Powerful Antibiotic and Immune Stimulant

Garlic is a natural antibiotic. Albert Schweitzer used garlic to treat dysentery in Africa. In addition to it’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, garlic enhances numerous aspects of immune function. Garlic lowers blood pressure, triglycerides, and platelet stickiness (which can lead to clots and strokes while increasing HDL (the good cholesterol) and fibrinolysis (the breakdown of fibrin clots). Garlic is useful in HIV/AIDS, allergy, atherosclerosis, cancer, candidiasis, cardiac arrhythmias, diabetes type II, high blood pressure and infection.

Alliin, the primary substance of garlic, and alliinase, the activating enzyme, are present in separate chambers of the garlic clove. When garlic is ruptured, alliinase interacts with alliin and converts it to allicin – one of garlic’s most beneficial compounds. However, allicin dissipates quickly during standard processing techniques – including cooking.

Allium sativum – humble garlic – came to ancient man from Central Asia and belongs to the Alliacae plant family. It is used worldwide for it’s indispensable and distinctive flavor in cooking. It also has a vital place in traditional medicine, and as a functional food to enhance physical and mental health.

The benefits of garlic consumption in treating a wide variety of human diseases and disorders have been known for centuries and garlic has found a special position in many cultures as a powerful preventative and therapeutic medicinal agent. The ancient Egyptians in their 3,500-year-old document the Codex Ebers, described it’s use in the treatment of heart disorders, tumors, worms, bites, and other ailments.

In more modern times, garlic is known to inhibit the development of cardiovascular disease and to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases associated with aging.

Over the past few decades the role of garlic in treating cardiovascular disease has received much attention – much of it likely sponsored by drug companies hoping to find a way to cash in on Mother Nature’s genius.

Let’s look at a few of garlic’s better-known effects:

Cholesterol and lipid-lowering effects.

Several studies have indicated that garlic inhibits key enzymes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis, thus lowering the dreaded “bad cholesterol” levels and promoting overall cardiovascular health. (1, 2, 3, 4)

Inhibition of platelet aggregation – known to most people as “blood thinning.”

Since the 1990s, numerous clinical trials have been done, and all showed that garlic consumption leads to the inhibition of platelet aggregation (5, 6, 7). Performed on both normal, healthy subjects and on subjects with cardiovascular illnesses, the studies showed that no matter what form the garlic was in , whether powdered, oil, or aged extract, the garlic had a positive effect in the inhibition of platelet aggregation (abnormal blood “stickiness”) in both healthy subjects and the subjects with cardiovascular disease.

Lowering blood pressure.

Beginning in the 1990s, studies have been published demonstrating the effects of garlic on blood pressure (6, 8, 9, 10). Again, no matter what form of garlic was used; powdered, oil, extracts, or just garlic in the diet, all the studies showed a reduction in blood pressure.

Reducing oxidative stress.

Garlic beats out Big Pharma on this one – hands down. In fact, Big Pharma really doesn’t have anything to offer that they claim will reduce oxidative stress, even though it is widely known that oxidative stress can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease and certainly worsens existing cardiovascular disease. In study after study normal subjects and patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemic (high cholesterol), and tobacco smoking subjects all showed improvements in plasma (blood) antioxidant capacity, lowering of blood pressure and of cholesterol, and reduction in oxidative markers. (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

What else?

Other direct heart and circulation protective effects of garlic in humans that have been reported include:

• a decrease in unstable angina (chest pain) (16),
• increased elasticity of blood vessels (17),
• a decrease in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (blocked arteries) (18),
• an increase in peripheral blood flow in healthy subjects (19),
• an inhibiting effect on the progression of coronary calcification (hardening arteries) in patients using statin drugs (20).

Garlic is also well-known for it’s potent antimicrobial effects as well – for example, MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a potentially deadly bacteria that has Big Pharma throwing it’s hands up in defeat – it has become resistant to the “Big Guns” antibiotics. Garlic doesn’t concede defeat however – and it is one of the few effective treatments for this dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Doesn’t garlic make you smell like, well, garlic?

It depends on how you are using it. Fresh garlic cloves will certainly have you smelling like garlic – though that is not necessarily an offensive scent to many people… and other garlic preparations – oils, and extracts especially – can give a garlicky odor to your breath. Enteric garlic like Garlitrin 4000 delivers all the health benefits of fresh garlic, but does so in a special tablet that dissolves only when it reaches the small intestine where it is able to be fully-absorbed, undamaged by stomach acid. Because it dissolves and is absorbed so far along in the digestive tract it causes no garlic odor of the breath.

References:

1. Gebhardt R. Multiple inhibitory effects of garlic extracts on cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatocytes. Lipids. 1993;28:613–9.

2. Liu L, Yeh YY. Water-soluble organosulfur compounds of garlic inhibit fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes. Lipids. 2001;36:395–400.

3. Yeh YY, Liu L. Cholesterol-lowering effects of garlic extracts and organosulfur compounds: human and animal studies. J Nutr. 2001;131:989S–93S.

4. Yeh YY, Yeh SM. Garlic reduces plasma lipids by inhibiting hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerol synthesis. Lipids. 1994;29:189–93.

5. Rahman K. Garlic and aging: new insights into an old remedy. Ageing Res Rev. 2003;2:39–56.

6. Banerjee SK, Maulik SK. Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review. Nutr J. 2002;1:4–14.

7. Steiner M, Li W. Aged garlic extract, a modulator of cardiovascular risk factors: a dose-finding study on the effects of AGE on platelet functions. J Nutr. 2001;131:980S–4S.

8. Turner B, Molgaard C, Marckmann P. Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) powder tablets on serum lipids, blood pressure and arterial stiffness in normo-lipidaemic volunteers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2004;92:701–6.

9. Dhawan V, Jain S. Effect of garlic supplementation on oxidised low density lipoproteins and lipid peroxidation in patients of essential hypertension. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004;266:109–15.

10. Durak I, Kavutcu M, Aytac B, Avci A, Devrim E, Ozbek H, Ozturk HS. Effects of garlic extract consumption on blood lipid and oxidant/antioxidant parameters in humans with high blood cholesterol. J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15:373–7.

11. Dhawan V, Jain S. Effect of garlic supplementation on oxidised low density lipoproteins and lipid peroxidation in patients of essential hypertension. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004;266:109–15.

12. Durak I, Kavutcu M, Aytac B, Avci A, Devrim E, Ozbek H, Ozturk HS. Effects of garlic extract consumption on blood lipid and oxidant/antioxidant parameters in humans with high blood cholesterol. J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15:373–7.

13. Munday JS, James KA, Fray LM, Kirkwood SW, Thompson KG. Daily supplementation with aged garlic extract, but not raw garlic protects low density lipoprotein against in vitro oxidation. Atherosclerosis. 1999;143:399–404.

14. Dillion SA, Lowe GM, Billington D, Rahman K. Dietary supplementation with aged garlic extract reduces plasma and urine concentrations of 8-iso-prostagalandin F(2 alpha) in smoking and non-smoking men and women. J Nutr. 2002;132:168–71.

15. Durak I, Aytac B, Atmaca Y, Devrim E, Avci A, Erol C, Oral D. Effects of aged garlic extract consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in atherosclerotic patients. Life Sci. 2004;75:1959–66.

16. Li G, Shi Z, Jia H, Ju J, Wang X, Xia Z, Qin L, Ge C, Xu Y, et al. A clinical investigation on garlicin injection for the treatment of unstable angina pectoris and its actions on plasma endothelin and blood sugar levels. J Tradit Chin Med. 2000;20:243–6.

17. Breithaupt-Grogler K, Ling M, Boudoulas H, Belz GG, Heiden M, Wenzel E, Gu LD. Protective effect of chronic garlic intake on elastic properties of aorta in the elderly. Circulation. 1997;96:2649–55.

18. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Jung EM, Mroweitz C, Koscielny J, Wenzel E. Effect of garlic on platelet aggregation in patients with increased risk of juvenile ischaemic attack. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 1993;45:333–6.

19. Anim-Nyame N, Sooranna SR, Johnson MR, Gamble J, Steer PJ. Garlic supplementation increases peripheral blood flow: a role for interleukin-6? J Nutr Biochem. 2004;15:30–6.

20. Budoff MJ, Takasu J, Flores FR, Niihara Y, Lu B, Lau BH, Rosen RT, Amagase H. Inhibiting progression of coronary calcification using Aged Garlic Extract in patients receiving statin therapy: a preliminary study. Prev Med. 2004;39:985–91.

Is Food Making You Sick?

Food allergies are a common cause or contributor to a surprising number of diseases and symptoms. Many people with unexplained symptoms never learn that a food allergy can be the source of much misery, and conventional medicine rarely explores the food allergy/disease connection. Learn more about how food allergies can cause disease by visiting our food allergy page.

Ever wonder why people send flowers for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, get well wishes and every major holiday you can name? After all, fresh flowers seem so extravagant. You can’t eat them (for the most part), most aren’t medicinal, and after a week or so, they wilt and are gone. Yet for thousands of years, humans have spent much time and money cultivating these fleeting natural beauties. Science has discovered at least part of the reason for our fascination with flowers: they induce powerful, positive emotions.

In one study, women always elicited the Duchenne or “true smile” when presented with flowers. An increased positive mood could be measured for three days or more after presentation. In another study, a flower given to men or women in an elevator elicited more positive social behavior than any other stimuli. A third study showed that flowers given to participants aged 55+ evoked positive moods and improved  memory. Authors of these studies conclude that “Flowers have immediate and long-term effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors and even memory for both males and females.”

We always have fresh flowers in the house, whether it be a single red rose or an entire vase bursting with color and fragrance. Considering the many positive emotions evoked by fresh flowers, why wait until sickness or death to send someone you love a beautiful bouquet?

Dr. Myatt’s Recommendation

Don’t wait for a special occasion to send flowers to those you love. Remember to send flowers to yourself, too. After having fresh flowers in your home for a week, you’ll understand their healing and uplifting powers and will probably never think of them as “extravagant” again!

It’s Never Too Late to send flowers!

Check out My Favorite Flower Company with their incredible array of choices, great prices and SAME DAY DELIVERY. They make sending flowers easy and enjoyable.

Reference

An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotion: Flowers. Haviland-Jones, Hale Rosario, R. McGuire, Evolutionary Psychology 3: 104-132, 17 April 2005.

A Shot in The Dark?

When I was 8, one of my friend’s dad died suddenly, at the ripe old age of 35, of the flu. Not cancer, not a heart attack, not a car wreck — the flu.

One day he was sick in bed with fever, chills, and headache. The next day he saw the family doctor who prescribed an antibiotic (which is worthless for the flu). He had an anaphylactic reaction (severe allergic reaction) to the antibiotic and died that same day. Even at the tender age of 8, it just didn’t seem right for someone to die of such a “garden variety” illness. But he did, and people still do.

As old-fashioned a disease as “the flu” (influenza) is, 24.7 million people in the US contract the flu each year and over 100,000 of these cases require hospitalization. An average of 41,400 people die from complications of the flu in the US alone every year. Notice I said “complications.” People don’t die of the flu directly. They die of pneumonia or other “flu-related” diseases.1, 2 But don’t expect a flu shot to protect you. That’s because the effectiveness of the “flu shot” is in serious question.

Why The Flu Vaccine is a Bust

The flu is caused by over 200 different viruses and infective agents; colds are caused by over 700 viruses. Vaccinations against the flu protect against only THREE influenza A and B — that’s right — three of the 200 known A & B viruses, and A and B influenza viruses comprise only a small fraction of all causes of the flu.

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against 3 Influenza viruses A & B (solid pink piece of the pie graph). Graph courtesy of the British Medical Journal.

So, the flu vaccine protects from only a small percentage of the known causes of flu and flu vaccines may be effective as little as 39% (some studies show 0%) of the time in healthy adults.3 According to the FDA, “The shot doesn’t do as well at preventing flu in older adults and people with certain medical problems.” 4

Great. Flu vaccines only protect against a small number of viruses, are effective 39% or less of the time and work even less well in people who need it most, the elderly and immune-weakened folks. I’d say the flu vaccine is a real shot in the dark. Worse than ineffective or benign, the influenza vaccine is still preserved with thimerosol (mercury), a known neurotoxin. (Mercury-free vaccines exist but you won’t get it unless you specifically request it).

Of course, the flu isn’t the only malady we are more susceptible to in Winter months. Plain ol’ colds and sinus and respiratory infections also increase in the Winter, not because of cold temperatures directly but because viruses spread more easily in cold, dry air.

If the thought of getting sick, or possibly really sick, this Winter doesn’t inspire you, and if feel like I do —- totally underwhelmed by the effectiveness of the flu vaccine — what can you do?

Fortunately, Mother Nature has more immune-boosting strategies than modern medicine will EVER think of. Here are 4 simple, proven recommendations for keeping yourself “bullet proof” against not only the flu, but colds, sinus infections, pneumonia and all manner of Winter-time maladies.

How to Make Yourself Flu-Proof:  “Winterize” Your Immune System in Four Easy Steps

1.) Eat an Immune-Boosting Diet. The two major dietary causes of immune suppression are sugar intake and food allergies.

I.) Dietary sugar. Sugar suppresses the activity of white blood cells (neutrophils) — an important part of the immune system — for up to 5 hours.  Even fruit juice contains enough sugar to cause this immune-suppressing effect. Sugars which cause immune suppression include glucose, fructose, sucrose, honey, and orange juice.6,7,8 Although original studies showed an immune suppressing effect at 100 grams of sugar other studies have shown that even much lower intakes of dietary sugar have immune suppressing effects. 9,10. The USDA and the Center for Science in Public Interest (CSPI) agree that 40 grams of sugar is an acceptable daily limit.

Imagine a “healthy” (not!) day of eating that can actually keep immunity suppressed for the entire day.

Breakfast: glass of orange juice (1 cup has 21 grams of sugar), oatmeal with raisins (2 TBS. has 20 grams of sugar), 1 tsp. of sugar (4 grams of sugar) and lowfat milk (1 cup has 13 grams of sugar). That’s a whopping 58 grams of sugar just for breakfast! Expect a suppressed immune system for the next 5 hours.

Snack: Nonfat fruit-variety yogurt (1 cup has 47 grams of sugar) Immune suppression for up to 5 hours.

Lunch: Subway Chicken Teriyaki Sanwich (6 grams of sugar) with 2 oz. fat-free French dressing (12 grams sugar) and 1 oatmeal raisin cookie for desert (16 grams of sugar) [32 grams total].  Immune system still suppressed from breakfast and snack.

Dinner: green salad with 2 TBS. fat-free french dressing (6 grams), 1 serving Weight Watcher’s chicken enchiladas (33 grams) with 2 TBS fat-free yogurt topping (2 grams) [41 grams total] Immune suppression until bedtime.

Dessert: 1/2 cup Breyer’s no sugar added vanilla ice cream (only 4 grams), but it’s the “cherry” on the immune-suppression-day cake!

There you have it. “A day in the life” of someone who thinks they are eating fairly well, with more than enough sugar to cause all-day immune suppression. Notice that fruit juice and flavored yogurt are major offenders.

Avoiding sugar is the most important dietary step you can take to strengthen your immune system. Period.

II.) Food allergies. Food allergies weaken the immune system. White blood cells and other aspects of immunity get “distracted” taking care of internal annoyances (allergens) instead of protecting against outside “bugs” like the flu virus. Check out the symptoms of food allergy to see if this might be a problem for you. Check Food Allergy Symptoms Here

2.) Practice simple home and hygiene techniques.

I.) Wash your hands frequently. Flu and cold viruses can survive on surfaces, including hands, for hours. Every time you touch a doorknob or anything touched by another, you can pick up a virus. And don’t rub your eyes or face, thereby transmitting the virus to yourself from unwashed hands.

II.) Cover your mouth and nose — preferably with a tissue — when you sneeze or cough. Remember, flu and cold viruses are transmitted primarily through airborne droplets.

III.) Take the day off! If you’re suffering from a cold, do co-workers and friends a favor and quarantine yourself at home until you’re no longer sneezing and hacking. Of course, if you’ve got a bona fide case of the flu, you WILL be taking the day off. Flu symptoms are almost always severe enough to cause prostration.

IV.) Keep your house humid. Indoor fountains (even the little table-top varieties), humidifiers and live plants all help keep indoor Winter air moist. Viruses spread more slowly in higher humidity because airborne water droplets “grab” the viruses and pull them out of circulation. In dry air, viruses are left to float around from one sneezing, coughing host to another.5

3.) Strengthen your immune system with supplements.

I.) Take an optimal potency vitamin/mineral supplement every day. If you only take one supplement to strengthen your immune system, it should be a good multiple formula. Studies have shown that seniors who take a multiple have stronger immune systems and are less likely to get a respiratory tract infection or the flu.11,12,13 A deficiency of any single vitamin, mineral or trace mineral can lead to weakened immunity. 12-23 Improved nutritional status by supplementation can also improve the body’s response to vaccinations. 24

Notice I said optimal potency, not “minimal.” Studies have also shown that a one-per-day formula does virtually nothing to improve immunity. That’s because you can’t fit enough nutrients into one tablet or capsule to do anything but prevent severe deficiency diseases (like just enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy but not enough to strengthen the immune system). In the nutritional industry, we call that “pixie dust.” An optimal-potency multi vitamin will require at least 6 caps per day (in divided doses). My Maxi Multi recommendation is 9 caps per day, which also includes a full dose of calcium and magnesium (which take up a lot of space in a capsule).

Here are the nutrients of particular immune-enhancing importance, and they should all be found in a good multiple nutrient formula.

• vitamin C – people with daily intakes of 500-1,000mg per day are less likely to catch colds, respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Vitamin C also shortens the duration and severity of these infections.25-29,45
• vitamin E – 200IU or more per day reduces the rate of common colds and upper respiratory tract infections 30,31 and increases resistance to influenza in seniors.18, 32-35,44
• beta carotene – seniors with a high plasma beta-carotene concentration have a lower occurrence of acute respiratory infections.36
• vitamin A – needed to maintain normal “barrier” function of skin and mucous membranes, thereby preventing entry of viruses. Normal levels improve immunity and disease resistance.14,23,29,37-38
• vitamin D – Improves immunity and may enhance response to vaccinations.14,23,37,39
• zinc – normal zinc status lowers the risk of pneumonia by nearly 50% 40 and decreases the incidence, duration and severity of upper respiratory infections and pneumonia.18,38,41,45 Improved zinc status also enhances the body’s response to vaccinations.11,29
• selenium – Decreases the risk of respiratory tract infections. Improved selenium status also enhances the body’s response to vaccinations.11,18,35,42-43

If you are not getting these target doses in your multiple vitamin, then add them separately OR switch to a better multiple vitamin/mineral formula. You can take a lot of “separate stuff” to achieve immune-boosting “target doses” of nutrients, but why would you want to work that hard?

SHAMELESS PITCH HERE: my own Maxi Multi’s contain target doses of all these immune-boosting nutrients. Check to see how your multiple stacks up: Optimal Doses of Vitamins and Minerals for Good Health (scroll to the vitamin and mineral charts toward the bottom of the page)

II.) Supplement with additional immune-boosting herbs. For additional protection, add an immune-enhancing formula throughout the colder months (recommended November through April). There are literally hundreds of herbs that can be used to strengthen the immune system. Some work better — and some work MUCH better — than others.

I’ve put together my own formula of the most “tried and true” (and proven) immune enhancing herbs including Echinacea, astragalus, medicinal mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi), Ligustrum, Goldenseal and Garlic. Learn more about my Immune Support formula here:

I Guarantee You Won’t Get The Flu This Winter

I’m so confident that Immune Support formula, when used in combination with an optimal potency multiple like Maxi Multi, will help you avoid the flu that I offer a “guaranteed no flu this Winter” money-back guarantee. How confident is that?! Did your local doctor promise if you got a flu shot you wouldn’t get the flu or your money back? (Hahahaha….) See my “No Flu for You” Guarantee here

And for Goodness sakes, don’t wait until you feel fever and chills coming on to start taking supplements or eating better (although even late in the game, studies show you can shorten the severity and duration of a winter infection). Prevention is surer and safer than cure, and looks to me to be surer and safer than the flu vaccine, too!

In Health,

Dr. Myatt

References

1. J. Dushoff, J. Plotkin, Cc Viboud, D. Earn, L. Simonsen. Mortality due to Influenza in the United States—An Annualized Regression Approach Using Multiple-Cause Mortality Data. American Journal of Epidemiology 2006 163(2):181-187
2. Molinari NA, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Messonnier ML, Thompson WW, Wortley PM, Weintraub E, Bridges CB. The annual impact of seasonal influenza in the US: measuring disease burden and costs. Vaccine. 2007 Jun 28;25(27):5086-96. Epub 2007 Apr 20.
3. Demicheli V, Rivetti D, Deeks JJ, Jefferson TO. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;3: CD001269.
4. The Flu. US Food and Drug Administration Fact Sheet, Aug. 2005.
5. Lowen AC, Mubareka S, Steel J, Palese P (2007) Influenza Virus Transmission Is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature. PLoS Pathog 3(10): e151. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.0030151
6. Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973; 26: 1180-84
7. Van Oss CJ. Influence of glucose levels on the in vitro phagocytosis of bacteria by human neutrophils. Infect Immun. 1971 Jul;4(1):54-9.
8. Ringsdorf WM jr, Cheraskin E and Ramsey RR jr. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease. Dent Surv 1976; 52 (12): 46-48
9. Sanchez A, et al. Role of sugars in human neutrophilic phagocytosis. Am J Clin Nutr 1973; 26: 1180-84
10. Ringsdorf WM jr, Cheraskin E and Ramsey RR jr. Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis, and Resistance to Disease. Dent Surv 1976; 52 (12): 46-48
11. Girodon F, Galan P, Monget AL, Boutron-Ruault MC, Brunet-Lecomte P, Preziosi P, Arnaud J, Manuguerra JC, Herchberg S. Impact of trace elements and vitamin supplementation on immunity and infections in institutionalized elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial. MIN. VIT. AOX. geriatric network. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Apr 12;159(7):748-54.
12. Langkamp-Henken B, Bender BS, Gardner EM, Herrlinger-Garcia KA, Kelley MJ, Murasko DM, Schaller JP, Stechmiller JK, Thomas DJ, Wood SM. Nutritional formula enhanced immune function and reduced days of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in seniors. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2004 Jan;52(1):3-12.
13. Winkler P, de Vrese M, Laue Ch, Schrezenmeir J. ffect of a dietary supplement containing probiotic bacteria plus vitamins and minerals on common cold infections and cellular immune parameters. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Jul;43(7):318-26.
14. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
15. Beck MA, Handy J, Levander OA. Host nutritional status: the neglected virulence factor. Trends Microbiol. 2004 Sep;12(9):417-23.
16. Beck MA. Nutritionally induced oxidative stress: effect on viral disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6 Suppl):1676S-81S.
17. Chandra RK. Impact of nutritional status and nutrient supplements on immune responses and incidence of infection in older individuals. Ageing Res Rev. 2004 Jan;3(1):91-104.
18. High KP. Nutritional strategies to boost immunity and prevent infection in elderly individuals. Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Dec 1;33(11):1892-900. Epub 2001 Oct 25.
19. Sebastian RS, Cleveland LE, Goldman JD, Moshfegh AJ.Older adults who use vitamin/mineral supplements differ from nonusers in nutrient intake adequacy and dietary attitudes. J Am Diet Assoc. 2007 Aug;107(8):1322-32.
20. Chandra RK. Nutrition and immunology: from the clinic to cellular biology and back again. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 Aug;58(3):681-3.
21. Maggini S, Wintergerst ES, Beveridge S, Hornig DH. Selected vitamins and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. Br J Nutr. 2007 Oct;98 Suppl 1:S29-35.
22. Harbige LS. Nutrition and immunity with emphasis on infection and autoimmune disease. Nutr Health. 1996;10(4):285-312.
23. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Contribution of selected vitamins and trace elements to immune function. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(4):301-23. Epub 2007 Aug 28.
24. Wouters-Wesseling W, Rozendaal M, Snijder M, Graus Y, Rimmelzwaan G, De Groot L, Bindels J. Effect of a complete nutritional supplement on antibody response to influenza vaccine in elderly people. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2002 Sep;57(9):M563-6.
25. Sasazuki S, Sasaki S, Tsubono Y, Okubo S, Hayashi M, Tsugane S.Effect of vitamin C on common cold: randomized controlled trial.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jan;60(1):9-17.
26. Van Straten M, Josling P. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2002 May-Jun;19(3):151-9.
27. Carr AB, Einstein R, Lai LY, Martin NG, Starmer GA. Vitamin C and the common cold: using identical twins as controls. Med J Aust. 1981 Oct 17;2(8):411-2.
28. Anderson TW, Beaton GH, Corey P, Spero L. Winter illness and vitamin C: the effect of relatively low doses. Can Med Assoc J. 1975 Apr 5;112(7):823-6.
29. Romieu I. Nutrition and lung health. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2005 Apr;9(4):362-74.
30. Meydani SN, Han SN, Hamer DH. Vitamin E and respiratory infection in the elderly. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1031:214-22.
31. Meydani SN, Leka LS, Fine BC, Dallal GE, Keusch GT, Singh MF, Hamer DH. Vitamin E and respiratory tract infections in elderly nursing home residents: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Aug 18;292(7):828-36.
32. Meydani SN, Han SN, Wu D. Vitamin E and immune response in the aged: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications. Immunol Rev. 2005 Jun;205:269-84.
33. Han SN, Meydani M, Wu D, Bender BS, Smith DE, Viña J, Cao G, Prior RL, Meydani SN. Effect of long-term dietary antioxidant supplementation on influenza virus infection. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2000 Oct;55(10):B496-503.
34. Meydani SN, Meydani M, Blumberg JB, Leka LS, Siber G, Loszewski R, Thompson C, Pedrosa MC, Diamond RD, Stollar BD. Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. A randomized controlled trial. Vitamin E supplementation and in vivo immune response in healthy elderly subjects. A randomized controlled trial.
35. Beck MA. Selenium and vitamin E status: impact on viral pathogenicity. J Nutr. 2007 May;137(5):1338-40.
36. van der Horst-Graat JM, Kok FJ, Schouten EG. Plasma carotenoid concentrations in relation to acute respiratory infections in elderly people. Br J Nutr. 2004 Jul;92(1):113-8
37. Mora JR, Iwata M, von Andrian UH. Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take centre stage. Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Aug 8. [Epub ahead of print]
38. Molina EL, Patel JA. A to Z: vitamin A and zinc, the miracle duo.Indian J Pediatr. 1996 Jul-Aug;63(4):427-31.
39. Hayes CE, Nashold FE, Spach KM, Pedersen LB.The immunological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2003 Mar;49(2):277-300.
40. Meydani SN, Barnett JB, Dallal GE, Fine BC, Jacques PF, Leka LS, Hamer DH. Serum zinc and pneumonia in nursing home elderly.Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):1167-73.
41. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. Epub 2005 Dec 21.
42. Beck MA. Antioxidants and viral infections: host immune response and viral pathogenicity. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Oct;20(5 Suppl):384S-388S; discussion 396S-397S.
43. Beck MA. Selenium and host defence towards viruses. Proc Nutr Soc. 1999 Aug;58(3):707-11.
44. Burton A. Fewer colds with increased vitamin E intake. Lancet Infect Dis. 2004 Oct;4(10):600.
45. Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. Epub 2005 Dec 21.

Are You Relying on a Flu Shot Alone to Protect You?

The flu is expected to strike 24,700,000 people in the US alone this year according to CDC predictions (which are usually accurate because they are based on previous years’ statistics). An estimated 41,4000 will die from complications of their infection.

If you are you relying on a flu shot alone to protect you from colds and flu this winter, the odds are not in your favor. With 200+ strains of flu viruses and over 700 different strains of cold viruses waiting to have their way with you, a flu shot aimed at protecting you from only three of these 900+ viruses can still leave you wide-open to life-threatening infection. Even the majority of flu victims who recover still suffer from low energy, immune weakness and respiratory symptoms for weeks or months afterward. As “simple” and old-fashioned as the flu may sound, it is still a deadly disease.

A Healthy Immune System Is Your Best Safeguard Against The Flu

Your body has a built-in safeguard against viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungus and even cancer. This shield, called the Immune System, is far more effective than any vaccination or modern-day drug against a wide range of diseases. Unfortunately, many factors “inherent to modern life,” such as nutrient deficiencies, smoking, stress, environmental pollutants, overweight, sleep deprivation, excess sugar and carbohydrates in the diet and even aging, all weaken this incredible defense system. Renewing the Immune System to a youthful level of performance can do more for immunity than all the drugs of modern medicine combined.

Meet Your Mighty Immune System

Your body has an entire “army” to protect you from foreign invasion. It is called the Immune System. Like any good military, each “division” of this army has a specific duty to perform — far beyond just the white blood cells you learned about in biology class.

The immune system is one of the most complex and crucial systems in the body. It is composed of organs, cells and immune factors. Your body’s cellular army includes:

• Natural Killer (NK) cells,
• T-cells,
• B-cells,
• macrophages,
• Polymorphonuclear Cells (PMN’s),
• dendritic cells

The body also produces a variety of “immune factors” that direct the activity of the immune cells. These immune factors include:

• antibodies
• cytokines
• interferon
• interleukin
• Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).

The bone marrow, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes are also part of the immune system.

Each of these organs, cells and immune factors work in together to protect the host (that’s you!) from infection by viruses, bacteria, parasites, protozoans, funguses and cancerous cells. Because each part of this system works as part of the whole, when even a single “platoon” of this complex army goes AWOL, the entire immune “military” is compromised, along with the health of the body it is designed to protect.

Beyond Vaccines and Antibiotics: Boosting Immunity Naturally

Vaccines like the “flu shot” activate only a small part of the immune system and only against a few viruses, leaving the door wide-open for hundreds of other viruses, bacteria, funguses, and parasites to infect the host. Antibiotics are only effective against certain bacteria; they do nothing to prevent or cure viral or fungal infections. And neither vaccines nor antibiotics improve overall immunity. In fact, overuse of antibiotics can cause “Super Bugs,” deadly bacteria that are resistant to all known antibiotics. In certain instances, these drugs can be life-saving, but for overall protection from viruses and bacteria, they pale compared to the body’s own immune system.

Fortunately, many herbs and nutrients are proven to stimulate immune function. Not only do a number of these nutrients and herbs have a direct “kill” effect like antibiotics, many of them also increase various aspects of immune response in general, a feat that vaccines and antibiotics just can’t do.

Here’s the Good News: Proven Nutrients and Herbs to Boost Immunity

• Vitamin A. One of the most highly documented nutrients necessary for normal immune function, vitamin A increases neutrophil phagocytosis, cell- mediated immunity, humoral response and interleukin-2 production. Recent research has found a strong link between vitamin A deficiency and upper respiratory infections.
• Vitamin C. Like vitamin A, vitamin C has been the subjects of hundreds of scientific studies. Vitamin C is antiviral and antibacterial, but its most potent effect is to enhance immunity. It increases white blood cell activity, interferon production, and thymic hormone secretion. Levels of vitamin C are quickly depleted during infection. Other studies have shown that people who take higher doses of vitamin C are less likely to contract colds and flu, and if they do get sick, their illnesses are less severe and of shorter duration.
• Zinc The essential mineral zinc is an enzyme activator that is necessary for normal immune function. Unfortunately, it is a mineral that is often lacking in the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.). Optimal zinc intake helps boost immunity and also serves as an antioxidant.
• Echinacea (Echniacea angustifolia) With over 400 scientific studies to its credit, Echinacea is one of the most widely studied medicinal herbs. It’s value in enhancing immunity well-proven. Echinacea activates NK, T-lymphocyte and neutrophil activity, and stimulates interferon production. It also increases non specific defense mechanisms including alternate complement pathways. In animal studies, Echinacea is anti-tumerogenic.
• Astragalus (A. membranaceus) Human and animal studies have shown that Astragalus is a potent antiviral, able to provide protection from the viruses that cause influenza and the common cold by increasing T-cell activity and stimulating interferon, interleukin-2, and IgA and IgG antibodies.
• Medicinal Mushrooms (Maitake, Shiitake, Reishi) act as immune stimulants and anti-tumorogenic agents. They have been used by the Chinese for this purpose for thousands of years and modern research has verified their immune-stimulating benefits. Beta 1,3 Glucan, a constituent of medicinal mushrooms, actives T-cells and stimulates cytokine production.Studies conducted in Japan with lentinan (a beta-1,3-1,6-glucan from the shiitake mushroom) have shown an increase in immune Natural Killer (NK) cells and an increased survival time in cancer patients, sometimes by more than five years. In fact, Lentinan is considered a drug in Japan and is approved for clinical use.

  Although medicinal mushrooms (and their active ingredient, beta-glucan) have been most widely studied as immune-stimulating anti-cancer agents, they have also been shown to be effective immune stimulants in a variety of infectious diseases (including anthrax) as well.

• Ligustrum (ligustrum lucidum) Ligustrum has been used in combination with astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Studies conducted in China show that ligustrum stimulates the immune system, decreases inflammation and protects the liver.
• Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) Goldenseal has both antibiotic AND immune-stimulating properties. The active ingredient in Goldenseal, berberine, is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is effective against variety of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Bacteria that are vulnerable to berberine are Staph, Strep, and Enterococcal species. Berberine also inhibits the growth of yeasts (such as Candida) which often overgrow as a response to antibiotic treatment. Berberine further boosts immunity by increasing the blood supply to the spleen and activating macrophages.
• Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many plants including apples, onions, green and black tea. Small amounts are also found in green leafy vegetables. Flavonoids occur in nature in combination with vitamin C, and appear to protect and enhance vitamin C’s action.
• Garlic (Allium sativum) As a food and a medicine, garlic comes close to being a true panacea. Research has proved garlic’s immune-stimulating ability, including activation of NK and T-cells. Garlic has potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against alpha and beta Strep, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella, Staph aureus, Mycobacteriaum and Proteus spp. Unlike drug antibiotics, there is no evidence that bacteria cen become “immune” to garlic’s effects.

Safeguard Your Health Before It’s Too Late

By the time you feel the first symptoms of a cold or the flu, the virus is already active in your body. Even at this stage, immune-boosting nutrients and herbs can help shorten the duration and severity of infection. But why risk even a mild infection when you can safeguard your health all season long?

Adding a variety of immune-stimulating nutrients and herbs to your supplement program can help you increase your body’s immune response by up to 200% or more — and protect yourself from ALL the season’s “bad bugs” and viruses — not just a few.

Will You Make This Dangerous Mistake?

I don’t know why some people do this, but I’ve seen it many times. They learn about immune-boosting herbs and nutrients. They decide it would be wise to add them to their supplement program in order to protect their health, especially during the height of cold and flu season. But they don’t follow through.

Instead, they wait until the fever and chills begin — and by then, they’re often too sick to run around town trying to find these healing nutrients. Even those who manage to crawl to a local health food store can’t be sure of what they are getting, and are often too miserable at this point to do good research on the available products.

Do your “due diligence” NOW — while you’re feeling fine — then lay in a supply of immune-boosting nutrients and herbs and take them all Winter long. You’ll be glad to spend the season infection-free, even when those around you are laid up with colds, flu and other seasonal maladies.

Are These Proven Immune-Boosting Nutrients  in YOUR Healing Arsenal?

I’m called “The Dragon Lady” in the nutritional foods industry. Why? Because my standard for herbs and supplements is uncompromising. I believe that “the most expensive supplement is the one that doesn’t work.” You can buy a cheap formula that you know nothing about and hope for the best. Personally, I don’t trust my own health to any nutritional formula unless I am convinced of it’s potency, purity and scientific formulation. That’s why I felt compelled to make my own immune formula — so I could be confident of it’s effectiveness.

I’ve taken the most well-researched immune-boosting vitamins, minerals and herbs and put them into a single, easy-to-take formula called Immune System Support. Just two capsules a day delivers the therapeutic doses of the herbs and nutrients documented to improve immune system function. When added to a daily program of nutritious diet, moderate exercise and optimal vitamin/mineral supplementation, Immune System Support will do more to protect you from infection than any vaccination or antibiotic could ever do. Although Nurse Mark and I are exposed to sick people are year long, we rarely ever “catch” anything because we keep our immune systems in shape with the simple, natural strategy outline above.

If you want to do more to keep yourself infection-free all year long, and especially during the “flu season,” you should be taking a proven immune formula that looks a lot like my Immune System Support. Better yet, just take Immune System Support. I’ve already done all the “heavy lifting” of research, formulation and quality control for you. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

Immune System Support

Each (two) capsules contain

Echinacea angustifolia root (4% echinacoside) 100 mg

Astragalus membranaceus root extract 250 mg

Maitake mushroom TD-fraction extract 25 mg

Maitake mushroom powder 100 mg

Shiitake mushroom powder 200 mg

Reishi mushroom powder 100 mg

Ligustrum lucidum fruit extract 100 mg

Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis) 10 mg

Quercetin 50 mg

Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb powder 50 mg

Vitamin A (as beta carotene) 2,500 IU

Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 100 mg

Vitamin B-6 5 mg

Folic acid 400 mcg

Vitamin B-12 5 mcg

Pantothenic acid 5 mg

Zinc 10 mg

Suggested dose: 2 capsules per day for general immune enhancement. May be increased to 2 caps, 3 times per day for acute infections or additional immune support.

 

The Money Back Guarantee
My Accountant Says I’m Nuts to Offer

Nobody — I mean NOBODY — guarantees that you won’t get the flu. Did your doctor promise you a money-back guarantee if you get the flu in spite of having a flu shot? Hahahaha. When it comes to seasonal viruses, nothing is a sure bet. But I’ve scoured the medical literature with a fine-toothed comb. I’ve put the highest quality nutrients into my Immune System Support formula. And I’ve used this power-house of herbs and nutrients for years in my clinical practice, so I know what results to expect. I might be crazy, but I’m not stupid. I want you to stay infection-free this Winter, especially from a life-threatening case of the flu. So here’s how I’m going to entice you to take Immune System Support all Winter long.

If you promise to faithfully take just two capsules per day of Immune System Support, plus the daily multiple vitamin/mineral supplement equivalent of my Maxi Multi formula*, I’m confident the flu won’t be able to touch you. If you get the flu while you are taking Immune System Support and Maxi Multi’s, I’ll refund your entire season’s cost of both products. (I can’t guarantee the effectiveness of someone else’s multiple formula). All you have to do is promise to take your Maxi Multi’s and Immune System Support faithfully. I don’t think you’d try and fool me about having the flu — it’s far too serious a matter.

Now you have access to the most powerful immune-boosting herbs and nutrients on the planet – all in one place. These are the nutrients and herbs that will activate your immune system and make you “bullet proof” to colds, flu and other “seasonal maladies.”

* studies show that a ‘once-per-day” (one pill per day) vitamin supplement is worthless for increasing immunity, but that an optimal daily dose of vitamins and minerals (such as found in Maxi Multi), significantly increases immune function. These immune-enhancing effects are most pronounced in seniors over age 65, although they apply to all age groups.

I’ve taken all the risk. You don’t have anything to lose except your susceptibility to colds, flu, bacterial infections and a whole host of other nasty infectious diseases. How can you lose?

Please Order Today: Supplies Are Limited

I don’t want you to be disappointed, so please order today to avoid missing out on this offer. Our supply of Immune System Support is limited because we use only the highest quality raw materials in this formula. Inferior herbs are easy to come by, but herbs of the highest quality are like vintage wines — there’s only so much available each year and when it’s gone, it’s gone. I won’t compromise my standards in order to keep pumping out an inferior formula. I’ll just have to tell you that we are “backordered” until more becomes available. But that won’t help keep you safe through flu season, will it?

Rather than selling junk, I’ve chosen instead to limit the number of people I can make my “all winter long” guarantee to — which includes making the formula available continuously. My private practice patients who already take this formula get “first dibs,” of course. Wellness Club Members also have priority. After everyone in these two groups is locked in to their winter supply (I recommend taking this at least through the end of April), I’ll make the rest available to those few folks who see the wisdom in taking charge of their own immune health. Those who sign up for “auto-order” will have their supply shipped every month and will be guaranteed to “get the goods.”

Don’t wait a minute longer…start boosting your immune system NOW before the flu season hits.

In Health,
Dr. Dana Myatt
Dana Myatt, N.M.D.

Click Here to find and order MaxiMulti

Click Here to find and order Immune System Support

One Step FOB Test Strip for feces (Revised Jan. 30th, 2001)

Intended Use The one step FOB (Occult Blood) test is a simple one step immuno-chromatographic assay for the rapid, qualitative detection of human occult blood in feces.

Explanation of the Test: The FOB test is designed to detect lower levels of fecal occult blood than standard guaiac tests. The basis of the test is an immuno-chromatographic sandwich capture method, which yields results that appear more specific to human occult blood and are easier to interpret than those of guaiac-based devices. In addition, unlike guaiac assays, the accuracy of the OB test is not affected by interfering substances and does not depend on the status of the patient at the time the specimen is taken.

The Fecal Occult Blood Test employs a unique combination of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to selectively identify occult blood in test samples with a high degree of sensitivity. Elevated levels of human occult blood as low as 25 ng/ml can be detected.

Precautions The One Step FOBtest kit should be stored at room temperature 4-30oC (40-86oF). The test device is sensitive to humidity and as well as to heat. Perform the test immediately after removing the test device from the foil pouch. Do not use it beyond the expiration date.

Warnings 1. For in vitro diagnostic use only. 2. Do not eat or smoke while handling specimens. 3. Wear protective gloves while handling specimens. Wash hands thoroughly afterwards. 4. Avoid splashing or aerosol formation. 5. Clean up spills thoroughly using an appropriate disinfectant. 6. Decontaminate and dispose of all specimens, reaction kits and potentially contaminated materials, as if they were infectious waste, in a biohazard container. 7. Do not use the test kit if the pouch is damaged or the seal is broken.

Specimen preparation 1. Specimen collection should not be performed during or within three days of a menstrual period, or if the patient suffers from bleeding hemorrhoids or blood in the urine, false-positive test results may be obtained. 2. Dietary restrictions are not necessary. 3. Alcohol, aspirin and other medications taken in excess may cause gastrointestinal irritation resulting in occult bleeding. Such substances should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to testing.

Specimen collection 1. Unscrew the top of the sample collection device and use the sample collection stick to collect stool sample by dipping the stick into 3 different places of the same stool sample. 2. Put the sample collection stick containing the sample back in the sample collection device and screw it tightly. Shake it very well. 3. It is recommended that the above Step 1 to Step 2 to be repeated for three consecutive days.

Procedure of the test 1. Remove the test strip from its foil pouch. 2. After collecting stool samples for three consecutive days, bring the sample collection device to room temperature. Then shake the device several times. 3. Break off the tip of the collection device and squeeze 2 drops of the extracted sample on the sample pad (Figure 1). 4. Interpret test results at 5 to 10 minutes.

Caution: The above interpretation time is based on reading the test results at room temperature of 15 to 30 oC. If your room temperature is significantly lower than 15 oC, then the interpretation time should be properly increased.

Interpretation of the test 1. A color band will appear at the left section of the result window to show that the test is working properly. This band is the Control Band. 2. The right section of the result window indicates the test results. If another color band appears at the right section of the result window, this band is Test Band.

Positive Result: The presence of two color bands (“C” and “T” bands) within the result window no matter, which band appears first indicates a positive result (Figure 2).

Negative Result: The presence of only one purple color (“C”) band within the result window indicates a negative result (Figure 2).

Invalid result: After performing the test and no purple color band is visible within the result window, this result is considered invalid. The directions may not have been followed correctly or the test may have deteriorated. It is recommended that the specimen be re-tested (Figure 2).

Note: Once a positive result has been established (after 10 minutes), the result will not change. However, in order to prevent any incorrect results, the test result should not be interpreted after 10 minutes. Interpreting test results after 10 minutes, the sensitivity of the test will be higher than 25 ng/ml..

Limitations of the test The presence of blood in stools may be other than colorectal bleeding, such as hemorrhoids, blood in urine or stomach irritations. Negative results do not exclude bleeding since it can be intermittent. Colorectal polyps at very early stages may not bleed. Other clinically available tests are required if questionable results are obtained. As with all diagnostic tests, a definitive clinical diagnosis should not be based on the results of a single test, but should only be made by the physician after all clinical and laboratory findings have been evaluated.

References 1. Bahrt KM, Korman LY, and Nashel DJ, “Significance of a Positive Test for Occult Blood in Stools of Patients Taking Anti-inflammatory Drugs,” Arch Intern Med, 1984, 144:2165-6. 2. Blebea J and McPherson RA, “False-Positive Guaiac Testing With Iodine,” Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1985, 109:437-40. 3. Block GE, “Colon Cancer: Diagnosis and Prognosis in the Elderly,” Geriatrics, 1989, 44(5):45-7, 52-3. 4. Doyle AC, “A Study in Scarlet,” Philadelphia, PA: JB Lippincott Co, 1902. 5. Fleischer DE, Goldberg SB, Browning TH, et al, “Detection and Surveillance of Coleorectal Cancer,” JAMA, 1989, 261(4):580-5.

http://www.meditests.com/t-misc2.html