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Being aware of the food we consume is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Dr. Joseph Mercola recently wrote an article detailing a 2024 analysis of a study done that found “highly suggestive evidence that ultra-processed foods increased all-cause mortality, Type 2 diabetes and depression.”
Read the full article here.
Toxicity is everywhere in our environment and usually in unexpected places.
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An article written by Bruce Y. Lee earlier today covers the shocking discovery that 28 dark chocolate brands were tested and showed concerning levels of heavy metals.
Read the full article here
I have been frequently contacted by patients who have been exposed to someone that tested positive for SARS Covid-19 or tested positive the question is:
Our research and experience highlighted in India’s Uttar Pradesh province’s aggressive covid campaign to mitigate the spread of the virus. They distributed medicine kits to villagers instructing them on how to avoid the virus or treat it early. They had an astounding success rate. With that in mind we developed a Wellness Kit that patients can use at home. If you think about it, we are all perhaps unknowingly exposed to the virus as we move through the day. Enhancing your immune system to limit susceptibility to viral infection and having more powerful antiviral supplements at home to take at the first sign of any infection is the prudent course of action. Early treatment is essential to help prevent more serious outcomes in any viral infection.
Everyone is different; in light of that we tailor our basic kits to individual needs.
Most people are aware of the nutritional supplements that have been known to be helpful in prevention of infection: Vitamin D, C, Zinc, as well as Quercitin and NAC which have recently gotten some good press. OrthoMune by Ortho Molecular is a blend that offers all of these in a single formula for ease of use.
Avoid refined sugar as it weakens the immune system, as does alcohol and other simple refined carbohydrates; eating a clean diet high in veggies and whole foods is best. Vitamin D3 deficiency has been correlated with susceptibility to viral infections; the flu season follows the darker months of the year when decreased sunlight lowers our production of Vitamin D. A blood test can tell if your levels are within a healthy range. Other nutrients that are important for a strong immune system include vitamins A and C, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
I have avoided colds and the flu for years by keeping my immune system strong and using antiviral supplements. Some that I use most often are:
Lauricidin- A coconut derivative which is very safe. It works with the immune system and has strong antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibiotic properties.
Uña de Gato- This has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties which enhances T cell activity to increase immune protection.
Chronic Immune- A wonderful blend of medicinal mushrooms, herbs, and nutrients to strengthen the immune system against possible infections.
Stamets 7- Another powerful mushroom blend that strengthens the body’s ability to fight infection and cancer.
Microbinate- A strong antiviral and antibiotic formula which contains allicin, a concentrated garlic extract in a powerful blend.
Humic Minerals- This is a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory liquid that can be taken daily to enhance cellular repair and helps prevent viruses from replicating.
Astragalus- An antiviral and immune enhancing adaptogenic herb that supports adrenal glands in times of stress
Dr. O’s Antiviral Elixir- Our in house blend formulated with broad spectrum antiviral and anti-inflammatory herbs including andrographis and propolis.
IV Vitamin C- This intravenous blend is a strong immune and anti-inflammatory support which is given with minerals and additional vitamins to give the body strong support.
Many of these supplements are available online through Wellevate and/or Fullscript. You can also stop by the office and pick up your kit!
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Generally during flu season when I risk exposure I take one or more of these to protect myself. At the first sign of any infection, such as a scratchy throat, swollen glands, or generally feeling run down, I have found increasing the dose will often eliminate the symptoms and avoid actually developing the illness.
In dealing with Covid-19 it has become evident that certain habits are associated with poor outcomes of Covid-19 infections. For instance, smoking greatly increases the risk, so if you have considered quitting now is a great time. Approximately 66% of admitted covid patients are overweight. Working on diet and exercise to avoid inflammation and weight issues can be helpful in all ways to minimize disease.
Many studies have been done on treatments for Covid-19; new information comes in daily. It is important to understand the stages of infection to know how to treat it properly.
Incubation- A person has been exposed and the virus is replicating but symptoms are not yet experienced. If you know or suspect that you have been exposed this is an ideal time to take antiviral medication to prevent the infection from increasing.
Symptomatic- The patient is experiencing flu-like symptoms and the virus is still replicating.
Pulmonary- Inflammation has set in, the virus may or may not still be present, the patient experiences “air hunger” with lower oxygen saturation. At this time it is most important to treat the inflammation. This may be indicative of Covid pneumonia.
Severe Pulmonary- This is the critical phase that impacts some people infected with Covid-19, marked by cytokine storm, hyper coagulation, severe inflammation, etc. It is important to treat all the different aspects of the condition at this point although in general the viral infection has already passed.
Recently a website was created that evaluated effectiveness of treatments by the efficiency reported in studies: https://c19early.com/
I was interested to learn that Nigella sative (black seed oil) was consistently in the top five for treatment and prevention, I am now recommending it for all of my patients. As most people complain about the taste I recommend taking capsules 2-3 times daily. The FLCC Alliance recommends adding a teaspoon of honey with this treatment to increase the antiviral effects.
Another top protocol for prevention and treatment is doing a nasal cleanse and gargling 2-4 times daily. The gargle can be a mouthwash, Listerine has antiviral properties as do the hydrogen peroxide based mouthwashes. As for the nasal cleanse, the suggestion is to use iodine or dilute hydrogen peroxide in water to use in a neti-pot. Using a neti-pot is recommended, but nasal sprays work well too. The easiest way would be to get a nasal silver spray (such as ACS Nasal Spray) or Xlear, both of which have been found to be effective. These are easy to carry with me and use after any possible exposure. The idea is that the virus tends to concentrate in the nose and throat, by cleansing those areas regularly you prevent infection and clear up viral loads.
Other important natural treatments for infections include:
Curcumin- 500-1,000mg daily (often curcumin supplements include black pepper to activate)
Melatonin- Up to 10mg at bedtime, starting with a lower dose of 5mg and increase to the full 10mg.
Quercetin- 1,000mg taken with Zinc 30-40mg. This has been reported to work similarly to Ivermectin.
Vitamin A- 5,000iu daily
Vitamin D- The dose is determined by monitoring blood levels
Probiotics- it has been proven that taking probiotics lessens the impact of infection.
Ivermectin- Ivermectin has been proven to be effective in many studies for treatment and prevention of Covid-19 infection. This is a prescription medicine which has some potential interactions with other medications. The need and dose must be determined for a physician. If you would explore this option, give us a call to schedule an appointment.
There are also many supplements to help with symptoms and the after effects of illness that conventional medicine does not take into consideration.
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Pulse Oximeters are useful to monitor oxygen saturation levels. The main symptom of covid pneumonia is shortness of breath, othewise people can be fairly asymptomatic. With a home pulse oximeter you can easily see if you have reached a dangerous level and need oxygen or hospital care. Levels above 94% are relatively normal, once below 90% medical intervention may be indicated.
Conventionally monoclonal antibodies given intravenously have been proven to be very effective. They are not administered in hospitals but are available at multiple sites in the valley. You can find approved locations for monoclonal antibody infusions here: https://covid.infusioncenter.org/. Treatment for hospitalized patients generally includes steroids and oxygen. Remdesivir and ventilation are used in more severe cases.
FLCCC Alliance Protocol and Adolescents- Prevention recommends the following:
Multivitamin with age-appropriate dosages of vitamins C, D, and B Complex.
Oropharyngeal sanitation with mouth gargle twice daily- this is very important.
Curcumin- dose dependent on weight.
Nigella sativa (black seed oil) and honey
Kefir, probiotic yogurt and/or bifidobacterium probiotics (e.g. Daily Body Restore) together with prebiotics (eg. XOS Prebiotic, Bio Nutrition Pre-biotic).
Children’s zinc lozenges/chewables 3-5mg daily.
The real pandemic we are experiencing is one of fear. There is very little truly known about the coronavirus at this point and it seems like the media daily injects horror stories about the latest number of deaths and new things about it to fear. Please allow us to cover the fear issue for a moment as it very directly adversely affects your health.
Fear is a natural response to potentially threatening circumstances. Anatomically it falls under the autonomic nervous system, this includes the parasympathetic system which controls rest and digestion, as well as the sympathetic system which creates the fight or flight reaction. Fear can cause an upset stomach or intestinal discomfort, or interrupt sleep patterns. The fight or flight part of the reaction causes certain anatomical changes; breathing rate increases, increasing heart rate, muscles are pumped, and vital organs get flooded with oxygen and nutrients to assist the body in a battle or running.
Metabolically glucose levels spike, other nutrients and minerals are mobilized, the pituitary gland secrets a hormone called ACTH which triggers a release of cortisol, increasing blood pressure and blood sugar. Without the actual physical activity of a fight or running, all these extra levels of hormones and minerals can, and does, have a deleterious effect on your health such as anxiousness, anxiety, lack of sleep, wight gain or loss, and a host of other things you’d rather do without.
The long-term effect of anxiety associated with this unknown can bring on depression and a range of other health crisis, and it changes the neurotransmitter balance in the brain. We have conducted significant research in these metabolomic mechanisms and using sophisticated testing we can prescribe co-factors (often a supplement or mineral) that will restore the brain’s normal function and relieve those unpleasant feelings.
Timothy Leery, one of the 1960’s Avant Garde once said, “If you can’t change the circumstances; change your head.” We cannot individually change the virus pandemic, but we can very much change our response to it. During this time when our activities are restricted and we are out of our normal routine, we are given an excellent opportunity to get in shape and make all those changes you promised to yourself but were too busy socially to make.
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I like to think of it as if we are caterpillars going into a cocoon. What we do inside of this space is up to us. It’s far better to emerge from this quarantine and social distancing as a much better you; like the larva transforming into the butterfly.
We are here to help you with that transformation.
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It’s difficult to make sense of all the hype and fear around the coronavirus. Between varied news reports, social media, and conspiracy theories, we have generally raised an abundance of fear. Despite appearances, it is obvious that most people that become infected to do not progress into serious illness. The numbers and percentages we are given are only based on people that have been tested and only very sick, high-risk people have been tested in our country. Those that have died have generally been older and/or immune compromised; it is pneumonia that ultimately leads to death. This virus does appear to be heat sensitive, meaning that it will not survive as well in warmer weather, so Phoenix will likely be less impacted than colder regions of the world. Fever is the body’s natural defense against heath sensitive pathogens like the coronavirus.
People have been asking me how to best deal with the situation. I cannot claim to know what the most effective strategy will be against this virus, but I do have years of experience in dealing with alternative approaches to treating viruses. Here are some suggestions to prepare for this threat.
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The best way to stay well is to not get sick; being careful to wash hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick people is the first step. Many people choose to wear masks in public; this can only help if the mask is fitted and worn properly. If you choose to wear a mask while out and about, be sure you know how to wear it correctly.
Avoid refined sugar as it weakens the immune system, as does alcohol and other simple refined carbohydrates; eating a clean diet high in veggies and whole foods is best. Vitamin D3 deficiency has been correlated with susceptibility to viral infections; the flu season follows the darker months of the year when decreased sunlight lowers our production of Vitamin D. A blood test can tell if you levels are within a healthy range. Other nutrients that are important for a strong immune system include vitamins A and C, zinc, selenium, and magnesium.
I have avoided colds and the flu for years by keeping my immune system strong and using antiviral supplements. Some that I use most often are:
Lauricidin- This coconut derivative is very safe and has wonderful antiviral properties as well as being antibacterial, anti-fungal, and immune stimulating. Generally, this is something I can rely upon to keep me healthy even while being exposed to sick people in cold and flu season. COVID-19 is known to be a lipid coated virus, in Dr. Kabara’s past research Lauricidin was shown to be effective with these types of viruses, such as herpes and influenza. It is also a great treatment for shingles.
The general adult dose is one scoop three times daily.
Laurishield- This line of products includes soap, hand cream, and skin ointment, and is made with Lauricidin. It has the antiviral qualities of Lauricidin that other antibacterial soaps don’t offer. I especially like the hand cream as frequent hand washing leaves the skin dry and its integrity compromised; cracked skin can make you more susceptible of getting sick if you touch something that has been contaminated with viruses. The Laurishield offers an added layer of protection when applied to the hands and body.
Uña de Gato (Cat’s Claw)- This Amazon plant is one of my favorite herbs; it is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and strengthens the immune system. Uña de Gato can be used to treat cancer and can be helpful for the intestines and kidneys. I use it to keep from getting sick, or to treat viral infections.
The general adult does is 2-8 capsules daily depending on need.
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Meyer’s Cocktail- This is a vitamin and mineral IV that includes a high does of vitamin C which is given to boost the immune system and treat infections. Vitamin C has been proven to have antiviral properties.
Acute Immune- Mountain Peak Nutritionals has created this formula that both stimulates the immune system and kills viruses. It made with beta-glucan, echinacea and DMG to stimulate the immune system, oregano which has antiviral and antibacterial properties, and a six mushroom blend which includes Chaga mushroom. This is a great combination to prevent and deal with infections.
For people dealing with chronic viral infections and for people with a compromised immune system as they are more susceptible I would recommend their Chronic Immune formula.
Chinese Herbals- I first learned that a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, Shuang Huang Lian was effective in controlling the symptoms of the coronavirus but is not eradicating it. At this point, studies in China are being published about this.
According the The South China news, 87% of people infected with COVID-19 were treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The efficacy rate of TCM was 87.5% and the figure rose to 92.3% with the addition of Western drugs; 23 provinces in China have issued TCM programs for prevention of COVID-19. The main principles of TCM use were to tonify qi to protect from external pathogens, disperse wind and discharge heat, and resolve dampness.
The most frequently used herbs include Radix astragalia (Huangqi), Radix glycyrrhizae (Gancao), Radix saposhikoviae (Fangfeng), Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae (Biazhu), Lonicerae japonicae flos (Jinyinhua), and Fructos forsythia (Lianqiao). Initial Defense by Kan Herb Company is a Chinese formula that would be beneficial at the onset of illness. Pinellia Dispersing Formula also by Kan Herb Company would help a more advanced state of illness.
Homeopathy- The Indian government recommended that people treat the virus with homeopathy. This recommendation has been criticized by the media, however, properly prepared homeopathic remedies are safe; even if they don’t work, they generally do not cause harm.
The great flu epidemic of 1918 infected 500 million people; the death toll is estimated to have been between 20-100 million worldwide, or 10-20% of those infected. The homeopathic hospitals of the time had a 98% cure rate whereas allopathic hospitals reported only a 60-70% cure rate.
The homeopathic remedies used to successfully treat the Spanish flu of 1918 were Gelsenium and Byronia. Common remedies for pneumonia include Byronia, Causticum, Pulsatilla, Antimonium tartaricum, and Hepar sulphericum.
Engystol- Often called the homeopathic flu shot, Engystol is a German made injection which as been heavily studied and proven effective for the support of the immune system to reduce the severity of symptoms in viral infections, particularly in the early stages of colds and influenza like infections. It can be given to prevent infection, or as a treatment after infection. I and many of my patients receive an injection once a month during flu season to stay healthy.
There are too many herbs with antiviral properties to mention them all, some common herbs to consider are: garlic, ginger, oregano, echinacea, elderberry, licorice, thyme, olive leaf, ashwagandha, astragalus, rosemary, sage, and Saint John’s wort.
I like herbal combination formulas because they hit the pathogen from many sides at once. Other than the formulas I already talked about, these are some great choices:
Microbinate by Researched Nutritionals
Viral Immune by Mountain Peak Nutritionals
Anti-Viral Formula by Herbal Vitality
Parabiotic Plus by Nutra Biogenesis
Para-Gard by Integrative Therapeutics
Flucomune by Ayush Herbs
I recommend having something on hand to support the immune system and at least one antiviral supplement at home in case of need.
As always, you are welcome to stop in or call if you have any questions!
Protocol for Dental Hygiene
1). Floss teeth
2). Put two droppers full of Croton lechleri into a glass (the dropper will be about half full).
3). Add 1/4 cup of water
4). Rinse half the liquid around your mouth being sure to swish around and between teeth. Spit and repeat . I usually get two good rinses from 1/4 cup.
5). Wipe your sink clean.
6). Wait five minutes or more before brushing your teeth.
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Liquid bandage
Croton lechleri will help seal a wound, keep it clean and speed healing time. After disinfecting cut, apply Croton lechleri until it dries. You may need to apply pressure and layers of Croton lechleri depending on the size of the cut. Research shows healing to take about 1/3 the time it would take most wounds to heal without this treatment and scars are minimized.
I carry some when camping or hiking in my First Aid kit.
Throat Rinse
Gargling with the Croton lechleri diluted in water (3 droppers in 1/3 cup water) will sooth a sore throat, its antibiotic and antiviral properties help kill the pathogen, its astringent nature helps soothe the soreness and it breaks through biofilms. I usually drink some after gargling a couple of times to be sure it really coats the sore area.
Gut Health and Ulcers
Put 3 droppers full in 3/4 cup of water. Drink. This can be done 2-3 times daily. It helps to balance the gut microbiome, repair ulcerations and leaky gut, and it breaks down biofilms. I do this daily as good maintenance.
Herpes and Shingles
Croton lechleri can be used full strength on herpetic sores and Shingles outbreaks. Its antiviral properties are helpful.
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For years I had a fascination with the hidden medicinal treasures of the rainforest. A number of trips to the Peruvian Amazon introduced me to Croton lechleri an amazing herbal sap used for healing wounds. This substance is known for its antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties. It also is highly astringent. During my years of research and experimentation with this herbal substance I discovered how useful it was to heal sores in the mouth.
I have a family history of bad gums; dentists told me I needed to have my teeth cleaned three times yearly instead of the typical twice yearly as the plaque would build up. My gums would be sore and bleed during the cleanings. I had tried oil pulling for this for a couple of years, but it made little impact on the situation.
When I went through some particularly stressful times, my self- care went on the back burner and I did not go to the dentist for four years. I have always been religious about flossing and brushing my teeth, but noting that my gums hurt, I started a daily protocol of rinsing my mouth and gums with Croton lechleri daily. I had been following this protocol for a year when I finally got back to the dentist.
When the hygienist started cleaning my teeth he commented that I had great gums. He kept marveling how pink and healthy they were. My dentist kept buzzing around the hygienist asking how bad it was after my four years of neglect. The hygienist told him that my teeth were great. Almost no plaque buildup, there was no discomfort or bleeding. I told him about my protocol and my dentist told me to keep it quiet, he would be out of business if word got around. I have shared this with many patients and have had nothing but glowing reports of how well it works for them. In more severe cases I recommend doing this twice daily.
Now we are making this available to everyone!
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Photo by: Matthew Henry
Kevin D. Hall, MD and his colleagues conducted a controlled clinical trial at the National Institute of Health (NIH) which revealed eating ultra-processed foods leads to weight gain in human volunteers in as little as 2 weeks. Yella Hewings-Martin PhD published the report to Medical News Today which describes the findings of the trial.
Spring is here, everything is growing, plants, weeds, flowers. This is a lovely time, the weather is warm, inviting and comfortable, it's a great time to get outside. Unfortunately, it all comes with an abundance of pollen in the air. Many people find their ability to enjoy spring marred by allergy symptoms.
Traditionally spring was a time for cleansing, opening the windows and deep cleaning the house, getting the dust out, eliminating the clutter. Physically this is a time to clean out our bodies. Traditional people would live through the winter on heavier dried foods and meats as there was no fresh food available. With spring comes fresh greens, fruits and veggies. Many of the spring foods are somewhat bitter and most are cleansing to the body, this all put people living off the land on a naturally cleansing diet. In modern times processed foods full of chemical preservatives and modifiers, GMO's, and toxins from household cleaning agents, pesticides and herbicides like "Roundup," as well as chemical "air fresheners," and laundry dryer sheets, car and airplane exhaust and industrial exhaust all surround us with toxins that "gunk up" our cells, creating inflammation and interfering with general cellular function.
Interestingly there is a correlation with toxicity building up in our systems and allergies! The more we build up toxicity within our bodies the more inflammation we have. Signs of inflammation include bloating, swelling, aches and pains, blurred vision and irritability or depression. Long term inflammation leads to many of the diseases of chronic illness including heart disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, Obesity and Cancer to name just a few including Allergies.
Generally, the more inflammation we have, the more our bodies age. I find that the more toxic I get, the more allergic symptoms I have. Generally, if I start getting allergies, I do a cleanse and they go away. More importantly detoxification makes you feel good, increasing energy, diminishing pain, improving mood and helping us slim down.
Come in for all your Allergy and Detox support.
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Current guidelines for sun exposure are unhealthy and unscientific, controversial new research suggests—and quite possibly even racist. How did we get it so wrong? Read the full story
