process. It is a soft gel, which is more agreeable to my degestion and seems to "go into" my system better. It is standardized to contain 80% silymarin. In my opinion this product lives up to its reputation, it is a little on the expensive side, but I feel it is worth it (Its about $38 per bottle for 120 soft gels.)
There is another product, which appears to be worth looking into, silibinin; it seems interesting from its being compared to the "drug" used in Europe. It is called "silbinin/silymarin extract" by Life Extension (www.lef.org). The claim for this product is as follows: "The most biologically active ingredient found in silymarin is silibinin, wheras the silymarin-concentrate drug used in Europe contains a minimum of 80% silibinin. Being able to obtain enough silibinin is of particular importance for those who need to ensure effective dosage for the treatment of various liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis C... (Silibinin/Silymarin Extract) is imported the identical 80% silibinin extract that is sold in Europe as a drug... the new combination product contains primarily silibinin, with some silymarin to provide other natural flavoligans found in milk thistle."
SUMMARY: Milk thistle is probably the most widely used, widely accepted and well-documented herb for the liver. It is a "safe" herb and can be used continuously. It is possible that one of the best forms to take it in is the silymarin phytosome.
Chinese Herbs
Many studies have shown that traditional Chinese Medicine has several highly effective protocols for treatment of Hepatitis C and other liver disease. Numerous Chinese herbal combinations for treatment of Hep C have or are currently being studied in clinical trials, and with significant results. The recommended way to get Chinese herbs is to visit a reputable doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, have them read your pulses and look at your tongue, and then prescribe an herbal formula for you personally. The experienced doctors will know what combination of herbs will work best for you personally. Because herbs are powerful it is never recommended to simply find a list on your own and buy them because the amounts and combinations are critical and best prescribed by an experienced doctor.
Love Your Now,
The Transformation Team
Eight Steps to Preventing Strokes
Nearly a million Americans a year have strokes, which often lead to death or serious disabilities. In fact, stroke ranks as the third leading killer in the United States. Many statistics suggest that 50 to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, and the preventive measures are not only easy but can make a huge difference in our general physical health as well as our mental, emotional and spiritual health. Try these eight simple things and notice how different you feel after only a week…and know that in the long term you are reducing your risk of a stroke by 50 – 80 percent at the same time!
Lower your sugar intake – sugar in sodas and sweets actually dehydrate the body and boost your triglycerides, which are a major risk factor for clogged arteries. Unused sugar will turn to fat, which also clogs arteries. And know that reducing your sugar intake will also balance your insulin levels and keep you from experiencing those sharp swings in mood and energy levels.
Drink more water – According to medical research by Loma Linda University, men who drank five or more 8-ounce glasses of water a day cut their stroke risk by 53 percent compared with those who drank fewer than three glasses. Water helps to thin the blood, making it less likely to form clots. It also keeps the cells more hydrated and able to perform all their functions. An added benefit is that drinking reasonable amounts of water makes you feel fuller and want to eat less.
Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to the buildup of fatty substances in the carotid artery, the main neck artery supplying blood to the brain. Blockage of this artery is the leading cause of stroke in Americans. Also, nicotine raises blood pressure; carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry to the brain; and cigarette smoke makes your blood thicker and more likely to clot. Your doctor can recommend programs and medications that may help you quit smoking. By quitting, at any age, you also reduce your risk of lung disease, heart disease, and a number of cancers including lung cancer. It is also a great idea to limit second hand smoke – not many people know it, but to get rid of all the carbon monoxide after a night at a bar you’d have to breath fresh air for about 8 hours!
Lower your blood pressure if it is high. Also called hypertension, this is by far the most potent risk factor for stroke. If your blood pressure is high, you and your doctor need to work out an individual strategy to bring it down to the normal range. Some ways that work: Maintain proper weight. Avoid drugs known to raise blood pressure. Cut down on salt. Eat fruits and vegetables to increase potassium in your diet. Exercise more. Your doctor may prescribe medicines that help lower blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure will also help you avoid heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure.
Eat Better: Nutritional factors play a role in stroke risk. For example, sodium intake is associated with hypertension in some people. Dietary deficiencies of folate, vitamins B6 and B12 may increase homocysteine levels, which correlate with an increased risk of stroke. Fruits and vegetables may help in stroke prevention through their antioxidant mechanisms or elevation of potassium levels. To help prevent stroke (and other cardiovascular conditions) it is recommended that dietary fat (especially saturated fat) is limited to less than 30% of total dietary energy, with cholesterol as less than 10% of total energy, and that at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day are taken. There must also be adequate amounts of dietary fiber, calcium, beta-carotenes and antioxidants.
Exercise! Yes this one comes up everywhere and it’s for good reason. It feels great, helps you lose weight, and, yes, it reduces your risk of stroke by decreasing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and lowering the “stickiness” of the blood.
Do some deep slow breathing whenever you notice you are stressed, anxious or irritated. Stress and anxiety cause overproduction of stress hormones such as cortisol, as well as overproduction of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates the brain’s control of circulation. Stress also leads to high blood pressure, discussed above. Pay attention to yourself and notice when you feel stressed out. As few as three slow in and out breaths can significantly lower your stress, increase oxygen flow to your brain, and make you feel clearer, more energetic, calmer, and more in control of every situation.
Focus on Fun! The less stressed you are the less likely you are to have strokes or other stress-related diseases. Here’s a great excuse to have more fun in your life. Make a list of all the things you wish you had more time for. Golfing? Hiking? More movies? Take a cooking class? And then find a way to make time for these things. You won’t live forever no matter what you do and you can’t keep putting fun off forever either – stop saying you have too much too do – put off responsibilities a little and you’ll find, as many before you have, that your responsibility load will adjust itself almost magically, so while you have fun the rest of your life is getting arranged to give you even more time!