Malignant melanoma


Is that Brown Spot a Melanoma?

Malignant melanoma is a cancerous skin tumor arising in a pigmented area of skin, eye, or the central nervous system. The incidence of melanoma has risen 812% over the past five decades.

Among skin cancers, melanoma has the highest potential for invasion and metastasis (spread). It can spread so rapidly that it can be fatal within months of diagnosis. Melanomas usually look more like moles than liver spots. How do you know if your “liver spot” is benign or if it is a melanoma?

Here are the A-B-C’s of Diagnosis:

A: asymmetry

B: borders that are irregular

C: colors that are varied (brown, black, blue, red, purple)

D: diameter greater than 1/4 inch

OR A smaller ulceration that continues to flake and does not heal

If you have any question about a “brown spot” on your skin, see a doctor for diagnosis. When treated early, melanomas are completely curable.

 

Medicinal Mushrooms


Immune-Boosting Super-Food

Medicinal mushrooms include:

  • Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
  • Shiitake (Lentinus edodes)
  • Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
  • Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Medicinal mushrooms act as immune stimulants and anti-tumorogenic agents. They have been used by the Chinese for this purpose for thousands of years; modern research verifies the immune-stimulating benefits of mushrooms. Beta 1,3 Glucan and polysaccharides are thought to be the major immune stimulants, although other substances found in mushrooms appear synergistic.

Uses: General immune enhancement; cancer; chronic fatigue syndrome; all chronic viral conditions ( EBV / HIV / CMV / hepatitis C )

Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club offers Medicinal Mushrooms in her product Immune Support – A Daily Immune-Enhancing Formula with Astragalus, Echinacea, and Medicinal Mushrooms

Keep your immune system healthy on a daily basis with this superior formula of immune-enhancing herbs. Our new formula contains high potencies of Astragalus, Ligustrum, and Echinacea in addition to a full spectrum of Medicinal Mushrooms and support nutrients.

Suggested dose: 1 capsule, 2 times per day for general immune enhancement. May be increased to 2 caps, 3 times per day for acute infections or additional immune support.

Each (two) capsules contain:

Echinacea angustifolia root (4% echinacoside) 100 mg
Astragalus membranaceus root extract 250 mg
Maitake mushroom TD-fraction extract 25 mg
Maitake mushroom powder 100 mg
Shiitake mushroom powder 200 mg
Reishi mushroom powder 100 mg
Ligustrum lucidum fruit extract 100 mg
Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis) 10 mg
Quercetin 50 mg
Garlic (Allium sativum) bulb powder 50 mg
Vitamin A (as beta carotene) 2,500 IU
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) 100 mg
Vitamin B-6 5 mg
Folic acid 400 mcg
Vitamin B-12 5 mcg
Pantothenic acid 5 mg
Zinc 10 mg

Visit our Immune Support page to learn more or to order

Macular Degeneration


Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD causes no pain.

In this simulation, how a person with AMD sees the world is presented graphically. As the disease progresses the area of central vision deteriorates. The gradual destruction of light sensitive cells continues until large areas are totally lost. Peripheral vision remains, but the ability to clearly see straight ahead is gradually lost. Credit: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health

In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

Wet AMD versus dry AMD

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly.

With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Wet AMD is also known as advanced AMD. It does not have stages like dry AMD.

An early symptom of wet AMD is that straight lines appear wavy. If you notice this condition or other changes to your vision, contact your eye care professional at once. You need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. As dry AMD gets worse, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye.

The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. You may have difficulty recognizing faces. You may need more light for reading and other tasks. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected.
 

Normal vision and the same scene as viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration. Normal vision
Normal vision   The same scene as viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration
The same scene as viewed by a person with age-related macular degeneration

Causes and Risk Factors

Who is at risk for AMD?

The greatest risk factor is age. Although AMD may occur during middle age, studies show that people over age 60 are clearly at greater risk than other age groups. For instance, a large study found that people in middle-age have about a 2 percent risk of getting AMD, but this risk increased to nearly 30 percent in those over age 75.

Other risk factors include:

  • Smoking. Smoking may increase the risk of AMD.
  • Obesity. Research studies suggest a link between obesity and the progression of early and intermediate stage AMD to advanced AMD.
  • Race. Whites are much more likely to lose vision from AMD than African Americans.
  • Family history. Those with immediate family members who have AMD are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Gender. Women appear to be at greater risk than men.
  • Aspirin. A new study links daily aspirin use to an increased risk of macular degeneration.16

Can my lifestyle make a difference?

Diet and lifestyle can play a role in reducing your risk of developing AMD.

  • Eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables and fish.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Avoid daily aspirin use.16

Conventional Medical Treatment for Macular Degeneration

Wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery, photodynamic therapy, and injections into the eye. None of these treatments is a cure for wet AMD. The disease and loss of vision may progress despite treatment.

  1. Laser surgery. This procedure uses a laser to destroy the fragile, leaky blood vessels. A high energy beam of light is aimed directly onto the new blood vessels and destroys them, preventing further loss of vision. However, laser treatment may also destroy some surrounding healthy tissue and some vision. Only a small percentage of people with wet AMD can be treated with laser surgery. Laser surgery is more effective if the leaky blood vessels have developed away from the fovea, the central part of the macula. (See illustration at the beginning of this document.) Laser surgery is performed in a doctor’s office or eye clinic.

    The risk of new blood vessels developing after laser treatment is high. Repeated treatments may be necessary. In some cases, vision loss may progress despite repeated treatments.

     

  2. Photodynamic therapy. A drug called verteporfin is injected into your arm. It travels throughout the body, including the new blood vessels in your eye. The drug tends to “stick” to the surface of new blood vessels. Next, a light is shined into your eye for about 90 seconds. The light activates the drug. The activated drug destroys the new blood vessels and leads to a slower rate of vision decline. Unlike laser surgery, this drug does not destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Because the drug is activated by light, you must avoid exposing your skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for five days after treatment.

    Photodynamic therapy is relatively painless. It takes about 20 minutes and can be performed in a doctor’s office.

    Photodynamic therapy slows the rate of vision loss. It does not stop vision loss or restore vision in eyes already damaged by advanced AMD. Treatment results often are temporary. You may need to be treated again.

     

  3. Injections. Wet AMD can now be treated with new drugs that are injected into the eye (anti-VEGF therapy). Abnormally high levels of a specific growth factor occur in eyes with wet AMD and promote the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. This drug treatment blocks the effects of the growth factor.

    You will need multiple injections that may be given as often as monthly. The eye is numbed before each injection. After the injection, you will remain in the doctor’s office for a while and your eye will be monitored. This drug treatment can help slow down vision loss from AMD and in some cases improve sight.

Nutritional Treatment of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS)

The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that taking a specific high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc reduces the risk of advanced AMD and its associated vision loss by 25%, slowing AMD’s progression from the intermediate stage to the advanced stage.

 The specific daily amounts of antioxidants and zinc used by the study researchers were 500 milligrams of vitamin C, 400 International Units of vitamin E, 15 milligrams of beta-carotene (often labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of vitamin A), 80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide, and two milligrams of copper as cupric oxide. Copper was added to the AREDS formulation containing zinc to prevent copper deficiency anemia, a condition associated with high levels of zinc intake.

Can diet alone provide the same high levels of antioxidants and zinc as the AREDS formulation?

No. The high levels of vitamins and minerals are difficult to achieve from diet alone. However, previous studies have suggested that people who have diets rich in green leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing AMD.

Can a daily multivitamin alone provide the same high levels of antioxidants and zinc as the AREDS formulation?

No. The formulation’s levels of antioxidants and zinc are considerably higher than the amounts in any daily multivitamin.

If you are already taking daily multivitamins and your doctor suggests you take the high-dose AREDS formulation, be sure to review all your vitamin supplements with your doctor before you begin. Because multivitamins contain many important vitamins not found in the AREDS formulation, you may want to take a multivitamin along with the AREDS formulation. For example, people with osteoporosis need to be particularly concerned about taking vitamin D, which is not in the AREDS formulation. 1

How to Make Vision Supplements Work Better

Many people who take the AERDS nutritional supplement formula do not benefit from it and the disease progresses. Only about 25% of study participants benefited. Also note that this formula often slows the advancement of the disease. Just because you don’t notice improvement doesn’t mean it isn’t working.

Some holistic physicians, myself included, have found that poor assimilation — especially a decrease of gastric acid function in the stomach — is an important factor in the development of AMD. No matter how many supplements one takes, if they are not assimilated, they are of no value.

It is probably no coincidence that the risk of AMD increases with age and so does the decline of stomach acid production. Contrary to popular belief, most people who experience “heartburn” actually have too little stomach acid, not too much. Find out how that happens in this article: What’s Burning You?

So, in addition to taking eye nutrients, improving digestion and assimilation is also highly recommended.

Dr. Myatt’s Recommendations for Macular Degeneration

  1. Diet: eat a diet high in antioxidant nutrients (especially green vegetables), high in Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish) and low in Omega-6 fatty acids.
  2. Gastric function: Perform a Gastric Acid Self-Test or ask your holistic physician to perform a Heidleberg gastric analysis. Make corrections to gastric acid function as indicated by the test.
  3. Vision supplements: The following are specifically recommended for macular degeneration:

    I) Maxi Multi– optimal potency multiple vitamin / mineral / trace mineral supplement. 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals.

    Vision was the same or better in 88% of people with AMD who took a multiple vitamin / mineral supplement compared with 59% of those who those who did not take the supplement. This is a statistically significant difference. The supplement used in this study contained beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and riboflavin. 2  Other studies have confirmed the importance of vitamins A, C, E, zinc and other nutrients found in a quality multiple vitamin/ mineral formula. 3,5 More recent studies have also shown the importance of B complex vitamins in AMD.4

    II.) Maxi Marine O-3: (high potency fish oil). 1 cap, 2 times per day. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, especially from fish oil, has been associated with lower risk of macular degeneration in multiple studies. 5-10

    III.)  Lutein Plus (lutein and zeaxanthin).  1 cap, 1-2 times per day with meals. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids that act directly in the macula to protect it from damaging effects of excess light.  Along with vitamins C and E, they are part of the antioxidant defense system of the macula.11      

    Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of AMD and may slow progression. 3-5, 11-14
    Smokers have an increased need for these carotenoids. 14      

How Long to See Results?

One study suggests that it takes at least 6 months of supplementation to see results. 15
 


References

  1. www.nei.nih.gov
  2. Olson RJ. Supplemental dietary antioxidant vitamins and minerals in patients with macular degeneration. J Am Coll Nutr 1991;10:550.
  3. Krishnadev N, Meleth AD, Chew EY. Nutritional supplements for age-related macular degeneration. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2010 May;21(3):184-9.
  4. Olson JH, Erie JC, Bakri SJ. Nutritional supplementation and age-related macular degeneration. Semin Ophthalmol. 2011 May; 26(3):131-6.
  5. Ho L, van Leeuwen R, Witteman JC, van Duijn CM, Uitterlinden AG, Hofman A, de Jong PT, Vingerling JR, Klaver CC. Reducing the genetic risk of age-related macular degeneration with dietary antioxidants, zinc, and ω-3 fatty acids: the Rotterdam study. Arch Ophthalmol. 2011 Jun;129(6):758-66.
  6. Mance TC, Kovacević D, Alpeza-Dunato Z, Stroligo MN, Brumini G. The role of omega 6 to omega 3 ratio in development and progression of age-related macular degeneration.Coll Antropol. 2011 Sep;35 Suppl 2:307-10.
  7. Merle B, Delyfer MN, Korobelnik JF, Rougier MB, Colin J, Malet F, Féart C, Le Goff M, Dartigues JF, Barberger-Gateau P, Delcourt C. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and the risk for age-related maculopathy: the Alienor Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011 Jul 29;52(8):6004-11. Print 2011 Jul.
  8. Sangiovanni JP, Agrón E, Meleth AD, Reed GF, Sperduto RD, Clemons TE, Chew EY; Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. {omega}-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and 12-y incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and central geographic atrophy: AREDS report 30, a prospective cohort study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;90(6):1601-7. Epub 2009 Oct 7.
  9. SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY, Agrón E, Clemons TE, Ferris FL 3rd, Gensler G, Lindblad AS, Milton RC, Seddon JM, Klein R, Sperduto RD; Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. The relationship of dietary omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intake with incident age-related macular degeneration: AREDS report no. 23. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep;126(9):1274-9.
  10. Seddon JM, Rosner B, Sperduto RD, Yannuzzi L, Haller JA, Blair NP, Willett W. Dietary fat and risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001 Aug;119(8):1191-9.
  11. Fletcher AE. Free radicals, antioxidants and eye diseases: evidence from epidemiological studies on cataract and age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmic Res. 2010;44(3):191-8. Epub 2010 Sep 9.
  12. SanGiovanni JP, Chew EY, Clemons TE, Ferris FL 3rd, Gensler G, Lindblad AS, Milton RC, Seddon JM, Sperduto RD. The relationship of dietary carotenoid and vitamin A, E, and C intake with age-related macular degeneration in a case-control study: AREDS Report No. 22.  Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 Sep;125(9):1225-32.
  13. Tan JS, Wang JJ, Flood V, Rochtchina E, Smith W, Mitchell P. Dietary antioxidants and the long-term incidence of age-related macular degeneration: the Blue Mountains Eye Study.Ophthalmology. 2008 Feb;115(2):334-41. Epub 2007 Jul 30.
  14. Schweigert FJ, Reimann J. [Micronutrients and their relevance for the eye–function of lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids]. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd. 2011 Jun;228(6):537-43. Epub 2010 Aug 25.
  15. Cangemi FE. TOZAL Study: an open case control study of an oral antioxidant and omega-3 supplement for dry AMD. BMC Ophthalmol. 2007 Feb 26;7:3.
  16. Paulus T.V.M. de Jong, Usha Chakravarthy, Mati Rahu, Johan Seland, Gisele Soubrane, Fotis Topouzis, Johannes R. Vingerling, Jesus Vioque, Ian Young, Astrid E. Fletcher. Associations between Aspirin Use and Aging Macula Disorder:The European Eye Study. Ophthalmology Volume 119, Issue 1 , Pages 112-118, January 2012

 

Magnesium Stearate: In Search of The Truth


An interview with  Dr. Dana Myatt, N.M.D.

Biography:
Dr. Myatt is a graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine and has been in multi-disciplinary, full-scope family practice for 23 years. In addition to her nationwide family practice, she frequently speaks at medical and lay conferences across the country on topics in holistic medicine.  She is the founder and CEO of  Dr. Myatt Nutritionals, her own line of nutritional supplements since 1994.

Dr. Myatt is author of “A Physician’s Diary” (A.R.E. Press, 1994) and the upcoming “Ketone Zone Diet” .  She is a member of  The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.  She is also a certified Advanced Hazmat Life Support provider and instructor.

Magnesium stearate, a common ingredient in many nutritional supplements, has gotten a bad rap from several nutritional supplement companies and online physicians.  One doctor has gone so far as to claim that it forms a deadly “biofilm” in the intestines and suppresses the immune system.  Since magnesium stearate is so widely used in the nutritional industry, we felt it important to carefully examine these claims.

 

After watching this thorough and completely scientifically referenced video by Dr. Dana Myatt on the subject, a nutritional supplement industry reporter named Jill requested an interview to learn the truth about magnesium stearate.

Here is that interview.

Jill: Dr. Myatt, what exactly is magnesium stearate and what is its role in nutritional supplements?

Dr. Myatt:  Magnesium stearate is a simple salt of two common substances, the mineral magnesium and the saturated fat stearic acid.  It is used as a “flow agent” in many nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals.

Jill: Could you explain a bit more about magnesium stearate?

Dr. Myatt:  Magnesium stearate is a salt that contains two common ingredients, a fatty acid called stearic acid and the mineral magnesium. Together they form magnesium stearate.

Magnesium stearate contains two molecules of stearic acid and one molecule of magnesium.  The molecule is held together by ionic bonds — the definition of a salt — that break apart easily in acid, the condition found in the human stomach.  Though the name may make it sound like a synthetic, space-age molecule, both magnesium and stearic acid are abundantly available in many foods in our diet.  In order to really understand magnesium stearate, let’s look at its two components.

Magnesium is an essential mineral, the major mineral most likely to be deficient in the American diet. (1)  I don’t think anyone would argue the safety of magnesium.

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid found in many foods including eggs, chicken, grass-fed beef, coconut oil, walnuts, cheese, chocolate , salmon and human breast milk to name just a few. (2)

Both magnesium and stearic acid are not only safe, they are beneficial to human health. Magnesium stearate is simply a salt that combines both of these molecules.

Jill: What is a “flow agent” and why is it used?

Dr. Myatt:  Flow agents help ensure a consistent dose of product in each capsule. Magnesium stearate does this by preventing individual ingredients from sticking to each other and from sticking to the encapsulating machines.  It allows manufacturers to create a consistently homogenous mix, so the amount of active ingredients is the same from capsule to capsule or tablet to tablet.  In other words, the use of magnesium stearate and other flow agents helps ensure consistency and quality control.

Jill: Some companies claim to fame is that they do not use flow agents or other “inert ingredients.” Is that a good thing?

Dr. Myatt: This might sound good to consumers who do not understand the nuances of good supplement manufacturing practices,  so some companies use it as a selling point.

The truth, however, is that companies who don’t use flow agents are more likely to have inconsistent doses of ingredients in each capsule or tablet. This aspect of quality control is so important that the FDA is said to be considering the issue as part of their new GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines.  If flow agents are added to the GMP’s, all manufacturers may be required to use flow agents to ensure consistency. Flow agents are that important for quality control.

Jill: Do most drugs, vitamins and supplements contain more than just the active ingredient? Can they be made without them?

Dr. Myatt:  Almost all drugs and supplements contain inactive ingredients. These “inactives” serve multiple purposes.  Flow agents, as we discussed, help ensure consistent dosing in each tablet or capsule. Some products contain fillers like cellulose which acts as a binder in tablets and helps fill out the size of tablets or capsules.

Herbs can be encapsulated and additional herb used as filler, so these products may contain only “actives.”

So yes, it is possible to make capsules or tablets without inactive ingredients, but quality control becomes more difficult.  Manufacturing without minute amounts of inactives is possible but drives the price of the supplement up unnecessarily.  There is no proven benefit to manufacturing without magnesium stearate except as a marketing angle.

Jill: One doctor claims that magnesium stearate suppresses immune t-cell function and causes the collapse of cell membrane integrity in helper t-cells.  Is there any scientific support for this?

Dr. Myatt: (laughing) Not unless you’re a mouse. This claim amuses me the most, because the doctor who promotes the idea that magnesium stearate is dangerous also promotes and sells a lot of foods that are high in steric acid, claiming it to be a healthy fat, which it is.

The entire argument is based on the gross misrepresentation of a single mouse study. Here’s the “Cliff notes”:

The entire claim is based on a single study—- that’s right, one study — performed in 1990, using mouse T-cells in a Petrie dish. When mouse T-cells were incubated (read that: “soaked” or bathed) with stearic acid — not magnesium stearate, but stearic acid — there was indeed a collapse of the cell membrane and a loss of T-cell function. (3) This study was never repeated.

But here’s the factoid that magnesium stearate naysayers conveniently “forget” to mention.  Mouse t-cells are known to lack the delta-9 desaturase enzyme that converts stearic acid into oleic acid. This was mentioned right in the same mouse-cell study.  Mouse T-cells can apparently become toxic from high levels of stearic acid, at least in a Petrie dish and at levels far above what could ordinarily be achieved from diet.

Human t-cells have the delta-9 desaturase enzyme that converts stearic acid to oleic acid, so human T-cells don’t develop this same toxic build-up when exposed to stearic acid. (4)

Bottom line: Mice lack an enzyme in their T-calls that humans have, so stearic acid is toxic to mouse T-calls and not to human T-cells. Stated another way: humans are not mice.

Jill: So… stearic acid isn’t bad for humans? What’s the difference between stearic acid and stearate?

Dr. Myatt: Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid and one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in nature.(5) The term “stearate” is used when steric acid is part of a salt (as when stearic acid combines with magnesium to form magnesium stearate). The terms steric acid and stearate can be used interchangeably.

Jill:  But isn’t stearic acid or stearate toxic at some dose?

Dr. Myatt:  Water is toxic if the dose is high enough.

Anybody concerned about the minute amount of stearic acid in supplements should know the following:

  • The daily adult intake of stearic acid from food (US adult) averages about 7,000 mg/day.(6)
  • A person taking 20 vitamin capsules weighing 500 mg each and containing 1% magnesium stearate would take in less than 96 mg of stearic acid per day. Manufacturers typically use 0.25% – 5% magnesium stearate in nutritional formulations.
  • The amount of stearic acid from supplements in the above scenario is 1.3% of the total daily adult intake.
  • Magnesium stearate is considered safe for human consumption at levels below 2,500 mg/kg per day. This equates to 170,000 mg per day as a safe dose for a 150-pound adult.(7) That’s almost 6 ounces of pure magnesium stearate.

Jill: Got it. Magnesium stearate is magnesium plus stearic acid, correct?  Is there something about the two molecules that, once combined, makes it behave differently than the two separate molecules? In other words, is magnesium stearate actually different than magnesium and steric acid?

Dr. Myatt:  No, there is nothing special or different about magnesium stearate. It is a simple salt of magnesium and stearic acid. Here is the chemical “short course”:

Magnesium Stearate = 2 stearic acid + 1 magnesium

This salt disassociates (comes apart) readily in the acidic medium of the human digestive tract.

One claim I’ve seen is that the addition of magnesium stearate to supplements decreases bioavailability. What the studies actually show is that absorption might be slowed somewhat but overall absorption is not decreased. (8,9)

Jill:  Another claim is that magnesium stearate a chalklike substance that gums up your intestines and prevents absorption of your nutrients.  Fact or fiction?

Dr. Myatt: Fiction.

Magnesium stearate is definitely not a chalk. Chalks are soft, stone-like minerals, including things like gypsum (calcium sulfate) CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) and CaO (calcium oxide).  Remember that magnesium stearate is a salt, containing approximately 96% stearic acid, which is a saturated fat. The other 4% is magnesium. Chalks are combinations of minerals, but magnesium stearate is mostly saturated fat.

How could a fat be a chalk? It isn’t, not by any known scientific definition of a chalk.

Even if it were a chalk, you shouldn’t be worried about it gumming up your intestines or “caking the lining.” Why? Because if you did eat chalk, like calcium carbonate, which is a form of calcium used in many nutritional supplements, your digestive system would break it down to its mineral components. Human digestion is truly amazing.

By the way, I used to perform quite a few endoscopies in clinic. This is where you examine the lining of the large intestine with a special scope, looking for polyps. I never once saw anyone with a “caking of the lining” of their intestinal tract.  Tenacious, dry stool sometimes, yes. But “caking” with a chalk-like substance? Never. If this story about “caking the lining” is told by a doctor, it must be one who has never actually visualized the inside of the large intestine.

Jill: OK. No T-cell collapse in humans, no “caking of the lining” of intestines. How about the claim that magnesium stearate stimulates the gut to form a biofilm? And is a biofilm a sludge that would act as a barrier to the absorption of nutrients?

Dr. Myatt: There is not one single scientific reference or study to support this claim.  In fact, if you know what a biofilm is — and I’m going to tell you in just a minute — you’ll see that this entire argument is completely preposterous. It has no basis in any known science.

To clarify for those readers who haven’t seen it, this internet legend, promoted by a well-known doctor, says that a biofilm is basically like the “sludge in your toilet tank,” and that magnesium stearate causes this sludge and prevents nutrient absorption. Just as there is a big difference between a chalk and a fat, a biofilm is not akin to sludge, a.k.a. “soap scum” that you might find in your toilet tank.  By the way, I don’t have soap scum in my toilet tank. But I digress.

A toilet tank film or bathtub ring occurs when hard water, containing calcium or magnesium, reacts with fatty acid in soap to form a so-called “soap scum.” If you live in a hard-water area, you’ll see this as an annoying white film on your shower curtain.

Humans get significant amounts of magnesium, calcium and fatty acids — the ingredients in soap scum —from diet. But we don’t form soap scums in our bodies because of our digestive enzymes and acids. Further, soap scum is not biofilm — not even close.

We learned that soap scum is a mineral (usually calcium or magnesium) plus fatty acids. Humans eat both all day, every day and do not develop a “scum” in their intestines.

Biofilms are layers of bacteria or yeast embedded in the gel-like substance they secrete. They tend to be highly antibiotic-resistant and often fatal.  As to the claim that stearic acid causes biofilms, this is completely without any scientific evidence. In fact, several studies have shown just the opposite — stearic acid actually helps prevent the formation of biofilms. (10,11)

Jill:  Next claim.  Magnesium stearate made from contaminated oils from genetically engineered crops. True?

Dr. Myatt:  OK, let’s talk dirty. Magnesium stearate is most commonly sourced from cottonseed oil or palm oil and it’s true that cotton can be a GMO crop and is typically high in pesticides. But even if the starting cottonseed oil is contaminated, the finished product, stearic acid, is so highly purified that contamination really isn’t an issue. Cottonseed-derived stearic acid is so purified and the final molecule so far-removed from the original source, it doesn’t carry any pesticide residue. We might as well worry about the food-grade additive cellulose, which is also obtained either from wood waste (we call that “sawdust” out here in Arizona) or cotton waste (known as “gin trash,” — the waste cotton remaining in the cotton gin). (12)

Just like taking dirty water and purifying it into something clean and drinkable, purifying cottonseed oil to obtain stearic acid delivers a pure finished product.

And by the way, stearic acid can also be derived from palm oil, which many manufacturers, myself included, use as the source of their stearic acid.

Jill:   Is magnesium stearate often contaminated during processing, as one doctor claims?

Dr. Myatt:  Contamination during the manufacture of supplements or pharmaceuticals can occur anywhere along the entire manufacturing process.   That is why quality supplement manufacturers test raw materials before purchase; after purchase when they are received; after mixing and after encapsulating. Raw materials can occasionally become cross contaminated, and that’s why quality manufacturers employ so many tests and inspections all along the process.

Now, is magnesium stearate one of the substances more likely to be contaminated? Absolutely not. There is one reported instance of a raw materials manufacturer notifying the World Health Organization that several batches of magnesium stearate had been cross contaminated with zeolite (sodium aluminum silicate), calcium hydroxide, and several other substances. The contamination was determined to be due to incomplete cleaning of air milling equipment. This was traced to a single raw materials manufacturer and was an isolated event.  Moreover, WHO found the contaminating substances to be present in such minute amounts that they posed no health risk.  And this was self-reported by the manufacturer of the raw material before it was used in product.(13)

Jill:  Is magnesium stearate going to be removed from supplements by the Codex Committee on Food Additives?

Dr. Myatt:  No. The Codex Committee considered removing magnesium stearate from the acceptable food list, not because of any danger, but because they didn’t see the use for it in food. They were simply trying to trim up their list of allowed food additives.  When food manufacturers pointed out that magnesium stearate is an important and safe anti-caking agent, it was reinstated.  Removing magnesium stearate from Codex for use in nutritional supplements has never been considered as far as I can determine.

Magnesium stearate is currently approved by FDA regulations for use in food and supplements. (14,15)

Jill: Is there room for disagreement in the supplement industry on what is safe and effective?

Dr. Myatt:  (laughing) Is the Pope Catholic?

I don’t always agree with my colleagues in the nutritional supplement industry. Some ingredients and doses based on the scientific literature are arguable. With most issues in medicine, there is no black and white. There is instead, “ten thousand shades of gray.” In many instances, there is evidence on both sides of the question.

But the evidence is not “mixed” on the safety of magnesium stearate. The evidence says that magnesium stearate, a simple salt of magnesium and stearic acid, is a safe and effective flow agent that helps maintain dose consistency, and there really isn’t any evidence to the contrary.  At least I haven’t found any, and I’ve looked long and hard at these claims because I, too, manufacture nutritional supplements and use magnesium stearate as a flow agent.  So I had to know if any of these claims had even a shred of basis in fact. They don’t.

That’s not to say that new evidence won’t emerge, but right now, the damning claims for magnesium stearate are completely without scientific verification or substantiation.

Jill:  Dr. Myatt, you have completely dismantled the “danger claims” of magnesium stearate, all supported with verifiable references.  Why would some companies and doctors make these claims if they have no basis in fact?

Dr. Myatt: There is a lot of competition in the nutritional industry today. Everybody and their brother is selling supplements, or so it seems. Companies must distinguish themselves in order to get a toe-hold in the industry. Think about it.

If 537 other companies are selling a calcium supplement, why should you buy mine? Everybody is looking for a unique selling angle.  “More bioavailable,” “72% more absorbable,” “nano-technology,” and on and on. Some of these claims have merit, but many are just marketing hype.

One “angle” is to claim that magnesium stearate is dangerous, bad, or evil — never mind the proof aspect. To paraphrase the movies, “We don’t need no stinking proof”!  And since the majority of manufactures who use magnesium stearatedo so because it is one of the absolute safest and best flow agents, claiming that it is bad and then making a supplement without it is a marketing strategy, nothing else.  Considering how few people do their “homework” on such claims — witness how these many unsubstantiated claims about magnesium stearate are now accepted “facts” in the minds of many — the technique is probably  fairly effective as a marketing tool.  But in my opinion this is not simply “misrepresentation.” Someone is telling outright lies.

Jill: (laughing) Wow — don’t hold back, Dr. Myatt. Why don’t you tell us what you really think?! Do you have any parting thoughts for our readers?

Dr. Myatt: Don’t believe something just because you read it, heard it or learned it at the University of Google. Check references. See if there is known science or studies to support claims.  Blind sheep can easily be led off a cliff.

Also, use supplements from manufacturers that you have researched and trust.  There are a number of quality manufacturers who are just as concerned with providing pure and health-giving products as they are with their bottom line and who believe that quality is the best way to stay in business.

Jill: Thank you Dr. Myatt for this most informative and, dare I say, entertaining Q & A.

Dr. Myatt: It’s always a pleasure to help set the scientific record straight.

References:

1.) National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
2.) USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 24
3.) Tebbey PW, Buttke TM. Molecular basis for the immunosuppressive action of stearic acid on T cells. Immunology. 1990 Jul;70(3):379-84.  Full Text article: NCBI
4.) Anel A, Naval J, González B, Uriel J, Piñeiro A. Fatty acid metabolism in human lymphocytes. II. Activation of fatty acid desaturase-elongase systems during blastic transformation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1990 Jun 14;1044(3):332-9.
5.) Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional
6.) U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. What we eat in America,
NHANES 2001-2002, individuals 2 years and over (excluding breast-fed children).www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12355000/pdf/Table_1_BIA.pdf., page 5. Accessed 06/28/12
7.) Søndergaard D, Meyer O, Würtzen G. Magnesium stearate given perorally to rats. A short term study.Toxicology. 1980;17(1):51-5.
8.) Alija Uzunović, Edina Vranić; “Effect Of Magnesium Stearate Concentration On Dissolution Properties Of Ranitidine Hydrochloride Coated Tablets”; Bosnian Journal Of Basic Medical Sciences, 2007, 7(3): 279-283
9.)  Natalie D. Eddington, Muhammad Ashraf, Larry L. Augsburger, James L. Leslie, Michael J. Fossler, Lawrence J. Lesko, Vinod P. Shah, Gurvinder Singh Rekhi; “Identification of Formulation and Manufacturing Variables That Influence In Vitro Dissolution and In Vivo Bioavailability of Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets”; Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, Volume 3, Issue 4 November 1998 , pages 535–547
10.) Soni KA, Jesudhasan P, Cepeda M, Widmer K, Jayaprakasha GK, Patil BS, Hume ME, Pillai SD. Identification of ground beef-derived fatty acid inhibitors of autoinducer-2-based cell signaling. J Food Prot. 2008 Jan;71(1):134-8.
11.) Liaw SJ, Lai HC, Wang WB. Modulation of swarming and virulence by fatty acids through the RsbA protein in Proteus mirabilis. Infect Immun. 2004 Dec;72(12):6836-45.
12.) USDA. Cellulose. www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5066975
13.) World Health Organization Quality of Medicines for Everyone, Contaminated magnesium stearate VG EP excipient manufactured by Ferro, supplied by Signet and used in finished pharmaceutical products, December 22, 2011. http://apps.who.int/prequal/info_press/documents/Mg-Stearate_InformationNote_Dec2011.pdf
14.) Food and Drug Administration, CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, accessed Sept. 10, 2012.
15.) Food and Drug Administration, Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Opinion: Magnesium stearate, accessed Sept. 10, 2012

LYMPHOMA


The fifth most common cancer in the US

Malignant lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of disorders that arise in the reticuloendothelial and lymphatic systems. Although there are some similarities among the lymphomas, these diseases display a wide variety of pathological and clinical characteristics.

Malignant lymphomas are the fifth most common cancer in the US. Because they tend to occur in younger individuals, they account for more years of potential life lost than most other adult cancers.

Cancers of the lymph system (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) have unique etiologies and behaviors that place this malignancy in a different immune category than most solid tumors. Because this class of malignancy is characterized by some type of immune cell proliferation, treatments which boost immunity might also stimulate the growth of cancer cells. This is a theoretical concern, but a valid one nevertheless. Even so, it appears that nutritional and botanical medicines have an important role to play in the treatment of lymphoma.

Common Characteristics of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Lymphomas are characterized by excessive multiplication of cells of the reticuloendothelial (RES) and lymphatic system.

Hodgkin’s Disease, first identified by Thomas Hodgkin in 1666, is a malignancy characterized by disseminated growth of tumor cells primarily involving the lymph node and bone marrow. Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells are considered the malignant cell.

There are subtypes of Hodgkin’s disease. Those with smaller numbers of RS cells tend to be indolent and slowly progressive. Higher numbers of RS cells are associated with aggressive disease. The mortality rate for Hodgkin’s disease is dropping more rapidly than for any other cancer, and Hodgkin’s disease represents one of modern medicine’s most successful cancer treatments. More than 50% of patients are alive at 10-years, all stages considered. By current conventional cancer treatment standards, this is highly successful.

Asymptomatic enlargement of cervical (neck) or mediastinal (chest) lymph nodes may be the only presenting feature, although a number of benign conditions have similar presentation. With advancing disease, anemia, weight loss, night sweats, cachexia (see catabolism) and progressive decline of immunity may ensue. Death is usually due to sepsis or infection.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is characterized by proliferative growth of lymphoid cells in sites of the immune system including lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, liver and GI tract. There are a wide variety of features among ten subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), and the behavior of the disease, including prognosis, is highly variable. NHL tends to be multicentric with an early tendency to spread widely before diagnosis.

The clinical manifestation of fever, chills and weight loss suggests a possible infectious etiology in all types of lymphoma. Studies have found an association with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in both Hodgkin’s and NHL, though this is clearly not the sole causative agent in 80% of cases. In NHL, the incidence of disease rises in immunocompromised patients (e.g., patients with HIV) and in those with hyperfunctioning immune systems (e.g., Sjogren’s). Viruses are known to cause some types of lymphoma. Burkitt’s lymphoma is associated with EBV infection, and an aggressive T-cell leukemia/lymphoma is associated with herpes virus type I (HTLV-1).

Metastasis is common in NHL and is often advanced upon diagnosis. Deposition of fibrin occurs in NHL lymphomas, as in solid tumors.

Laboratory Evaluation and Monitoring

Diagnosis of lymphoma is based on microscopic characteristics of a surgically-removed lymph node. There are no characteristic blood changes or other laboratory tests useful for diagnosis, but laboratory tests can be used by the physician to monitor disease progression and success of treatment once a diagnosis is established.

There are also no characteristic findings in Hodgkin’s disease. The red blood cell sedimentation rate (ESR) correlates well with disease activity and can be used to follow the disease process. Elevated alkaline phosphatase suggests liver or bone metastasis but this is less reliable in younger patients. Elevated serum copper and ceruloplasmin have been reported in active disease. HD patients frequently demonstrate defects in delayed hypersensitivity reactions. (e.g., testing negative for TB even in the presence of active tubercular disease).

In NHL, a Coombs’-positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia occurs more commonly than in HD. Immune cell abnormalities may involve B-cells, T-cells or both cell lines. Immunophenotyping has shown that 80 to 85% of the tumor tissue in NHL derives from the B-cell line, 15% from T-cells, and less than 5% from monocyte-macrophages. NK cell activity is correlated with disease status in lymphomas, and a sudden decreased NK cell activity has been shown to precede relapse.

Holistic Diagnosis & Treatment Considerations

The actual diagnosis of lymphoma requires excisional biopsy. Immune system dysfunction, manifesting as either hypoimmune or hyperimmune, is highly suggestive of an infectious etiology. Therefore, additional search for a causative agent should be undertaken. Work-up might include examination of gut microflora, blood studies for EBV, HTLV-I, and possibly other viruses, and immune function tests, especially NK cell activity.

Treatment strategy for lymphoma should be targeted to the individual. Generalized immune-upregulating therapies could theoretically accelerate cell multiplication and should be used with care. By targeting treatment to the patient’s particular immune dysfunction and monitoring patient response, such problems can likely be circumvented.

Botanical and Nutritional Considerations in Lymphoma

All botanical therapies used for the immune system can be considered. Again, due to the possibility of accelerating immune cell growth (the cells that are cancerous), these therapies should be selected with care and based upon the individual’s immune status as determined by laboratory studies. Antimicrobial treatment should be initiated whenever a pathogenic virus, bacteria or parasite is found. In addition, there are botanical and nutritional treatments that are specific to treatment of the lymphomas.

Characteristics of the Lymphomas with Suggestions for Related Treatment Strategies

Hodgkin’s (HD)
1.) RS cells thought to arise from monocyte/macrophage cells
2.) low NK cell activity
3.) progressive T and B-cell decline (number and function)
4.) altered lymphocyte count
5.) delayed hypersensitivity reaction

Treatment Strategy
1.) Induce differentiation of monocytes and macrophages
2.) Stimulate NK cell activity
3.) Stimulate cellular and humoral immunity
4.) Stimulate or suppress lymphocyte proliferation as indicated
5.) Stimulate delayed hypersensitivity

non-Hodgkin’s (NHL)
1.) 80-85% of NHL cells arise from B-cells; 15 % from T-cells
2.) low NK cell activity

Treatment Strategy
1.) If B-cell derived:
a.) Induce B-cell differentiation
b.) Do NOT stimulate B-cell proliferation
2.) Stimulate NK cell activity

Botanical Materia Medica by action

Interleukin-2 stimulators ( IL-2)
Aloe vera
Angelica sinensis
Ganoderma lucidum
Panax ginseng
Cordyceps sinensis

Interferon stimulators ( IFN)
Aloe vera
Astragalus membranaceus
Ganoderma lucidum
Glycyrrhiza sp.
Panax ginseng

Delayed hypersensitivity
Codonopsis pilosula
Rheum palmatum

T and B-lymphocyte activity stimulators
(expand and activate T-helper lymphs and B-cells)
Althea officinalis
Astragalus membranaceus
Echinacea sp.
Eleutherococcus senticosus
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Plantago sp.
Symphytum sp.

T-cell activity
Allium sativum

NK-activity
all that stimulate IL-2 and IFN plus:
Allium sativum

Nutritional Considerations in Lymphoma

Vitamin A
Vitamin A induces differentiation in leukemic and lymphomic cells. A vitamin-A analog, Vesanoid, is approved for use in promyelocytic leukemia, but it may be of value in other leukemias and lymphomas. Dose: 100,000-300,000IU water soluable vitamin A per day. At this high dose it is important to conduct monthly blood tests to guard against vitamin A toxicity.

Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 and its analogs can induce leukemia and lymphoma cells to differentiate into normal cells. The effects are more pronounced when combined with vitamin A .

Additional support may include
DHEA, turmeric, soy (genisteins). Consult an holistic physician for precise recommendations and dosages.

DR. MYATT’S COMMENT

Lymphomas (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s) represent a large class of related, but sometimes very different, immune cell cancers. I have been deliberately vague in the dosage and specific recommendations because, unlike most solid tissue cancers which respond to immune-cell stimulation, lymphomas may be made worse by such stimulation. (Again, theoretical but important to consider). Laboratory tests can help guide the physician in knowing exactly which conventional and holistic remedies to prescribe and can also verify the success of such treatment. It is important to work with an holistic physician when implementing natural remedies for the treatment of lymphoma. I am available for telephone consultations.

 

Botanical Materia Medica for Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Allium sativum (Liliaceae)– Garlic

See Laboratory Evaluation of Immune Dysfunction Materia Medica elsewhere in these conference notes.

Althea officinalis (Malvacea)- Marsh mallow

Marsh mallow contains starch, mucilage, pectin, flavonoids, sucrose, phenolic acids and asparagine. It is considered an important demulcent for respiratory, urinary and skin inflammations. The polysaccharide-rich mucilage stimulates T and B-cell activity and IL-1 and IFN production in vitro(1).

Astragalus membranaceus (Leguminosae)– Astragalus, Milk Vetch, Huang QI See Laboratory Evaluation of Immune Dysfunction Materia Medica elsewhere in these conference notes.

Aloe vera (Liliaceae)– Aloes

See Laboratory Evaluation of Immune Dysfunction Materia Medica elsewhere in these conference notes.

Angelica sinensis (Umbelliferae)-Angelica

Angelica contains volatile oils andcoumarinss. It increases production of IL-2 in vitro and TNF cytotoxicity in mice (2,3).

Codonopsis pilosula (Campanulaceae) Codonopsis, Dang Shen

Triterpinoid saponins, alkaloid (perlolyrin), andpolysaccharidess are among the constituents found in Codonopsis. In Chinese medicine, Codonopsis is considered to tone the qi and quiet “false fire.” In patients undergoing radiation treatment, Codonopsis increased the delayed hypersensitivity reaction but did not effect leukocyte count. Plasma IgM was slightly increased (4,5).

Cordyceps sinesis dong chong xia cao Cordyceps increased NK activity in vitro and in vivo in mice. An ethanol extract increased human NK activity ex vivo. Water extracts increase proliferation of spleen lymphocytes and IL-2 production (6,7,8).

Echinacea sp. (Compositae)– purple cone flower

See Laboratory Evaluation of Immune Dysfunction Materia Medica elsewhere in these conference notes.

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Araliaceae)– Siberian ginseng

See Laboratory Evaluation of Immune Dysfunction Materia Medica elsewhere in these conference notes.

Eupatorium sp. (Compositae)– Boneset, Gravel root, hemp agrimony

Polysaccharides in multiple species of Eupatorium stimulate T and B-cell activity, IL-1 and IFN production and macrophage phagocytosis in vitro ( 9).

Ganoderma lucidum ling zhi

Ganoderma increased IL-2 in mice in an orally-administered form. Purified fractions increased peripheral lymphocytes in humans. this effect is believed due to stimulation of T-lymphocytes and production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma (10,11).

Glycyrrhiza sp. (Leguminaceae)– Licorice

Glycyrrhizic acid is a principal constituent in licorice and is thought to be the primary active ingredient. Licorice exerts antiinflammatory activity by inhibiting the enzyme that catalyzes cortisol to its inactive metabolites (12,13). Excess cortisol inhibits growth of lymphoma and leukemia cells by effecting glucocorticoid receptors on the tumor cell membranes. (Cortisone and prednisone are used chemotherapeutically in lymphoma). In spite of the cortisol-enhancing effect, licorice stimulates NK cell activity and induces IFN production (14).

Panax ginseng (Araliaceae) Chinese or Korean ginseng

See Laboratory Evaluation of Immune Dysfunction Materia Medica elsewhere in these conference notes.

Plantago sp. (Plantaginaceae) Psyllium, flea seed, ispaghula (Hindi)

Plantago is well known for it’s mucilaginous constituent that acts as a demulcent and bulk laxative with antidiarrheal action. Polysaccharide-rich mucilages stimulate T and B-cell activity, IL-1 and IFN production and macrophage phagocytosis in vitro (9).

Rheum palmatum (Polygonaceae) Chinese rhubarb

Rheum contains the anthroquinones rhein, emodin, and aloe-emodin, flavonoids (catechin), phenolic acids, tannins and calcium oxalate. Large doses of the rhizome are strongly laxative. Oral administration increase delayed hypersensitivity reactions and increased proliferation response of spleen cells to mitogen in mice (15).

Symphytum sp. (Boraginaceae)– Comfrey, knitbone

Comfrey contains allantoin, mucilage, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, tannins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Allantoin is a cell proliferant when used topically. The phenolic acids possess significant antiinflammatory action. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in isolated form are toxic to the liver.Whether this is true when the plant is used in whole form is questionable, since this substance is present in small amounts in the roots. Aerial parts are considered safe.

Polysaccharide-rich mucilages stimulate T and B-cell activity, IL-1 and IFN production and macrophage phagocytosis in vitro (9).

References

1.) Boring CC, Squires TS, Tong T, et al.: Cancer Statistics, 1994. CA Cancer J Clin 1994: 44:7-26.
2.) Devessa SS, Silverman DT, Young JL Jr., et al.: Cancer incidence and mortality trends among whites in the United States, 1947-1984. J Nat Cancer Inst. 1987;79:701-770.
3.) Beers, Mark M.D., Berkow, Robert, M.D., editors: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Merck Research laboratories, 1999, p. 955.
4.) Ibid. p.955.
5.) Murphey, Gerald, M.D., et al.: American Cancer Society Textbook of Clinical Oncology, American Cancer Society, 1995, p. 460.
6.) Ibid. p. 456.
7.) Ibid p. 456
8.) Ibid p. 456
9.) Ibid p. 456
10.) Nagy JA, Brown LF, Senger DR, et al.: Pathogenesis of tumor cell stroma generation: a critical role for leaky blood vessels and fibrin deposition. Biochem biophys Acta 1989; 948(3):305-26.
11.) Boik, John: Cancer and Natural Medicine, Oregon Medical Press, 1995, p.62.
12.) Beers, Mark M.D., Berkow, Robert, M.D., editors: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Merck Research laboratories, 1999, p. 957.
13.) Ibid. p. 595.

Botanical Materia Medica References

1.) Wagner H: “Immunostimulants from medicinal plants.” Advances in Chinese medicinal materials research Chang HM, Yeung W, Tso W, Koo A editors: Singapore, World Scientific, 1985.
2.) Weng XC, Zhang P, Gong SS, et al.: Effect of immunomodulating agents on murine IL-2 production. Immunology Invest 1987; 16 (2):79-86.
3.) Haranaka K, Satomi N, Sakurai A, et al.: Antitumor activities and tumor necrosis factor producibility of traditional Chinese medicines and crude drugs. Cancer Immunol 1985b;20(1):1-5.
4.) Zeng XL, Li XA, Zhang BY: Immunological and hematopoeitic effects of Codonopsis pilosula on cancer patients during radiotherapy. Chung Hua Min Kuo Wei Sheng Wu Chi Mien I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1992: 12 (10): 607-8.
5.) Chang HM, But PPH: Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese MateriaMmedica Vol. 1 Teaneck, NJ: World Scientific Publishing Company, 1986.
6.) Xu RH, Peng XE, Chen GZ, et al.: Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on natural killer activity and colony formation of B16 melanoma. Chin Med J (Eng) 1992;105(2):97-101.
7.) Liu C, Lu S, Ji MR: Effects of cordyceps sinensis on in vitro natural killer cells. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1992a;12(5):267-9,259.
8.) Cheng Q: Effects of cordyceps sinensis on cellular immunity in rats with chronic renal insufficiency. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1992;72(1):27-9.
9.) Wagner H: “Immunostimulants from medicinal plants.” Advances in Chinese medicinal materials research Chang HM, Yeung W, Tso W, Koo A editors: Singapore, World Scientific, 1985.
10.) Zhang LX, Mong H, Zhou XB: Effect of Japanese Ganoderma lucidum (GL) planted in Japan on the production of interleukin-2 from murine splenocytes. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1993;13(10):613-5.
11.) Haak-Frendscho M, Lino K, Sone T, et al.: Ling-G 8: A novel T cell mitogen induces cytokine production and upregulation of ICAM-1 expression.. Cell Immunol 1993;150(1):101-113.
12.) Baker ME: Licorice and enzymes other than 11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: an Evolutionary perspective. Steroids 1994;59(2):136-41.
13.) Chang M: Anticancer medicinal Herbs. Hunan Changha, China: Hunan Science and Technology Press, 1992.
14.) Suzuki F, Schmitt A, Utsunomiya T, et al.: Stimulations of host resistance against tumors by glycyrrhizin, an active component of licorice roots. In Vivo, 1992; 6: 589-96.
15.) Ma L: Experimental study on the immunomodulatory effects of rheubarb. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1991; 11(7): 418-9, 390.

Nutritional Materia Medica References

1.) The in-vitro effects of all-trans retinoic acid and hematopoeitic growth factorson the clonal growth and self-renewal of blast cells in acute promyelogenous leukemia. Leuk Res (ENGLAND) April 1997; 21 (4):285-94.
2.) All-trans retinoic acid in hematological malignancies, an update. GER (GruppoEmatologicoRetinoidi) Haematologica (ITALY) Jan-Feb 1997; 82(1): 106-21.
3.) All-trans retinoic acid (Tretinoin). Gan To Kagaku Ryoho (JAPAN) Apr 1997; 24(6): 741-6.
5.) Induction of differentiation in murine erythroleukemia cells by 1,alpha, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D3. Can Lett 1995; Apr 14. 90(2):225-30.
6.) 1,25(OH)2-16ene-vitamin D3 is a potent antileukemic agent with low potential to cause hypercalcemia. Leuk Res June 1994;18(6):453-63.
7.) All-trans and 9-cis retinoic acid enhance 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced monocytic differentiation of U937 cells. Leuk Res (ENGLAND) Aug 1996;20(8):665-76.
8.) Combination of a potent 20-epi-vitamin D3 analog (KH 1060) with 9-cis-retinoic acid irreversibly inhibits clonal growth, decreases bcl-2 expression, and induces apoptosis in HL-60 leukemic cells. Cancer Research (USA) 1996;56/15:3570-76.

INFECTION


Natural Support Strategies To Combat Infections

Infections are caused by various organisms (bacteria, viruses, yeasts and other microbes) that establish residence within the body. Infection can occur in nearly any tissue. While severe infections may require antibiotics or other drugs, most infections can be relieved by stimulating the body’s immune system. Viral and other infections are often self-limited (meaning they will go away on their own), but these types of infections can be shortened by correct immune stimulation.

Antibiotics are WORTHLESS against viral infections, and the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has greatly decreased their effectiveness by causing resistant strains of bacteria.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Drink plenty of clear liquids, especially water, herb teas, and vegetable broths and soups during any infection. Avoid sugars and fruit juices which suppress immune function.
  • If the infection is generalized (such as a cold, flu, bronchitis), bed rest is preferable.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For infections of every type:

  • Fresh garlic: 1-3 cloves per day, taken as close to raw as possible. (Add to soups or broths at the very end of cooking to preserve antimicrobial effects).
  • Refer to Immune Enhancing recommendations, page 9 of your Holistic Health Handbook, if infections are chronic or recurrent.
  • Rule outfood allergies if infections are chronic or recurrent.

For respiratory infections

For dental infections

Other skin infections (except fungal infection)

Skin fungal infections:

  • Essential oil of Tea Tree, applied topically.

 

 

Larch (Larix occidentalis)


Natural Anti-Metastatic and Immune Stimulant

Larch ArabinogalactansLarch is a deciduous conifer that contains an arabinogalactan similar to those found in other “immune-enhancing” herbs such as Echinacea, Baptisia and Turmeric.

Larch arabinogalactans have been shown to reduce the number of liver metastasis in multiple studies, perhaps by acting as a “reverse lectin” and blocking tumor binding sites. A similar effect has been noted for Modified Citrus Pectin. Larch also nourishes the gut flora and acts as a source of dietary fiber. A summary of the benefits of Larch are:

  • stimulates the immune system
  • helps prevent cancer metastasis
  • improves bowel flora (friendly gut bacteria)
  • acts as a source of dietary fiber

Larch and/or Modified Citrus Pectin should be considered by anyone with cancer to help prevent or delay metastasis.

Suggested Dose: two teaspoons, 2-3 times per day. This may be added to your Super Shake.

REFERENCES

1.) Hagmar B, Ryd W, Skomedal H. Arabinogalactan blockade of experimental metastases to liver by murine hepatoma. Invasion Metastasis 1991;11:348-355.
2.) Beuth J, Ko HL, Oette K, et al. Inhibition of liver metastasis in mice by blocking hepatocyte lectins with arabinogalactan infusions and D-galactose. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 1987;113:51-55.
3). Beuth J, Ko HL, Schirrmacher V, et al. Inhibition of liver tumor cell colonization in two animal tumor models by lectin blocking with D-galactose or arabinogalactan. Clin Exp Metastasis 1988;6:115-120.
4). Hauer J, Anderer FA. Mechanism of stimulation of human natural killer cytotoxicity by arabinogalactan from Larix occidentalis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1993;36:237-244.

 

Immune System Health

Your Defense Against Disease

So many basic vitamins and minerals are essential to immune health that an optimal-potency multiple vitamin/mineral formula should be the basis of any immune-enhancing protocol. I recommend my own optimal daily formula, Maxi Multi. It contains optimal dose nutrients (not minimal doses, like many “one a day” formulas).  Nutrients especially important to immune system health including vitamin A, carotenes, vitamins C, E, D, and the minerals zinc, selenium, copper, chromium plus bioflavonoids and larch arabinogalactans.

Top Immune System Recommendations and Immune-Related Health Concerns

Immune System Supplements Immune System-Related Health Concerns Maxi Multi
B.A.M.
Bromelain
Vitamin C
Echinacea / Goldenseal
Echinacea Royale
Energy Rehab
Essential Fatty Acids
Immune Boost
Immune Support
Korean (Panax) Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng
Whey Protein

Your Immune System “Medicine Chest” (Acute Immune Remedies)

B.A.M.
Bromelain
Charcoal Caps
Immune Boost
Inspirol
Throat Mist
Vitamin C

Autoimmune Disorders
Bronchitis
Cancer
Cancer Prevention
Candidiasis
Chronic Fatigue
Colds and Flu
Food Allergy
Hepatitis C
Immune Function
Infection
Lymphoma
Parasites
Phlebitis
Pneumonia
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sinusitis
Sinus Infection

Dr. Myatt’s Immune Formulas:


Fast First Aid for the Immune System

(Keep These in Your Medicine Cabinet)   The Immune “First Aid” kit consists of three liquid tincture formulas which can be used together or separately (see descriptions, below), for acute immune infections including cold, flu, sinusitis, skin or dental infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, you name it, if it’s an acute “right now” infection, this trio will get your immune system into high gear. Immune Boost and Energy Rehab can also be taken separately or together, as needed, on a continued basis for ongoing immune enhancement.   NOTE: These quality herbal tinctures last indefinitely unless exposed to high heat. Keep all three on hand for fast first aid relief!  

We are sorry to say that due to excessive regulation and rules from the FDA these great products are no longer possible to produce at any reasonable cost.


B.A.M. (Broad Anti Microbial)

Broad Anti Microbial TinctureHerbal Antibiotic Formula

That’s right, we don’t know what’s wrong. It could be a fungus, bacteria, virus, mycoplasma – or any combination thereof – and this tincture gets serious with all of them. Take during an acute infection to put the “bad guys” in their place. A potent broad spectrum “anti-bug” formula designed for acute infections.

Contains: Propolis, Pau d’ Arco, St. John’s Wort, Red Cedar leaf, Echiacea Royal, Usnea, Goldenseal root, and Meadowsweet.

Suggested dose: 60 to 80 drops, 3 to 4 times a day.

 

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Energy Rehab

Energy RehabRenew Energy after Illness

Infections can weaken the body, drain energy, and prolong recovery time. This formula supports the body’s energy systems typically affected by any type of infection. Energy Rehab may be continued after the infection has passed to ensure complete energy and immune recovery.

Contains: Astragalus, Echinacea, Siberian ginseng, Licorice root, and ligustrum.

Suggested dose: one-half to one teaspoon, 1 to 4 times per day.

 

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Immune Boost

Immune Boost“Fast Blast” for the Immune System

The immune system has a wide variety of different cells and functions to protect the body. This formula contains herbs to stimulate every aspect of immune function. Potent liquid tincture goes to work “lightning fast” to enhance immunity.

Contains: Astragalus, Ashwanganda, Schisandra, Echinacea, Siberian ginseng, Panax ginseng, American ginseng, Licorice root, and Goldenseal.

Suggested dose: 1 teaspoon, 1 to 4 times per day.

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Find Information on Potassium Iodide For Radiation Protection Here -> IODINE


The “Missing Mineral” for Thyroid, Heart, Healthy Immunity and Cancer Protection

Iodine is a non-metallic essential trace element in human nutrition. Currently considered in conventional medicine to be primarily a thyroid nutrient (thyroid hormones T4 and T3 are composed largely of iodine), Iodine is actually found in many organs and tissue in the body including salivary, parotid, submandibular and pituitary glands, pancreas, testis, breasts, prostate, ovary, adrenal gland, stomach, heart, thymus, and lung. (1,2,3).

Iodine is required for normal thyroid hormone production, it’s best-known role. But iodine also plays an important role in immune function, cancer prevention (especially of breast, thyroid and prostate cancer), diabetes prevention and reversal, atrial fibrillation correction, overweight and obesity, “brain fog” (low energy), breast and ovarian cysts, liver detoxification and menopausal symptoms.

Iodine is also an important anti-microbial and can often relieve skin, lung, GI tract and other infections when antibiotics fail. In fact, from 1900 to the 1960’s, virtually US physicians commonly used iodine (as Lugol’s solution) to treat low and high thyroid conditions, infections and many other conditions with excellent results.

Here’s the “short course” on iodine.

  • Studies show that we may need a LOT more iodine than the current RDI of 150 micrograms, and that many if not most Americans are iodine deficient.
     
  • Conventional doctors are “iodine-o-phobic” (afraid to recommend higher-than-RDA doses of iodine) because they are not familiar with the vast body of research showing that higher iodine levels are beneficial.
     
  • Low iodine levels are associated with higher rates of low and high thyroid function; breast and thyroid cancer (and possibly many other types of cancer); ovarian cysts (including polycystic ovaries); fibrocystic breast disease; heart arrhythmias; lung and other infections; fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue to name only a few.
     
  • Because very high doses of iodine can cause heart palpitations and excess thyroid function (both which resolve upon stopping supplementation), initial testing of iodine levels and monitoring by an holistic physician may be the safest way to take iodine.

More Iodine information:

Iodine Test (spot and 24-hour excretion test for total body iodine sufficiency)

Iodine Supplements (concentrated source of high-potency iodine)

Modfilan (Seaweed Source of Natural Iodine) (low dose, all-natural source of iodine)

References

1.) C. Spitzweg, W. Joba, W. Eisenmenger and A. E. Heufelder. “Analysis of Human Sodium Iodide Symporter Gene Expression in Extrathyroidal Tissues and Cloning of Its Complementary Deoxyribonucleic Acids from Salivary Gland, Mammary Gland, and Gastric Mucosa.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 83, No. 5 1746-1751. (1)”Iodine in medicine and pharmacy since its discovery-1811-1961,” Proc R Soc Med, 1961:54:831-836.
2.) Dai G, Levy O, Carrasco N. 1996 “Cloning and characterization of the thyroid iodide transporter.” Nature. 379:458–460.
3.) Smanik PA, Ryu K-Y, Theil KS, Mazzaferri EL, Jhiang SM. 1997 “Expression, exon-intron organization, and chromosome mapping of the human sodium iodide symporter. Endocrinology.” 138:3555–3558.