Holistic Review I: immune system support for natural health. Last revised May 1, 2008. (Minor changes Friday, July 18, 2008.)

    1. Vitamin C should always be 100% buffered, and preferably "sustained released". 

We do not recommend Ester C (R), which contains a stronger form of vitamin C but not a stronger buffering process. One great advantage of standard buffered vitamin C is gentleness and safety. The best is Alacer Super Gram II because this is both sustained released and multi-buffered with 7 mineral ascorbates.

    2. For an anti-cancer program, we suggest all "cell immunity" supplements listed below. 

None is proven or claims to reverse or prevent cancer, but each is chosen for a reputation equal to the most expensive alternative medicines. Also there are no side effects, so if interested to try any, it makes sense to try many. We would however suggest a greater emphasis for the so-called "low-antioxidants" of sections i2 and i3--as least likely to conflict with each other or with radiation or chemotherapy. We suggest only one or two at a time of the "high-antioxidants" of section i4. An exception to this rule is buffered vitamin C, which might not contribute much to antioxidant overload, and has a history of use with chemotherapy. However please consult your doctor first about all of this.

For a full listing of alternative anti-cancer programs, visit http://HolisticReview.com/z/cancer.php or click here: Holistic Review of natural & alternative medicines for cancer.

    3. Two immune support ideas that are often overlooked but often worth a try: lysine and cold baths. 

Any time the immune system is stressed, such as by fatigue, bacteria or cancer, viruses are usually there as a complication, and may even be an unrecognized primary cause. Lysine is often reported successful against viruses, is inexpensive and as mild as eating gelatin. Lysine is suitable for almost everyone.

Cold baths, on the other hand, are perhaps not suitable for some people. Nonetheless, they are traditional for millions young and old in Scandinavia, Japan, Russia and North America. If they can do it, perhaps you can do it. A natural reflex is triggered, after which you do not feel cold. In theory, the blood is oxygenated and pathogens more shocked than the human body. Emotionally, this is a test of courage. Please note that cold showers may not have the same effect. We believe the water should not move too rapidly.

For details and safety precautions, please go to http://HolisticReview.com/i/hypothermia.php or click here: The hypothermia cure: cold baths for immune system support and natural health.

    Special notice: many types of shark may be an endangered species. 

We believe that shark supplements are byproducts of the food industry and do not add to the killing of sharks. However, we may be wrong, and according to current research, 90% of the world's sharks have been destroyed. If you use shark products, we urge you to write to the manufacturer:

    *   Challenge them to pay for the release of 2 sharks for each shark that is killed for their product.
    *   Tell them you will gladly pay the added cost per item.
    *   Also that if this is not done, their sales are certain to decline.

However, the only sustainable solution to this and many such problems is to reduce the human population. For further discussion please visit http://HolisticReview.com/i/sharks.php or click here: Holistic Review: Sharks may be an endangered species.

Product guide i1: the best basic immune system supplements. Don't leave home without them.

    *   Super Gram II multi-buffered, time-release vitamin C tablets by Alacer. 

The best vitamin C tablet, also easy to swallow.

    *   Effer-C buffered drink mix by Now Foods. 

Fructose sweetened packets convenient for travel.

    *   450 mg. Oregano dry capsules by Now Foods. 

Much cheaper and less potent than many Oregano products, but less harsh. Works better because frequent doses may be taken and linger longer. Goes well with Effer-C drink mix above. Even better, mix with Stevia Balance packets (chapter D) and drop in the mouth. For hours of effectiveness to the throat, do not swallow the oregano, but place around the edge of the mouth.

    *   400 i.u. Allergy D Caps by Twinlab. 

The best medium-strength vitamin D pill.

    *   8 oz. Bio-Flavonoids & Rose Hip in organic alcohol by Nature's Answer. 

The best bioflavonoid supplement.

    *   Elderberry & Zinc chewable lozenges by Now Foods. 

Two essential synergists for the immune system. Also includes echinacea, bee propolis and slippery elm.

    *   Colon Green buffered fiber capsules. 

Nothing may work well if you do not make sure the colon is clean. Also contains echinacea and other herbs.

    *   Acidophilus Pearls IC and Pearls Immune by Enzymatic Therapy. 

It is important to guard against a bacterial imbalance.

    *   Chewable Papaya Enzymes, by Now Foods. 

A pleasant way to ensure that the body has plenty of enzymes to digest away the remains of bacteria.

    *   Kwai enteric garlic. 

Not as potent as fresh garlic, but more gentle.

    *   500 mg. L-Lysine capsules by Now Foods and Lysine Powder by Life Extension. 

The capsules are effective and convenient. The powder can be added to skin tonics for external use.

Product Guide i2: low-antioxidant cell immunity supplements.

You may find two ways to view this category. "How discouraging to take so many pills!" Or, "How hopeful that I might be supported by an army of safe natural materials." If so, we suggest a compromise between both sentiments.

    *   Esiak and Flor-Essence
    *   AHCC killer cell enhancer
    *   Tribalene by Jason Winters
    *   Apricot kernals
    *   Broccoli seed concentrate

For more information see:
http://HolisticReview.com/i/2.php or click here: Holistic Review health product guide i2: low-antioxidant cell immunity supplements.

Product guide i3: low-antioxidant synergists for cell immunity

These supplements are not necessarily expected to suppress unhealthy cells, but may be vital to actuate the supplements in section i2 above.

    *   Dry Oregano Capsules (and most supplements listed in section i1)
    *   Aloe Vera Stomach Formula
    *   Mega-Zyme Pancreatin
    *   Noni Juice
    *   Asparagus Extract
    *   Beets or beet juice
    *   Shark Liver Oil
    *   Proboost thymic protein A
    *   Thumulus thymus extract
    *   Cysteine Pep whey protein and Life Mix caseinate protein

For more information see:
http://HolisticReview.com/i/3.php or click here: Holistic Review health product guide i3: low-antioxidant synergists for cell immunity supplements.

Product guide i4: high-antioxidant or moderate usage cell immunity supplements.

Most of these supplements are such potent antioxidants that some people can only tolerate two or three at a time. Avoid taking several at one meal. Some people may in addition need to reduce basic antioxidants such as beta carotene, CoQ10, ginkgo and ALA. A few are not super-antioxidants, but listed here because their use requires a similar level of restraint. Hopefully our readers may submit their informal test results to suggest which are most effective.

    *   Max3 IP-6 by Enzymatic Therapy
    *   Healthy Cells by Enzymatic Therapy
    *   Healthy Prostate & Ovaries by Nutricology
    *   Bio-Curcumin turmeric extract
    *   Pomeratrol pomegranate and resveratrol
    *   EGCg(R) Green Tea Extract and Super Antioxidants by Now Foods
    *   Fresh wheat grass juice

For more information see:
http://HolisticReview.com/i/4.php or click here: Holistic Review health product guide i4: high-antioxidant cell immunity supplements

Product guide i5: experimental therapies only suitable for medical patients, only if approved by a doctor.

    *   PectaSol modified citrus pectin, by Econugenics. 
    *   AngioBlock with bindweed capsules by Nutricology. 
    *   HP8 Prostate Support tablets by American Bioscience. 
    *   Highly concentrated, freshly-made, external herbal compresses and baths. 
    *   Deep-tissue microwave hyperthermia. 

For details see: http://HolisticReview.com/z/cancer.php or click here: Holistic Review of natural & alternative medicines for cancer.

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