Culture Update

HollyCatheryn

New member
Just to throw this into the mix...I know that there are a lot of researchers on this board so I'll be interested to see what you come up with if you pursue this. I have come acros some research that indicates that germs are not the cause of disease. In these studies, the information that comes to light is that germs are an integral par of living cells (Dr. Antoine Bechamp). It is presented that if a germ causes a disease a) it must be found in every case of the disease and b) not be found apart from the disease (Dr. Robert Koch). But, this doesn't hold true. According to German bacteriologist, Geunther Enderlein, some microbes are associated with many of the worst chronic diseases known, but only under specific circumstances. In a healthy person these microbes actually benefit them and work in symbiosis with other cells.Rudolph Virchow, German pathologist and founder of cellular medicine is quoted as saying, "If I could live my life over again I would devote it to proving that germs seek their natural habitat--diseased tissue--rather than being the cause of the diseased tissue."It is pointed out that germs may be relatively insignificant in the state of a person's health. Rather, a person's health would be determined by nutrition, a strong, healthy, properly developed immune system and a balanced functioning of the various systems of the body. In this way, even when exposed to germs, a person's health remains stable. Evidence exists that there are many things that prevent the body from functioning properly to avoid and combat illness. Among these things are consumption of refined sugars (those not found naturally in fruits, vegetables and grains), consumption of and exposure to preservatives and chemicals, feeding infants with artificial foods (things other than human breastmilk), casual and over-use of antibiotics, and vaccines (which stimulate one part of the immune system over the other and can cause a gross imbalance). Dr. George White is quoted saying, "if the germ theory were founded on facts, there would be no living being to read what's written."Information taken from:<EM>Vaccines Do Not Protect</EM> by Eleanor McBean, PhD<EM>Bechamp or Pasteur</EM> by Douglas E. Hume"Was Pasteur Wrong?" by Michael Sheehan in <EM>Natural Health</EM> (Jan/Feb 1992)Anyway, I know that this is not a widely accepted view. But, the reading has been interesting and provocative. I'm sure there's more out there and this has been just from my initial introduction to this idea.
 

HollyCatheryn

New member
Just to throw this into the mix...I know that there are a lot of researchers on this board so I'll be interested to see what you come up with if you pursue this. I have come acros some research that indicates that germs are not the cause of disease. In these studies, the information that comes to light is that germs are an integral par of living cells (Dr. Antoine Bechamp). It is presented that if a germ causes a disease a) it must be found in every case of the disease and b) not be found apart from the disease (Dr. Robert Koch). But, this doesn't hold true. According to German bacteriologist, Geunther Enderlein, some microbes are associated with many of the worst chronic diseases known, but only under specific circumstances. In a healthy person these microbes actually benefit them and work in symbiosis with other cells.Rudolph Virchow, German pathologist and founder of cellular medicine is quoted as saying, "If I could live my life over again I would devote it to proving that germs seek their natural habitat--diseased tissue--rather than being the cause of the diseased tissue."It is pointed out that germs may be relatively insignificant in the state of a person's health. Rather, a person's health would be determined by nutrition, a strong, healthy, properly developed immune system and a balanced functioning of the various systems of the body. In this way, even when exposed to germs, a person's health remains stable. Evidence exists that there are many things that prevent the body from functioning properly to avoid and combat illness. Among these things are consumption of refined sugars (those not found naturally in fruits, vegetables and grains), consumption of and exposure to preservatives and chemicals, feeding infants with artificial foods (things other than human breastmilk), casual and over-use of antibiotics, and vaccines (which stimulate one part of the immune system over the other and can cause a gross imbalance). Dr. George White is quoted saying, "if the germ theory were founded on facts, there would be no living being to read what's written."Information taken from:<EM>Vaccines Do Not Protect</EM> by Eleanor McBean, PhD<EM>Bechamp or Pasteur</EM> by Douglas E. Hume"Was Pasteur Wrong?" by Michael Sheehan in <EM>Natural Health</EM> (Jan/Feb 1992)Anyway, I know that this is not a widely accepted view. But, the reading has been interesting and provocative. I'm sure there's more out there and this has been just from my initial introduction to this idea.
 

anonymous

New member
HollyCathryn,

In fact I totally agree with that idea in a sense- it sort of plays into the whole germ-a-phobic thing and how thats actually not the best idea, according to some, because we make ourselves immune to things and unable to handle them when really, with proper health (diet etc) we would be able to combat them on our own. A dirty floor in a bathroom might SEEM disgusting and gross, but in reality may not cause any harm to a healthy person, no matter how many "germs" were there.

The question is I guess, does CF predispose us to being susceptable to these germs, no matter how hard we try. I think obviously the answer is yes, and explains why CF people catch things like cepacia, pseudo, etc., even though these "germs" are in the everyday environment and come in contact with all people, healthy ones included, everyday. They dont infect the non-CF patients. I guess then the next question is can we as CF-ers get ourselves to a point where these germs aren't going to hurt us, even with really healthy diet, etc etc. I guess that is the hope- problem. I think it is a good point though. For example the idea that some parents of young CF-ers have of wanting to practically keep thier kid in a bubble is understandable but totally wrong, and could probably lead to greater susceptability. Its hard to draw the line between wanting to avoid germs, and not wanting to further compromise yourself by becoming completely intolerable of any germs.

Its funny, each time I catch a cold I think how bad it is, but at the same time I think there must be something good to catching these viruses, bacteria, and having your body be forced to deal with them in some way.

Caitlin
22 w/ CF, b. cepacia
 

anonymous

New member
HollyCathryn,

In fact I totally agree with that idea in a sense- it sort of plays into the whole germ-a-phobic thing and how thats actually not the best idea, according to some, because we make ourselves immune to things and unable to handle them when really, with proper health (diet etc) we would be able to combat them on our own. A dirty floor in a bathroom might SEEM disgusting and gross, but in reality may not cause any harm to a healthy person, no matter how many "germs" were there.

The question is I guess, does CF predispose us to being susceptable to these germs, no matter how hard we try. I think obviously the answer is yes, and explains why CF people catch things like cepacia, pseudo, etc., even though these "germs" are in the everyday environment and come in contact with all people, healthy ones included, everyday. They dont infect the non-CF patients. I guess then the next question is can we as CF-ers get ourselves to a point where these germs aren't going to hurt us, even with really healthy diet, etc etc. I guess that is the hope- problem. I think it is a good point though. For example the idea that some parents of young CF-ers have of wanting to practically keep thier kid in a bubble is understandable but totally wrong, and could probably lead to greater susceptability. Its hard to draw the line between wanting to avoid germs, and not wanting to further compromise yourself by becoming completely intolerable of any germs.

Its funny, each time I catch a cold I think how bad it is, but at the same time I think there must be something good to catching these viruses, bacteria, and having your body be forced to deal with them in some way.

Caitlin
22 w/ CF, b. cepacia
 

Faust

New member
I agree Catharyn. The thing is, our tissue is already diseased, and that's why we have so many bugs invading us, because it's fertile soil. But yeah, I agree with your stance and that belief.


Nutrition, exercise, very selective diet, and proper outlook can do wonders for a CF's quality of life and longevity.
 

Faust

New member
I agree Catharyn. The thing is, our tissue is already diseased, and that's why we have so many bugs invading us, because it's fertile soil. But yeah, I agree with your stance and that belief.


Nutrition, exercise, very selective diet, and proper outlook can do wonders for a CF's quality of life and longevity.
 

anonymous

New member
HollyCatheryn,

I totally agree with what you wrote.

The human body has means to destroy bacteria on a very efficient level. The challenge with cystic fibrosis lungs is that an environment is setup to allow bacteria to thrive. The immune system in the lungs use several devices to rid bacteria. Mucus, cilliary beat, Nitric Oxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, specialized immune cells, etc. Lung damage is caused by over-inflammation and elastase from neutrophils. There is a constant circle of immune response, inefficient effectiveness of the immune system, and inflammation. The cycle goes on and on. The bacteria do not cause lung damage. The bodies defenses do. Cystic fibrosis is almost an auto-immune disorder in terms of the lungs.

One key thing is to block or suppress the inflammation. Doctors sometimes do this with oral or inhaled steroids. These can wreak havoc on the body. There are some things that can be done to reduce inflammation

1) Be vigilant about your diet - anti-inflammatory (The Omega Diet by Dr Simopoulos is a good book).
2) Increase DHA - cystics have imbalanced fatty acids. Too much pro-inflammatory Arachadonic Acid (AA) and too little anti-inflammatory DHA. The best DHA supplements are from fish oil or algal oil. Flax seed can provide DHA, but some people have a problem converting the alpha-linoleic acid in Flax to DHA.
3) Reduced Glutathione (GSH) is a good anti-inflammatory, especially when inhaled. The epithelial cells in the lungs normally transport GSH by use of the CFTR. Since the CFTR is impaired in CF, GSH transport is either severally impaired or non-existent. There are several articles and research studies of inhaled GSH. I can provide these if anyone is interested. It probably has been discussed on this board before.
4) As Sean has demonstrated, essential oils are strong anti-inflammatory agents.

Other great supplements for CF
1) Magnesium - this is essential. Many pharmaceuticals used by CFers deplete the body of magnesium. Bacteria LOVE acidic environments. Magnesium can reduce this acidity and potentially help the body get rid of bacteria. There have been studies that have shown that PA will become mucoid when the body is in a magnesium deficient state. The best magnesium is Magnesium Glycinate (Solgar). It is easily absorbed by the body.
2) Alpha lipoic acid - this is converted by the body to DHLA. This inhibits elastase release (mentioned above). It also recycles anti-oxidants C, E, A, GSH.
3) L-Lysine - this can greatly reduce hemotypsis.
4) L-arginine - has been shown to increase Nitric Oxide production
5) Taurine - helps with fat absorption.

Please, as always, research each supplement to determine if it is right for you. Also discuss them with your doctor even if they are not receptive (this happens most of the time for me).

I have studies for all of the above supplements if anyone is interested. I believe all of them can be found on www.pubmed.com.

Tom
 

anonymous

New member
HollyCatheryn,

I totally agree with what you wrote.

The human body has means to destroy bacteria on a very efficient level. The challenge with cystic fibrosis lungs is that an environment is setup to allow bacteria to thrive. The immune system in the lungs use several devices to rid bacteria. Mucus, cilliary beat, Nitric Oxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, specialized immune cells, etc. Lung damage is caused by over-inflammation and elastase from neutrophils. There is a constant circle of immune response, inefficient effectiveness of the immune system, and inflammation. The cycle goes on and on. The bacteria do not cause lung damage. The bodies defenses do. Cystic fibrosis is almost an auto-immune disorder in terms of the lungs.

One key thing is to block or suppress the inflammation. Doctors sometimes do this with oral or inhaled steroids. These can wreak havoc on the body. There are some things that can be done to reduce inflammation

1) Be vigilant about your diet - anti-inflammatory (The Omega Diet by Dr Simopoulos is a good book).
2) Increase DHA - cystics have imbalanced fatty acids. Too much pro-inflammatory Arachadonic Acid (AA) and too little anti-inflammatory DHA. The best DHA supplements are from fish oil or algal oil. Flax seed can provide DHA, but some people have a problem converting the alpha-linoleic acid in Flax to DHA.
3) Reduced Glutathione (GSH) is a good anti-inflammatory, especially when inhaled. The epithelial cells in the lungs normally transport GSH by use of the CFTR. Since the CFTR is impaired in CF, GSH transport is either severally impaired or non-existent. There are several articles and research studies of inhaled GSH. I can provide these if anyone is interested. It probably has been discussed on this board before.
4) As Sean has demonstrated, essential oils are strong anti-inflammatory agents.

Other great supplements for CF
1) Magnesium - this is essential. Many pharmaceuticals used by CFers deplete the body of magnesium. Bacteria LOVE acidic environments. Magnesium can reduce this acidity and potentially help the body get rid of bacteria. There have been studies that have shown that PA will become mucoid when the body is in a magnesium deficient state. The best magnesium is Magnesium Glycinate (Solgar). It is easily absorbed by the body.
2) Alpha lipoic acid - this is converted by the body to DHLA. This inhibits elastase release (mentioned above). It also recycles anti-oxidants C, E, A, GSH.
3) L-Lysine - this can greatly reduce hemotypsis.
4) L-arginine - has been shown to increase Nitric Oxide production
5) Taurine - helps with fat absorption.

Please, as always, research each supplement to determine if it is right for you. Also discuss them with your doctor even if they are not receptive (this happens most of the time for me).

I have studies for all of the above supplements if anyone is interested. I believe all of them can be found on www.pubmed.com.

Tom
 

anonymous

New member
Kelly,

My son has CF, so I like to keep up on everything for his health. He is on the following supplements:

1) Inhaled GSH - 200mg twice daily (Theranaturals GSH Plus). GSH is contraindicated in some individuals (culturing cepacia, individuals with severe lung damage, and individuals waiting for a transplant).

2) Taurine - 500mg at bedtime - Solgar

3) Magnesium - 100mg divided into two doses - Solgar Magnesium Glycinate

4) Alpha Lipoic Acid - 60mg - Solgar

5) Fish Oil - 1/2 tsp daily (I don't remember the amounts of EPA and DHA in the dose). Nordic Naturals distilled fish oil.

We don't use any essential oils yet.


Tom
 

anonymous

New member
Kelly,

My son has CF, so I like to keep up on everything for his health. He is on the following supplements:

1) Inhaled GSH - 200mg twice daily (Theranaturals GSH Plus). GSH is contraindicated in some individuals (culturing cepacia, individuals with severe lung damage, and individuals waiting for a transplant).

2) Taurine - 500mg at bedtime - Solgar

3) Magnesium - 100mg divided into two doses - Solgar Magnesium Glycinate

4) Alpha Lipoic Acid - 60mg - Solgar

5) Fish Oil - 1/2 tsp daily (I don't remember the amounts of EPA and DHA in the dose). Nordic Naturals distilled fish oil.

We don't use any essential oils yet.


Tom
 
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