Immune system boosters will strengthen the body’s ability to prevent pathogens from making you ill.
Apple cider vinegar has antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties that can naturally alkalize your body, which can help prevent or fight cancer in some cases (read more about that in our CE article here). This special type of vinegar can also combat heartburn, manage weight, and lower cholesterol. It can also be used as a sterilizer or disinfectant when used topically, or can be a delicious addition to salads and other recipes!
Astragalus Is one of the most widely known and used herbs in Chinese medicine. It contains flavonoids, free amino acids, trace minerals and polyphenols and boosts the body’s production of white blood cells.
Astragalus also reduces autoimmune response (allergy, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus), and stimulates B-cells and antibody production. Researchers confirmed that astragalus enhances T-cell activity and stimulates macrophages, which produce cytokine tumor necrosis factor—a potent immune weapon—and interleukin-6 which mediates acute-phase response. At the same time, astragalus suppressed tumor growth and restored immune function compromised by tumor growth. A recent study in Houston found it restored T-cell function in nine out of ten cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Modern Chinese use astragalus in combination with other herbs in Fu Zheng therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
From: http://darcynat.com/hepo_whprotocol.asp
Bioflavonoids A group of phytonutrients called bioflavonoids aids the immune system by protecting the cells of the body against environmental pollutants. Bioflavonoids protect the cell membranes against the pollutants trying to attach to them. Along the membrane of each cell there are microscopic parking spaces, called receptor sites. Pollutants, toxins, or germs can park here and gradually eat their way into the membrane of the cell, but when bioflavonoids fill up these parking spots there is no room for toxins to park. Bioflavonoids also reduce the cholesterol’s ability to form plaques in arteries and lessen the formation of microscopic clots inside arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Studies have shown that people who eat the most bioflavonoids have less cardiovascular disease. A diet that contains a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, at least six servings per day, will help you get the bioflavonoids needed to help your immune system work in top form.
Broccoli contains sulphoraphane, a phytonutrient (plant nutrient) that helps T-cells to recognize cancer cells as invaders and signal NK-cells to destroy them. Broccoli sprouts contain ten times more sulphoraphane than the full grown vegetable.
Carotenoids Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, which itself has anti-cancer properties and immune-boosting functions. Beta carotene also protects against cancer by stimulating the immune cells which kill cancer cells. It has also been shown that beta carotene supplements can increase the production of T-cell lymphocytes and natural killer cells and can enhance the ability of the natural killer cells to attack cancer cells.
Vitamin A comes in more than one form. The form beta carotene (readily obtainable from brightly coloured vegetables) is converted by the body into vitamin A only as required. Vitamin A in the form of retinoic acid (retinol), most commonly obtained from cod liver oil, can adversely affect the uptake of vitamin D. Adequate vitamin D is vitally important to reduce your cancer risk
Cats Claw a T-cell booster. The South American natives have historically used this herb as a cancer remedy.
Cayenne Pepper Hot peppers are great for circulation, aid in the hormonal communication process, and increase the absorption speed as well as the strength and action of anything you take with them.
Colloidal Silver has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic. It has cured severe throat infections. Colloidal silver is a mixture of silver particles suspended in fluid. Though meant to be a temporary treatment, since silver, a heavy metal, can be toxic, it can be used to stop the enzymes that single-cell bacteria need in order to multiply.
Cruciferous Vegetables Broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, salad radishes, mustard greens, turnips, rutabaga, kale, daikon, collard greens, and watercress are all cruciferous vegetables. After years of claiming that diet had no connection to nutrition, the American Cancer Society finally came out and promoted eating cruciferous vegetables as a cancer preventative. These veggies increase levels of glutathione (pronounced GLUE-ta-THIGH-own) which is an extremely important factor to a healthy immune system and is a detoxifier that eliminates carcinogens. Low levels of glutathione lead to aging and death.
Dark Greens Your liver loves the dark green vegetables (it hates sweets and fats). There are more phytochemicals in these dark green veggies than we can list here, only to say that they fight cancer, promote bone growth, clean your liver, and of course, are filled with antioxidants.
Echinacea kick starts your immune system, a great T-cell booster.
ETAs It seems that the Green Lipped Mussel of New Zealand contains a unique configuration of Eicosatetraenoic Acids (ETAs) that are related to the omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish but are much more powerful anti-inflammatories than flax oil and fish oils. The oil is called Lyprinol. How much more powerful?
Dr Michael Whitehouse, PhD of the Department of Medicine at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia is the recognized authority on Lyprinol. He tested Lyprinol against the other anti-inflammatory oils and determined that Lyprinol’s anti-inflammatory properties were 200 times more potent than MaxEPA (another potent anti-inflammatory) and 350 times more powerful than evening primrose oil.
In another study Lyprinol was found to be 97% effective in reducing swelling and pain associated with all forms of arthritis. [Gibson RG et.al.Practitioner, #224, PP95-60, 1980]
Exercise Every time you exercise, it releases an influx of antibodies as well as a form of white blood cell that help kill invading organisms and natural killer cells, another type of white blood cell, which help the body destroy both tumors and viruses. These cells work to boost your body’s defenses. Plus, harmful stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which tend to repress the immune system and lessen our bodies’ attempts to ward off illness, are lowered when we exercise. So exercise is a powerful immune system booster.
Garlic This member of the onion family is a powerful immune booster that stimulates the multiplication of infection-fighting white cells, boosts natural killer cell activity, and increases the efficiency of antibody production. The immune-boosting properties of garlic seem to be due to its sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin and sulfides. Garlic can also act as an antioxidant that reduces the build-up of free radicals in the bloodstream. Garlic may protect against cancer, though the evidence is controversial. Cultures with a garlic-rich diet have a lower incidence of intestinal cancer. Garlic may also play a part in getting rid of potential carcinogens and other toxic substances.
You may have heard that garlic is excellent at fighting the common cold, which is entirely true! Its powerful flavour is an excellent match for its powerful healing properties, as the allicin in it protects against yeast, parasites, bacteria, Candida, and more. Allicin is one of the active principles in freshly crushed garlic homogenates, which has a variety of antimicrobial activities. Keep in mind that this is especially powerful within raw garlic!
Ginger is a natural antibiotic and anti-bacterial. It’s also used for other medicinal purposes such as curing colds, nausea, asthma, colic, heart palpitations, swelling, and stomach aches.
Raw Honey is another excellent natural source of “antibiotics,” as the enzyme found in honey releases hydrogen peroxide, making it perfect for naturally treating wounds and preventing infection. In fact, ancient Romans actually used it on the battlefield in order to prevent infection and treat them. Please note that it is crucial that you purchase raw, unpasteurized, and preferably organic honey, as regular commercial honey is highly refined and stripped of many of its health benefits as a result. Honey can also alleviate digestive issues, colds, and sore throats.
Habanero peppers are well-known for being one of the spiciest peppers, but they’re also known for their antibacterial properties. In fact, you can even just use Habanero chili sauces to fight against bacteria!
Horseradish root contains isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are proven to hold antibacterial properties. As a result, it can be used as a natural “antibiotic.” The oil that causes the stronger taste of horseradish (as well as mustard and wasabi) is called allyl isothiocyanate, or mustard oil, which is a proven antimicrobial against a number of pathogens.
Iodine
The recommended daily intake for adults is between .03 and .15 mg per day (NHMRC guidelines) but Dr. Guy E. Abraham, M.D. is a former professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Endocrinology at the UCLA School of Medicine who has studied it for decades. He contends the recommended daily allowance is woefully inadequate and that we need 12.5 mg a day.
All of Dr. Abraham’s quite technical articles are available from the Internet at www.optimox.com. An excellent non-technical explanation of iodine and health is available in the book Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, by David Brownstein, M.D. (available from Medical Alternatives Press, +1-888-647-5616). Another good, (mostly non-technical) book covering additional aspects of iodine and health is Breast Cancer and Iodine, by David Derry, M.D., Ph.D. (available from Trafford Publishing, +1-888-232-4444).
Here are some quotes:
In a 1958 book to do with diet written by a doctor in America the chapter regarding the thyroid gland states:
“All the blood in the body passes through the thyroid gland every 17 minutes. During this 17 minute passage the gland’s secretion of iodine KILLS weak germs that may have gained entry into the blood through an injury to the skin, the lining of nose or throat, or through absorption of food from the digestive tract, Strong, virulent germs are rendered weaker by each 17 min trip, until finally they are killed.
“It is well established that the iodine content of the thyroid gland is dependent upon the iodine available in the food and water intake of the individual.
“This gland performs other functions besides killing harmful germs in the blood. The 1st is the rebuilding of energy with which to do the day’s work. The 2nd is to calm the body and relieve nervous tension, and the 3rd relates to clear thinking. Iodine is also one of the best oxidizing catalysts we have.
“Now while the thyroid gland helpfully stores iodine from the blood passing through it every 17 minutes, the gland MAY also BE MADE TO LOSE THAT STORED IODINE IF, for example, WE TAKE IN DRINKING WATER TO WHICH CHLORINE IS ADDED, or use too much sodium chloride, whose common name is table salt.
“There is a WELL-KNOWN law of halogen displacement. The halogen group is made up as follows:
Halogen Relative Atomic Weight
FLUORINE 19.
CHLORINE 35.5
BROMINE 80.
IODINE 127.
ASTATINE 210
“The clinical activity of any one of these halogens is in INVERSE proportion to its atomic weight. This means that any one of the four, CAN DISPLACE THE ELEMENT WITH A HIGHER ATOMIC WEIGHT but cannot displace an element with a lower atomic weight.
“Therefore FLUORINE with the LOWEST atomic weight CAN REPLACE ALL of the others, but most of all IODINE. BUT A REVERSE ORDER IS NOT POSSIBLE…
“…Since we take in fluoride with our water supply and the iodine levels in food have dropped 50% over the last 50 years then we have a 94.7% chance of being iodine deficient.
“Conclusion: This means we are less resistant to germs and more likely to get sicker for longer and more likely to die.
“Iodine and colloidal silver and gold can be used to disinfect water. Data on how to use iodine to sterilize water can be obtained from http://www.beyondweird.com/survival/iodine.html
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This data came from the web site of a UK medical doctor who was deregistered for not following the “standard line”.
“The benefits of micronutrients in modern medicine have been hugely dumbed down. The Government recommended daily amounts (RDAs) of micronutrients are the lowest levels required in order to prevent obvious pathology. These amounts do not reflect the optimum amount of micronutrients for optimum health. The two amounts (i.e. the RDA and the optimum amount) for individual micronutrients may be very different and this is well illustrated by iodine. It is now assumed that iodine is only necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, but actually breast tissue requires just as much and deficiency results in fibrocystic disease of the breast and in breast cancer. It is notable that countries with the highest iodine intake have the lowest risk of breast cancer.
“Coindet in 1820 used 250mg a day of iodine in order to treat goiter with great success. The French physician Lugol in 1829 used 37.5mg per day for the treatment of infectious disease, again with good results. Indeed, he developed Lugol’s iodine, which was a mixture of 5% iodine with 10% potassium iodide which greatly enhanced the absorption of iodine. British physicians then used between 20 and 40mg daily to treat both hyper and hypothyroidism, with some patients requiring 90mg daily. This resulted in a 90% success rate for treatment. It became recognised that there was a pandemic of iodine deficiency. As a result of this, iodised table salt was introduced generally and the benefits of iodine supplementation were forgotten. However, iodine competes with the other halogens (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine) for absorption and adding iodine to table salt would have severely impaired its absorption as it lost out to chlorine in the salt. The situation has been made worse in recent years because many people are subjected to high levels of fluoride because of their water supply or because of dental treatments, bromine was routinely used in bread making and also as a fire retardant. Thus the high levels of chlorine, fluorine and bromine in our diet and the environment mean that we are all at great risk of iodine deficiency. Furthermore, the recommended daily amount of iodine is 150 μg – that is to say a thousand fold less than the sort of doses that were used in the 19th Century.
“Interest in iodine was re-awoken in 1993 when Gent demonstrated that 5mg a day of iodine is highly effective in the treatment of fibrocystic disease of the breast. A study in Japan showed that the average daily intake of iodine was 13.8mg (because of their high intake of seafood) and the Japanese have the lowest incidence of breast cancer in developed nations.
“Work done by Professor Guy Abraham (whose work I have been following for many years now and who I highly respect) has lit up interesting new ways of using iodine as a therapeutic intervention. Indeed he quotes from the Nobel Laureate Albert Szent-Gyorgyi who discovered vitamin C in 1928, who commented “when I was a medical student, iodine in the form of KI was the universal medicine. Nobody knew what it did, but it did something and did something good. We students used to sum up the situation in this little rhyme: If you do not know where, what and why, describe ye then K and I.”
“Abraham has developed Lugol’s iodine into a tablet form which is well tolerated. It contains a mixture of 5mg of iodine and 7.5mg of iodide. He recommends a three month loading dose of 4 tablets daily, starting off with 1 tablet a day for a week, then 2 tablets daily for a week, 3 tablets daily for a week and then 4 tablets. Absorption of iodine is enhanced by vitamin C 3 grams daily and this should be taken along with my standard recommendations for micronutrients (namely multivitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and of course vitamin C). After three months the dose should then be reduced to a maintenance dose of 1 tablet daily.
“The clinical observations Abraham has made as a result of many patients taking this regime are as follows:
1. The excretion of mercury, lead, cadmium, aluminium, fluoride and bromine is hugely increased.
2. There is increased well being and energy levels with lessening brain fog.
3. Patients feel warmer, they seem to need less sleep, their bowel action becomes more regular and their skin complexion improves.
4. Interestingly there is often an increase in body odour for the first two weeks (which probably represents excretion of toxins) and some patients have cloudy urine for several months.
“This regime strikes me as being eminently sensible and safe.”
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TARGET: Replace your refined salt with sea salt or rock salt.
TARGET: Buy and start consuming colloidal silver.
TARGET: Buy and start consuming iodine.
TARGET: Get a filter to remove fluoride & chlorine & alkalise your drinking water.
TARGET: Because the skin absorbs what you put on it, also get a shower filter that removes toxins from the water.
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MGN-3 is a patented derivative of two immunosupportive foods – rice bran & mushroom extract. MGN-3 boosts activity of B/T-cells.
Mushrooms Not your ordinary white capped mushroom sold in supermarkets, but the Reishi, Shitake, Maitake mushrooms specifically. The Reishi mushroom has been shown to have anti-aging and immunorestorative powers, and studies from Japan and Russia showed tumor reduction in as high as 98% of patients; 80% having complete remission. The National Cancer Institute began testing the Maitake mushroom in 1991 on both anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities. It proved even more effective against tumors than the Reishi mushroom.
Omega-3 fatty acids A study found that children taking a half teaspoon of flax oil a day experienced fewer and less severe respiratory infections and fewer days of being absent from school. The omega 3 fatty acids in flax oil and fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) act as immune boosters by increasing the activity of phagocytes, the white blood cells that eat up bacteria. (Perhaps this is why grandmothers used to insist on a daily dose of unpalatable cod liver oil.) Essential fatty acids also protect the body against damage from over-reactions to infection. When taking essential fatty acid supplements, such as flax or fish oils, take additional vitamin E, which acts together with essential fatty acids to boost the immune system.
From http://www.askdrsears.com/html/4/t042500.asp
Dr Mercola has a great article that goes into the differences between plant and animal derived omega 3 fatty acids. The are NOT equal, NOT interchangeable and eating only plant based sources does not satisfy a crucial need the body has for building blocks. Here is some data from the whole article. If the link still works when you come to read this I recommend reading the whole article.
The difference between triglyceride-bound, marine animal (fish and krill oil) derived omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) versus phospholipid-bound, plant derived alpha-linolenic acid ALA.
Omega-3s EPA/DHA are considered “essential” fats as your body cannot make them and, hence, you must get them from your diet. Your body needs these polyunsaturated fats for a variety of functions, including digestion, muscle activity, blood clotting, visual acuity, memory and learning, and basic cell division and function of cell receptors.
Plant sourced Omega-3 ALA on the other hand is quite ubiquitous in the diet and therefore there is no real need to supplement. Although your body can convert some of the ALA found in plants to the DHA found in marine oils, it is very rare for it to be more than 5 percent and typically found to be 1 to 3 percent, or even as low as .1%. This insufficient to have any significant benefit.
The Key Difference between the two is that plant derived ALA Is a source of energy whereas EPA and DHA are structural elements.
According to Nils Hoem, Ph.D., a leading scientist in omega-3 phospholipids, when you look at the uptake and distribution of EPA and DHA you see something rather strange.
After eating a meal of salmon or taking a krill or fish oil, the fatty acid level in your plasma (blood) will remain elevated for more than three days afterward. “Your body works on its distribution, redistribution and re-redistribution for three days. That’s hardly consistent with being “just food,” he says.
On the other hand, the short-chain omega-3s (ALA) are rapidly absorbed, peaking a couple of hours after ingestion. Within 10 hours, they’re gone. This suggests your body is using them very differently.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/07/11/health-benefits-omega-3-fats.aspx
Onion is scientifically proven to hold antibacterial properties and it’s known to quite literally suck illness, sickness, and toxins right out of the body. A few cut open onions in a house will remove tons of bacteria up from your living space!
Oregano Essential Oil Oregano is so much more than just a common flavouring used in Italian dishes. It aids digestion and weight loss and the oil in oregano, Carvacrol, is a natural antimicrobial that can fight bacteria that cause infections as well as combat Candida overgrowth. This is arguably the first supplement you should reach for when you develop a cold or flu. However, you need to be careful when consuming it as it’s extremely strong and can upset your stomach or burn (although the burning sensation is natural), so make sure you dilute it properly in either water or carrier oil and only take the recommended daily dosage!
Soybeans (NOTE: Only fermented soy products are recommended. Non fermented soy is dangerous as it contains “anti-nutrients.” or Unhulled soy contains a poison. That is why it is always hulled in the Orient.) These contain chemicals that fight cancer, enhance immune function, replace estrogen, and provide a great source of protein. Note: People with estrogen receptive breast cancer should avoid soybean products, as the soybean contains a plant form of estrogen.
Early studies extolled the virtues of how soy has wonderful anti-cancer properties. Death by prostate cancer is nearly nonexistent in countries where fermented soy products are eaten daily.
Unfortunately 90% of US soy is now genetically modified and that has huge ramifications. For instance GM soy was found to wreck the ovaries and endometrium of rats. From: http://cryptogon.com/?p=17939 What is just as disturbing, you don’t need to be eating soy to suffer from this. Because GM soy is fed to livestock, if you eat standard beef or chicken, you’re getting it!
Selenium This mineral increases natural killer cells and mobilizes cancer-fighting cells. Best food sources of selenium are tuna, red snapper, lobster, shrimp, whole grains, vegetables (depending on the selenium content of the soil they’re grown in), brown rice, egg yolks, cottage cheese, chicken (white meat), sunflower seeds, garlic, Brazil nuts, and lamb chops.
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Four Thieves Vinegar
History of Four Thieves Vinegar
Vinegar has been used as a health tonic for centuries. It is mentioned in the Bible and the writings of Ancient Greece. All of the four thieves vinegar stories that I read are set during the Bubonic plague, but there are a number of variations. Some say that condemned criminals were sent out to bury the dead, but some survived by drinking large amounts of vinegar infused with garlic. Other say that there were many thieves robbing the homes and corpses of those that had died, and most of them died, but one particular group of thieves survived. They were granted leniency in court when they shared the secret of the herbal vinegar blend they used to protect them from the plague. The name “Forthave’s Vinegar” describes the vinegar tonic of Richard Forthave.
Basic Four Thieves Vinegar Recipe
Ingredients
1 tbsp organic sage leaf
1 tsp organic lavender flowers
1 tsp organic rosemary leaf
½ tsp organic thyme leaf
½ tsp organic peppercorns
16oz raw organic apple cider vinegar
Directions
Place the herbs in a pint jar and fill to the top with gently warmed (not boiling) apple cider vinegar. Close with a plastic lid or place a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching the metal. Allow to extract for four weeks. Strain the vinegar into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dark area.
From: https://commonsensehome.com/thieves-vinegar/
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Tumeric Curcumin, the bioactive substance found in turmeric, has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric has gained a ton of popularity lately, particularly due to its medicinal properties as an anti-inflammatory. What’s more, turmeric has been scientifically proven as an effective counteractive agent against cancer, auto-immune disease, inflammatory disease, and a whole lot more.
Vitamin C increases the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies and increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses. Persons whose diets are higher in vitamin C have lower rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer.
Vitamin D3 supplementation has been shown to lower the cancer rate by 77%. The real surprise is that most people who take a cod liver oil supplement thinking they are getting both vitamins A and D together are unwittingly doing themselves a grave disservice. The body uses the same receptors to uptake both vitamins A and D. The body will absorb vitamin A first, before D. In fact people with the highest amount of vitamin A intake have almost completely negated the effects of their vitamin D intake.
Because both A and D are vital to your health and because the proper ratio between them has not yet been identified, it is recommended that you get your vitamin A requirements from brightly coloured vegetables and your vitamin D from 5-10 minutes of exposure to the sun between 11 am and 1 pm, when the sun is high enough in the sky for the UV B rays to make it through the atmosphere. If that is not possible, ask for a blood test analysis of your vitamin D levels to see what level of supplementation your health care provider feels appropriate for you. Much of this from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/16/warning-new-proof-confirms-if-you-take-this-supplement-vitamin-d-will-not-work-as-well.aspx
This graph shows the reduced incidence of a number of diseases correspondent with increased levels of vitamin D in the blood.
There is a wonderful presentation on vitamin D available at:
http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/immune/immune2.htm
Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer cells, those that seek out and destroy germs and cancer cells. Vitamin E enhances the production of B-cells, the immune cells that produce antibodies that destroy bacteria. Vitamin E supplementation may also reverse some of the decline in immune response commonly seen in aging. Vitamin E has been implicated in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the Harvard School of Public Health study of 87,000 nurses, Vitamin E supplementation was shown to cut the risk of heart attacks by fifty percent.
New research shows this powerful antioxidant found in most foods helps repair tears in the plasma membranes that protect cells from outside forces and screens what enters and exits.
Zinc This valuable mineral increases the production of white blood cells that fight infection and helps them fight more aggressively. It also increases killer cells that fight against cancer and helps white cells release more antibodies. Zinc supplements have been shown to slow the growth of cancer.
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And here’s a recipe I found online:
1 teaspoon Turmeric
1/2 tablespoon Ginger
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/2 cup Honey
Mix
Add to a quarter cup of coconut oil.
Take 1 tablespoon a day.
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TARGET: Decide which of the above immune boosting factors you will incorporate into your personal health regime and implement them.
