Is Your Healthy Food Making You Sick?

There is nothing more difficult than to write about food in connection with health. The subject is vast and controversial. Countless nutrition experts, thousands of health influencers, hundreds of books, dozens of fad diets, and still so many unhealthy people trying desperately to figure out why they are not getting any better despite religiously following the latest health and nutrition advice. 

When you take two experts with conflicting views, both will argue that their way of obtaining nutrition is the only way and everything other than that is either completely wrong, or just misguided. What complicates things even more is the fact that both experts base their statements on latest research and often on their personal, real life experience. Nutritional "converts" who "have seen the light" are the worst since they seldom leave any room for deviation from the method that worked for them.

How to make sense of it all? Just look at the macro-nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats. Some experts will tell you not to eat any carbs at all, others that you should not to touch any fat. There is a whole fitness movement telling people to eat only red meat, bacon, eggs and butter. Some experts suggest that fish and seafood should be consumed as the only animal protein. Others swear that a fat-free vegan, raw vegan, or the fat-free raw vegan diet is the only way for you to have a long, healthy life.

How about the micronutrients - vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids? It is a well known fact that vegans often lack vitamin B12, DHA omega 3 fatty acid, and the amino acid taurine, while those on a strict carnivore diet often lack magnesium, vitamin C and fiber, and may have increased risk of colorectal cancer. People who embraced the fat free diet, on the other hand, have difficulty absorbing fat soluble vitamins from their food.

Food is problematic for many reasons. Some foods, like peanuts, shrimps, celery, or strawberries are potent allergens. People with celiac disease cannot eat anything containing gluten. People who cannot digest lactose should stay away from cow's milk and cow's milk products. And so on, but food is more complicated than that. Animal fats like butter and lard are high in saturated fat that is considered to be detrimental to heart health. There is also a big concern about the hormones and antibiotics that might have been used in the animal husbandry, not to mention the ethical, environmental, cultural or religious concerns.

So, how about fruits and vegetables? Here things get even more complicated. Many plants produce endocrine disruptors and goitrogens. During their evolutionary history plants developed survival strategies. Unlike a deer that can escape a hunter, a carrot or a cabbage is completely stuck in the spot it grows. In order to survive and carry their genetic information to the next generation, plants developed compounds that make them indigestible or even poisonous to humans or animals thus preventing their extinction. Although these anti-nutrients can cause serious upset in some people, plants are generally considered "healthy" food choices since they carry such vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, protein and beneficial bio-active compounds like pycnogenol or resveratrol, that act in synergy to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

While some of the plant anti-nutrients can have beneficial, anti-oxidant effects in the human body, some can cause 

• altered microbiome 
• serious damage to the digestive system 
• inflammation
• potential auto-immune response 
• malnutrition since they interfere with nutrient absorption
• severe allergies
• and even poisoning. 

Soaking, sprouting, cooking, or fermentation are the strategies many cultures use not only to improve nutrient availability but also to make the otherwise problematic foods more easily digestible. 

 

Here are some of the anti-nutrients found in plants: 

• alcaloids - naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compounds that are found in plants, fungi, bacteria and animals, some being extremely toxic, some used by humans as hallucinogens, aphrodisiacs or medicines (ex. quinine, morphine, ephedrine)
• cyanogenic glycosides - cherries, peaches, corn, almonds
• gluten - grains
• glucosinolates - goitrogenic compounds in cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli
• glycoalkaloids - plants in the nightshade family like tomatoes and eggplants, as well as  potatoes (skin, sprouts, the "eyes")
  
• histamine - bananas, strawberries, papaya, citrus fruit, tomatoes, spinach, almonds, pistachio nuts, sauerkraut, cinnamon, cloves
• lectins - raw beans, peanuts, whole grains, nightshade vegetable such as tomatoes and potatoes
• oxalates - spinach, Swiss chard, rhubarb, beets, cacao, almonds, cashew nuts, dried apricots, kiwis, raspberries, cinnamon and turmeric as a spice
• phenols - most berries, grapes, apples, spinach, red lettuce, broccoli, and citrus fruit
• phytates (phytic acid) - grains, seeds, nuts
• protease inhibitors - grains and legumes 
• pyrrolizidine alkaloids - hepatotoxic and genotoxic compounds that are found in some flowering plants and herbs like borage, traditionally used as medicine; honey, bee pollen, grains, milk, eggs and organ meats (offal) can contain these toxic alkaloids.
• salicilates - most fruits and vegetable, especially tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, spinach, and zucchini 
• saponins - legumes, especially peanuts; grains especially quinoa; licorice root, spinach
  
• sulforaphane - cruciferous vegetable such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, arugula, watercress
• tannins - red wine, tea, cacao but also grains such as barley, corn and quinoa; beans, lentils, chickpeas; nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts and Brazil nut; seeds such as chia, sesame, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds; red skinned apples and kiwis

People who are sensitive to one or more of these compounds should avoid foods that have the potential to make them sick. 

Some people report almost miraculous healing from chronic diseases when they stop eating fruits and vegetables. Others improve considerably when they stop eating grains. Those who have chosen raw food or the raw vegan diet report incredible improvement in their health. They have more energy, lose weight (where necessary), sleep and look better. Many stay healthy for a very long time, especially if they supplement with the nutrients that are missing in their diet, but some people get very sick when they start juicing and eating large amounts of fruit and leafy greens. The raw food diet may include too many nuts and too much fructose. Too many dates, too many bananas and other sweet fruits in your diet can cause blood glucose spikes and energy crashes. 

A store bought vegan milk alternatives often contain added sugar, added seed oil and the gut lining damaging carrageenan. I don't even want to talk here about the rather common contamination of crops with heavy metals, or about the pesticides in conventionally grown produce, not even about the genetically modified crops. This is a subject for another article.

 

Results of a small, three-day study involving 14 people was published recently and surprised some in the raw food community. The participants were divided into three groups: one group was given whole plants, the second group was doing a juice fast, and the third one was given a mix diet of whole plants and juices. Those who did the juice fast had the biggest changes in their microbiome and showed an increase in inflammation causing bacteria. The problem with the study is that it wasn't a double-blind study and involved only fourteen people. Also, I did not find any information on what kind of juices were given to the participants. The only information was that the juice did not have any fiber and contained too much sugar. My questions: Was the juice freshly pressed? And! Who tries to do a cleansing juice fast with sugar loaded fruit juices? This is not how it should be done. Another question, if you are unhealthy and have distorted microbiome, what happens to you when you go on a green juice fast?

Interestingly, many raw food lovers who perform a green juice detox annually report increased stamina, improved digestion, and a healthier looking skin. An alternative cancer therapist Dr. Thomas Lodi suggests a long term green juice fast to his patients. The alkalizing and detoxifying properties of chlorophyll from green plants cannot be underestimated. 

Before I start a food war on this blog, I would like to state that we are all individuals with individual genetics, individual metabolism and individual food preferences. Some of us tolerate certain foods better than others. If you experience unexplained symptoms and are not sure whether your healthy diet makes you sick there are a few things you can do:

• have a food allergy test
• have a comprehensive food sensitivity test (secondary food allergies)
• test for anti-nutrient sensitivity (histamine, lectins, tannins, etc.)
• have a fructose intolerance test
  
• if you eat tree nuts, peanut butter or grains such as quinoa, test for aflatoxin sensitivity
• test for nutritional deficiencies and supplement accordingly 
• test for parasitic infestation and candida no matter whether you are a vegan, carnivore or omnivore
• have a leaky gut test
  
• help your immune system and implement food rotation allowing three to four days before you eat the same food again - if you had a carrot on Monday, wait till Wednesday or Thursday before you have a carrot again. If you detect some sensitivity to one or more foods, you might want to stop eating them for a longer period or remove them from your diet completely. Learn to make meals with only few ingredients if you want to determine what is upsetting your system, and, as mentioned above, test for secondary food allergies/sensitivities (ELISA test) if you observe symptoms like bloating, idigestion or unexplained weight gain
• do some research to find alternatives to the food that causes upset in your body - for instance, if oxalates are your problem, eat arugula, Romaine lettuce or even kale instead of spinach or Swiss chard
• a food diary may be very useful - write down what you eat during the day and record any symptoms you observe short term and long term; consult a certified nutritionist if the process seems too overwhelming to you
• completely avoid foods that cause problems.
  

I am aware that articles like this one may cause confusion and anxiety. This is not my intention. I simply wish to bring some clarity to all those who embraced a very healthy lifestyle but somehow feel that the food they are eating daily is not working to their advantage. 

As we strive for biological optimization of our bodies, trying to stay as healthy as possible and to look fabulous all the time, our food choices matter. However, when our healthy food is making us sick, we need to learn how to avoid it and why, and to look for less problematic alternatives. There is no such thing as one size fits all. We might be similar metabolic types but your body chemistry is unique to you. Keep this in mind.

In radiant health, passionately raw - Dominique

Dominique Allmon©2025

*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. it is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. Always consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any changes in your diet. 

AI generated images. Source here

How to Support Immune System During Cancer Therapy

For anybody cancer diagnosis comes as a shock. It is a shock to the patient. It is a shock to the patient's relatives. What follows the diagnosis cannot be described in words. No one can understand the fear unless he or she has been diagnosed. 

A cascade of questions follows the diagnosis. What went wrong? How did this happen? What caused it? Could I have done something differently? Is there anything I can do to slow the progress of the disease? What are my chances? How can I mitigate side effects? What can I eat? etc. etc. etc. 

Fear, guilt, uncertainty about the therapy and its outcome follow the patient like a shadow. 

Once the therapy has been chosen by the oncologist, the patient has to deal with horrifying side effects. Depending on the type of therapy or the drugs used, the patient experiences 

• weakened immune system
• high blood pressure
• anemia 
• loss of appetite 
• changes in taste
  
• indigestion
  
• constipation
  
• diarrhea
  
• nausea 
• vomiting
• increased urination 
• kidney dysfunction 
  
• muscle loss
  
• skin and nail changes
• hair loss
• fatigue
• confusion
  
• overall weakness
  

to name the most common and visible ones.

Patients who asked their oncologist for nutritional advice are often told that they can eat anything they want but might have to lose weight if they are obese. The more lucky ones are told to try the Mediterranean diet that is known for its overall health benefits.

Why is food even important? 

We all need nutrients, but people undergoing cancer therapy even more so. They need to build up strength and stamina, strengthen their immune system, and nourish their bodies that are being weakened by cancer and the cancer treatment drugs. Some foods might be better than others, so how do we choose the right ones?

Although the food industry does not want us to know, many of the food items that we consume daily contain unhealthy ingredients, some of them carcinogenic or cancer growth promoting. Some of the worst foods and substances for cancer patients or anyone who wants to stay healthy, for that matter, include:

• sugar and refined carbohydrates such as bread, cornflakes, cakes, cookies, pastry, donuts, ice cream, or pasta
  
• processed meats like hot dogs, corned beef, ham, bacon, or summer sausage
• fried, deep fried and charred foods 
• conventional dairy 
• alcohol. 

Anything processed and packaged is full of added sugar, high fructose syrup, or artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, preserving agents, artificial coloring, and chemical flavors. Just check the list of ingredients. Some ingredients might not even be listed if they are present at an incidental level. Some are listed as "spices," "flavors," "natural" or "artificial flavoring" that can combine countless chemical ingredients and are usually considered to be the manufacturer's protected "secret" formulas. 

Understanding how fast food, junk food, and packaged foods of all kinds, are affecting our bodies, we all shall agree that in order to prevent chronic disease, heal from cancer, or stay healthy for as long as possible, we must eat food that is full of vital nutrients and free from disease- or inflammation-causing chemicals. 

Many nutritionists would suggest that patients eat more fruit and vegetable, preferably organic, add some fish and chicken, beans, whole grains, nuts, and spices to their meal plan, and drink plenty of purified water and organic green tea. But what if the therapy makes it impossible for the patient to even hold the food down? 

I am an advocate of raw food lifestyle that includes foods like raw fruits, vegetables and sprouted nuts that are rich in enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and various health promoting phytonutrients. I understand that roughage in raw foods might cause some discomfort in patients with compromised digestive tracts due to chemotherapy. However, turning a salad into a juice, healthy smoothie or a nutritious raw soup, would make the raw food more easily digestible and still deliver the nutrients needed for optimal health. Just juice or blend the ingredients in a blender, add a few drops of virgin olive oil, some chopped fresh herbs and organic spices, and voilà! Your raw soup is ready.

Some immune system modulating nutrients, like vitamin C and vitamin D for instance, must be supplemented. Supplements like Pectasol, graviola, curcumin, sulforaphane, medicinal mushrooms, laetrile, hydrogen, probiotics, alapha lipoic acid, or melatonin, are also often included in the protocols since they all support the patient's immune system. 

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut can help restore healthy gut microbiome and help with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Natural solutions like ginger tea made of sliced fresh ginger and purified water, might help the patient manage nausea without horrible side effects. 

Patients undergoing cancer therapy may experience severe dehydration. They must replace the lost fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. These minerals are vital for maintaining key bodily functions. The best way to replenish the lost electrolytes naturally is to add a tiny pinch of pink Himalayan salt and some freshly pressed lemon juice into a glass of purified water. Fresh coconut water straight out of a fresh young coconut works as well. By all means avoid sports drinks since they are either loaded with sugar or are full of artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Dr. Lodi, whom I consider to be one of the most interesting personalities in the field of integrative oncology, has a full protocol for cancer patients that involves, among others, raw food, juicing and fasting. The patient must change the "terrain" in which cancer proliferates, and make his own body inhospitable to new cancer cells. 

Oncogenesis is a complex process, but patients can learn new strategies that promote healing and recovery. 

To support the immune system, healthy eating habits are vital for any patient undergoing cancer therapy, but in order to heal, the whole lifestyle must be changed. 

A health coach would suggest

• weight loss (where necessary)
• increased physical activity (wherever possible)
• emotional well being
• stress control
• restorative sleep 
• environment free of toxins and harmful chemicals
• life free of destructive relationship.

If you want to heal, surround yourself with people you can trust. Find a support group. Find a registered nutritionist who understands cancer. Stop watching the news on TV. Resolve your conflicts. De-clutter your house. Find a hobby that would enrich your mind and soul. 

All this might seem overwhelming at first but you can do it gradually, one item at a time. Ask for help. Hire a coach. Hire a personal trainer. Mobilize family members to do the tasks you are unable to do. Create environment in which you can heal.

Your disease is not a punishment. It developed over time in an environment that wasn't conducive to health. To get healthy, you have to revise your beliefs and change your habits. Qualified people can show you how to do this but no one can do it for you. You are the master of your own universe.

As Dr. Lodi says, you are not your diagnosis. You can activate your healing potential, but the healing will take time, so be patient. Trust in your body's ability to heal. You are magnificent. Persevere! Don't ever give up.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2023

This article was first published on my Heaven Can Wait blog

For healthy raw food recipes please visit my Passionately Raw! raw food blog.

For a life saving information please visit Dr. Lodi's website. 

* I am not affiliated with Dr. Lodi.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. You must consult your oncologist before including any new supplement or food into your daily routine. Some supplements and foods might interact with your medication or cause allergic reactions. Caution is advised.

How to Boost Immune System

Preparing for the cold season

For those of us living in the northern latitudes winter may be a very challenging season. With lower outside temperatures we may experience colds and flu as well as other unpleasant illnesses and symptoms.

There is, however, a way to protect yourself from infections. You simply have to boost your immune system and implement a few simple strategies that will help you stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

By preparing your immune system and strengthening your immune response, you will be able to pass through the cold season without an infection and if you catch a cold, your symptoms will be less severe and you will recover much faster.

Your immune system acts like a protective shield that thwarts harmful pathogens from attacking your organism. In contact with pathogens a series of reactions are taking place within your body. Cells, organs and tissues of your immune system are mobilized to disable the pathogens. The symptoms you may experience (fever, for instance), although very unpleasant, are the signs of a well functioning immune system. Using medication to suppress these symptoms will only weaken your immune system. Instead, you should support your immune system with herbs and natural remedies, get enough rest, and let your body recover from infection all by yourself. You may want to take natural supplements to ease your symptoms, but as the common wisdom goes, it takes a week to cure the cold with drugs, but only seven days to recover without them.

In order for your immune system to function properly, you need to support it with proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and herbs. It is important that you eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) that are rich in vitamins, esp. vitamin C, and minerals, esp. zinc. Zinc may be the most important micro nutrient for your immune system. It is needed for the stimulation of the white blood cells that are important elements of your defense system. People who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc works in synergy with vitamin C and in order to be effective in your body it must be taken with its co-factor amino acid Histidine. Taken alone, zinc may be ineffective as the foods you eat interfere with its absorption, especially when you are a vegetarian. The recommended dose is 15 mg per day with up to 1000 mg vitamin C and 100-500 mg Histidine. The other important vitamin for the immune system is the vitamin D3 which works in the body as a potent antibiotic. Vitamin D3 helps the body to increase the production of body's own antimicrobial peptides. The body uses these peptides to destroy pathogenic organisms, including the influenza virus. The suggested dose is 2,000 IU. Another very effective supplement is the polysaccharide beta glucan. The insoluble beta glucans 1,3 and 1,6 derived from medicinal mushrooms and from yeast are very effective immune system modulators and do not overstimulate the immune system. There is no established daily dose of beta glucans, but manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg as an effective dose for the enhancement of the immune system.

The Nature supplied us with very effective herbs and power foods that have the ability to boost the immune system and help us stay healthy during winter. They have unique immune enhancing properties and can be used in many different situations to support our overall immune response. They are time tested in many cultures and can be purchased in form of capsules, teas or tinctures in any health food store or pharmacy. Some can simply be used as foods and may be used to enhance your winter cooking.

Here is a list of my favorite winter remedies in random order. You may already know most of them, or maybe wish to try something new this winter:

• andrographis
• manuka honey
• astragalus
• raw apple cider vinegar
• German chamomile taken as herbal infusion 
• lime flowers taken as herbal infusion
• citrus fruit
• colostrum
• lactoferrin, vitamin C and zinc
• eleutherococus
• echinacea purpura 
• Umckaloabo (South African Pelargonium Root)
• garlic
• onions
• lacto-fermented, unpasteurized sauerkraut
• unpasteurized kimchi, preferably home-made
• ginger
• turmeric
• hot peppers
• raw local honey
• propolis
• royal jelly
• elderberry sirup
• rose hips
• seabuckthorn 
• medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, maitake, cordiceps, hericium, and shiitake
• essential oils of cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, and lavender used in aromatherapy lamp 

The list does not end here. These are, however, the best known and most widely used and time tested winter remedies. Some of them are to be taken as tinctures or infusions, as pills or capsules; others are simply added to your daily meals, or used in aromatherapy and for inhalations to clear the sinus congestion. They all have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and are known to activate and support the immune system. Chose the ones you feel comfortable with and take them systematically to build up your immune system.

If you catch your first cold, remember to never ever take antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria not viruses, but common cold and flu are caused by viruses that are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. There are about 200 different viruses that cause the flu symptoms!

Antibiotics will only weaken your immune system as they destroy the flora in the small intestine which is the seat of the immune system in the body. You will only end up in a vicious cycle. Instead, take a concentrated action to boost the activity of your immune system. Do not wait for the symptoms to fully develop to a flu. Take time to heal your infection, rest and relax as much as you can. Sleep is vital as our immune system recovers during the night.

In addition you may want to implement some lifestyle changes during the winter:

• Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you come home from work.
• Avoid sick people.
• Dress up for winter - keep you body warm, especially your hands and feet.
• Keep your blood circulating! The idea of taking alternate warm and cold showers in the morning may sound outrageous, but you will soon notice that your body feels warm even in the coldest weather. Use ginger and hot peppers to spice your meals and drink spiced chai instead of ice tea.
• Put as much fresh fruit and vegetables on your plate as you possibly can. 
• Reduce the consumption of mucus producing foods such as diary and white bread.
• Exercise moderately and spend some time outside.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supplement with best possible immune supporting products.
• Take high quality multivitamin and bio-available minerals formula.
• Rest, relax and pamper yourself.
• Get enough sleep. Remember that your immune system recovers during the night.
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, stop smoking as this habit deprives your body of the vitamin C which is so important to your immune system.
• Take precautions not to pass your infection on to others.

Preparing your immune system for winter and implementing a few simple strategies will help you enjoy the beauty of this season and pass through it without infection.
 
Be gentle with your body and take time to relax and contemplate the changes in nature. And no matter how cold and dark it is outside, always let the sun shine from the inside out.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2022

This article was first published on my raw food blog Passionately Raw! that is full of wholesome, immune system supporting recipes.

Image featuring Stags And The Northern Star Nordic Style Pullover Sweatshirt by Jimmo Designs on Redbubble. I do not receive any royalties from Jimmo Designs. I simply support an independent artist.

*Information in this article is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

8 Great Uses For Oregano Oil

According to Greek myth, oregano was a beloved and cherished herb of the goddess Aphrodite. She grew it in plentiful amounts in her garden on Mount Olympus. Given this history, it’s no surprise that oregano has been studied intensely and its benefits for human health are well known. It’s potency is due to the active compound in oregano — carvacrol.

Oregano oil is a potent concentration of the herb and can be applied in various ways - directly on the skin or internally. Here are 8 of the many powerful ways oregano oil can benefit the body.

1. Cold Sores - Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Although carvacrol isn’t a cure for herpes or cold sores, it has been shown to have some activity against the microbes that cause flare ups. A recent study suggests that carvacrol can kill up to 90% of herpes simplex type 1 viruses within an hour. 

2. Food Poisoning - Undercooked food is a haven for the toxic organisms that can really do a number on your system. Some research has found that these organisms may be inhibited by the active chemical compound in oregano oil. 

3. Muscle Discomfort - Oregano itself is tremendously soothing and research shows that oregano oil may be helpful for reducing discomfort in joints, muscles, and bones. Best of all, it doesn’t work like opioids and doesn’t have addictive tendencies. 

4. Promoting Intestinal Balance - Keeping a proper balance of bacteria in your intestines is crucial for supporting good health. A healthy colony of intestinal flora is necessary for proper digestion and it defends against sickness. Good bacteria also supports the immune system and may be helpful for balancing mood. Carvacrol promotes gut health by creating an appropriate balance of good bacteria vs. bad bacteria. 

5. Bone and Joint Discomfort - Redness from irritation is one of the main contributors to arthritis, a painful condition that targets one or more joints throughout the body. Science is moving swiftly to discover how oregano affects arthritis but preliminary studies suggest that carvacrol may hold some promise for easing the discomfort associated with arthritis. 

6. Harmful Organisms - If you travel to underdeveloped areas of the world, you may be exposed to organisms that can wreak havoc on your health. Avoiding the water may not be enough to completely protect you either. Even harmful organisms in your natural environment carry a high infection risk, especially if the body is already in poor health. Research has shown that carvacrol may be able to fight some of these invaders. Bring your oregano oil while traveling! 

7. Yeast Infections - Carvacrol is to fungus what Raid is to cockroaches.  Research shows that plants containing this compound are effective in fighting candida. 

8. Liver Toxicity - Toxins exist in our water, food, and even the air we breathe. The ever-present barrage of toxins in our environment is extraordinary, and the burden it places on our liver is equally mind boggling. Carvacrol may help detox the liver, our primary detoxifying organ. Using this herb during a regular detox regimen may be helpful for boosting the detoxifying process. 

There’s a few options for oregano oil on the market, Global Healing Center offers a really nice organic blend of oregano oil. Have you tried it? What are your experiences? Leave a comment and let us know.

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure

A few months ago a colleague of mine told me that her grandmother makes her own garlic potion to stay healthy. She marinates garlic in alcohol for up to six weeks and when the potion is ready, she drinks few drops a day for few weeks. She repeats this cure every year and never gets sick.

Organic garlic

I wondered if anyone else knew about the garlic cure and started an online search. To my surprise the search produced "Tibetan garlic cure." The post showed up on several blogs and some bloggers claimed that this ancient garlic recipe was discovered in Tibet in 1970s by an UNESCO commission. 

Unfortunately I do not have any better information and cannot verify this claim, but I know that the therapeutic properties of garlic were known in many cultures for centuries, and that many cultures use alcohol to prepare herbal liquors, tinctures and medicinal wines. The Chinese used therapeutic liquors for centuries; so did Hildegard von Bingen in Medieval Europe. Herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and even small animals (such as snakes) or animal parts were preserved in alcohol. Alcohol potentiated the healing properties of used ingredients and allowed better preservation from spoilage. To this day Chinese pharmacies in Hong Kong and everywhere where Traditional Chinese Medicine is practiced, sell therapeutic wines. You can see a coiled snake or a ginseng root that has been preserved to extract the its highest healing potential. 

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant native to Central Asia. For thousands of years garlic has been used not only in cooking, but also as medicine. The Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, Tibetans, Indians, Ancient Greeks and Romans, all valued garlic's therapeutic qualities. They discovered garlic's potential to kill germs and used it as medicine to cure various infections, including typhus, dysentery, influenza, and cholera.

Modern research confirms what the ancients knew for ages. Garlic not only kills germs, it is also an effective herb that can be used modulate and strengthen the immune system. Scientists also found that garlic can also prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure.

 Miron glass jar

Garlic seems to be a very healthy herb all by itself. Is it possible that preserving it in alcohol enhances its healing potential even more?

To make the garlic solution you will need about 12 ounces (350 g) garlic, 3 ounces of 96% pure, food grade alcohol, and a tight closing jar.

I decided to use a violet Miron glass jar. Miron glass blocks the complete spectrum of visible light with the exception of the violet part. At the same time it allows a certain part to be permeable for radiation in the spectral range of UV-A, and infra red light. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the ageing processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening durability and potency of products. Scientists in Germany found that Miron glass enhances the therapeutic strength of products stored in it. 

Making of the Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure:

• Wash and dry the jar. Set aside.
• Peal the garlic cloves. You may want to wear rubber gloves.
• Roughly chop the garlic cloves and transfer them into your clean jar.
• Slowly pour the alcohol into the jar making sure that the garlic is well covered. Add more alcohol if you find it necessary. 
• Tightly close the lid and place the jar in a cool, dark place. Allow the garlic to marinade for 10 days.
• After 10 days carefully open the jar and strain the garlic tincture through a sieve pouring it into a clean measuring jar. 
• Pour the clear liquid into a clean dark glass bottle and close it with a pipette stopper.  (I used Miron glass bottles)

This is how the Tibetan garlic should be made according to various websites. I changed the method a bit remembering that my colleague's grandmother kept her garlic in alcohol for at least three weeks. I allowed the tincture to mature even more when I transferred it into two small Miron glass bottles. I stored the bottles for another three weeks before I began the cure.

Miron glass bottles with garlic tincture

There is a suggested way to administer the garlic cure beginning with one drop at breakfast on the first day and increasing the amount with each meal up to 25 drops on day eleven. Continue taking 25 drops per meal until the tincture is finished. Remember to shake the bottle before each use.

I am not sure that such "schedule" is necessary, although some homeopathic or alchemistic principles might be involved here. I decided to take two drops with each meal, three times a day and I take it in a spoon of yogurt to neutralize the strong garlic odor. 

The tincture is said to have incredible healing potential: 

• it may help decrease blood pressure
• it may improve blood circulation
• it may help regulate and balance blood lipids
• it may prevent the LDL cholesterol buildup in arteries
• it may help prevent thrombosis
• it may help speed up metabolism and stimulate fat burning in the body
• it may help detoxify the kidney and improve the kidney function
• it may help improve the function of the immune system
• it may help eradicate candida 

November is a perfect time to start caring for the immune system. If the cure works I should be infection free till the end of winter. 

By Dominique Allmon

*A word of caution: The tincture contains alcohol and is not recommended for children, pregnant women, and people who have alcohol addiction problem. 

**This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

The Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

What to Do If You Contract Influenza

Most articles about the flu tell us how to prevent or avoid an infection, but there is very little information on what to do when we actually get infected. Common sense tells us that we ought to see a doctor and most of us heard about Tamiflu®. This article describes the flu symptoms and suggests a few simple steps to ease the discomfort of infection.

Every year tens of thousands of people die from the influenza infection. Most victims are either very young, or very old. People with compromised immune system also succumb to the disease. Currently two strains of influenza are circulating in the United States - the seasonal flu and the H1N1 also called the swine flu. A third, highly lethal H5N1 influenza, also known as the bird flu, is being closely monitored in Asia.

Flu symptoms

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory tract - the nose, throat, and the bronchial tubes. The symptoms can range from mild to deadly and include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• nasal congestion or running nose
• headache
• overall body ache
• chills
• fatigue
• in some cases diarrhea and vomiting - symptoms that may be severe if it is a swine flu virus infection

These symptoms may also occur with the common cold which, although as uncomfortable as the flu, is much less threatening. A person infected with the flu virus may experience a combination of these symptoms. Not everyone who has the flu will develop fever. The flu symptoms may get worse at night and disrupt the normal sleep pattern. The symptoms usually persist for about two weeks and most people recover without complications.Some people, however, may develop very serious and life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia.

The incubation period takes two to five days. It spreads very fast in the body of an infected person until the person starts to experience the symptoms. An infected person can pass the flu to others as early as one day before he or she developed the symptoms and up to seven days after the outbreak of disease. Children and people with suppressed immune function remain contagious for a much longer period of time. Because influenza is highly contagious, an infected person has to take special measures to prevent infection of others.

When you start experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, stay home and do not get tempted to go to work. On the one hand, your coworkers will be very grateful for not infecting them as well, on the other, you will have time to rest and recuperate. Your immune system has been weakened by the infection and needs all your support right now. Rest as much as you possibly can and cut all the sugar from your diet.

  

Antivirals

• To eradicate the virus from your body you have to act immediately as soon as you experience your symptoms. This is the time when it is still possible to stop the virus from spreading in your body. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® and Relenza® are usually very effective within 24-48 hours from contracting the infection and must be taken in high doses. Tamiflu® helps reduce the severity and the duration of your infection. The advised dose of Tamiflu® is 75 mg twice a day for five consecutive days. In cases of the swine flu infection, the dose should be doubled. In many cases these medications may remain ineffective. 

Natural remedies

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) a popular herb, sometimes underestimated, can bring a great relief to an infected person.The blossoms contain high amounts of healing essential oils and have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic properties. Chamomile can be drunk as an infusion or used for inhalations to ease respiratory problems during the infection. The chamomile infusion may also help with the gastrointestinal problems during the infection.
• Olive leaf extract (Olea europaea) or Oleuropein, contains a compound called calcium elenolate which is a natural antibiotic. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that this compound is lethal to all viruses, including the influenza virus, as well as other microbes it was tested against. Olive leaf extract inhibits the replication of viruses and helps to shorten the duration of flu. It also enhances the activity of the immune system. The suggested dose is 500 mg twice daily at the onset of flu symptoms.
• Andrographis (Andrographis pinaculata), a herb native to Asia, helps to reduce the severity of flu symptoms and the duration of illness. Studies have shown that this herb has antiviral, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. Moreover, it is a powerful immune system stimulator. The suggested dosage is 400-500 mg of dried extract containing 6-10 percent andrographolides, three times a day to be taken within 48 hours after the first sign of the flu symptoms. Andrographis can be taken alone or in combination with Eleuthero root (Siberian ginseng).
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long tradition as a remedy for cough and the common cold. Recent research demonstrated that an active compound called Antivirin has the capacity to prevent the flu virus from invading the membranes of healthy cells. The elderberry extract was clinically proven to reduce the flu symptoms and to speed recovery. It also stimulates the immune system. Suggested dose is 500 mg a day. Elderberry can be also drunk as a syrup.
• Linden flower tea also known as Lime flower tea (Tilia americana) is an effective herbal remedy. The blossoms are used as infusion to reduce fever and induce sweating. Pour a cup of boiling water over a table spoon of dried blossoms. Cover your cup and steep it for 10 minutes. You may want to use raw manuka honey to sweeten your tea. Because the tea induces sweating, it is suggested to dress warmly and stay in bed.
• Oscillococcinum is a time-tested homeopathic remedy that helps reduce the severity of the flu symptoms and the duration of disease. It works very fast and does not cause any side effects. For best efficacy, Oscillococcinum should be taken as soon as symptoms of infection are experienced. It comes in prepared doses. The suggested dose is to take the entire dose every six hours between the meals.
• Zinc is a mineral that assists the body in the formation of a strong immune system. When taken right at the onset of symptoms it can shorten the duration of infection and minimize the severity of the symptoms. Zinc should be taken in a form of Zinc gluconate or glycinate together with its co-factors Vitamin C and amino acid Histidine. The suggested dose is 15 mg twice a day with up to 1000 mg Vitamin C and 500 mg Histidin.
• Acerola berry extract is a natural source of vitamin C that your body needs to fight off the infection. Acerola berry contains whole spectrum vitamin C with its co-factors the bioflavonoids.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms you will have to take a break from your daily routine. Get enough rest, drink plenty of water, and change your diet to a lighter, easily digestible fare. Nutritious chicken soup works miracles. It has been used as comfort food for colds and flu all over the world for centuries. 

As mentioned before, the flu symptoms may disturb your sleep pattern. Sleep is essential as during the night our immune system restores itself. A calming infusion made with chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root, drunk about 30 minutes before bed may help you unwind to a restful night sleep. Liquid, sublingual melatonin will help you sleep as well. Moreover, it also provides support for your immune system. 

Use nasal spray and sore throat lozenges made of Icelandic moss, propolis, or manuka honey, to ease your symptoms before you retire for the day. You may want to use a humidifier in your bedroom. 

Contact your health care provider when:

• your fever lasts longer than three days
• your symptoms persist for more than ten days in spite of all the medication and rest your are taking
• when you develop new symptoms such as pain in your chest, disorientation, high fever, difficult breathing

Your physician will have to conduct tests to determine the virus that is causing the symptoms and make sure that you did not develop a pneumonia.

A strong immune system is the best way to avoid infections. There are some very effective immune system boosting strategies you may want to apply in the future. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, stress control, and adequate sleep are necessary if you want to stay infection free during the next flu season. Right now, I can only wish you a quick recovery.

By Dominique Allmon

This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.


What to Do if You Contract Influenza by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

How to Prepare Your Immune System for the Winter

Foods and supplements to boost immune system

For those of us living in the northern latitudes winter may be a very challenging season. With lower outside temperatures we may experience colds and flu as well as other unpleasant illnesses and symptoms.

There is, however, a way to protect yourself from infections. You simply have to boost your immune system and implement a few simple strategies that will help you stay fit and healthy during the winter months.

By preparing your immune system for winter and strengthening your immune response, you will be able to pass through the cold season without an infection and if you catch a cold, your symptoms will be less severe and you will recover much faster.

Our immune system acts like a protective shield that thwarts harmful pathogens from attacking your organism. In contact with pathogens a series of reactions are taking place within your body. Cells, organs and tissues of your immune system are mobilized to disable the pathogens. The symptoms you may experience (fever, for instance), although very unpleasant, are the signs of a well functioning immune system. Using medication to suppress these symptoms will only weaken your immune system. Instead, you should support your immune system with herbs and natural remedies, get enough rest, and let your body recover from infection all by yourself. You may want to take natural supplements to ease your symptoms, but as the common wisdom goes, it takes a week to cure the cold with drugs, but only seven days to recover without them.

In order for your immune system to function properly, you need to support it with proper nutrition, nutritional supplements and herbs. It is important that you eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) that are rich in vitamins, esp. vitamin C, and minerals, esp. zinc. Zinc may be the most important micro nutrient for your immune system. It is needed for the stimulation of the white blood cells that are important elements of your defense system. People who are deficient in zinc are more susceptible to infections. Zinc works in synergy with vitamin C and in order to be effective in your body it must be taken with its co-factor amino acid Histidine. Taken alone, zinc may be ineffective as the foods you eat interfere with its absorption, especially when you are a vegetarian. The recommended dose is 15 mg per day with up to 1000 mg vitamin C and 100-500 mg Histidine. The other important vitamin for the immune system is the vitamin D3 which works in the body as a potent antibiotic. Vitamin D3 helps the body to increase the production of body's own antimicrobial peptides. The body uses these peptides to destroy pathogenic organisms, including the influenza virus. The suggested dose is 2,000 IU. Another very effective supplement is the polysaccharide beta glucan. The insoluble beta glucans 1,3 and 1,6 derived from medicinal mushrooms and from yeast are very effective immune system modulators and do not overstimulate the immune system. There is no established daily dose of beta glucan, but manufacturers suggest 500-1,000 mg as an effective dose for the enhancement of the immune system.

The Nature supplied us with very effective herbs and power foods that have the ability to boost the immune system and help us stay healthy during winter. They have unique immune enhancing properties and can be used in many different situations to support our overall immune response. They are time tested in many cultures and can be purchased in form of capsules, teas or tinctures in any health food store or pharmacy. Some can simply be used as foods and may be used to enhance your winter cooking.

Here is a list of my favorite winter remedies. You may already know most of them. Or maybe you wish to try something new this winter:

• andrographis
• astragalus
• chamomile
• colostrum
• eleutherococus
• elderberry
• echinacea purpura
• garlic
• onions
• ginger
• hot peppers
• honey
• propolis
• royal jelly
• rose hips
• lime flowers
• medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, maitake and shiitake
• essential oils of cinnamon, thyme, mint and lavender

The list does not end here. These are, however, the best known and most widely used and time tested winter remedies. Some of them are to be taken as tinctures or infusions, as pills or capsules, others are simply added to your daily meals, or used in aromatherapy and for inhalations to clear the sinus congestion. They all have strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and are known to activate and support the immune system. Chose the ones you feel comfortable with and take them systematically to build up your immune system.

If you catch your first cold, remember to never ever take antibiotics. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria not viruses, but common cold and flu are caused by viruses that are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment. There are about 200 different viruses that cause the flu symptoms!

Antibiotics will only weaken your immune system as they destroy the flora in the small intestine which is the seat of the immune system in the body. You will only end up in a vicious cycle. Instead, take a concentrated action to boost the activity of your immune system. Do not wait for the symptoms to fully develop to a flu. Take time to heal your infection, rest and relax as much as you can. Sleep is vital as our immune system recovers during the night.

In addition you may want to implement some lifestyle changes during the winter:

• Wash your hands as often as you can, especially when you come home from work.
• Avoid sick people.
• Dress up for winter - keep you body warm, especially your hands and feet.
• Keep your blood circulating! The idea of taking alternate warm and cold showers in the morning may sound outrageous, but you will soon notice that your body feels warm even in the coldest weather. Use ginger and hot peppers to spice your meals and drink spiced chai instead of ice tea.
• Reduce the consumption of mucus producing foods such as diary and white bread.
• Exercise moderately and spend some time outside.
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supplement with best possible immune supporting products.
• Take high quality multivitamin and bio-available minerals formula.
• Rest, relax and pamper yourself.
• Get enough sleep. Remember that your immune system recovers during the night.
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption, and if you smoke, stop smoking as this habit deprives your body of the vitamin C which is so important to your immune system.
• Take precautions not to pass your infection on to others.

Preparing your immune system for winter and implementing a few simple strategies will help you enjoy the beauty of this season and pass through it without infection.

Take time to relax and contemplate the changes in nature. And no matter how cold and dark it may be outside, always let the sun shine from the inside out.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.

How to Prepare Your Immune System for the Winter by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.