Kim Martindale

Nearly 250,000 Deaths From ONE Common Mistake: Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Published on February 12, 2012

Posted By Dr. Mercola | February 04 2011

Click here to read the original article

By Dr. Mercola

It’s been seven years since I posted the comprehensive, footnoted research article, Death by Medicine, on this website.

Authored in two parts by Gary Null PhD, Carolyn Dean MD ND, Martin Feldman MD, Debora Rasio MD, and Dorothy Smith PhD, it described in excruciating detail how the modern American medical system had bumbled its way into becoming the leading cause of death and injury in the United States.

From medical errors to adverse drug reactions to unnecessary procedures, heart disease, cancer deaths and infant mortality, the authors took statistics straight from the most respected medical and scientific journals and investigative reports by the Institutes of Medicine (IOM), and showed that on the whole American medicine caused more harm than good.

The purpose of this was not to frighten you, but to help you make informed choices about your health, and to provide you with the tools you need to take control of your own health

Seven years after the original article was written, an analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine November 25, 2010 piqued my interest — the researchers found that, despite efforts to improve patient safety in the past few years, the health care system hasn’t changed much at all.

Instead, 18 percent of patients were harmed by medical care (some repeatedly) and over 63 percent of the injuries could have been prevented. In nearly 2.5 percent of these cases, the problems caused or contributed to a person’s death. In another 3 percent, patients suffered from permanent injury, while over 8 percent experienced life-threatening issues, such as severe bleeding during surgery.

In all there were over 25 injuries per 100 admissions!

Shocked, I decided to do some research of my own on the state of American health care today.What I found is the grim picture that I’m sharing with you, as an update to the original Death by Medicine article.

Over 40,000 Mistakes EVERY Day!

Unfortunately, the NEJM article was just a reminder of something that the Thirteenth Annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study pointed out earlier this year.

HealthGrades has been studying the quality of care in the nation’s hospitals since 1988. This year they analyzed approximately 40 million Medicare patients’ records from 2007 through 2009, and found that 1 in 9 patients developed a hospital-acquired infection.

The HealthGrades report said that “the incidence rate of medical harm occurring is estimated to be over 40,000 each and EVERY day according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.”

Another study, in 2008, by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, also reported grave evidence that something is amiss in the hospital setting in America: One in seven Medicare beneficiaries who is hospitalized will be harmed as a result of the medical care they receive in the hospital, the study said.

Authors of this study found that physician reviewers determined nearly half, or 44 percent of the adverse and temporary harm events “were clearly or likely preventable.” The cost of these mistakes was estimated at $324 million in October alone. The mistakes equate to 3.5 percent of the Medicare budget.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Another study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine this year, showed that sepsis and pneumonia caused by hospital-acquired infections killed 48,000 patients and ramped up health care costs by $8.1 billion in 2006 alone. Both these infections are mostly preventable through better infection controls. The study also found that 20 percent of people who developed sepsis died; 11 percent of those who developed pneumonia died.

The authors noted that many hospital-acquired infections are super resistant to common antibiotics – and it’s not just sepsis and pneumonia that they’re talking about.

A different study in 2006 showed that “central-line-associated” bloodstream infections caused by catheters placed directly into veins resulted in a $26,839 loss for each patient that came down with this type of hospital-acquired infection. This same study estimated that 2 million people come down with hospital-acquired infections of any type in every year, and that approximately 100,000 die from those infections.

Medication Errors are a Major Killer

In 2000 the Institutes of Medicine reported that medical errors were the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., killing between 44,000 and 98,000 people each year. While the number of errors today is said to possibly be the fourth leading cause of death in a hospital, health officials agree that this type of death-by-medicine is still prevalent — and preventable.

In a June 2010 report in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, study authors said that in looking over records that spanned from 1976 to 2006 (the most recent year available) they found that, of 62 million death certificates, almost a quarter-million deaths were coded as having occurred in a hospital setting due to medication errors. They also found that these errors spiked in July, and particularly in teaching hospitals.

There are four points in the medication use process at which errors may occur:

when the medication is ordered (written, electronic, or oral)
when the medication order is transcribed and verified
when it’s dispensed, and
when it’s administered

The June 2010 report narrowed the errors down to:

drug overdose
prescribing the wrong drug
taking the wrong drug, or
accidents involving medications during surgery or medical procedures

Older adults are at a higher risk of medication errors and have a greater propensity for experiencing harmful and fatal errors. The most common types of medication errors in older adults are omission and improper dose.

Nearly Half a Million Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions

An estimated 450,000 preventable medication-related adverse events occur in the U.S. every year.

A study published in the Journal of Gerontology in 2006 showed that adverse drug reactions are very common in frail elderly persons after a hospital stay, and polypharmacy and warfarin use consistently increase the risk.

The costs of adverse drug reactions to society are more than $136 billion annually — greater than the total cost of cardiovascular or diabetic care. Adverse drug reactions cause injuries or death in 1 of 5 hospital patients.

The reason there are so many adverse drug events in the U.S. is because so many drugs are used and prescribed – and many patients receive multiple prescriptions at varying strengths, some of which may counteract each other or cause more severe reactions when combined.

In 2009 there were nearly 3.68 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S. That averages to almost 12 prescriptions for every person in the U.S. Other interesting drug statistics are:

Specialists give more than 2 prescriptions per visit

Just over 89 percent of Medicare patients take prescription medicine daily

46 percent take 5 or more prescriptions chronically

Nearly 54 percent take meds prescribed by more than one doctor

One thing that the drug companies don’t tell you, and that your physician may not realize, is that premarketing drug safety profiles may be very narrow: most new drugs have 3,000 or less short-term patient exposures. Another fact the drug companies don’t advertise is that some drugs have rare toxicity possibilities, meaning very bad side effects could occur in as few as 1 in 20,000 patients. To detect such rare toxicity, more than 60,000 patients must be exposed AFTER the drug is marketed.

49^th in Life Expectancy, First in Health Care Costs

The latest study published in Health Affairs revealed that the United States now ranks 49^th in the world for both male and female life expectancy, down from 24^th in 1999.

In 1950, the United States was fifth among the leading industrialized nations with respect to female life expectancy at birth, surpassed only by Sweden, Norway, Australia, and the Netherlands. The last available measure of female life expectancy had the United States ranked at forty-sixth in the world. U.S. infants also are in the basement when it comes to mortality rates; according to 2009 data compiled by the World Bank, the U.S. is 41 places behind other countries in infant mortality.

Is American Medicine Working?

There’s no doubt that government health care officials are worried about this country’s reputation for safety in the hospital setting. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t have set up the Center for Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, a task force charged with developing plans and strategies for making American health care safer.

The problem is that, as it always with government, things move very slowly when change is needed, so the nation has yet to have a nation adverse event reporting system for hospital medical errors. We also don’t have any federal standards regarding state systems. The question is whether living the status quo is going to make us any healthier or not, and if it doesn’t, what are we going to do to make a better life for ourselves?

What about Preventive Care?

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the American health care system is skewed toward treating illnesses and diseases, not preventing them. In 2003, my Death by Medicine report showed that judging by health care spending alone, the U.S. should be the healthiest country in the world with the best medicine available. But it wasn’t.

And today, it still isn’t.

One reason for that is because an obscure federal panel that most people never hear about not only defines what preventive medicine is, but decides what services your health care dollars will pay for. Historically that panel, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, has been accused of being ultra-conservative in the way of preventive care. But when it does approve it, the definition of preventive care means some kind of diagnostic test for a possible existing illness, not a strategy for staying well.

For example, if you take a look at the task force’s website, you’ll see lists of “preventive” medicine topics the group is considering that include such things as aspirin use and various types of disease screenings — with only one mention of vitamin supplements as a possible upcoming preventive strategy.

If you click on the task force’s A to Z topic guide of existing “preventive” health care, you’ll see that almost every single one is some type of disease screening or counseling for a condition you already have.

And that’s what’s wrong with U.S. health care, whether it was seven years ago or today — we are all too eager to embrace screenings for diseases or illnesses we may or may not have, and counseling and/or medical treatment in the form of pills and chemicals and surgeries for it, after we find out what disease it is we have.

According to the Kaiser Foundation and the CDC, the main drivers of health care costs in the U.S. are technology and prescription drugs; chronic disease; aging of the population; and administrative costs.

I agree that these are huge contributors to what is killing us as a nation financially and as a people. But I DON’T agree with the context in which they’re presented. If you’ve followed all the information I’ve given you here, and even skimmed the 2003 Death by Medicine article, then I think you’ll see why I think the major contributors have a slightly different paradigm — and that the only way we are get healthier as a nation, and drive medical costs down too, is to change that paradigm.

That’s because the foundational causes of what’s driving health care costs in America are:

The emphasis on sickness and treatment, rather than health, fitness, and prevention which is primarily fostered by ultra-sophisticated marketing strategies employed by the drug industry.

Fraud — by both consumers and providers, including the drug industry.

Unnecessary procedures, medications, hospitalizations and screenings

Medical mistakes, hospital-acquired infections, and surgical and device errors

If we were only to address these issues, beginning with changing the emphasis of our well-being to health and fitness, and then following the healthy lifestyle that paradigm suggests, I promise that the issue of sickness in America and what it’s costing us — as well as the death-by-medicine events will begin to fade away very quickly.

It’s time to quit bombarding your body with medical interventions and to reward yourself with the fit and healthy body that come from living fit and lean.

And until then — until our health care system as a whole — changes the emphasis of what we’re doing to health and healthful living, exercise, proper nutrition and diet, and vitamin supplementation, we’re not going to see anything in our health care system change, even if we wait another seven years to see how it’s going.

References:

Hanlon JT, Pieper CF, Hajjar ER, Sloane RJ, Lindblad CI, Ruby CM,Schmader KE. Incidence and Predictors of All and Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions in Frail Elderly Persons after Hospital Stay. Journals of Gerontology A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2006 May;61(5):511-5
Buerhaus PI, Needleman J. Policy implications of research on nurse staffing and quality of patient care. Policy Politics Nurs Practice 2000; 1(1):5-15.
The Department of Health and Human Services and The Department of Justice — Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2009
Adverse Events in Hospitals: National Incidence Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Did you know? Oregano delivers more antioxidants than blueberries, oranges or apples

Published on February 8, 2012

Tuesday, February 07, 2012
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034895_oregano_antioxidants_herbs.html#ixzz1lnfABbGz

(NaturalNews) Oregano, a common ingredient in Italian and Mexican cuisine, comes from the leaves of an herb native to the Mediterranean (not to be confused with Mexican oregano, native to the Americas), is one of the most concentrated antioxidant sources ever studied. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, its antioxidant activity is between three and 20 times higher than that of any other herb. Even well-known antioxidant-containing fruits fail to measure up: Oregano has four times the antioxidant activity of blueberries, 12 times that of oranges and 42 times that of apples.

While you can get some of these benefits from just cooking regularly with oregano, a more concentrated form may sometimes be required. That’s why the essential oil of oregano is a common remedy for bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. It’s so effective — and tastes so good — that some restaurants actually sprinkle oregano oil over their salad bars to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. And because of the high antioxidant content in the oil, it probably keeps the salad fresh for longer, too!

The best source I know for oregano is North American Herb and Spice, which offers a variety of oregano oil products under the “Oreganol P73” brand name (www.P-73.com). Gaia Herbs also makes a quality oregano supplement (www.GaiaHerbs.com).

I have personally used oregano as emergency medicine to completely eliminate digestive distress after eating what I found out was contaminated food. In fact, oregano kills e.coli, salmonella and virtually all other food-borne pathogens.

Personally, I don’t travel without it.

Source: 25 Amazing Facts About Food, authored by Mike Adams and David Guiterrez. This report reveals surprising things about where your food comes from and what’s really in it! Download the full report (FREE) by clicking here. Inside, you’ll learn 24 more amazing but true facts about foods, beverages and food ingredients. Instant download of the complete PDF. All 25 facts are documented and true.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034895_oregano_antioxidants_herbs.html#ixzz1lnfKiUkb

Ten Most Dangerous Prescription Drugs

Published on January 28, 20124 Comments

Jun 30, 2011 | By Robert Shifko

Click here to read the original article

Prescription medication is part of daily life for millions of people worldwide. These drugs, used in accordance with medical guidelines, can maintain health and sustain life. However, when prescription medication is abused, these drugs can produce harmful side effects equal to many illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin. These medications can also lead to very serious health consequences even if they are used for an extended period of time in the manner in which was prescribed. The following is a partial list of some common prescription medication and the effects that are caused if they are abused, used other than medically directed or used for a prolonged period of time.

Prednisone

Prednisone, or cortisone, is a very effective short-term medication for ailments such as poison ivy. However, if prednisone is used for long-term treatments, some potentially dangerous health risks may arise. Extended use of prednisone can cause health disorders such as hypertension, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers, diabetes, cataracts and intestinal bleeding, just to name a few. It is important to note that if prednisone has been taken for a prolonged period, time should be taken to taper off prednisone and not to simply stop taking the medication.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs, such as methotrexate, are actually poisons that are prescribed to kill cancer cells in the body. These drugs also kill healthy cells in the body. Chemotherapeutic agents are also prescribed to treat ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis. Health risks associated with extended use of chemotherapeutic agents are fetal death, congenital abnormalities, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity, lung disease and suppressed immune system.

Statins for Cholesterol Reduction

Cholesterol medications such as Mevacor, Zocor and Pravachol are known as statins. Statins are used to reduce cholesterol production in the liver and change the method in which LDL cholesterol enters the cells. Prolonged used of statin medication can produce side effects such as liver toxicity, muscle inflammation and cataracts.

Blood Thinners

Blood thinning agents such as Coumadin (warfarin) are commonly prescribed to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Individuals taking these types of medication should use extreme caution since severe bleeding can result even from the smallest cut or scratch. Death can result from excessive blood loss from what would seem to be a minor injury in individuals taking this type of medication.

Prozac

Prozac (fluoxetine) is a medication prescribed to regulate and balance levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, anxiety and sleep. High levels of serotonin in the brain can cause agitation and anxiety, while low levels can cause depression. Drugs such as Prozac can cause a condition known as akathasia, a condition of constant agitation. Akathasia commonly occurs in conjunction with suicidal thoughts, hostility and violent behavior.

ADD/ADHD Medication

Medications such as Ritalin and Adderall that are used to treat conditions like ADD and ADHD also can have some troubling side effects. These medications are relatively short acting and do not produce a physical addiction; however, severe psychological dependency can occur. These drugs can also produce side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and hostility.

Pain Killers

Misuse of prescription pain killers such as OxyContin and Percocet can cause potentially life-threatening situations. These medications, if not used properly, can slow heart rate and hinder breathing which can have serious medical consequences or even cause death. The pain killer Lortab, which is widely prescribed, can cause excessive heart palpitations and can be especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol, due to the presence of Hydrocodone.

Diabetes Drugs

Type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Medications such as Glucotrol are often prescribed to control type 2 diabetes. Medication is often times not necessary for treatment of this condition and glucose levels can be controlled by other methods. Medications such as Glucotrol have several side effects such as hypoglycemia, fatigue and liver damage.

Arthritis Drugs

NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Motrin and Celebrex are continually prescribed for treatment of arthritis pain. While effective in treatment of arthritis pain, they do cause a series of side effects. Some side effects associated with long-term use of NSAIDS include stomach upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage and liver damage.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are a class of drugs prescribed to lower blood pressure. Lopressor and Tenormin are some examples of beta blockers. These medications alter the heart’s ability to respond to stimulators such as adrenaline and epinephrine. These drugs are meant to weaken the heart so blood pressure is lowered and, subsequently, heart pain is reduced. This class of medications also causes some serious side effects such as loss of libido, impotence, elevated blood lipids and compromised cardiac function.

References

Diet soda may be making you fat

Published on January 28, 20129 Comments

Click here to read the original article

By Lylah M. Alphonse – Tue, Oct 4, 2011 12:18 AM EDT

Photo: Thinkstock

Photo: ThinkstockThink you’re making a healthier choice when you reach for diet soda instead of a sugary soft drink? Think again.

Diet soft drinks may have minimal calories, but they can still have a major impact on your waistline, according to two studies presented at a meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

Researchers at the Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio tracked 474 people, all 65 to 74 years old, for nearly a decade, measuring the subjects’ height, weight, waist circumference, and diet soft drink intake every 3.6 years. The waists of those who drank diet soft drinks grew 70 percent more than those who avoided the artificially sweetened stuff; people who drank two or more servings a day had waist-circumference increases that were five times larger than non-diet-soda consumers.

The findings are in line with those of a 2005 study, also conducted by researchers at the Texas Health Science Center, in which the chance of becoming overweight or obese increased with every diet soda consumed.

“On average, for each diet soft drink our participants drank per day, they were 65 percent more likely to become overweight during the next seven to eight years, and 41 percent more likely to become obese,” said Sharon Fowler, who was a faculty associate in the division of clinical epidemiology in the Health Science Center’s department of medicine at the time.

But how does something with no calories cause weight gain? Turns out that even if our taste buds can’t tell the difference between real and fake sugar, our brains can. Another study, also presented at the American Diabetes Association meeting on Sunday, found that after three months of eating food laced with aspartame (which is also found in many diet soft drinks), mice had higher blood sugar levels than rodents who ate regular food. According to Fowler, who worked on all three studies and is now a researcher at UT Health Science Center at San Diego, the aspartame could trigger the appetite but do nothing to satisfy it. That could interfere with your body’s ability to tell when you’re full-and could lead you to eat more in general.

It happens in humans, too. A 2008 study found that women who drank water sweetened with sugar and water sweetened with Splenda couldn’t taste a difference, but functional MRI scans showed that their brains’ reward center responded to real sugar “more completely” than it did to the artificial sweetener.

“Your senses tell you there’s something sweet that you’re tasting, but your brain tells you, ‘actually, it’s not as much of a reward as I expected,'” Dr. Martin P. Paulus, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Diego and one of the authors of the study, told the Huffington Post. So you chase that no-calorie soda with something more caloric, like a salty snack. The sweet taste could also trigger your body to produce insulin, which blocks your ability to burn fat.

Aside from the health problems that go along with a widening waistline, diet soft drinks have also been linked to an increase in diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. One study of more than 2,500 people found that those “who drank diet soda daily had a 61 percent increased risk of cardiovascular events compared to those who drank no soda, even when accounting for smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and calories consumed per day,” ABC News reported in February. And a 2008 University of Minnesota study of nearly 10,000 adults ages 45 to 64 found that drinking a single can of diet soda a day led to a 34 percent higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a collection of health problems that includes high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high levels of belly fat.

“Drinking a reasonable amount of diet soda a day, such as a can or two, isn’t likely to hurt you,” writes Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist at the Mayo Clinic. “The artificial sweeteners and other chemicals currently used in diet soda are safe for most people, and there’s no credible evidence that these ingredients cause cancer.”

“It’s hard to make a blanket statement on whether or not you should drink diet soda,” Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., the nutrition editor for EatingWell Magazine, says. “At the end of the day what I think it comes down to is how are you using diet soda-is it truly a substitute for a higher calorie beverage or is it just an excuse to order the fries with your burger or a cookie for dessert? If it’s the former, go ahead. If it’s the latter, perhaps think twice.”

But no matter how the soda is sweetened, it is an empty calorie food, Wright points out. “It delivers no nutritional value whatsoever and so should only be consumed in moderation.”

Natural Antibiotics

Published on January 24, 2012

What Is a Natural Antibiotic? Posted Sept 9, 2010 | By Bradley Cohen

Taking natural antibiotics instead of, or in addition to, prescription antibiotics can help fight bacterial infection and prevent disease. There are many types of natural antibiotics, including live natural bacteria found in the body, as well as various vitamins, herbs and plants. Natural antibiotics can be useful in fighting infection without the risk of your body developing resistance.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the misuse of prescription antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, a global health problem. Though antibiotic resistance only used to affect people in the hospital, it can now cause infection in healthy people, the Mayo Clinic says. Antibiotics can’t treat viral infections, but people often take them for this purpose. Overuse of antibiotics and taking only part of a prescribed dose can cause antibiotic resistance.

The Mayo Clinic reports that thousands of people die in the United States every year due to antibiotic-resistant infections contracted in the hospital. It turns out that the indiscriminate killing of harmless microbes damages the body in complex ways we are only beginning to understand. Powerful synthetic antibiotics introduced into the complex environment in our intestines cause mayhem, much like a series of bombs tossed into a market square. Antibiotic resistance is a widespread problem, and one that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls “one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.

One of the deadliest germs is a staph bacteria called M.R.S.A., short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which lives harmlessly on the skin but causes havoc when it enters the body. One out of every 20 patients contracts an infection during a hospital stay in the US. Hospital infections kill an estimated 103,000 people in the United States a year, as many as AIDS, breast cancer and auto accidents combined. The dangers of infection are worsening as many hospital infections can no longer be cured with common antibiotics.

Natural antibiotics can be found in vitamins and supplements as well as the human body. The body uses live bacteria in the intestinal tract to promote health and digestion, and fight invading bacteria. According to time.com, taking synthetic antibiotics can destroy live bacteria in a healthy intestinal tract. However, natural antibiotics such as vitamin C, zinc and garlic help keep the body healthy while fighting off invading bacteria. One positive aspect about natural antibiotics is that they have a low toxicity rate, meaning they will likely be less harmful to your body than synthetic antibiotics.

How natural substances avoid the problem

When you think about how quickly pathogens “evolve around” antibiotic and antiviral drugs, it’s more than amazing that they have been unable to do so against most natural antipathogens such as garlic, olive leaf, and oil of oregano even given tens of thousands of years to do so. How does this happen? What is their secret?

Actually, it’s quite simple – or more accurately, quite complex. Drugs are essentially one dimensional, which allows microbes an easy avenue to evolve around them. Natural antipathogens, on the other hand, are anything but one dimensional. They often contain dozens of biochemicals. Not all of them are “active,” of course, but many of the so called non-active biochemicals work to potentiate the active ones and offer combinations with each other numbering in the thousands – presenting a complexity that makes it virtually impossible for microbes to work around.

List of Natural Antibiotics

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal remedies for colds, flues and other bacterial infections. It has been used by herbalists as a blood purifier and to treat a number of infections. According to Clayton College of Natural Health, it stimulates the immune system and increases white blood cell counts. It should be taken only when sick, as the body can adapt to it when taken over longer periods of time.

Garlic is one of the best infection fighters available for both bacterial and viral infections. It is a natural antibiotic that does not appear to create resistant bacteria strains. In addition, fresh garlic extract has been shown to be virucidal to many viruses.

Garlic possesses the ability to stimulate the immune system. It can stimulate the activity of the macrophages (white blood cells), which engulf foreign organisms, such as: viruses, bacteria, and yeast. Furthermore, garlic increases the activity of the T-helper cells (immune cells which are central to the activity of the entire immune system). Garlic may be particularly effective in treating upper respiratory viral infections due to its immune-enhancing properties and its ability to clear mucous from the lungs.

It destroys and/or inhibits various bacteria and fungi, with an antibacterial action equivalent to 1% penicillin. Garlic is effective against strep, staph, and even anthrax bacteria. Garlic is most potent when taken fresh. Taken regularly, it is a natural blood thinner and helps to dissolve cholesterol.

Onion – Everything that’s been said about Garlic can be said about onion. Onions and garlic share many of the same powerful sulfur bearing compounds that work so effectively as anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents.

Uva Ursi has been used for centuries as a mild diuretic with powerful antiseptic qualities that help to remedy the full range of urinary tract infections, such as prostatitis, cystitis, urethritis and vaginitis, among others. It helps to remove wastes and toxins from the body and the accumulation of uric acid in the blood to relieve gout, arthritis and kidney stones. Uva Ursi is also a great way to eliminate excess water weight.

Goldenseal is another herb that is often found in herbal antibiotic formulas. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is often used by herbalists to treat sinus infections, vaginal infections, ear infections and sore throats. It can be taken internally and used as a gargle or vaginal wash. The Clayton College Herb Guide warns, however, that it should not be taken during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. It also lowers blood sugar levels and should not be taken by hypoglycemics.

Myrrh has been used by herbalists for centuries and is even mentioned in the Bible. It is antiseptic, antibiotic and antiviral. It can be taken internally, used as a gargle or used as a wash for wounds. The Herb Guide recommends myrrh for bad breath, bronchitis, mouth sores and sore throats. It is a healing agent and helps increase white blood cell counts. Although, it warns not to use myrrh for more than 2 weeks as it is harsh on the kidneys.

Colloidal Silver – Perhaps one of the most controversial natural remedies, colloidal silver has been used for centuries as an antibiotic. During the 19th century, it was also commonly prescribed by doctors for bacterial infections. Modern physicians question whether it is safe for internal use. However, Dr. James Balch and nutritionist Phyllis Balch recommend it for a variety of topical uses, including ring worm and other fungal infections of the skin and nails, wounds, bad breath, mouth sores and tooth aches. It inhibits the growth of bacteria as well as viruses.

Usnea works as antibiotic without any side effects to kill bad bacteria without disturbing good bacteria. It also cures upper respiratory ailments, vaginal infections, fungi, external injuries. The immune system of the body is strengthened to fight against any ailment. Though these natural remedies are properly evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration but the advice must be taken from the doctor before using it.

Manuka Honey – Famous for it’s unparalleled antibacterial properties, Manuka Honey can be used to successfully treat eye infections, ear infections and even sinus infections.

Andrographis -The herb is also called Kalpanath and Kiryat. Kalmegha is bitter in taste and unpalatable. But it has a myriad medicinal properties including its ability to fight leprosy, boost immunity, kill bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, control fevers of various origins including malarial and typhoid, keep the stomach in good health, and provide relief from hemorrhoids. Of late, research has been taken up on the medicinal properties of Kalmegha. The studies were centered around Kalmegha’s ability to kill cancer cells, reduce upper respiratory tract infections etc. There are also claims of Kalmegha improving the immunity in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Iodine – a Pillar Against Infections – Iodine offers a serious and potent replacement for much of the antibiotics that are literally destroying people’s lives and can be used safely with children. Though it kills 90 percent of bacteria on the skin within 90 seconds, its use as an antibiotic has been ignored. Iodine exhibits activity against bacteria, molds, yeasts, protozoa, and many viruses; indeed, of all antiseptic preparations suitable for direct use on humans and animals and upon tissues, only iodine is capable of killing all classes of pathogens: gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and protozoa. Most bacteria are killed within 15 to 30 seconds of contact.

Acacia – Acacia is part of the Mimosaceae family. All the parts of the plant can be used and they can be picked at various times of the year. The pods can be gathered when they are green, the flowers when in bloom, and the roots can be chopped into small pieces before drying. The gum can be collected by cutting a line into the lower part of the bark.

Some of Acacia’s therapeutic actions are: Antimalarial, astringent, antibacterial, antimicrobial, anticatarrhal, anthelmintic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and sedative. Acacia is active against: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, malaria, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Aloe Vera – Aloe is part of the Liliaceae family. It is usually the fresh juice that is used but sometimes the dried plant is used internally. The fresh plant leaves can be used anytime. The leaves are cut open and the juice is applied to burns and wounds.

Some of Aloe’s therapeutic actions are: External use: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, wound healing, anti-ulcer, and inflammatory. Internal use: Purgative, and it also stimulates smooth muscle contractions. Aloe is active against: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Herpes simpex 1 and 2. Aloe and honey can be applied externally to speed wound healing to prevent infection. Burn victims are extremely prone to Staphyloccus aureus infections.

Cryptolepsis – is part of the Asclepiadaceae family. The roots are used and they can be harvested anytime of the year. Cryptolepsis is a shrub found in several parts of Africa.

Some of Cryptolepsis’ therapeutic actions are: Antiparasitic, antimalarial, antibacterial, and antifungal. Cryptolepsisis active against: Staphylococcus aureus, malaria, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Candida Albicans, Camphylobacter, both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cryptolepsis has been used for centuries by African healers in treatments of fevers, bloody diarrhea, and malaria. Human clinical trials have shown that Cryptolepsis to be potent for malaria.

Eucalyptus – The health benefits of eucalyptus oil can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal properties. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinct taste and odor. It should not be taken orally. It is a good antiseptic owing to its germicidal properties. On its exposure to air, ozone is formed which is a well-known antiseptic. Hence eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores. It is also effective on insect bites and stings.

Ginger has scientific backing as an anti-nausea agent. It may offer other benefits to those stricken with infections diarrhea. Alcohol extracts of ginger are active against bacteria that infect the intestinal tract (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Helicobacter pylori), skin and other soft tissues (Staphylococcus aureus), and respiratory tract (Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae). Ginger has antifungal activity against the yeast Candida albicans. It also discourages intestinal worms. Because studies have shown that heat deactivates the antibacterial effect, it may be best to consume ginger raw, or in tincture or capsule form.

Habañero and Horseradish – These are stimulants that quicken and excite the body. They energize the body (helping it to marshal its defenses against invading viruses). In addition, they help to carry blood to all parts of the body. They are also diaphoretics and thus help raise the temperature of the body, which increases the activity of the body’s immune system.

Horseradish, in particular, contains volatile oils that are similar to those found in mustard. These include glucosinolates (mustard oil glycosides), gluconasturtiin, and sinigrin, which yield allyl isothiocynate when broken down in the stomach. In test tubes, the volatile oils in horseradish have shown antibiotic properties, which may account for its effectiveness in treating throat and upper respiratory tract infections. At levels attainable in human urine after taking the volatile oil of horseradish, the oil has been shown to kill bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, and one early trial found that horseradish extract may be a useful treatment for people with urinary tract infections.

Juniper is traditionally used to treat a broad range of health conditions, including bronchitis, colds, fungal infections, hemorrhoids, gynecological diseases, and wounds, according to a study by E.K. Akkol and conducted at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Gazi University, Turkey. The study tested extracts from the stems, fruit and leaves for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects on laboratory mice and found methanol extracts particularly effective without causing damage or toxicity.

Licorice is one of the most extensively used and scientifically investigated herbal medicines. The medicinal use of licorice in both eastern and western cultures dates back several thousand years. Used primarily as a demulcent, expectorant, antitussive and mild laxative. Licorice is one of the most popular components of Chinese medicine. Its traditional uses include the treatment of peptic ulcers, asthma, pharyngitis, malaria, abdominal pain, insomnia and infections.Alcohol extracts of licorice have displayed anti-microbial activity against staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus mutans, mycobacterium smegmatis and Candida albicans. The majority of its anti-microbial effects are due to its isoflavanoid components, with glycyrrhetinic acid and derivatives having a lesser antibacterial effect.

Apple-Cider Vinegar is anathema to all kinds of germs that attack the throat. In effect, it acts like a sponge and draws out throat germs and toxins from the surrounding tissue. ACV also stimulates a condition called acetolysis in which toxic wastes that are harmful to the body are broken down and rendered harmless.

Liquid Ionic Zinc – Like colloidal silver, liquid zinc is both anti-bacterial and anti-viral, but without the potential toxicity issues found with silver. Zinc is found in all body fluids, including the moisture in the eyes, lungs, nose, urine, and saliva. Proper zinc levels offer a defense against the entrance of pathogens. In the 1800’s, surgeons used zinc as an antiseptic/antibiotic after surgery; they noted its amazing healing properties. Wounds would heal, at times, as quickly as 24 hours after an operation, without swelling, and scarring was barely noticeable after a short period of time.

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Sage – helps to digest fatty foods and proteins which are not easy to digest; acidity is kept under control with sage herb; its anti bacterial contents help various parts like the digestive system, genitals, eyes, ears, nose and throat. Its antiseptic contents help to heal sores, wounds and surgical incisions. The formation of cancerous cells is prevented by the antioxidants in this herb and even bites and allergies are relieved with the medicinal properties of sage.

Wormwood – Antibacterial; Antiperiodic; Antiseptic; Carminative; Digestive; Febrifuge. Qing Ho, better known in the West as sweet wormwood, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. An aromatic anti-bacterial plant, recent research has shown that it destroys malarial parasites, lowers fevers and checks bleeding. It is often used in the tropics as an affordable and effective anti-malarial. An infusion of the leaves is used internally to treat fevers, colds, diarrhea etc. Externally, the leaves are poulticed onto nose bleeds, boils and abscesses. The leaves are harvested in the summer, before the plant comes into flower, and are dried for later use. The plant contains artemisinin, this substance has proved to be a dramatically effective anti-malarial against multi-drug resistant Plasmodium spp. Clinical trials have shown it to be 90% effective and more successful than standard drugs. In a trial of 2000 patients, all were cured of the disease. Also used against malaria is an alcohol extract of the dried leaves, with the wormwood species Artemisia annua showing far greater antimalarial potential than extracts from over 30 other species in lab tests. Wormwood is often used in conjunction with other herbs to deal with gallbladder disorders and flatulence. The seeds are used in the treatment of flatulence, indigestion and night sweats. Orally wormwood is taken for loss of appetite, indigestion and gastrointestinal problems. The constituents of wormwood include artemisinin, absinthin, anabsinthin, and a volatile oil that is 70% thujone. Although Wormwood is generally regarded as safe when used appropriately and for short durations, it should not be taken in large amounts or long-term.

Natural Antibiotics in Mammals– A recent study by the University of California found that most mammals, including humans create their own natural antibiotics when sick. These natural peptides, called cathelicidins, are found in tissue and white blood cells. They naturally inhibit microbial growth and fight infections. The researchers further found that overuse of prescription antibiotics leads to bacterial resistance and may weaken the body’s natural defenses.

Spices and Herbs used daily as antibiotic: The spices and herbs used in the kitchen are antibiotic in its effect. The list of these spices and herbs is given below:

Antibiotic & Antibacterial:
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Pau d’arco
• Una da gato
• Myrrh
• Turmeric

Antiviral Herbs and Spices:
• Aloe Vera
• Boneset
• Elderberry
• Osha root
• Astragalus
• Lomatium
• St. John’s Wort

Antifungal Herbs and Spices:
• Black walnut hulls
• Barberry bark
• Maitake mushroom
• Tea tree oil
• Wormwood
• Neem

Antibiotic Oils:
• Lemon
• Cloves
• Oregano
• ThymeSource:

http://www.naturalnews.com/022800_antibiotic_antibiotics_infection.html#ixzz1kiiD8eXm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/58240-list-natural-antibiotics/#ixzz1jxti7MQk
http://www.jonbarron.org/immunity/natural-health-remedies-antibiotics-antivirals

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Coconut Oil: A Miracle Food

Published on January 22, 2012

Read the original article here.
by Bruce Fife, ND

The quality of the food we eat has an enormous impact on our state of health. The healthier our foods are, the healthier we are. For this reason, it is important that we eat the foods that provide the most benefit. Some foods are good because they are loaded with vitamins and minerals as well as fiber. A few are classified as functional foods because they provide health benefits beyond their nutritional content. These foods have therapeutic value that can protect us from many common health problems.

One such food is so powerful that I have seen it clear up flu symptoms almost overnight, stop bladder infections, remove precancerous skin lesions, bring quick relief from Crohn’s disease, heal chronic psoriasis, and improve symptoms associated with hypoglycemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic fatigue, among others. Medical researchers are now using it in the fight against AIDS.

What is this incredible health food? You may be surprised to learn that this miracle of nature is coconut, more specifically, coconut oil. Shocked? Most people are.

Once mistakenly believed to be bad for the heart because of its saturated fat content, coconut oil is now known to contain a unique form of saturated fat that actually helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and hardening of the arteries as well as provide many other health benefits.

Interestingly enough, the secret to coconut oil’s healing powers came as a result of research on human breast milk. Breast milk has been called nature’s perfect food. It contains all the vitamins, minerals, and other substances necessary to feed a baby for the first year or so of life. Within this milk are certain nutrients that not only provide an ideal source of nourishment but also protect the baby from disease causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are so prevalent in our environment.

Years ago it was discovered that human breast milk contains a unique group of saturated fats known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These fats are very different from the fats in meat and vegetables that are commonly found in our foods.

When eaten, the body transforms MCTs into monoglycerides and medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), both of which possess powerful antimicrobial properties capable of killing disease causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is due primarily to the presences of MCTs in human breast milk that protect babies from infections for the first few months of their lives while their immune systems are still developing.

The fats in our food are composed almost entirely of long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Some 98 to 100% of the fats and oils we eat consist of LCTs. Other than breast milk there are very few good dietary sources of MCTs. Butter and whole milk contain a small amount. But by far the richest natural source of MCTs comes from coconut. Coconut oil is unique in that is composed predominately of MCTs. For this reason, coconut oil can have a pronounced impact on our health just as mother’s milk does on newborn infants. This is what makes coconut oil different from all other oils and what gives it its unique healing characteristics.

Researchers theorized that if MCTs from breast milk could protect babies from infections, they could also protect other age groups as well. If this is true, a source rich in MCTs would provide a safe and effective way to fight off infectious illnesses. Since coconut oil is the richest natural source of MCTs, researchers have studied it extensively in this respect. They have found that MCFAs, which are created from the breakdown of MCTs in coconut oil, possess very powerful antimicrobial properties. This is well documented in the medical literature. Studies show that MCFAs from coconut oil are effective in killing bacteria that cause ulcers, sinus infections, bladder infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and many other illnesses. They kill fungi and yeasts that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and candidiasis. They kill viruses that cause influenza, measles, herpes, mononucleosis, and hepatitis C. They even kill HIV.

Because of the published studies that have shown that MCFAs kills the AIDS virus many HIV infected people have added it to their treatment programs with success. Chris Dafoe of Cloverdale Indiana, had a viral load of 600,000, which indicated the infection was rapidly overpowering his body. He began eating coconut every day. Within weeks his viral load dropped to non-detectable levels. Many others have reported similar experiences.

A clinical study carried out in the Philippines provided more proof that coconut oil is effective in fighting off infection. A group of HIV patients were given 3½ tablespoons of coconut oil a day. They received no other treatment. After 3 months 60% of them had a lower viral load and were doing better.

Antibiotics have been hailed as the miracle drugs of the 20th century. At first they seemed to be effective in stopping many of the dreaded diseases of the past. However, new strains of bacteria have been arising that are resistant to these drugs and infectious illnesses are on the rise. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of these so-called sugergerms. Scientists are continually trying to develop new antibiotics to fight these new drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

While antibiotics may be necessary at times, the problem with them is that they are often toxic to us as well as the bacteria they are designed to kill. They affect our health in other ways too. Antibiotics kill all the bacteria in the body, including friendly gut bacteria. In the absence of friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract, candida, a troublesome yeast, is allowed to grow unrestrained. This often leads to candidiasis. MCFAs also kill disease-causing bacteria. But unlike antibiotics, they are not toxic to us and do not harm friendly gut bacteria. An added benefit with MCFAs is that they also kill candida. So the intestinal environment is left in better shape than it was before. In addition, they do not promote antibiotic resistance or the development of so-called supergerms.

MCFAs do another thing antibiotics can’t and that is kill viruses. Antibiotics can’t touch viruses. In fact, there are no medications that can effectively kill viruses. Vaccination is the only weapon we have against them. When you get the flu there isn’t anything the doctor can do for you. All he can do is give you medications that may make the symptoms easier to cope with, but your body has to do all the work in fighting off the infection. Some viral infections can linger on in the body indefinitely. Once infected with herpes or hepatitis C, for example, you have it for life. MCFAs offer a natural, harmless method of ridding the body of these troublemakers or at least allowing you to live a normal life without serious symptoms. No medication can do that. Coconut oil is perhaps the strongest antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal dietary supplement you can get without a doctor’s prescription.

Although MCFAs are deadly to many disease-causing microorganisms, they are completely harmless to us. In fact, they are so safe that nature puts them into mother’s milk to nourish newborn infants.

If coconut oil is so effective, why haven’t we heard more about it in the treatment of infectious illnesses? The problem with coconut oil is that it is a natural product. Pharmaceutical companies cannot patent it, so they have little interest in developing or promoting it. Most of the interest has come from the health food and supplement industry. In fact, coconut oil in one form or another has been used for some time. Caprylic acid, one of the MCFAs in coconut oil is a popular ingredient in many anti-candida formulations. Monolaurin, another coconut oil derived supplement, is used as a general-purpose antibiotic. Fractionated coconut oil, also known as MCT oil, is a common ingredient in many health and fitness products. Coconut oil has even been put into gel capsules as dietary supplements. Of course, you can also find pure liquid coconut oil in just about any health food store.

Food processors have recognized the importance of MCTs in mother’s milk and have been adding it in various forms to infant formula for years. MCTs not only help protect babies from infections but they provide an important source of nutrition. One the differences between MCTs in coconut oil and the LCTs that are more commonly found in our diet is the way in which our bodies digest and metabolize them. MCTs digest very easily. Unlike LCTs, MCTs do not need pancreatic digesting enzymes or bile for digestion. Because they digest so quickly they provide a quick source of nutrition without taxing the enzyme systems of the body. Studies have shown that when premature infants are give formula containing MCTs they grow faster and have a higher survival rate. This is another reason why they are added to commercial infant formulas.

As the name implies, long-chain triglycerides are larger than medium-chain triglycerides. The size is extremely important because our bodies digest and metabolize each fat differently based on its size. Therefore, the physiological effects of MCTs from coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCTs. These differences have a pronounced impact on our health.

Let me briefly describe how the two types of fat are digested. When we eat fats composed of LCTs they travel through the stomach and into the intestinal tract. It is in the intestines where the vast majority of fat digestion occurs. Pancreatic enzymes and bile are necessary for digestion. LCTs are reduced into individual long-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are absorbed into the intestinal wall. Inside the intestinal wall they are repackaged into bundles of fat and protein call lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are then sent into the bloodstream. As they circulate in the bloodstream they release particles of fat. This is the source of the fat that collects in our fat cells and the fat that collects in and clogs up artery walls. As the lipoproteins get smaller they eventually go to the liver. In the liver they are dismantled and used for energy or repackage into new lipoproteins and again sent back into the bloodstream to disperse fat throughout the body.

MCTs are processed differently. When we eat a fat containing MCTs, such as coconut oil, it travels through the stomach and into the small intestine. But since MCTs digest quickly, by the time they leave the stomach and enter the intestinal tract they are already broken down into individual fatty acids (MCFAs). Therefore, they do not need pancreatic enzymes or bile for digestion. Since they are already reduced to fatty acids as they enter the small intestine, they are immediately absorbed into the portal vein and sent straight to the liver. In the liver they are preferentially used as a source of fuel to produce energy. MCFAs bypass the lipoprotein stage in the intestinal wall and in the liver. They do not circulate in the bloodstream to the degree that other fats do. Therefore, they do not supply the fat that collects in fat cells nor do they supply the fat that collects in artery walls. MCFAs are used to produce energy, not body fat and not arterial plaque.

The fact that MCTs are easier to digest than other fats is good news for those with digestive concerns. Newborn infants, cystic fibrosis sufferers, those with gallbladder problems, and anyone who has difficulty digesting fats can benefit from using coconut oil. This is particularly true for those who have gallbladder surgery. The surgical removal of the gallbladder makes fat digestion difficult. The gallbladder collects and holds bile secreted by the liver. When we eat a meal containing fat, the gallbladder is emptied into the intestinal tract. Bile emulsifies the fat allowing digestive enzymes to effectively break it down. When the gallbladder has been surgically removed, there no longer is a reservoir of bile. The liver continues to make bile but instead of collecting in the gallbladder it constantly drains into the intestinal tract. Only a small amount of bile is present at any time. If too much fat is eaten at any one time it causes intestinal distress and cramping. So fat consumption needs to be limited.

Because coconut oil digests without the need of bile, those people who have had gallbladder surgery can consume this fat without fear. I have had people tell me they could only handle a very small amount of fat without it causing them discomfort, but they could eat a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil at one time without problem.

Because MCTs are digested and assimilated easily by the body, they increase the absorption of other nutrients as well. Studies show that MCTs enhance the absorption of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. They improve the absorption of some of the B vitamins, the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene), as well as amino acids. Nature was wise in adding MCTs to breast milk.

Because MCTs provide a quick source of nutrition and improves absorption of other nutrients, coconut oil has been recommended in the treatment of malnutrition. Studies show that when coconut oil is added into the diets of malnourished children their recovery is quicker. Keep in mind that coconut oil does not necessary supply all the missing nutrients. It simply makes what nutrients that are already present in the diet more bioavailable.

The benefits of coconut oil don’t stop there. Research suggests that coconut oil may be of help in preventing numerous other health problems including breast and colon cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue, obesity, and even epilepsy. When you consider all the things coconut oil can do, you can see why I call it nature’s miracle oil.

Fortunately, babies aren’t the only ones who can benefit from MCFAs. We can all enjoy the benefits of MCFAs by adding coconut oil into our diets.

How do you use it? Some people take it by the spoonful like a dietary supplement. I prefer to use it in food preparation. You can use it in most any recipe that calls for margarine, shortening, butter, or vegetable oil. One of the distinctive characteristics of coconut oil is its high melting point. At temperatures of 76 degrees F and above the oil is liquid like any other vegetable oil. At temperatures below this it becomes solid like butter. So a jar of coconut oil may be liquid or solid depending on the temperature.

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Submitted by www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com with permission of Bruce Fife, ND is the author of several books including The Coconut Oil Miracle and Coconut Cures. He is the director of the Coconut Research Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and medical profession about the health aspects of coconut. You can visit his Web site at www.coconutresearchcenter.org.

Nearly Half of U.S. Meat Tainted With Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Published on January 18, 2012

Posted By Dr. Mercola | May 07 2011 | 31,865 views

Click here to read the original article

Meat

Drug-resistant bacteria may be lurking in your grocery meat aisle. A study found that Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that causes most staph infections, was present in meat and poultry from U.S. grocery stores at “unexpectedly high rates.”Researchers found nearly half of the meat and poultry samples were contaminated. What’s more, over half of those bacteria were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics.

According to the New York Post:

“For the study, researchers looked at 136 samples involving 80 brands of beef, chicken, pork and turkey from 26 grocery stores … According to the findings … industrial farms, where food animals are steadily fed low doses of antibiotics, ‘are ideal breeding grounds for drug-resistant bacteria that move from animals to humans.’”

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

If you’re still buying meat from your local grocery store, you have a 50/50 chance of choosing meat that’s tainted with drug-resistant bacteria every time you shop. This staggering, and quite disgusting finding comes from a study by the Translational Genomics Research Institute, which revealed 47 percent of the meat and poultry samples they tested contained antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

These were samples from 80 brands of beef, chicken, pork and turkey from more than two dozen grocery stores scattered across the United States, in large cities from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. So it likely applies to a grocery store near you …

Can You Get Staph Infections From Meat?

Staphylococcus aureus is the bacteria that causes most staph infections. Typically, staph bacteria are relatively harmless and up to 30 percent of people carry staph bacteria in their nose without it causing an infection. If the bacteria enters your body through a cut, it may cause an infection (staph bacteria is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States) but even these are typically mild and can be easily treated.

Unlike typical staph bacteria, antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a serious and growing public health problem, one that is getting progressively worse and actually exacts a greater death toll than “modern plagues” like AIDS.

MRSA is much more dangerous because it has become resistant to the broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat it, such as methicillin, oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. In the meat study, researchers actually detected Staph bacteria that are resistant to up to nine different antibiotics.

Worst still, this “super bug” is constantly adapting, meaning it is capable of outsmarting even new antibiotics that come on the market.

Because antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA can be so difficult to treat, it can easily progress from a superficial skin infection to a life-threatening infection in your bones, joints, bloodstream, heart valves, lungs, or surgical wounds.

So can you get MRSA or another staph infection from eating meat?

Staph bacteria are killed with cooking, but if you eat your meat very rare, which is actually far healthier than eating it well-done if you buy high-quality meat, you run the risk of being infected. Likewise, it’s possible to be infected with Staph while handling contaminated meat, or through cross-contamination in your kitchen.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bugs in Your Meat is a Very Bad Sign …

The fact that antibiotic-resistant superbugs are found so widely in U.S. meat supplies is a major red flag; a sign that we are nearing the point of no return where superbugs will continue to flourish with very little we can do to stop them.

While I am not one to recommend many medications, antibiotics can be VERY useful when you need to treat a bacterial infection. When used properly, in the correct contexts and with responsibility, antibiotics can and do save lives that are threatened by bacterial infections. But they will only remain effective if urgent changes are made to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and disease… and this will only happen with a serious reduction in their use now.

Do You Know Who Uses the Most Antibiotics in the United States?

Farmers, and more specifically, farmers that run Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that industrial farms used a whopping 29 million pounds of antibiotics in 2009 alone.

Where are all of these antibiotics going?

As much as 70 percent of all antibiotics sold in the United States are bought by farmers to feed to chickens, cattle and hogs — not to treat disease but to make them grow faster. This increases profit margins for livestock producers, but it puts YOUR health at risk.

Food animals are fed low doses of antibiotics steadily, killing off some of the animals’ bacteria. This allows the stronger, more resistant bacteria to survive, multiply, and pass on their strength and resistance to future generations.

A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that 70 percent of antibiotics used in this country are given to animals for growth promotion and other non-medical uses. And when all agricultural uses were considered, they estimated the share could be as high as 84 percent! This massive antibiotic overuse is largely responsible for the potent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria we are seeing today.

As the New York Post reported, the Translational Genomics Research Institute researchers noted that CAFOs, where the practice of giving food animals a constant supply of low-dose antibiotics is routine, “are ideal breeding grounds for drug-resistant bacteria that move from animals to humans.”

On these industrial farms, resistant bacteria are incredibly common. According to a 2009 University of Iowa study, 70 percent of hogs and 64 percent of workers in industrial animal confinements tested positive for MRSA. The study pointed out that once MRSA is introduced, it could spread broadly to other swine and their caretakers, as well as to their families and friends.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the various MRSA strains can be transmitted from humans to animals and vice versa, putting the health of both humans and animals (including pets) at ever increasing risk.

Will Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Soon be in Your Produce, Too?

Antibiotics are not only embedded in your meats, they have made their way into your produce as well. Antibiotics are transferred, via the manure used as fertilizer, into your corn, lettuce, potatoes, and other crops.

Even eating organically may not entirely alleviate this problem, since organic crops, which cannot be fertilized with synthetic fertilizers, are the ones most often fertilized with manure. As it stands, manure that contains antibiotics is still allowed under the organic label.

So it all depends on where organic farmers get their manure from. Some organic crop farmers may be getting their manure from organic cattle farms, but there’s no guarantee that’s taking place.

Other Countries are Taking Steps to Keep Superbugs OUT of Their Meat

The U.S. meat industry is extremely resistant to the idea of cutting back on antibiotics use, and I don’t think we’ll see any major change in this area unless laws are enacted to curtail its use.

But in other countries, like Denmark, changes are already taking place. In Denmark, farmers use antibiotics sparingly — only when animals are sick. And after the ban on antibiotics took place, a Danish study confirmed that it had drastically reduced antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals and food.

Australia also confirmed that after its ban on fluoroquinolones in all food animals, only 2 percent of Australian patients tested positive for the drug-resistant strain of Campylobacter jejuni (a leading bacterial cause of food-borne illness that has exhibited drug-resistant strains), whereas the prevalence of drug resistance can be as high as 29 percent in countries that allow the use of fluoroquinolone.

And, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, bacteria from conventional chicken, and people who ate the chicken, became resistant to Synercid (a strong antibiotic used to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria) more often than the bacteria found in antibiotic-free chicken, or in vegetarians.

In fact, the study found it was rare to find drug-resistant bacteria among antibiotic-free chicken, while the majority of bacterial isolates from conventional poultry were resistant — and the researchers indicated that the use of antibiotics in poultry (in this case the antibiotics were used to promote growth) may harm humans’ health in the long-term.

Another Reason to Choose Your Meat Wisely

Given the range of bacteria, drugs and hormones in the conventional U.S. meat supply, some of my readers have criticized my recommendations to continue eating meats. But you must remember that I ONLY recommend organic, grass-fed, free-range meats, which really cannot be compared to conventionally farmed meats in terms of quality and nutritional content.

Any time I discuss meat consumption, read with the explicit understanding that I only promote humanely raised, organically farmed livestock that have roamed free, feeding on their natural food source, without any use of antibiotics and other growth-promoting drugs typically used in conventional farming.

So how can you ensure that the meat you feed yourself and your family is pure and healthy?

Apart from growing it yourself, your best option is to get to know a local farmer — one who uses non-toxic farming methods. If you live in an urban area, there are increasing numbers of community-supported agriculture programs available that offer access to healthy, locally grown foods even if you live in the heart of the city.

Being able to find high-quality meat is such an important issue for me personally that I’ve made connections with sources I know provide high-quality organic grass-fed beef and bison, free-range chicken and ostrich, all of which you can find in my online store. The farms our supplier uses have 3 USDA inspectors on hand that regularly inspect the packaging facility. Additionally, all of the cattle are grass-fed on open pastures, and E. coli 0157 testing is performed daily.

But you can eliminate the shipping charges if you find a trusted farmer right in your area.

If you live in the U.S., the Weston Price Foundation has chapters all over the world and many of them are connected with buying clubs in which you can easily purchase these types of foods, including raw milk, locally. It is an amazing resource and I have successfully used them when I stayed in South Florida this winter.

Alarming New “Flu” Treatment — A Serious Health Mistake in the Making

Published on January 12, 20124 Comments

Posted By Dr. Mercola | January 12 2012 | 15,409 views

Story at-a-glance

A new study is reporting that the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins may reduce flu deaths by half, but it did not compare statin drugs against a control group; it compared statin drugs to antiviral medications. What the study actually found was that, more than likely, antiviral drugs were killing people twice as quickly as the statins!
Both statins and antiviral flu drugs carry serious side effects and their effectiveness at fighting the flu is dubious at best; antiviral drugs, for instance, only shorten the duration of the flu by one or two days and have been linked to convulsions, delirium or delusions, and death.
Safe, effective and natural options, like optimizing your vitamin D levels and avoiding sugar, are readily available for both flu prevention and treatment.

By Dr. Mercola

A new study has led to what is perhaps the most ludicrous recommendation for flu treatment ever — statin drugs!

The researchers reported that statin use may reduce death risk in people hospitalized with the flu, and the media is reporting sensational headlines like “Statins reduce flu death risk by half.”

This is particularly outrageous, because the study was seriously flawed and designed to make statin drugs useful for another condition while they do nothing to address the underlying cause.

To validly determine if statin drugs are effective for flu they need to compare it to placebo, not a poison.

So what did they do?

They compared statin drugs to other toxic drugs, this time antiviral medications. So what the study actually found was that, more than likely, antiviral drugs were killing people twice as quickly as the statins!

What did the Study Really Show?

In the observational study published in The Journal of Infectious Disease, researchers examined data from 3,000 patients hospitalized with the flu, 33 percent of whom were given statins while the rest received antiviral drugs. The results showed that people who did not receive statins were twice as likely to die.

Another way of saying this, of course, is that people who received antiviral drugs were twice as likely to die as those given statins. And what this really means is that the antiviral medications were exceptionally harmful, not that statins were beneficial.

Still, it is not surprising that the drug’s manufacturer and the media are reporting favorable results for statin drugs, even though the researchers themselves pointed out the many limitations to their study, noting, for example:

” … it was difficult to ascertain the underlying functional health status of these patients, which may potentially confound the relationship between statins and severity of influenza.”

Further, one of the study’s authors has been a consultant to numerous drug companies, including Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis, Pfizer, Dynavax, and GlaxoSmithKline, whereas the study itself was funded by the Emerging Infections Program Cooperative Agreement of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also has worrisome ties to the drug industry.

Statins are Not Wonder Drugs

The drug companies started pushing their statin drugs, which are ordinarily prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, for the flu back in 2009 during the swine flu scare, and they are working hard to get the accepted as “wonder drugs” for the treatment of everything from pneumonia to Alzheimer’s disease.

However, as Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior scientist at MIT, explains, statins are dangerous because they suppress the synthesis of a true biological wonder drug, namely cholesterol. And she believes it is actually cholesterol (in high amounts prior to patients’ starting statin therapy) that is responsible for many of the statins’ alleged benefits:

“Statin drugs are particularly problematic because they suppress the synthesis of a biological wonder drug, namely cholesterol. Repeatedly, retrospective studies have shown an alleged benefit for statins, which is actually a benefit derived from the many years of high cholesterol that preceded statin treatment. This game has been played out for sepsis, pneumonia, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, and these are just the ones I’m aware of. When the proper placebo-controlled study is done, the effect reverses — statins make the situation worse. But these negative results are kept well concealed from the public’s eyes. This is how the myth has been kept alive that statins, instead of cholesterol, are the wonder drug.”

There are, in fact, 304 adverse health effects that may be associated with statin drugs, and this may only be the tip of the iceberg.

The Truth About Antiviral Flu Drugs

Anti-viral flu drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza are conventional medicine’s go-to option for treating the flu, but you should know that they carry serious side effects — and may only shorten the time you are sick by one to two days. These drugs are part of a group of anti-influenza drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors, which work by blocking a viral enzyme that helps the influenza virus to invade cells in your respiratory tract.

The problem is that your nervous system also contains neuraminidase enzymes essential for proper brain functioning, and when blocked with these dangerous drugs, severe neurotoxicity may ensue (especially in the infants and children whose blood-brain barrier has not yet developed sufficiently).

Serious side effects include convulsions, delirium or delusions, suicidal behavior and 14 deaths in children and teens have been reported as a result of neuropsychiatric problems and brain infections. Japan actually banned Tamiflu for children in 2007 because of the steep risks.

It was also around this time that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began reviewing reports of abnormal behavior and other brain effects in more than 1,800 children who had taken Tamiflu. Further, the drug commonly causes a myriad of side effects that, ironically, resemble the flu symptoms the drug claims to treat. You can decide for yourself whether these risks are worth a measly one- or two-day reduction in your flu symptoms:

Nausea	Vomiting
Diarrhea	Headache
Dizziness	Fatigue
Cough	Behavioral side effects (such as reports of children jumping off roofs shortly after taking the drug)

Statin Study Highlights Flu Shot Ineffectiveness

Whenever I address the topic of influenza, I like to mention flu shots, simply because the propaganda supporting them is so widespread — and the truth deserves to be heard. Not only is there a shocking lack of evidence supporting the use of the flu vaccine, but a number of studies have actually confirmed the danger and ineffectiveness of the shots.

One major study determined that the best the flu vaccine could do during a season where, in the rare case, the vaccine actually matched the wild-type strains in circulation, was to reduce the risk of influenza infection by a paltry 1 percent relative to unvaccinated controls. This means that despite receiving the shot – riddled, as it is, with side effects such as the debilitating and potentially deadly nerve disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome — there is still an overwhelming likelihood that you will not be protected from the flu as a result of receiving the vaccine.

The reason for this has to do with how flu strains work. Along with the faulty science behind the creation of the vaccine, the act of determining which flu strains will affect your area is pretty much a guessing game. Mainstream medical officials urge you to receive the shot, but health officials are fully aware that it is truly impossible to know for sure which strain to vaccinate against.

With such a wide selection of strains (hundreds, if not thousands), it is very rare for officials to actually pick the correct strains – the best case scenario is that an appropriate match will occur 10 percent of the time, according to the study. Interestingly, as it was not the researchers’ intent, the statin-flu study also highlighted the striking lack of effectiveness of the flu vaccine in preventing flu deaths:

“Our finding that vaccine was not effective in preventing mortality from influenza is likely explained by the timing of our study. We evaluated the impact of statins on influenza mortality in 2007–2008, a year in which the vaccine was not well matched to the circulating viruses … In addition, vaccination status may not impact mortality in the event of vaccine failure regardless of match to circulating strains; 50% of our patients were over the age of 70, an age group in which influenza vaccine is known to be less effective.”

Why Doesn’t the CDC Fund a Study on Vitamin D for Flu Treatment?

Apparently the CDC would rather throw money at a potential cash cow for the drug makers than promote the real natural alternatives that can stop the flu in its tracks without any side effects. Where is the CDC-sponsored study on vitamin D and the flu, for instance? According to the findings from a 2010 study that didn’t get any widespread attention, vitamin D is a highly effective way to avoid influenza. In fact, children taking low doses of vitamin D3 were shown to be 42 percent less likely to come down with the flu.

Dr. John Cannell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, was one of the first to introduce the idea that vitamin D deficiency may actually be an underlying cause of influenza, which would help explain its apparent benefits as a flu-fighter. His hypothesis was published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection in 2006, which was followed up with another study published in the Virology Journal in 2008.

Dr. Cannell’s hypothesis received further support and confirmation when, in the following year, the largest and most nationally representative study of its kind to date discovered that people with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu. You can find my full recommendations for how to optimize your vitamin D levels in this past article.

There are Effective Natural Options for Beating the Flu

I have not caught the flu in over two decades, and you can avoid it too, without using drugs or getting vaccinated. Following these guidelines will help to keep your immune system in optimal working order so that you’re far less likely to acquire the infection to begin with — and if you do, these strategies will help you to get better, faster.

Optimize your vitamin D levels. As I’ve previously reported, optimizing your vitamin D levels is one of the absolute best strategies for avoiding infections of ALL kinds, and vitamin D deficiency is likely the TRUE culprit behind the seasonality of the flu— not the flu virus itself. This is probably the single most important and least expensive action you can take.If you are coming down with flu-like symptoms and have not optimized your levels, you can take doses of 50,000 units a day of vitamin D3 for three days to treat the acute infection.
Avoid sugar and processed foods. Sugar decreases the function of your immune system almost immediately, and as you likely know, a strong immune system is key to fighting off viruses and other illness. Be aware that sugar is present in foods you may not suspect, like ketchup and fruit juice.In fact, the first thing you want to do when you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu is to avoid ALL sugars, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods.
Get enough rest. Just like it becomes harder for you to get your daily tasks done if you’re tired, if your body is overly fatigued it will be harder for it to fight the flu. Be sure to check out my article Guide to a Good Night’s Sleep for some great tips to help you get quality rest.

Implement effective tools to address your stress. We all face some stress every day, but if stress becomes overwhelming then your body will be less able to fight off the flu and other illness.If you feel that stress is taking a toll on your health, consider using an effective energy psychology tool such as the Emotional Freedom Technique, which is remarkably effective in relieving stress associated with all kinds of events, from work to family to trauma.
Exercise. When you exercise, you increase your circulation and your blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of finding an illness before it spreads. You can review my exercise guidelines for some great tips on how to get started.

Take a good source of animal-based omega-3 fats like krill oil. Increase your intake of healthy and essential fats like the omega-3 found in krill oil, which is crucial for maintaining health. It is also vitally important to avoid damaged omega-6 oils like trans fats found in most processed foods, as it will seriously damage your immune response.

Wash your hands. Washing your hands will decrease your likelihood of spreading a virus to your nose, mouth or other people. Be sure you don’t use antibacterial soap for this — antibacterial soaps are completely unnecessary, and they cause far more harm than good. Instead, identify a simple chemical-free soap that you can switch your family to.

Eat garlic regularly. Garlic works like a broad-spectrum antibiotic against bacteria, virus, and protozoa in your body. And unlike with antibiotics, no resistance can be built up so it is an absolutely safe product to use. However, if you are allergic or don’t enjoy garlic it would be best to avoid as it will likely cause more harm than good.

Avoid hospitals whenever possible. I’d recommend you stay away from hospitals unless you have an emergency, as hospitals are prime breeding grounds for infections of all kinds, and could be one of the likeliest places you could be exposed to flu bugs.

For even more details on specific immune-boosting foods and supplements that can help boost your immune function to help you kick your cold or flu faster, without drugs, please see my article The First Thing to do When a Cold or Flu Strikes.

Kim’s Journal: Detoxing Grace

Published on January 10, 20125 Comments

Grace’s Health Journal (Test Results and Detox) – January 2012

Recently we had our daughter, Grace, tested for food sensitivities, heavy metals and brain inflammation due to immune reactions to food and environmental toxins. She had been complaining of chronic stomach pain and was suffering for two months with constant asthma attacks (up to 8 a day) and a recurrence of eczema due to mold exposure in our home. She also had frequent ear infections and had to have her adenoids removed and tubes put in. Grace has struggled for years with a sensory disorder (dyspraxia) speech delay and difficulty concentrating/remembering along with general irritability and moodiness. She has also never been able to sweat and overheats very quickly when exercising. Grace has been on and off of antibiotics and steroids her entire life. She also received all of her vaccines (46 shots on her immunization record).

Grace’s blood test results showed that her immune system reacts strongly to many different types of food because her intestinal tract has been torn up by antibiotics, steroids, vaccines and wheat (gluten), leaving holes where food falls through into her blood stream (Leaky Gut Syndrome). Her good digestive flora was wiped out allowing pathogenic bacteria to colonize her gut.

Grace’s stool test showed that she has the pathogenic bacteria, helicobacter pylori, in her gut, parasites and yeast overgrowth along with pancreatic insufficiency (her pancreas struggles to produce the proper enzymes needed for adequate digestion). The test also showed traces of mold still in her body.

Grace’s heavy metal blood test results revealed that she has elevated (very high) levels of mercury (thimerosal), lead and aluminum in her body.

One month before taking the tests I started Grace on a special diet (GAPS Diet – no wheat (gluten), dairy, or sugar) which was helping. Immediately after receiving the test results, John Smothers, (a local nutritionist/herbalist who practices functional/integrative medicine) removed other foods she’s sensitive to like eggs, potatoes, cashews, tomatoes, onions, pineapples, and lemons. He started her on a special detox/treatment protocol which included natural supplements, herbs, powerful probiotics, enzymes, medical food, and chelators for heavy metal removal. I also added freshly juiced organic fruits and vegetables to her diet.

Once on the protocol I was able to take her off of all her medications (steroids, cough and sinus drugs, benadryl, albuterol). Her stomach pain and constipation stopped within the first few days of the protocol. Her asthma greatly decreased but from time to time still flared up. I purchased grounding sheets for her bed thinking that she might be sensitive to electromagnetic fields in our home. Kid’s with high levels of heavy metals are much more sensitive to EMFs. The grounding pad helped and her asthma attacks stopped. She’ been 100% asthma free for six weeks.

Although her eczema has greatly improved she still has flare ups. I stopped using medicated lotions and followed John Smother’s advice to use coconut oil and give her Bentonite Clay baths. I also put a filter on her shower to remove fluoride (she’s extremely allergic to it) and chlorine from her water) and she uses fluoride free toothpaste. We also use a reverse osmosis system for clean drinking water. This is helping.

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Grace’s Supplements/Medical Food:

GI Barrier Repair 180 Capsules by NeuroScience – $42.00 – http://www.forresthealth.com/GI-Barrier-Repair.html
GI Reset/NS – $60.00 – http://www.forresthealth.com/GI-Reset.html
Therabiotic (probiotic) – $34.95 – http://www.forresthealth.com/Ther-Biotic-Women-s-Formula.html
Integrative Therapeutics, Tyler Similase GFCF 120 Veg Capsules (Enzymes) – http://www.healthdesigns.com/integrative-therapeutics-tyler-similase-gfcf-120-veg-capsules
NuMedica, ImmunoG PRP 240 capsules (bovine colostrum) – $36.95 – http://www.healthdesigns.com/integrative-therapeutics-tyler-similase-gfcf-120-veg-capsules
UltraClear Renew Protein – $71.70 – http://www.healthdesigns.com/integrative-therapeutics-tyler-similase-gfcf-120-veg-capsules
TheaNaq (nuero transmitter regulator) – $45.00 – http://www.healthdesigns.com/integrative-therapeutics-tyler-similase-gfcf-120-veg-capsules
ADP 60/Biotics (Kills yeast)- $40.00 (120 Tablets) – http://www.healthdesigns.com/biotics-research-a-d-p-120-tablets
SacBoulardii DF (probiotic)– $39.90 – http://www.healthdesigns.com/numedica-sacboulardi-df-250-mg-60-vegetable-capsules
FC – Cidal Biotics (Kills yeast)- $27.00 – http://www.healthdesigns.com/biotics-research-fc-cidal-100-capsules
GastroMend HP – 60 vcaps – $40.00 – http://www.thin-site.com/products/353 (Buy from Dr. Smothers)
Porphyra-Zyme (detox from heavy metals)- $16.00, or Porphyra-Zyme (270 Tablets) – $39.00 – http://renewalenterprises.com/porphyrazyme2.html
LipoFlow 2 oz EDTA – (detox from heavy metals) $28.00 http://www.smhomeopathic.com/store/product1259.html

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Journal of Grace’s Treatment and Recovery: March 8, 2012

Grace is doing amazing well. She’s been on the protocol for a little over two months. Her stomach pain and constipation have completely disappeared. Her asthma has stopped although I fully expect it to return with allergy season. She is extremely allergic to grass and tree pollen.

Grace’s skin is improving and she actually sweat while running a few weeks ago. Grace has never been able to sweat and I learned that this is a common symptom of heavy metal toxicity.

This past week I’ve noticed a big improvement in Grace’s ability to focus. For the first time she’s been able to sit and work through all of her homework without constant help and redirecting from me. In fact, she didn’t require my help or redirection at all. She has been unusually relaxed and pleasant. In the past she would often melt down, lose control, physically hit her sister when irritated and cry multiple times throughout a given day. She’s always been very fidgety, restless, shy and frequently emotionally unstable. I’m happily noticing that her mood and self control are improving along with her self confidence and social skills. She even enjoys lying still in bed and reading at night. I am so grateful!!

In July we will have her tested again to see precisely how the protocol is working insider her body. Dr. Smother’s believes that most of her food allergies and sensitivities will go away once the mucosal lining of her intestine is restored and the food stays in her digestive system. This along with the heavy metal detox will greatly reduce the inflammation in her brain that has caused much of the psychological, sensory and behavioral issues that she’s struggled with.

Helpful Articles related to Grace’s issues

** I was very surprised and upset by Grace’s heavy metal test results and started doing some research to find out where she acquired her heavy metal load. Here are excepts from some articles that I found:

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Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning (Grace has had 19 of these symptoms)

irritability
anxiety/nervousness, often with difficulty in breathing
restlessness
exaggerated response to stimulation
fearfulness
emotional instability
lack of self control
fits of anger, with violent, irrational behavior
loss of self confidence
indecision
shyness or timidity, being easily embarrassed
loss of memory
inability to concentrate
lethargy/drowsiness
insomnia
mental depression, despondency
withdrawal
suicidal tendencies
manic depression
numbness and tingling of hands, feet, fingers, toes, or lips
muscle weakness progressing to paralysis
ataxia
tremors/trembling of hands, feet, lips, eyelids or tongue
incoordination
myoneural transmission failure resembling Myasthenia Gravis

Sources of Mercury
Exposure to mercury can be particularly hazardous for pregnant women and small children. During the first several years of life, a child’s brain is still developing and rapidly absorbing nutrients. Prenatal and infant mercury exposure can cause mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness and blindness. Even in low doses, mercury may affect a child’s development, delaying walking and talking, shortening attention span and causing learning disabilities.

In adults, mercury poisoning can adversely affect fertility and blood pressure regulation and can cause memory loss, tremors, vision loss and numbness of the fingers and toes. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to mercury may also lead to heart disease.

Mercury pollution can be a serious health threat, especially for children and pregnant women. Over the years, many companies have used mercury to manufacture a range of products including thermometers, thermostats and automotive light switches. Although the metallic mercury in these products rarely poses a direct health hazard, industrial mercury pollution becomes a serious threat when it is released into the air by power plants, certain chemical manufacturers and other industrial facilities, and then settles into oceans and waterways, where it builds up in fish that we eat. Children and women of childbearing age are most at risk.

Mercury and a High-Fish Diet
Humans risk ingesting dangerous levels of mercury when they eat contaminated fish. Since the poison is odorless, invisible and accumulates in the meat of the fish, it is not easy to detect and can’t be avoided by trimming off the skin or other parts. Once in the human body, mercury acts as a neurotoxin, interfering with the brain and nervous system.

Once mercury enters a waterway, naturally occurring bacteria absorb it and convert it to a form called methyl mercury. This transition is particularly significant for humans, who absorb methyl mercury easily and are especially vulnerable to its effects.

Mercury then works its way up the food chain as large fish consume contaminated smaller fish. Instead of dissolving or breaking down, mercury accumulates at ever-increasing levels. Predatory fish such as large tuna, swordfish, shark and mackerel can have mercury concentrations in their bodies that are 10,000 times higher than those of their surrounding habitat.

A July 2005 report from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that one in 17 women of childbearing age have mercury in their blood above 5.8 micrograms per liter of blood — a level that could pose a risk to a developing fetus. This is an improvement from the prior report in 2003 which showed that one out of 12 women had mercury in their blood at this level. Newer science indicates, however, that mercury actually concentrates in the umbilical cord blood that goes to the fetus, so mercury levels as low as 3.4 micrograms per liter of a mother’s blood are now a concern. Nearly one in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States has mercury in her blood at or above this level, according to the new CDC study.

Dr. Jane Hightower, a doctor of internal medicine at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco also linked fish consumption to elevated mercury levels when she tested her own patients. Her 2003 study found that 89 percent of the participating patients — chosen because of their fish-heavy diets — had elevated mercury levels. Many had levels as much as four times that which the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe.

Other Sources of Mercury
Power plants are the largest source, emitting around 50 tons of mercury pollution annually. Cement plants are the fourth largest emitter of airborne mercury in the United States, and facilities that recycle auto scrap are another big source of mercury pollution, historically pouring 10 to 12 tons of mercury into the air every year. Chlorine plants, which use massive quantities of mercury to extract chlorine from salt, “lose” mercury when mercury volatilizes during maintenance and other operational activities. The most common way Americans are exposed to mercury is through tuna fish.

Thimersol = Mercury (some vaccines)
an “Allergen Patch Test” it contains 2% thimersol
36 nasal sprays have thimerisol in them
Contact lens solutions have thimerisol in them
Hemorrhoid medications have thimersol
Otic and Ophthalmologic Drops (some designed for children) have thimersol in them
Mothers who have metal amalgams in their mouth should have their newborn baby’s hair tested for mercury.
Autistic children can’t detox mercury poisonings.
Antibiotics decrease mercury excretion. Mercury goes into tissues not the blood.

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Symptoms of Aluminum Toxicity (Grace has had all of these symptoms except impaired intellect as far as we know).
Aluminum is particularly poisonous to the nervous system with a range of symptoms that can include disturbed sleep, nervousness, emotional instability, memory loss, headaches, and impaired intellect. It can stop the body’s ability to digest and make use of calcium, and phosphorus. This prevents bone growth and reduces bone density. Aluminum can also cause conditions which actually force calcium out of the bones. Either of these situations can bring on weakness and deformation in the bone structure with crippling effects. Toxicity can also result in aching muscles, speech problems, anemia, digestive problems, lowered liver function, colic and impaired kidney function.

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Sources of Aluminum

Aluminum cookware and utensils: Boiling water in aluminum pots produces toxic hydro-oxides, boiling meat produces chlorides and frying bacon in an aluminum pan increases nitrates. Aluminum teapots should be avoided because the tannic acid in the tea tends to allow aluminum to leak into the tea.

Food Additives: The following food additives contain aluminum compounds: E173, E520, E521, E523 E541, E545, E554, E555 E556, E559. Aluminum is a common food additive found in foods such as processed cheeses, table salt, baking powders, pickles, bleached flour, prepared dough, cake mixes, non-dairy creamers, vanilla powders and some donuts and waffles. Milk formulas for babies can contain up to four hundred times more aluminum than breast milk.

Medications: Antacids quite often contain aluminum trisilicate as does buffered aspirin. Antacids can contain 200 milligrams or more of elemental aluminum in a single tablet. Certain popular antacids contain aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum is present in popular over-the-counter and prescription medicines such as certain pain-killers and anti-diarrhea medicines. Many Vaccines also contain aluminum adjuvants. To find the list of immunizations containing Aluminum go to: http://www.immunizationinfo.org/issues/vaccine-components/aluminum-adjuvants-vaccines

Other products containing aluminum: Aluminum can be found in toothpastes, nasal sprays, anti-antiperspirants, dental amalgams, cigarette filters and pesticides. Some metal cleaners contain aluminum oxide.

In order to prevent becoming a victim of Alzheimer’s disease, it is prudent to avoid all colorants, additives, toxic chemicals, pesticides and polluted air and water. Drink alcohol in moderation and with meals only. Make sure blood sugar levels are normal and avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates. Some experts recommend taking a daily Vitamin C and Zinc supplement.

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Symptoms of Lead Poisoning (Grace has experienced all these symptoms except joint pain, metallic taste, vomiting and loss of Appetite)

headaches
muscle and joint weakness or pain
excessive tiredness or lethargy
behavioral problems or irritability
difficulty concentrating
loss of appetite
metallic taste in the mouth
abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
constipation

Sources of Lead 

Lead can be found in many products and locations. Some you might never have thought of, including some imported candies, toys, and traditional medicines. The most common cause of lead poisoning is dust and chips from old paint. However, some non-paint sources, though less common, can cause severe cases of lead poisoning.

Paint (older homes, old toys, furniture, crafts)
Dust
Soil
Drinking water
Air
Folk medicines, ayurvedics, and cosmetics
Children’s jewelry and toys
Workplace and hobbies
Lead-glazed ceramics, china, leaded crystal, pewter
Imported candies or foods
Imported food in cans
Firearms with lead bullets
Mini-blinds
Other common sources of lead (car batteries, radiators, candle wicks, some inks, etc.)

900 Studies Show Statin Drugs are Dangerous

Published on November 30, 20113 Comments

Read the original article here

A new paper cites nearly 900 studies on the adverse effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also called statins, which are a class of drugs widely used to treat high cholesterol. The review provides the most complete picture to date of reported side effects of statins.

Muscle problems are the best known of statin drugs’ adverse side effects, but cognitive problems and pain or numbness in the extremities are also widely reported. A spectrum of other problems, ranging from blood glucose elevations to tendon problems, can also occur as side effects.

The paper summarizes powerful evidence that statin-induced injury to the function of the body’s energy-producing cells, called mitochondria, underlies many of the adverse effects that occur to patients taking statin drugs. Statins lower levels of coenzyme Q10, a compound central to the processes of making energy within mitochondria and eliminating dangerous compounds called free radicals.

Higher statin doses and more powerful statins are linked to greater risk of developing side effects.

Dr. Mercola’s Comments:

Statins, which are a class of drugs used to lower your cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, and I believe, one of the most unnecessary drugs there are.

Use of statins rose by a whopping 156 percent between 2000 and 2005, rising from 15.8 million people to 29.7 million people. Spending on these drugs jumped from $7.7 billion to $19.7 billion annually over the same period. This is a travesty in light of the overwhelming evidence – nearly 900 studies compiled in the review listed above — showing the damage statins inflict.

The Dangerous Side Effects of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Statin drugs are some of the most unnecessary drugs on the market today.

Why?

Because their use is based on a misinformed notion that cholesterol is the nemesis of good health in the first place. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease.

Making matters worse, statins are also some of the most dangerous and are fraught with side effects.

Confusing matters, however, is the fact that statin drugs oftentimes do not have any immediate side effects, and they are quite effective, capable of lowering cholesterol levels by 50 points or more. This makes it appear as though they’re benefiting your health, and health problems that appear down the line are frequently not interpreted as a side effect of the drug, but rather as brand new, separate health problems.

But there’s an ever-growing body of evidence showing that potentially serious side effects begin to manifest several months after the commencement of therapy.

For starters, some of the possible consequences of taking statins in strong doses, or for a lengthy period of time, include:

Cognitive loss
Neuropathy
Anemia
Acidosis
Frequent fevers
Cataracts
Sexual dysfunction

Other serious and potentially life threatening side effects include, but are not limited to:

An increase in cancer risk
Immune system suppression
Serious degenerative muscle tissue condition (rhabdomyolysis)
Pancreatic dysfunction
Hepatic dysfunction. (Due to the potential increase in liver enzymes, patients must be monitored for normal liver function)

According to the latest review published in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs, adverse effects are dose dependent, and your health risks are also amplified by a number of factors, such as:

Drug interactions that increase statin potency
Metabolic syndrome
Thyroid disease
Other genetic mutations linked to mitochondrial dysfunction

How Statin Drugs Destroy Your Muscles

The most common side effect is muscle pain and weakness, a condition called rhabdomyolysis. Unfortunately, many older adults are likely unable to distinguish between muscle pain related to a statin effect versus an effect of aging, and therefore adverse effects of statins in older adults may be grossly under-reported.

Researchers have now discovered that there is more than one way this condition can arise as a result of taking statins, including:

Depleting your body of Co-Q10, a nutrient that supports muscle function. In my view it is medical malpractice to prescribe a statin drug without recommending one take CoQ10, or better yet ubiquinol.
Altering the ability of skeletal muscle to repair and regenerate due to the anti-proliferative effects of statins. In one recent study, the viability of proliferating cells was reduced by 50 percent at a dose equivalent to 40 milligrams of Simvastatin – the dose per day used in some patients. This could clearly have a negative effect on your skeletal muscles’ ability to heal and repair themselves, and could lead to eventually becoming more or less incapacitated.

Activating the atrogin-1 gene, which plays a key role in muscle atrophy.

The breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue can in turn also lead to kidney failure.

The industry insists that only 2-3 percent of patients get muscle aches and cramps but according to one study, 98 percent of patients taking Lipitor and one-third of the patients taking Mevacor (a lower-dose statin) suffered from muscle problems!

Adding insult to injury, active people are actually more likely to develop problems from statin use than those who are sedentary. In a study carried out in Austria, only six out of 22 athletes with familial hypercholesterolemia were able to endure statin treatment. The others discontinued treatment because of muscle pain.

The Importance of CoQ10

There are no official warnings in the U.S. regarding CoQ10 depletion from taking statin drugs, and many physicians fail to inform you about this problem as well. Labeling in Canada, however, clearly warns of CoQ10 depletion and even notes that this nutrient deficiency “could lead to impaired cardiac function in patients with borderline congestive heart failure.”

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant compound that is central to the process of energy production within your mitochondria, and in the quenching of free radicals.

Statins have been found to impair mitochondrial function, which leads to increased production of free radicals.

At the same time, statins also lower your CoQ10 levels by blocking the pathway involved in cholesterol production – the same pathway by which Q10 is produced. Statins also reduce the blood cholesterol that transports CoQ10 and other fat-soluble antioxidants.

The loss of CoQ10 leads to loss of cell energy and increased free radicals which, in turn, can further damage your mitochondrial DNA, effectively setting into motion an evil circle of increasing free radicals and mitochondrial damage.

This explains why statins are particularly dangerous if you have existing mitochondrial damage, as your body relies on ample CoQ10 to bypass this damage.

High blood pressure and diabetes are linked to higher rates of mitochondrial problems, so if you have either of these conditions your risk of statin complications increases, according to the authors of this latest review.

Additionally, since statins can cause progressive damage to your mitochondria over time, and your mitochondria tend to weaken with age anyway, new adverse effects can develop the longer you’re on the drug.

Said co-author Beatrice Golomb, MD, PhD:

“The risk of adverse effects goes up as age goes up, and this helps explain why. This also helps explain why statins’ benefits have not been found to exceed their risks in those over 70 or 75 years old, even those with heart disease.”

How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

There’s really no reason to take statins and suffer the consequences from these ill-conceived drugs. These simple guidelines have the power to lower your cholesterol naturally, without any dangerous side effects:

If you truly want to normalize your cholesterol levels, following these simple lifestyle changes can get you there:

First, normalize your insulin levels by eliminating sugar and grains.
Second, you can take a high-quality krill oil or fish oil that is chock full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Eat the right foods for your nutritional type, and eat a good portion of your food raw.
Additionally, if you are a man, or a woman who is in menopause, you should check your iron levels, as elevated levels of iron can cause major oxidative damage in the blood vessels, heart and other organs. Excess iron is also one of the major contributing factors of cancer risk.
Regular exercise is another important tool that can help. When you exercise you increase your circulation and the blood flow throughout your body. The components of your immune system are also better circulated, which means your immune system has a better chance of fighting an illness before it has the opportunity to spread.
Energy Psychology methods such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can also be helpful for cholesterol. Read this press release for the possibilities. Doctors Use New Acupressure Technique to Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels: Medications Unnecessary
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively.

Posted By Dr. Mercola | February 04 2011

Over 40,000 Mistakes EVERY Day!

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Medication Errors are a Major Killer

Nearly Half a Million Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions

49th in Life Expectancy, First in Health Care Costs

Is American Medicine Working?

What about Preventive Care?

How natural substances avoid the problem

Onion – Everything that’s been said about Garlic can be said about onion. Onions and garlic share many of the same powerful sulfur bearing compounds that work so effectively as anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents.

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Posted By Dr. Mercola | May 07 2011 | 31,865 views

Can You Get Staph Infections From Meat?

Antibiotic-Resistant Bugs in Your Meat is a Very Bad Sign …

Do You Know Who Uses the Most Antibiotics in the United States?

Will Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Soon be in Your Produce, Too?

Other Countries are Taking Steps to Keep Superbugs OUT of Their Meat

Another Reason to Choose Your Meat Wisely

Posted By Dr. Mercola | January 12 2012 | 15,409 views

Story at-a-glance

What did the Study Really Show?

Statins are Not Wonder Drugs

The Truth About Antiviral Flu Drugs

Statin Study Highlights Flu Shot Ineffectiveness

Why Doesn’t the CDC Fund a Study on Vitamin D for Flu Treatment?

There are Effective Natural Options for Beating the Flu

49^th in Life Expectancy, First in Health Care Costs