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Immune System Care and Feeding

http://www.vitaletherapeutics.org/immunecf.htm

Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008 by VitaleTherapeutics, Inc.

Immune System Care & Feeding


This is an ambitious undertaking, but one "well" worth the effort involved. The information is compiled from decades of research, tempered by recent discoveries in biochemistry made by this author pertaining to immune system function, including a natural compound named "vitaletheine" that plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy. In every case, the food, supplement, or beverage discussed has been approached from the standpoint of whether it aids or hinders immune function and other regulatory systems in the body. The same applies to determining what makes a given substance toxic, by analyzing its effect upon immunity and regulation. An immune response must be triggered and then controlled when threats to health are encountered. If the immune system is thwarted, various disease states manifest, and in the case of severe dysfunction or complete failure, autoimmune disease, and cancer become possible. In the interest of preventing this unhappy situation from arising for those of us still enjoying relatively good health, the following information is presented in specific order, allowing one to steadily adopt practices that will support the immune system in its essential job of weeding out the competition within, between our bodies's cells and outside microbes. Every item discussed here is integral to this process, and the sooner a comprehensive, integrated approach to the problem is achieved, the easier time our immune systems will have in fighting its battles on our behalf! The items that start with "bullets" indicate the core daily regimen to launch us on our health odyssey, but realize that the nutrition obtained with the other dietary elements discussed is equally important and should be added as soon as possible. Additional related information is included for solutions to specific problems. As more information is obtained and verified, it will be posted on the web site, and, resources permitting, made available in print. Networking with friends and relatives is suggested to help further this non-profit research and educational program, and to relieve some of the more mundane burdens currently placed upon VitaleTherapeutics, Inc. in disseminating this information. by Galen Knight, PhD. OBTAIN A FULL SPECTRUM HAIR ANALYSIS identifies toxins and guides nutrition This guide is dedicated to the loving memory of LORRAINE ORTEGA, who might be with us today if she hadnt been diagnosed as having acute myeloid leukemia, instead of the boron poisoning that probably killed her. A car with water in the gas tank will not run, no matter how much more gas we put in the tank, until the water is removed from the tank and the carburetor. In her case, we assumed too long that her doctors were making the proper diagnosis, and we did not get a hair analysis until after her death, to help determine the cause of her alleged leukemia. You can imagine our surprise and shock to find that she should not have lived as long as she did with the toxic levels of boron found in her system. A simple blood dialysis and avoiding future exposures might have saved her life. The source of her poisoning is still unknown. If ill, limiting ones exposures to boric acid, borax, and boron-containing, bone-building formulas seems appropriate under the circumstances. Versions of the diatomaceous earth discussed next are safer than boric acid for controlling insects. A detailed hair analysis can not only pinpoint hazardous accumulations of toxic substances, but also flag deficiencies in nutritious minerals, either of which can cause long-term health problems if left untreated. Contact us for an updated list of available analytical labs capable of doing hair analyses. For daily adult immune system maintenance in our polluted environment one needs... DIATOMACEOUS EARTH food grade, freshwater, and amorphous (non-crystalline) Diatomaceous earth (DE) has been reported in the scientific literature to absorb methyl mercury, E. coli, endotoxins, viruses (including poliovirus), organophosphate pesticide residues, drug residues, and protein, perhaps even the proteinaceous toxins produced by some intestinal infections.

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Immune System Care and Feeding

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Pyrethroid insecticide residues probably also bind to diatomaceous earth, since pyrethrins from Chrysanthemum flowers bind to and are stabilized by this material. The only brand of pure DE currently recommended is from PermaGuard, based in Albuquerque, NM (1-505-243-1460) and Salt Lake City, UT. If there are other DE products out there that have already been approved by the FDA (as a 2% by dry weight food additive, as an anti-caking agent, or as a grain storage additive), let us know and we will subject it to rigorous chemical and morphological testing to ensure that it is safe. Dust from diatomaceous earth products, especially those that contain high amounts of crystalline material, should NOT be inhaled. PermaGuard Fossil Shell Flour is amorphous (non-crystalline) and is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), but as an extra safety precaution the dust should not be inhaled. Since it appears to pass inertly through the digestive tract, releasing only a few trace minerals, decide for yourself what dose works well, bearing in mind that taking large amounts may have some very uncomfortable effects. "DEtox "-ing one's system too quickly might not allow enough time for one's metabolism to re-balance, creating discomfort known as a "healing crisis". This discomfort may be nothing more than inflammation caused by a reawakening immune system as it detoxifies and begins to attack previously unadressed chronic infections. Working up the amount slowly from about a teaspoon to a rounded tablespoon over a few days or weeks may help to avoid this situation. A heaping tablespoonful, as much as we recommend, in water before bed or first thing in the morning, if one doesn't normally eat an early breakfast, will allow the DE time to move through and absorb toxins from one's digestive tract without interference and without absorbing nutrients from foods or liquids. The use of MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS, with major concerns about known toxins in some colloidal products, should be considered when DEtoxing, especially in children with chronic health problems. Adults have more mineral reserves, such as calcium and magnesium, in their bones than do children who are actively growing bone and body mass. We are investigating various supplements for safety (toxic metal levels) and for their ability to restore any minerals diminished by the DE tox process. The author used MediTrend's Progena SuperMins (1/day) to help restore minerals depleted during his DEtox . TOXIC METAL exposure is a serious problem in the ecosystem worldwide, and elements such as mercury, uranium, plutonium, cadmium, bismuth, nickel, silver, and even gold, platinum, and palladium are all suspected of being problematic for the immune system and of causing a wide spectrum of disease symptoms. The use of so-called "depleted uranium" weapons in armed conflicts is suspected of contributing to the "Gulf War Syndrome", an array of health problems associated with that war. Nickel is present in all sorts of personal items, from eye-glass frames, the backs of watches, and jewelry to the change we carry around in our pockets. Nickel-containing under wires and the hooks and fasteners in bras may contribute to the 125-fold greater risk of breast cancer in women wearing bras 24 hours a day, compared to those who do not wear bras. Iron supplements much higher than the 10 mg/day recommended for men and post-menopausal women (18 mg/day for pre-menopausal women) can cause serious health problems, including colon cancer. Colloidal mineral formulas, especially those that list toxic elements on their labels, only increase our exposure to known hazards, as do some contaminated Chinese medicinal formulations. Avoid exposure to toxic metal and other forms of toxins as much as possible, and consider using FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth to DEtoxify, thereby helping to protect ourselves from the many harmful effects of unavoidable exposures. Another avenue of toxic exposure comes from cooking and serving ware, such as when acidic foods, like tomatoes, come in contact with stainless steel. Brightly colored, low-temperature-fired pottery and stainless steel alloys can contain toxic metal components that are capable of poisoning us when acidic foods leach toxins from the pots, pans, and flatware. Aluminum and other metal toxins are potential hazards in this regard, with possible connections to Alzheimer's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and other associated problems. Pottery (also GLASSWARE) that has been properly glazed and fired (such as crock pots, stoneware and porcelain), and untreated wooden and ceramic utensils provide safer alternatives than items containing toxic metals. Although SELENIUM is a nutrient and supplements of up to 200 micrograms/day can help to precipitate toxic metals, its use as a nutrient is probably more important than its ability to temporarily buffer toxic metals. Using selenium in a DE tox program makes some sense if environmentally exposed to high levels of toxic metals or if extremely toxic. A "multi" may not provide adequate amounts, so check

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the label. TITANIUM appears to be a safer alternative than other metals for cookware, eyeglass frames, jewelry, and other materials that contact our bodies, food, or water, but only when it is NOT alloyed with other toxins or carcinogens like Beryllium. Aquamarines and emeralds are Beryllium salts, and (like gold, silver, palladium, and platinum) may not be as "precious" to our bodies' health as the industries that sell them would like us to believe. Rings and studs used in body piercing should be avoided or worn sparingly if one can not verify their origin and metal composition with confidence. Again titanium is preferred for maximum safety. For those already familiar with it, there is new evidence to support the use of KOMBUCHA or fermented "mushroom tea" for the purpose of detoxifying and balancing the immune system. A substance identified in the fermented tea, called D-saccharic (D-glucaric) acid, can bind and mobilize toxic metals in the body to help get rid of them. In so doing, the fermented tea (also IP-6) probably complements the metal DEtoxifying activity of diatomaceous earth. Furthermore, this acid sugar can change into a lactone form which inhibits glucuronidase activity. This could be very important, since the body rids itself of fat-soluble toxins by sticking sugar residues on them to make them more water soluble. The glucuronidase enzyme "unwittingly" clips these sugars off, allowing these toxins to re-circulate back into fat. The lactone form of D-saccharic acid inhibits this enzyme, preventing this re-circulation and making it easier for the body to eliminate fat-soluble toxins. More research is likely to identify additional beneficial substances in this ferment, besides the saccharic acid, the B vitamins, and other nutrients that have already been observed. It is not known if diabetics can safely use small amounts of WELL-FERMENTED tea, but the sucrose used in its preparation is fermented to the fruit sugar, fructose. Fructose is 2 times sweeter than table sugar and only about half as much of it is absorbed, so using primarily fructose is an interesting way of reducing ones load of empty calories from sugar by about 5 times. If fructose is used the amount needed is only about a to one-third of the amount of table sugar that would normally have been used in the recipe. Fermentation with some mushrooms also seems to remove most of the caffeine and theophylline, at least when brewed with Sencha green tea. Extracts of Kombucha tea, and ways of attenuating the active yeast and bacteria in the ferment, may increase the number of people who can benefit from this interesting symbiote. Until then, very ill people, those with organ transplants, taking immuno-suppressive medications, undergoing radiation treatments or chemotherapy, and those who are otherwise immuno-suppressed may want to use only the commercial Kombucha products that have been pasteurized. At the same time, yeast problems have actually resolved in well-nourished individuals after consuming the live cell or unpasteurized ferment for several weeks. The budding yeast in the ferment appears to antagonize the sporing yeasts that usually cause most peoples' Candidiasis. There are researchers who are devoting most of their efforts to the study of this invigorating beverage. More information is available at this web site: http://www.kombucha-research.com . CHONDROITIN sulfate and GLUCOSAMINE sulfate, as well as MSM (dimethylsulfone or methylsulfonylmethane), has been used for arthritis or frequent joint pain instead of potentially harmful, high doses of vitamin C to be discussed later. Often these nutrients come in combinations with herbs, but one can obtain individual pure forms by mail-order (Jo Mar Labs). Recommended dosage varies, so try following the directions on the label or get more information about each case from a health professional, such as a doctor or a nutritionist at a local health food store. MSM also may help snoring, but probably should NOT be taken with alkylating agents, such as methyl-cobalamin (Me-B12) or the chemotherapeutic- chemical warfare agents "prescribed" for cancer. Cartilage is composed of strands of chondroitin and glucosamine cross-linked with silica, so diatomaceous earth, being 80 to 90% silica, may help to eventually relieve joint problems. The silica found in shark's cartilage may be one of the reasons that this material is reportedly therapeutic in cancer and other diseases. Alginates (kelp) and pectins (fruit), widely recommended in other detoxification strategies, also contain silica. Pectin reportedly has 6 times more silica than cartilage, but these alternatives have only a tiny fraction of the amount of silica found in diatomaceous earth. Chondroitin reportedly has caused problems, so the other supplements are preferred. Microscopic live cell analyses of blood taken from individuals who have DEtoxed for many months produced little evidence that this particular diatomaceous earth ever makes its way intact into the blood. Also, hair analyses of these individuals displayed normal or even slightly low amounts of silica. This

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evidence, combined with a very low trace and toxic mineral content (usually ppm), supports the concept that the DEtox material removes toxins that poison the immune and regulatory functions, instead of adding trace minerals that support these processes in the body, as was once thought. Since they tend to pull toxins into the blood stream where they can poison the immune, excretory, and other body systems, DMPS, DMSA, and EDTA could be much more dangerous than DE. These systemic chelators bind nutritious minerals and can interfere with thiol metabolism, thereby creating problems for the very systems they are supposed to detoxify. Hence, DEtoxing appears to be relatively safe with regards to both, systemic adsorption and silica metabolism, and its use even may help silicon implant survivors pull silicone metabolites and accumulated toxins slowly out of their bodies. Individually, DIATOMACEOUS EARTH, PANTOTHENIC ACID, L-CYSTINE, and OLIVE OIL have been shown to lower high cholesterol while often also lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and raising HDL cholesterol. With these positive changes using the individual nutrients, imagine what can be accomplished if all of these are made part of our daily nutritional program. PANTOTHENIC ACID (B5) to total 250 - 500 mg, more than present in most supplements In Hong Kong, 1 to 5 grams daily of pantothenic acid have been used by researchers to treat chronic adolescent acne. It is important to realize that oriental (and perhaps most American) diets often are deficient in the protein that provides L-cystine. If L-cystine had been used in conjunction with pantothenic acid, thereby supplying both of the building blocks for the vitaletheine modulators (L-cystine and pantothenic acid), presumably much lower doses of B5 would have been needed to make these natural immune stimulants and to treat the acne. Vegetarian diets lacking beans also can be deficient in protein, so vegetarians also may need more pantothenic acid in their diet than the omnivorous. L-CYSTINE 400 mg or an eighth of a teaspoon for an adult, proportionally less for children This amino acid can be mail-ordered, if is not available locally, and is of a different form than the more common L-cysteine or NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) found in many supplements. L-cysteine, NAC, and especially their hydrogen chloride (HCl) salts, can become contaminated with carcinogenic nickel from the stainless steel processing equipment used to manufacture these pills and powders. In contrast, L-cystine normally is not marketed as a hydrogen chloride salt and already has its sulfurs tied up in a form (the disulfide bond) that is less likely to absorb carcinogenic metals, than the common reduced forms mentioned above. For example, Jo Mar Labs' L-cystine reportedly has less than 20 ppm iron, less than 10 ppm heavy metals such as lead, and less than 1 ppm arsenic. Let us know if there are suitably clean alternatives. R. Downs and Say Yes to Life in Albuquerque stock it, and Jo Mar Labs will ship product P-9 (150 grams of powder for about $20) from California: 1-800-538-4545 (http://www.JoMarLabs.com ). This amount will last about a year for one individual. Two can live as cheaply as one for half as long. "DEtoxification" and pantothenic acid, as discussed above, probably complement dietary supplementation with L-cystine. L-cysteine and L-cystine could conceivably be obtained from whey protein and/or roasted soybeans, both of which reportedly are rich sources of this amino acid, but soy bean proteins are becoming suspect in some thyroid, thymus, estrogen, and other health problems due to enhanced bile acid production, enterohepatic recirculation, poor digestibility due to many protease inhibitors (including cystatins) that adversely affect the availability of the L-cysteine and L-cystine, therein. PIA COLADAS non-alcoholic fresh or fresh-frozen pineapple juice and coconut cream Here is medicine that is no bitter pill to swallow! Salud! When consumed WITHOUT ALCOHOL, fresh or fresh frozen pineapple juice provides a refreshing, nutritious, and probably therapeutic, drink. Bromelain, found in fresh pineapples, is a cysteine protease that frees L-cysteine from the protein we eat. Coconut cream, in spite of what allopathic doctors have led us to believe about saturated fat, actually inactivates an impressive list of viruses and bacteria, including the virus that is thought to cause AIDS. Hence, non-alcoholic pia coladas support the immune system by

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making dietary cysteine more available for building immune stimulants (the vitaletheine modulators) and immune system protectors (metallothionine and glutathione). At the same time, the immune system is relieved of some of its mundane burden of "scanning" for viruses and bacteria so that it can focus on cancer and more serious infections, like hepatitis. Metallothionine and glutathione also protect other thiols (such as the thioredoxin, Co-enzyme A, lipoic acid, acyl carrier protein, and lipoate acetyl transferase) needed to metabolize fat. These are poisoned by a variety of environmental toxins, discussed below and on our web site referenced at the end of this guide. MULTI-VITAMIN-MINERAL COMPLEX as natural a source as is affordable Use a formulation that at least meets the standard RDA, avoiding non-nutritive colloidal mineral products, and also avoiding synthetic derivatives having the "dl-" or "RS-" designations. The body usually uses either the d or the l (R or the S) forms of nutrients. When both forms are included, one not only pays for something our bodies can't use, but the wrong form actually can interfere with the assimilation and use of the beneficial form. That being said, it is sometimes necessary to compromise. Supplementing inexpensive base formulas with natural vitamin E, more d-calcium pantothenate, and additional minerals to offset any deficiencies (or losses from the " DEtox " described above) provides extra "health insurance" against nutritional depletion and associated diseases. A hypoallergenic daily alternative, fortified in the B vitamins, is one each of PROGENA Hypo Super Vite and Hypo Super B, the mineral content of which can be supplemented with one of their Supermins (all from MediTrend via you doctor, 1-505-292-0700, or through distributors, 505-881-3150 or 505-262-0085). We have not yet found what we would consider to be a completely balanced, one-pill vitamin and mineral supplement, suitable for everyone, so EAT "WELL"! Some "time-release" vitamins may not dissolve properly in some people; they should disintegrate in a glass of water. Also, too much supplementation can make the urine and bowel contents more nutritious for the growth of harmful microorganisms, so being conservative can save both our money and our health! Colloidal minerals can contain metals that are known to be toxic to thiol substances like the vitaletheine modulators. (More information about toxic metals is available through the internet on our web site at the end of this guide.) Many MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS are laced with lead, so one should look for one with the emerging standard, less than 1 microgram of lead per gram daily dose of CALCIUM (<1 ppm). Consumer Reports lists milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines, salmon, tofu, and collards as good dietary sources of calcium. Children's Mylanta, Posture-D High Potency Calcium with Vitamin D, and Tums 500 Calcium Supplement have less than 0.5 micrograms lead per daily dose, according to testing by the NRDC. AARP Formula 314, AARP Formula 564 with Vitamin D, Tums Antacid/Calcium Supplement Regular Strength, Tums 500, Walgreens Pharmaceutical Grade, and Your Life Natural Source have less than 1 microgram lead per 1,000 milligrams of calcium or <1 ppm according to Consumer Reports. We probably need more calcium nowadays to offset exposures to interfering toxic metal ions. Ions of calcium, sodium (salt), cadmium (amalgams), and bismuth (dentistry and medicines for gastrointestinal disturbances) are all about the same size. Calcium activates the monooxygenase receptor for vitalethine and increases cytolytic antibody production that protects us against a variety of diseases. Mercury and lead ions, that are slightly larger than calcium ions, inhibit this important immune response. VITAMIN E more than most supplements, to a total of 800-1000 International Units For example, if a "multi" provides 100 IU, add another 800 IU. Those with high blood pressure should consider easing into these higher doses, since blood pressure may rise with too rapid an increase in vitamin E. Also, taking much more than these amounts can cause vitamin E to accumulate in the liver, creating health problems. A natural mixed-tocopherol variety (alpha, beta, and gamma) is recommended. Also, the TOCOTRIENOLS found in the natural forms are about 600 times more potent as antioxidants than synthetic vitamin E, so one needs less of those supplements having the more potent forms of vitamin E. Synthetic vitamin E probably lacks these more potent forms. Olive and palm oils reportedly are good sources of natural vitamin E.

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MELATONIN may be used occasionally just before retiring if one doesn't regularly sleep eight hours, or so, in darkness. It comes in to 5 mg doses. Start with a low dose, and increase if necessary, to aid poor sleep patterns or to supplement when sleep deprivation is unavoidable. Taking enough of this hormone will usually make one sleepy in about 30 minutes, but the main reason to use it is to make sure there is enough melatonin available to maintain proper antioxidant and immune system function. To prevent atrophy of natural melatonin production, consider using it only every other night, or better still, whenever it is infrequently necessary to help re-establish normal sleep patterns. The purpose here is not just to remedy bad sleeping habits, but to ensure that our immune and regulatory systems have adequate melatonin to function properly. Insomnia can be a sign of chemical poisoning for which DEtoxification can help to provide welcome relief. Remember, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy, and wise." Benjamin Franklin. Melatonin is only produced in the pineal gland in the dark, NOT in front of our big screen TVs, computer screens, or with the reading lights on. A deficiency in melatonin causes the thyroid, testicles, ovaries, and adrenal glands to swell and to produce too much hormone, which can promote associated diseases including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Because of hormonal effects, pregnant or nursing mothers should use melatonin with care. For example, it is doubtful that one would want to breast feed or save pumped milk for several, and perhaps 8, hours after taking melatonin. When more antioxidants are needed to cope with smoking, obesity, cancer, heart disease, auto-immune disorders, or any of a number of health problems, other antioxidants may be more effective and less problematic than high doses of vitamin C. For example, the PROANTHOCYANIDINS found in Pycnogenol, Maxogenol, and GRAPE-SEED EXTRACT can be 20 times more potent antioxidants than vitamin C and 50 times more potent than vitamin E. Maxogenol, available at Say Yes to Life (1-800-543-3575) and elsewhere, also contains GREEN TEA CATECHINS and other antioxidants. Unlike vitamin C, vitamin E does not interfere with the monooxygenase receptor for the vitaletheine family of immune modulators. To be effective, an antioxidant must be potent, yet not interfere with important oxidative regulatory processeses. Vitamin E seems to minimize oxidative "noise" in the fat without compromising the oxidative "signal", such as the one coming from the vitaletheine modulators and their monooxygenase receptor. Together, these factors regulate not only immune responses, but other important body functions as well. Antioxidants, especially the fat-soluble ones, prevent the oxidation of unsaturated fats to epoxides and can sometimes reduce these harmful compounds once they are formed. Lipid epoxides are known to react with thiols like the vitaletheine modulators, lipoic acid, and Co-enzyme A. Poisoning vitaletheine with epoxides actually inactivates the very antibody-producing immune system that protects us against cancer. Thus, spontaneous oxidation of membranes from ruptured tumor cells, that are left in the body to be reabsorbed after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, can only disrupt the very system that protects us against cancer. If vitalethine is the key to understanding the bodys regulation, then its monooxygenase receptor is the "lock", and the antioxidants are the "graphite" that makes the mechanism work smoothly. Neither the key nor the lock are of much value without the other. VITAMIN C is a basic nutrient, needed in modest quantities to increase the monooxygenase receptor for the vitaletheine modulators. However, there is evidence to support possible harmful effects of this vitamin when taken in excess of about 200 milligrams (mg) per day. For example, vitamin C increases the monooxygenase receptor for the vitaletheine modulators, but it also interferes with the regulatory activity of this important enzyme, especially when too much is taken. One even can become addicted to high doses of Vitamin C. The RDA of 60 mg appears to be adequate under most normal circumstances. If currently taking a gram or more of vitamin C daily, one may want to consider lowering intake to more modest levels, slowly decreasing the amount over at least several days and preferably weeks. When diminished too quickly, loss of vitamin C can cause the scurvy-like symptoms (sore gums) of withdrawal, at least until the body readjusts to the RDA being provided. Another concern, when energy production from food is too low to keep vitamin C reduced or when the levels of other antioxidants are inadequate to prevent vitamin C's oxidation, Vitamin C (ascorbate) can become oxidized to dehydroascorbate. Dehyroascorbic acid, according to the 8th edition of the Merck Index, causes diabetes, a fact not mentioned in the 12th edition. By preventing oxidation to dehydroascorbate, other antioxidants can be

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used to help compensate for returns to more modest supplements of vitamin C. CO-ENZYME Q10 Use 50-100 mg of this metabolic catalyst daily for increased energy "CoQ-10" improves energy yields from our cells mitochondria. Seven out of the eight nutrients needed to produce CoQ-10 are also needed to make the vitaletheine modulators and to keep the monooxygenase receptor for these important regulatory compounds functional. Deficiencies in any one of these seven nutrients can cause regulatory and energy-generating systems to malfunction. To make CoQ-10, one needs tetrahydrobiopterin, vitamins B3 (preferably nicotinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, C, B2, B12, and folic acid. The best of American hospital diets, based upon the Department of Agriculture's and other recommendations, are deficient in vitamins A, B6, D, folic acid, pantothenic acid, and the minerals, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Zinc and calcium stimulate production of protective cytolytic antibodies, an activity shared by tiny amounts of vitalethine. Thus, supplementing with these nutrients and CoQ-10 augments and spares, respectively, those very nutrients reportedly deficient in cancer patients that are needed to bolster protective immune function. ROASTED SOYBEANS and RAW FLAX SEED phytoestrogens and immune nutrients? Although these have been touted for health benefits, arising concerns have caused us to reevalute recommendations of these seeds and beans. More interesting alternatives to consider are the red palm husk oil (topical) for its skin-absorbable tocotrienols, and evening primrose oils for GLA and other essential fatty acids. North atlantic pickled herring (wine-vinegar) might be among the healthiest sources of fish, because of their small size and reportedly cleaner environment (e.g., mercury contamination) that other fish sources. Even alpha-linolenic acid has received some bad press with regards to prostate cancer issues. The Japanese have a low incidence of cancer, touted as being due to their widespread use of soy products, but painstaking research seems to indicate they consume far less soy than current American diets, and that much of their soy intake has been fermented. Judicious use does not mean consuming only soy productseven the soybean counsel recommends getting only up to 30% of ones dietary protein from soy. There are many sources of information, some good and some bad, concerning soy foods. Roasted soybeans reportedly, depending respectively upon who is selling and who is informing and defending, are supposedly rich sources of a wide variety of nutrients/toxins, including the phytoestrogens like genistein, phytic acid, and the amino acid, L-cysteine or L-cystine. Processing generally diminishes the nutritional value of foods, and boiling reportedly destroys more than half of the cystine in soybeans, so it is usually better to try to eat as many whole, unprocessed foods as possible. Soy beans and a variety of soy products reportedly have a good amount of L-cysteine and L-cystine (USDA), but unfortunately, this is made largely unavailable by various soy protease inhibitors like cystatins, soyacystatin, Kunitz inhibitor, Bowman-Birk inhibitor, along with extensive problems created by extensive processing in trying to get rid of these inhibitors, as well as toxins like isoflavones and metal toxins from processing vats that likewise destroy or make much of the L-cystine and L-cysteine unavailable or less nutritious. Roasting soybeans whole may help to destroy some of the toxic protease inhibitors present in the raw bean, with minimal damage to the nutritients, but evidence is mounting that enough heat to remove toxins makes soy less nutritious and far less safe. This has not stopped soy promotion by the soy industry. For example, IP-6 (PHYTIC ACID) in soy beans is being used to help treat a variety of intractable cancers. Other health professionals suggest that even though this may help to trap and remove metal toxins (See DEtox), this also causes problems with the absorption of nutritional minerals. Another example is GENISTEIN in roasted soybeans, that has been shown to choke off the blood supply to cancer (an antiangiogenesis activity like that of the expensive drugs, Endostatin and Angiostatin). It also is a rather potent antioxidant and may block some effects of estrogen imbalance that can trigger breast and uterine cancers, but the isoflavones in soy are among the most potent inhibitors of thyroid peroxidase known, and more potent estrogens are made from certain isoflavones, like the Equol analogue of DES that is associated with endometriosis in women whose mothers were treated with diethylstilbesterol while pregnant. Even though some menopausal symptoms reportedly can be alleviated, safely, by simply eating a handful of roasted

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whole soybeans every day, soy's 1) estrogenic activities, 2) documented thyroid hormone disruptions, and 3) an increased retention of these fat-soluble a) phytoestrogens, b) thyroid inhibitors and hormones, and even c) steroid hormones through soy protein-increased enterohepatic recirculation, suggests a more prudent use of roasted soybeans may be as an emergency measure when no other alternative is available to relieve disabling mentopausal symptoms, until safer alternatives can be obtained. Judicious use of small amounts of topical progesterone, and even estriol (a less potent estrogen metabolite) in various combinations with progesterone (say in the early morning when the circadian peak in cortisol production probably releases progesterone from cortisol binding globulin or CBG) may provide more predictable and safer responses for menopausal symptoms than unfermented soy. Oat meal and barley are suitable healthy-grain, vegan substitutes for bison round, or roasted soybeans and other unfermented soy products. Winged beans reportedly are another good source of L-cystine. It is usually a good idea to rotate the crops by including healthy whole grains and beans in ones diet. Realize that a bad reaction to ones first exposure might indicate a recharging of the immune system to deal with previously unaddressed infectious health problems, or adjustment of ones alimentary tract flora to better accomodate complex carbohydrates. At the same time, it is wise to avoid foods or other substances that produce allergic reactions like hives or anaphylaxis. The protein digestive problems with soy protein suggest that unfermented soy products, especially, could aggravate or cause food allergies. OLIVE OIL the more "virgin" the better, as a nearly perfect source of dietary fat This mono-unsaturated fat should be a mainstay in our culinary practices. Saturated fat (lard, shortening, etc.) withstands heat better, but there are many, well-documented, negative side-effects of using primarily saturated or hydrogenated fat. In stark contrast, polyunsaturated oils have many chemical bonds capable of easily oxidizing to epoxides and going rancid, so they should never be heated. To stay fresh, polyunsaturated oils must be stored cold in an airtight container. Most of the fat in olive oil has a single, beneficial unsaturated bond that resists oxidation. Individuals serious about obtaining and maintaining good health must take these dietary changes "to heart". Dietary FAT is a "big" issue with Americans, but few of us realize what a critical role it plays in how healthy and energetic we feel. Fat does not in and of itself cause us to gain extra weight. This problem arises from the overuse of the wrong kinds (trans-fatty acids) of poorly digestible, dietary fats. When whole foods are not used, we develop cravings for more easily digestible sources of energy, such as the empty calories provided by refined sugars. Refined sugars and fats, however, provide little nutrition, refined foodstuffs having had much of their critical nutrients destroyed or processed out of them. When eating primarily processed foods, we tend to respond to our cravings for good nutrition by overeating, as far as calories are concerned. Many of these excess, empty calories and fat, are stored as "fat" until there are enough essential nutrients to fully utilize them. Meanwhile, we are not benefiting from this stored energy, prompting even more over-eating. "Starvation" dieting while still relying upon processed foods just exacerbates existing nutritional deficiencies, making it extremely difficult to manage weight effectively in the long term. Simply starving ourselves of fat will actually deplete our bodies of essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and fat-soluble antioxidants. There is even an unidentified factor present in fat-like extracts of food, similar to the TINCTURES of herbs prepared with alcohol, that supports regulatory and immune activities. If we have all that is needed to effectively metabolize fat, "fat" does not accumulate or persist in our bodies. Unfortunately, too much polyunsaturated fat with too little natural antioxidants to protect it against lipid peroxidation further "fuels" this problem when the resulting epoxides poison the thiol machinery needed to metabolize fat. This same pathological reaction of epoxides with the vitaletheine modulators is probably the main reason that obesity predisposes us to cancer and heart disease. Tired all of the time? The problem may not be the screaming kids or that slave-driver at work as much as it may be an imbalance in our bodies use of fat, protein, and carbohydrates for energy. Environmental toxins and nutrient "look-alikes" poison thioredoxin, Co-enzyme A, R-DIHYDRO-LIPOIC ACID , and acyl carrier protein that are needed to process fat into energy. These same toxins also poison the regulation of sugar metabolism (glycolysis and gluconeogenesis) and a variety of other key processes in the body that normally utilize food for energy. Even the production and utilization of hormones (including thyroid hormones and steroid hormones made from cholesterol) are controlled through sulfur metabolism.

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Alkyl chlorides (from drinking and bathing waters), drugs, and toxic metals are among the more insidious toxins. For example, if thioredoxin is poisoned by toxic metals, the ATP used for energy by almost every cell in the body cannot be formed from ADP. Not only does "chronic fatigue" result, but any accumulating ADP is turned into uric acid crystals that can become large enough to cause gout, arthritis, and painful kidney stones or to block arteries, thereby causing strokes and heart attacks. Homocysteine not only looks like cysteine, it also can poison cysteine metabolism, especially in the presence of toxic metals. This telltale marker of metabolic imbalance accumulates when the malnourished or poisoned body is trying to make cysteine from other amino acids. Homocysteine accumulates in "chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, cancer, and heart disease. AIDS patients have cysteine concentrations in their blood that are only 30% of normal and, lacking at least one of the two nutrients needed to make the critical immune stimulant (vitalethine), are "immuno-suppressed". Another example of a nutrient "look-alike" is nicotine. By closely resembling nicotinamide (niacinamide, niacin, vitamin B3), nicotine may artificially satisfy some of the craving, but not the need, for good niacin nutrition. This leads to even greater deficiencies in this critical vitamin, thereby reinforcing the misplaced craving for the nicotine. The chewing of tobacco, and perhaps even the use of nicotine patches, still increases the risks of cancer, even when carcinogenic tar is not being inhaled. BETAINE (HCl) Improves digestion, converts homocysteine, and may produce vitamin B15 Betaine comes from a natural substance, choline, found in most of the foods we eat. It is widely used in its hydrogen chloride (hydrochloride) form as a supplement that increases stomach acid and improves digestion and absorption of nutrients. A more important use of betaine by animals is to convert homocysteine into methionine, thereby helping to remove the very substance that can accumulate and interfere with cysteine metabolism and immune function. The byproduct of this reaction, N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG), reportedly is present in preparations of pangamic acid, once known as vitamin B15. Dietary sources of pangamic acid include brewers yeast, brown rice, rare meat (which we are encouraged to avoid because of the E. coli and Salmonella scares), whole grains, organ meats (Bison liver?), and sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds. It is interesting that pumpkin seeds are recommended for prostate problems, including cancer, and that the raw seed is recommended for alimentary tract parasites. Pangamic acid has been reported as being therapeutic in rheumatoid and heart diseases, and in other health problems associated with a breakdown in the vitaletheine modulator and monooxygenase system of regulation. LEAFY GREENS Eat as much as one can daily, the darker the green the better Consider eating sprouts of the Cruciferous family of plants such as broccoli, instead of the mature vegetable, to avoid harmful compounds. Indoles in the mature plants are suspected of compromising immune function by interfering with melatonin. Sprouts of broccoli also contain more sulforaphane, a substance that induces epoxide hydrolase, thereby protecting the vitaletheine modulators. Green parts of the Nightshade family of plants should not be eaten, such as green-skinned potatoes or the leaves and stems of these plants, but potatoes that arent green are very nutritious and tomatoes are a very rich source of the antioxidant, LYCOPENE, known to be beneficial in a variety of supposedly intractable diseases. Washing ones fresh vegetables and fruit is highly recommended to remove harmful bacteria and toxic, pesticide and herbicide residues. Consider DEtoxing produce by scrubbing with diatomaceous earth or even with a mixture of mild soap, diatomaceous earth, and grapefruit seed extract, discussed in the next paragraph. Commercial, produce-cleaning products are available for this purpose as well. GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT is a natural antibiotic that reportedly does not harm the natural flora of the digestive system. One can experiment with it for alleviating gastro-intestinal disturbances, for washing produce, for ear drops (a drop in a capful of 70% alcohol), as a topical antiseptic, etc. There is a whole booklet devoted to this one extract alone. It is probably safer than the Triclosan added to many commercial antibacterial cleansers, such as dishwashing liquids, soaps, and perhaps even some toothpastes. Triclosan and related compounds bear a worrisome resemblance to thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and T3, and have actually been shown to lower body temperature ["hypothermic effect", J.

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Toxicol. Environ. Health 1983 Aug-Sep; 12(2-3):245-253]. Another toxin, Dioxin (TCDD) also resembles thyroid hormone. Substances that interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism can result in health problems, including neurological ones. Apigenin, therein, has also been reported to inhibit thyroid peroxidase. Just as one does not want to take pharmaceutical antibiotics on a continuous basis, Citrus Seed Extract (CSE) probably should not be used internally on a daily basis for more than a day or two, and definitely for not more than about ten days to two weeks at a time. To do so might encourage a less vigilant immune system and also foster resistant disease microorganisms. Single applications of diluted CSE have stopped earaches in just a few hours. Versions are available, such as ALC (1-800-947-3662), that lack the high glycerol content found in most other commercial preparations. TUMERIC (TURMERIC) studied along with mechanisms for conventional cancer treatments This spice can be considered as a general-use condiment in normal diet to enhance immune system function. Its active principle, curcumin, has some of the same chemical characteristics as Taxol and Colchicine, both of which have been used to help fight cancer. Colchicine also is used to treat gout. Turmeric is an excellent antioxidant that reportedly helps with arthritic conditions as well as other health problems. It may help to maintain the vitaletheine modulator family of immune stimulants in more therapeutic forms. Other antioxidants found in the fruit and raw or lightly steamed vegetables of a whole food diet, have some of these same chemical structures and biological activities. Having ones doctor cut out a tumor is usually a good idea if it can be done without a lot of collateral lymphatic and other damage. Remember, removing the tumor not only removes the toxins that may have caused the problem in the first place, but it also prevents formation of any epoxides that result when dead tumor cells are reabsorbed. BE VERY WARY of biopsies or surgery on the thyroid that can cause life-threatening "thyroid storm" reactions and of tests using radioactive iodine that can simply kill the thyroid tissue, thereby seriously compromising both thyroid and immune function. One does not want to become unnecessarily dependent upon thyroid hormone supplements for the rest of one's life. When used with anti-thyroid drugs, radiation is an all-too-effective way of causing throat cancer in laboratory animals. A non-invasive AMAS test is a much safer way of checking for malignancy than these other methods and should be considered, not only for thyroid conditions, but for other tumors suspected of being malignant. A positive AMAS test early in the course of the disease also can give some indication of how far a malignancy has progressed. A negative AMAS is an either/or situationeither one doesn't have any malignancy or the cancer is so advanced that antibody production has halted. Lorraine tested negative for cancer antibodies; either she didnt have it and the boron killed her, or she did have leukemia, conceivably the end result of boron poisoning, and her immune system was so poisoned that it was no longer producing antibodies. A $38 hair analysis, performed earlier, could have helped sort this out and saved her life. To help correct high blood levels of the thyroid hormones and thyroid glands that are just swollen, consider the following: a) getting consistent adequate sleep in the dark and perhaps even using melatonin supplements, b) avoiding exposure to substances containing Triclosan-like chemicals, and c) supplementing with IODINE (up to 150 micrograms/day) or eating more dietary KELP and SEAWEED products. Remember, its OUR choice as to how WE pursue good health practices. PROGESTERONE, topically-applied, is the natural 'ONE. It is probably more than coincidental that women who normally produce enough progesterone are protected against 90% of all cancers. This hormone increases levels of vitalethine's monooxygenase receptor. Unlike the progesterone from which it is made, testosterone suppresses the monooxygenase receptor for the vitaletheine modulators. For optimum health, men also may have to get more in touch with their feminine sides". Unfortunately, using progesterone correctly as a supplement can be tricky, depending upon one's menstrual and hormonal status. ProgesTINs are not the 'ONEs we need to reduce our risk of cancer! The tin ending indicates a synthetic, not the natural progesterONE. Estriol is a less-estrogenic, estrogen metabolite that may be of some use in bioidentical hormone replacement when used at very low levels. Some forms of microwave-able plastics, now, reportedly have NO PLASTICIZERS in them. Plasticizers are fat-soluble, estrogenic toxins used in the manufacture of many plastic products. They are notorious for disrupting hormonal functions and are suspected of causing developmental abnormalities in

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human, domestic animal, and wildlife populations. Check with companies like Glad, ZipLock, Tupperware, and Rubbermaid to find out which of their new products have been made "safer" by removing these toxic materials from the plastic. We can ask for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on the plastics and on other chemicals in the products that we consume. To thrive we must become critically aware of these and the many other threats an industrialized society presents. Environmental toxins and artificial food chemicals, such as the estrogenic BHA and BHT antioxidants, can debilitate and disrupt our hormonal and immune systems, so limit exposures when possible. For youngsters, the use of diatomaceous earth with mineral supplementation may be helpful in dealing with specific chronic or intractable problems, but under normal circumstances, just protecting children from toxic exposures and providing them with adequate nutrition should be all that is necessary. Many of the chronic ills associated with aging can easily result from a lifetimes accumulation of environmental toxins, exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies. Eat clean, whole (unprocessed), and even organic foods for best results. In closing, please remember three things: Ignorance is seldom bliss! Just say "KNOW" to Drugs! What we don't know about what we are "being fed" not only can hurt us, it can kill us! "There but for the grace of God go we!"

VitaleTherapeutics, Inc.
Galen D. Knight, Ph.D., President 3205 Arizona, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-8644 http://www.VitaleTherapeutics.org email: galenvtp@highfiber.com Copyrights are to prevent adulteration of the information content. Feel free to copy this entire document for friends, family members, and those in need. GO TO: Home Environment Overview Treatments People WWW Links Journal Outline Nutrition e-mail us

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